Many prospective psychology students are looking for APA-accredited PsyD programs with no GRE requirements as universities continue shifting toward more holistic admissions policies. While some programs have fully eliminated the GRE and others currently waive or make scores optional, applicants should still review admissions requirements carefully each cycle.
This guide highlights 15 APA-accredited PsyD programs that do not currently require GRE scores for admission, along with key information about accreditation, admissions policies, and program differences prospective students should know.
What Does “No GRE” Mean for PsyD Programs?
The phrase “no GRE” can mean slightly different things depending on the university. Some PsyD programs have permanently removed GRE requirements, while others currently waive or make GRE scores optional for specific admissions cycles.
For this article, programs were included if official admissions materials indicated that GRE scores were not required, optional, or waived for current applicants.
GRE Required vs. GRE Optional vs. GRE Waived
Prospective students may encounter several different types of admissions language:
- GRE required: Applicants must submit GRE General Test scores to complete an application.
- GRE optional: Applicants may submit scores, but they are not required for admission consideration.
- GRE waived: The program has temporarily or conditionally suspended GRE requirements.
Applicants should also note that some universities distinguish between the General GRE and the Psychology Subject GRE. In many cases, programs that do not require the General GRE may still mention the Psychology Subject Test as optional or recommended.
Why Many PsyD Programs Have Dropped GRE Requirements
Many psychology doctoral programs have moved away from standardized testing in recent years. Instead, admissions committees often place greater emphasis on factors such as:
- Undergraduate GPA
- Psychology coursework
- Clinical or counseling experience
- Research experience
- Letters of recommendation
- Personal statements
- Interview performance
Some universities have also cited broader concerns about testing accessibility and holistic admissions when updating GRE policies.
Standout APA-Accredited PsyD Programs with No GRE Requirements
The following APA-accredited PsyD programs currently indicate that GRE scores are not required, optional, or waived for applicants. Because admissions policies can change between application cycles, prospective students should confirm all requirements directly with each university before applying.
Antioch University Seattle
Program: PsyD in Clinical Psychology
Location: Seattle, Washington
GRE Policy: GRE optional
APA Accreditation Status: Accredited
Antioch University Seattle’s PsyD in Clinical Psychology emphasizes socially conscious clinical practice, multicultural competence, and community mental health training. Students complete extensive practicum experiences throughout the Seattle area.
About the University
Antioch University Seattle is a private nonprofit university located in Seattle, Washington, and is part of the larger Antioch University system. The university is known for its progressive, socially conscious approach to education, with a strong emphasis on social justice, community engagement, and practitioner-focused graduate programs in psychology, counseling, education, and leadership.
Baylor University
Program: Graduate Program in Clinical Psychology
Location: Waco, Texas
GRE Policy: GRE waived for 2027 applications
APA Accreditation Status: Accredited
Baylor University’s clinical psychology doctoral program combines rigorous academic training with extensive clinical experience. The program is known for small cohort sizes, competitive admissions, and strong faculty mentorship.
About the University
Baylor University is a private Christian research university located in Waco, Texas. Founded in 1845, it is one of the oldest universities in Texas and is known for its strong emphasis on academic research, faith-based education, and nationally recognized programs in health sciences, business, law, and psychology.
Hofstra University
Program: PsyD in School-Community Psychology
Location: Hempstead, New York
GRE Policy: GRE optional
APA Accreditation Status: Accredited
Hofstra University’s PsyD in School-Community Psychology focuses on child, family, school, and community mental health services. The program emphasizes applied clinical training and interdisciplinary collaboration.
About the University
Hofstra University is a private university located in Hempstead, New York, on Long Island just outside New York City. The university is known for its strong professional programs, vibrant campus community, and access to internships and career opportunities in the New York metropolitan area, particularly in fields such as psychology, business, law, health sciences, and communications.
James Madison University
Program: Clinical and School Psychology (Psy.D.)
Location: Harrisonburg, Virginia
GRE Policy: GRE optional
APA Accreditation Status: Accredited
James Madison University’s PsyD program emphasizes evidence-based clinical practice, assessment, and school psychology training. Students complete practicum and internship experiences across healthcare and educational settings.
About the University
James Madison University is a public research university located in Harrisonburg, Virginia. Known for its strong focus on undergraduate and graduate education, the university offers a vibrant campus experience and is recognized for programs in health sciences, education, business, and psychology, as well as its commitment to student engagement and applied learning.
La Salle University
Program: Clinical Psychology (Psy.D.)
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
GRE Policy: GRE waived for applicants applying in 2025 for admission in 2026
APA Accreditation Status: Accredited
La Salle University’s PsyD program focuses on clinical assessment, psychotherapy, and community mental health services. The program benefits from Philadelphia’s large healthcare and behavioral health network.
About the University
La Salle University is a private Catholic university located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and is affiliated with the Institute of the Brothers of the Christian Schools. The university is known for its student-focused learning environment, strong liberal arts foundation, and professional programs in fields such as psychology, business, nursing, and education.
Loyola University Maryland
Program: Doctorate of Psychology (Psy.D.) in Clinical Psychology
Location: Baltimore, Maryland
GRE Policy: GRE not considered
APA Accreditation Status: Accredited
Loyola University Maryland’s PsyD program integrates clinical training with strong emphasis on ethics, diversity, and social justice. Students complete clinical experiences in hospitals, schools, and community agencies.
About the University
Loyola University Maryland is a private Jesuit university located in Baltimore, Maryland. Known for its strong liberal arts tradition and emphasis on ethical leadership, the university offers a student-centered educational experience with respected programs in psychology, business, education, and the health sciences.
Mercer University
Program: Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)
Location: Atlanta, Georgia
GRE Policy: GRE recommended but not required
APA Accreditation Status: Accredited
Mercer University’s PsyD program emphasizes clinical assessment, intervention, and evidence-based practice. Students benefit from practicum opportunities throughout the Atlanta metropolitan area.
About the University
Mercer University is a private university headquartered in Macon, Georgia, with additional campuses throughout the state. Founded in 1833, the university is known for its strong emphasis on service, professional education, and research, offering well-regarded programs in fields such as health sciences, psychology, business, law, and medicine.
Nova Southeastern University
Program: Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology
Location: Fort Lauderdale, Florida
GRE Policy: GRE not required
APA Accreditation Status: Accredited
Nova Southeastern University offers one of the largest and most established PsyD programs in the country. The program provides broad clinical training opportunities and multiple areas of specialization.
About the University
Nova Southeastern University is a private research university headquartered in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, with campuses throughout the state. The university is known for its strong emphasis on health professions and graduate education, offering a wide range of programs in psychology, medicine, business, education, and the health sciences.
Pace University
Program: PsyD in School-Clinical Child Psychology
Location: New York, New York
GRE Policy: GRE optional for the 2025–2026 admissions cycle
APA Accreditation Status: Accredited
Pace University’s PsyD program focuses on school-clinical child psychology, assessment, and intervention. Students gain clinical experience through placements across the New York City region.
About the University
Pace University is a private university with campuses in New York City and Westchester County, New York. The university is known for its strong career-focused education, extensive internship opportunities, and professional programs in fields such as psychology, business, law, health sciences, and communications.
Palo Alto University
Program: PAU-Stanford PsyD Consortium
Location: Palo Alto, California
GRE Policy: GRE not required or considered
APA Accreditation Status: Accredited
Palo Alto University is widely recognized for psychology and behavioral health education. The PAU-Stanford PsyD Consortium emphasizes evidence-based practice, diversity, and integrated healthcare training.
About the University
Palo Alto University is a private university located in Palo Alto, California, with a specialized focus on psychology, counseling, and behavioral health sciences. The university is known for its practitioner-oriented training model, strong clinical emphasis, and close connections to the mental health and healthcare communities in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Pepperdine University
Program: PsyD in Clinical Psychology
Location: Los Angeles, California
GRE Policy: GRE waived and no longer considered in future admissions decisions
APA Accreditation Status: Accredited
Pepperdine University’s PsyD program combines practitioner-focused clinical training with extensive supervised experience in healthcare and community settings.
About the University
Pepperdine University is a private Christian university located in Malibu, California, with additional campuses throughout Southern California and internationally. The university is known for its scenic coastal campus, strong liberal arts tradition, and respected professional programs in psychology, business, law, education, and public policy.
University of Houston–Clear Lake
Program: Health Service Psychology Psy.D.
Location: Houston, Texas
GRE Policy: GRE not required
APA Accreditation Status: Accredited
The University of Houston–Clear Lake PsyD program emphasizes culturally responsive clinical training and community mental health services. Students complete practicum experiences throughout the Houston metropolitan area.
About the University
The University of Houston-Clear Lake is a public university located in the Houston metropolitan area near NASA’s Johnson Space Center. Part of the University of Houston System, the university is known for its strong connections to the region’s aerospace, healthcare, and education industries, along with its flexible programs designed to serve both traditional and working adult students.
West Chester University
Program: Doctor of Psychology, Clinical Psychology (Psy.D.)
Location: West Chester, Pennsylvania
GRE Policy: GRE General Test and Psychology Subject Test not required
APA Accreditation Status: Accredited
West Chester University’s PsyD program focuses on clinical psychology training with strong emphasis on assessment, intervention, and applied practice.
About the University
West Chester University is a public university located in West Chester, Pennsylvania, and is part of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education. The university is known for its strong academic offerings, vibrant campus community, and well-established programs in education, health sciences, business, and psychology.
Widener University
Program: Doctorate of Clinical Psychology
Location: Chester, Pennsylvania
GRE Policy: GRE not required
APA Accreditation Status: Accredited
Widener University’s Institute for Graduate Clinical Psychology is one of the more established PsyD programs in the Northeast. Students receive broad clinical training across healthcare, educational, and community settings.
About the University
Widener University is a private university located in Chester, Pennsylvania, with additional campuses in Harrisburg and Wilmington, Delaware. The university is known for its career-focused education, strong emphasis on experiential learning, and professional programs in fields such as psychology, nursing, business, law, and engineering.
Xavier University
Program: Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology
Location: Cincinnati, Ohio
GRE Policy: GRE waived for Fall 2027 applicants
APA Accreditation Status: Accredited
Xavier University’s PsyD program integrates clinical training with a Jesuit educational foundation emphasizing ethics, service, and evidence-based practice.
About the University
Xavier University is a private Jesuit university located in Cincinnati, Ohio. The university is known for its strong liberal arts foundation, emphasis on service and leadership, and respected programs in health sciences, business, education, and psychology.
Typical Application Timeline for PsyD Programs
Application deadlines for PsyD programs vary by university and admissions cycle. Many APA-accredited PsyD programs with no GRE requirements use rolling admissions or priority deadlines, so prospective students should begin preparing application materials early.
Fall Application Preparation
Many students begin researching programs and preparing materials during the summer or early fall before applying. Common application requirements include:
- Transcripts
- Letters of recommendation
- Personal statements
- Resume or CV
- Psychology prerequisite coursework
- Interview preparation
Common PsyD Application Deadlines
Many PsyD programs use application deadlines between December and February for fall enrollment.
| Timeline | Typical Admissions Activity |
| September–October | Applications open for many PsyD programs |
| November–January | Priority application deadlines |
| January–February | Interview invitations and admissions review |
| February–March | Final application deadlines for some programs |
| Spring | Admissions decisions released |
| Summer | Enrollment preparation and orientation |
Specific PsyD Application Deadlines
Information about application deadlines for the programs highlighted in this article were gathered in 2026. Because deadlines may change between admissions cycles, applicants should always confirm application requirements and dates directly with each university before applying.
| Institution | Application Deadline | Admissions Notes |
| Antioch University Seattle | December 1 | Fall admission only |
| Baylor University | December 1 | Clinical psychology admissions |
| Hofstra University | January 15 | Fall cohort admissions |
| James Madison University | December 1 | Priority consideration deadline |
| La Salle University | December 1 | Fall admission only |
| Loyola University Maryland | November 15 | Fall admission only |
| Mercer University | Applications typically open in October | PsychologyCAS application cycle |
| Nova Southeastern University | November–January | Multiple review rounds |
| Pace University | January 1 | Fall term admissions |
| Palo Alto University | December 1 | Review process begins in November |
| Pepperdine University | Varies by admissions cycle | Fall enrollment model |
| University of Houston–Clear Lake | December 15 | Fall admission only |
| West Chester University | December 1 | Interview process begins in February |
| Widener University | Mid-December | PSYCAS application process |
| Xavier University | December 1 | Fall cohort admissions |
How To Choose Between APA-Accredited PsyD Programs With No GRE Requirements
While GRE policies may help narrow a list of schools, prospective students should evaluate programs based on overall training quality, licensure preparation, and professional fit. Students researching APA-accredited PsyD programs with no GRE requirements should also review factors such as clinical training opportunities, internship placement rates, and long-term career goals.
Review PsyD Admissions Requirements Carefully
Even among no-GRE schools, PsyD admissions requirements can vary significantly. Many programs still require:
- Psychology prerequisite coursework
- Letters of recommendation
- Personal statements
- Interviews
- Clinical or research experience
- Minimum GPA requirements
Applicants can learn more about common PsyD admissions requirements before beginning the application process.
Compare PsyD Curriculum and Clinical Training
The PsyD curriculum often combines coursework, clinical practica, assessment training, psychotherapy instruction, and supervised internship experiences. However, programs may differ in areas such as:
- Specialization options
- Research expectations
- Practicum structure
- Cohort size
- Clinical training model
Students comparing PsyD curriculum structures should look closely at how programs balance classroom instruction with supervised clinical experience.
Understand the Difference Between PsyD and PhD Programs
Many PsyD clinical psychology programs emphasize practitioner-focused training designed to prepare graduates for clinical and counseling careers. PhD programs in psychology often place greater emphasis on research and academic scholarship.
Students interested primarily in psychotherapy, assessment, and applied clinical work may prefer the structure of a PsyD program, while research-oriented students may wish to explore PhD pathways.
Research Online and Hybrid Learning Options
Although many PsyD programs require in-person clinical training, some universities now offer hybrid or partially online formats. Students exploring online PsyD programs should carefully review residency requirements, practicum expectations, and state licensure considerations before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are no-GRE PsyD programs less competitive?
Not necessarily. Many APA-accredited PsyD programs with no GRE requirements remain highly competitive and evaluate applicants using more holistic admissions criteria. Programs may place greater emphasis on factors such as GPA, psychology coursework, clinical experience, letters of recommendation, interviews, and personal statements.
Is “GRE optional” the same as “no GRE”?
Not exactly. A no-GRE program does not require applicants to submit GRE scores. A GRE-optional program allows applicants to choose whether to submit scores as part of their application.
Do PsyD programs require the Psychology Subject GRE?
Most PsyD programs no longer require the Psychology Subject GRE. However, some universities may still recommend or optionally accept Psychology Subject Test scores during the admissions process.
Why have many PsyD programs dropped GRE requirements?
Many universities have adopted more holistic admissions practices that focus on academic preparation, clinical experience, research background, and interpersonal skills rather than standardized test scores alone.
