Advice on deciding between GWU and DU Psyd Programs

[deciding123]

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Hi everyone! I was recently admitted to both the GWU and DU PsyD programs and would love advice on deciding between the 2.

My understanding is that DU has a better reputation overall, but I am interested in psychodynamic therapy and know that GWU places a strong emphasis on this approach. I know they are both really expensive so I am focusing on reputation, curriculum, faculty, and the quality of professional preparation. I want to become the best psychologist that I can be and ultimately want to attend the program that will best help me get there. Lastly, my long-term goal is to have my own private practice.

Would love to hear everyone's thoughts! Thank you!

 

[WisNeuro]

If you want to be in PP, whichever is cheapest. You can't get loan forgiveness for the obscene amount of debt in PP.

 

[deciding123]

Thanks for the advice. Yeah they are really expensive, which is why I'm trying to understand which program is better putting cost aside.

 

[VirginiaIsForLovers]

DU has slightly higher match rate, but slightly larger cohorts. GWU is very Psychodynamic oriented. Both program has basically the same licensure rates and are expensive.

Agree if you’re looking to go into PP, go where it will cost you less overtime. GWU is 4 year program, while DU is 5 years. You’ll get more research experience and possible publications at DU.

 

[VirginiaIsForLovers]

Thanks for the advice. Yeah they are really expensive, which is why I'm trying to understand which program is better putting cost aside.

Curriculum: DU is broader scope of classes and more specializations.

Professional Preparation: Tie, similar licensure rates and both have similar match rates. DU slightly better in terms of people match at APA sites. If you’re going into PP, APA “doesn’t matter”, but I am biased and think by not doing an accredited internship you’re doing yourself a disservice.

Reputation/Faculty: Tie? Depends what you’re area of interest is. DU has more areas to specialize in, which I would assume their faculty are known for those areas. GWU is well known for their emphasis in Psychodynamic and Psychoanalytic work, so faculty have a good reputation in that world (Division 39).

Cost/Tuition: GWU a year shorter and will cost less. Time equals money. Cost of living of Denver and DC are comparable.

Location: Depends on your vibe. Both are great cities. You’ll be there for 3+ years.

 

[makingbigdecisions14]

Hey hey - I'm in a similar situation. Not sure if DU is worth the cost. I agree that these PsyD programs are insanely expensive and it's only worth it if you are gonna be an awesome practitioner once it's all over. I know I'm gonna have a ton of debt and never make as much as a banker but will DU or GW or Pepperdine give me the skills to be proud of myself as a professional....?

 

[BuckeyeLove]

One of my good friends and colleagues went to DU. She loved it, as she got to work with their big forensic dude who is legit, but I don't think he is taking on as many students (as would be expected with those huge cohorts). Denver was also much cheaper to live in 10 plus years ago before all the millenz started moving there in droves. Honestly, if you're only looking at psyd programs and are dead set on that, you can do a lot better (for cheaper). Try to find one in an actual psych department at a state school.

 

[summerbabe]

I am focusing on reputation, curriculum, faculty, and the quality of professional preparation. I want to become the best psychologist that I can be

it's only worth it if you are gonna be an awesome practitioner once it's all over

If the professional goal is to do 100% therapy in private practice, I’d recommend getting a Masters degree (or attend a funded counseling PhD).

If the professional goal is to be the most skilled private practice therapist possible, I’d still recommend getting a Masters degree (or funded counseling PhD) and then doing a ton of continuing education intensive workshops on specific therapies you find most appealing and continuing to pay for supervision from genuine experts in those areas. I’m an early career psychologist and it’s really only been in this past year or so that I’ve started to feel genuinely competent in doing therapy and I attribute that to more direct experience and getting involved in some very specific trainings offered as continuing ed by my employer. Was the foundation provided by my program useful? Of course. But I also needed a whole lot more work post-graduation to keep improving.

My background is a funded PhD program so I don’t have direct PsyD exposure but there are always limitations to what a program can provide in 4-5 years of attendance. And the majority of your direct therapy training experiences and supervision happens off campus at local hospitals and clinics. Some programs won’t have their own program-run clinics so 100% of your direct counseling experiences happen outside of your program. And you’ll be required to take a lot of therapy adjacent (at best) classes like research design, social psychology, and others to meet accreditation standards.

Are there compelling reasons to do a PhD/PsyD? Absolutely. But getting this degree to exclusively do private practice therapy would be a bit like going to culinary school and then becoming a line cook at a diner.

 

[medium rare]

DU has a better reputation, better faculty and better clinical training opportunities. Also, their program can still be completed in 4 years.

Both programs are ridiculously expensive though and hard to recommend for that reason. DU even acknowledges this on its own website stating they lose many top applicants to other schools because of the cost of their program.