I chose Augsburg for the genuine support that I received from their staff provided during my application process. Professors have a high expectation for students to perform at a level that higher education demands. At the same time, I feel that professors are equally vested in working with students on their professional development. Student advisors, teacher’s assistants, and writing mentors are also readily available and easily accessible to students during the program. The step-by-step guidance through the assessment practicum placement process is the most noteworthy contribution Augsburg’s administration has made to my professional advancement in my experience. Although I can name many more beneficial influences from Augsburg on my professional development, gaining practicum placement is a stressful and uncertain requirement for most psychology students. The Augsburg faculty made it their prerogative to academically and logistically prepare their students, and as a result, I matched with the practicum site almost effortlessly.
~Ismail A, 2027
Applying to Augsburg started as chance, but it was a great choice for me. The faculty are very kind and supportive. They are willing to work with you and I am so grateful for that. The emphasis on clinical competency makes this program stand out, and this program is dedicated to preparing you to be a clinician which is amazing.
~Holly B, 2027
I chose Augsburg University because it provides me the opportunity to achieve my goal as a clinical psychologist. It has always been a dream of mine to make a difference in the lives of others, and Augsburg University has exactly what I need to do so. My experience with faculty is, hands-down, absolutely amazing. They listen to what I have to say, and will assist me in any way possible for me to achieve my goals. The faculty at Augsburg University place your success as their top priority. You are never forgotten. They occasionally reach out to me if they have not heard from me, asking if there is anything they can do to help me. My program in clinical psychology provides advancement in a plethora of ways, whether that be through classroom discussions, practicums, internships, research projects, etc. Faculty and other students are amazing at holding me accountable in order to help me succeed. Being a gay man, Augsburg University was one of the universities that welcomed and accepted me with open arms. I felt heard throughout the application and interview process, which is always something to notice while applying to programs. Augsburg is special because they love, accept, and support the whole individual, which helped me make my decision to accept my admission to the university. My program in clinical psychology stands out from the rest because it is inclusive, diverse, and experience-driven. I would tell a prospective student to choose Augsburg University because we are welcoming and supportive. Faculty put our success above all else, and will aid in any way they can. I believe that my fellow classmates can attest to that as well. You will be heard, seen, and loved for being yourself here at Augsburg University. Augsburg University is THE place to be!!
~Evan B, 2027
Augsburg is incredibly unique. Augsburg as an institution and the PsyD program it houses genuinely lives by their mission statement. They value curiosity, community, and learning, all of which were something I deeply valued when choosing the right school for me. The faculty at Augsburg are incredibly supportive and work to meet your needs. Throughout my most difficult courses, I have been able to get continued guidance and support even from faculty who are not teaching or haven’t taught that specific course. Even when unrelated to coursework, they are open to discussing other aspects of my life and support my overall wellbeing as a graduate student. During my time so far, I have made amazing connections with others in my cohort. These relationships that Augsburg faculty push you to develop are pivotal to your success in graduate school. At Augsburg, the students are so kind and deeply want the best for one another. The support from my peers helps me develop as a better version of myself and as a future clinician.
~Rachel B, 2030
I chose Augsburg because the faculty aligned with my interests and goals of being a competent clinician. My experience with faculty has been overwhelmingly positive. Throughout my time as a student, faculty members were supportive and genuinely invested in my success. Faculty are always willing to meet with you to discuss any concerns you may have! There are plenty of opportunities to engage in some extracurriculars or branch out to topics of interest you may have! Augsburg is special because of the connection I have with the other people in my cohort. We have made great friendships and we lift each other up when it is needed. Choose Augsburg for the faculty, the extensive list of practicum choices, and the friends you will make in your cohort.
~Pilar C, 2030
I chose Augsburg because of the community between students and professors. I am motivated to be the best clinician I can be and Augsburg’s PsyD program and generalist clinician model has been boon to my development as a clinician. The faculty here has been more supportive than I have ever had! They have been personable and professional and have helped me grow professionally and personally. Augsburg has maintained a focus on clinical work throughout the program, further the research and consultation opportunities have been great! I can definitely say I am a better provider now than I was a year ago, and I expect I will continue to grow every year. Augsburg is a lovely in-person program with a close-knit group of students and professors, I think distinct from other programs I have attended or interviewed, they have been more transparent, more communal, and with more of a developmental focus rather than simply focusing on learning the basics. I think Augsburg stands out from the crowd with its emphasis on culturally aware approaches in the clinical process. I would say that if you wanted to be a psychologist, you should come here. If you want to learn how to integrate culture, therapy, assessment, and your personal development into your practice then you should come to this program. I really can’t think of a better or more well rounded place! I have been surprised at how much the program has resonated, and I am usually slow to warm up! But the feel of the program makes the connection.
~Izaak D-K, 2027
I chose Augsburg because I had met multiple people who had went to the Clinical Psychology PsyD program and have always been impressed by them personally and professionally. The PsyD faculty have shown care and understanding about personal concerns disrupting studies and work with students to help them succeed. They are constantly implementing constructive feedback and are willing to take time to help explain material that is difficult to grasp. The program is allowing me to explore various clinical settings (community mental health, private practice, residential treatment) in my development. The program works closely with supervisors to ensure we are getting the best experience possible. Faculty help guide practicum placements to help you work towards future career goals. Augsburg is one of the few Clinical Psychology PsyD programs in the Midwest. They have a great emphasis on learning about [all people and communities] and its practical applications in almost every class. In addition, it has been one of the only schools providing the opportunity to learn about Projective Personality Assessment. It has a good balance of learning clinical application, theory, and statistics. I would say that the faculty tries their best to support you in every way. It is a great place to build connections with peers and have unique clinical experiences. Augsburg had allowed me to work towards my life long dream of being a clinical psychologist with tons of support along the way. Even with it being a rigorous program, I know I’ve made the right choice with Augsburg to fulfill my future career goals.
~Sydney D, 2028
I chose Augsburg because of the commitment to diversity and community support that the school offers. Augsburg has always made me feel welcomed and valued as a student, between compassionate staff and faculty, as well as ample resources to use in my work here. The faculty have been warm and welcoming in any request for help. They recognize my individual needs as a student and are willing to problem-solve with me to find the most efficient solution. I feel that my thoughts are taken seriously into consideration by the faculty and I feel heard as a student. The program’s practitioner-scholar model has provided ample opportunity for me to receive feedback and improve in various areas of my clinical work. I see that the goal of the faculty and program is to ensure I reach my highest potential as a clinician and serve clients to meet their needs. This program is the only program of its kind in the state of Minnesota, which makes it unique, to begin with… It’s important that we are proficient consumers of research and critical thinkers, as this enhances our practice with clients. Augsburg’s PsyD program does a great job of preparing us to be leaders in the field. Augsburg has incredible resources available to students, not only in academia but in other areas such as healthcare services, social support, and provides a sense of community. Students and faculty here have similar visions of contributing to society…
~Anna E, 2027
The faculty at Augsburg allow students to use the classroom space to learn and grow. With the use of a multitude of ways to test our knowledge, I have found that I have been able to solidify my knowledge in different ways. I know that I can reach out to faculty for any kind of support and they will do their best to support me. The PsyD program has provided me a space for supervision and collaboration with faculty and my peers. Having an intentional space to share our experiences and offer insight to others in the program has helped us all bring new perspectives to the field. Working through practicums helps me understand what it can truly look like to be a psychologist in and out of the classroom. Augsburg’s ability to make space for all identities and perspectives makes Augsburg special… You should choose Augsburg because Augsburg will not only make space for you, but will also challenge your perspectives, which allow you to grow and learn even more. Augsburg is a space for people of all backgrounds and education levels, and they make an effort to ensure no one feels left behind.
~Sana K, 2027
I did my undergraduate program at Augsburg and I felt a sense of belonging in all of my courses, especially my psychology courses. My biggest appreciation is that the Augsburg president, Dr. Pribbenow, reaches out to the campus community when triggering events occur in the twin cities, letting us know that he is aware of the possible mental stress that the event might bring, and providing resources for those of us who needs extra support. Given my undergrad experience, I can say that Augsburg holds true to it’s mission of educating “students to be informed citizens, thoughtful stewards, critical thinkers, and responsible leaders. Having completed my first semester, I am struck by the amount of support offered; especially since this is a doctoral level degree. All of the professors I have had so far truly want all of their students to become experts in the field. They also are interested in what we are interested in, and they try their best to connect us with helpful information. More specifically, in terms of how they support us in our studies, I recognized that in many classes, our assignments are split into sections; this is so that we can learn the material little by little, and tie it all together at the end which is a style that I appreciate. What I really enjoy about my program is that the materials we learn is almost always integrated with other classes and current events. I find this to be a way for me to grow professionally, along with offering 1 assessment practicum, 1 therapy practicum, and an optional practicum of our choice (i.e., assessment or therapy). Our program is the only Clinical Psychology PsyD program in the state of MN. This also means that we use a practitioner-scholar model for training and evaluation compared to a PhD program, which is more research focus. Our PsyD program combines relevant research, applied theory, and field experience and is designed to prepare the graduate to apply psychological knowledge in a variety of settings and roles. We have a heavier emphasis on assessments, but still offer therapy learning materials and include a therapy practicum. Lastly, but not least, our program assigns a writing mentor and an upperclassmen student mentor that to all first year students.
~Samantha K, 2027
The sense of family that I felt on my interview day and from the professors/administration before I accepted is what sealed the deal. It was obvious that the whole program wanted me to succeed no matter what, which was exactly the environment I wanted to be in. From my first conversation with the PsyD faculty, I have felt supported in all of my decisions in and out of the classroom. The professors are constantly asking us how we are doing and are genuinely interested in helping us when we need it. I feel like we are all part of one big psychology family! Each class we talk about how we can apply our knowledge to the field or we bring in case studies to work through. If I tried to count the number of times my professors said “When you’re all successful psychologists,” I would lose count.
Our program is all about hands-on experience, which is how I feel I learn best. While most of the programs I was looking at offered 1-2 practicum or internship opportunities, Augsburg was able to offer 3-4. There is no denying that this is a huge benefit to me as a future clinician but I also think it will help me in the classroom to be able to apply concepts I’m learning in class so readily. We offer opportunities that are unlike any other program. I know 5 years is a long commitment to make, but by the end of it you will have unmatched experiences and a new family to support you.
~Claire L, 2027
I chose Augsburg because of its reputation for training well-rounded and competent clinicians. The PsyD program follows a practitioner-scholar model, and I have really valued the way it balances research with clinical practice. The learning environment has been very experiential, and my practicum experiences have helped me feel increasingly prepared and equipped for clinical work. I also appreciate how organized the program is. There is support and guidance throughout each step of the journey, which has been especially meaningful to me as an international student. While the program is course-heavy, the workload feels worthwhile because the learning is meaningful and relevant. In addition, Augsburg’s location has been a major benefit. It is very convenient, and having access to affordable housing and other nearby resources helps ease some of the stress of graduate school. My experience with faculty has been very positive. They have been supportive, accessible, and truly invested in helping students succeed. Because the program is well structured and organized, feedback is naturally built into the process, which makes it easier for students to feel guided and supported along the way. I also really appreciate how responsive the faculty are. So far, I have not seen a concern raised by students that faculty did not take seriously. They make an effort to address concerns, support students in meaningful ways, and keep us in the loop throughout the process. That responsiveness and care have meant a lot to me. I also think the variety of training opportunities plays a big role. The program gives you access to strong training and meaningful hands-on experiences that really help you grow. I am currently in my first assessment practicum, and it has already been such an invaluable experience for me. It is helping me build my skills, grow in confidence, and better understand the work in a real-world way. What I really appreciate is that the program is always preparing you for what comes next, so even future training opportunities feel intentional and well planned out. What makes Augsburg special is that it is the only PsyD program in Minnesota, which makes it both unique and competitive. Because of the program’s reputation and the quality of training students receive, there is a strong level of respect from practicum sites. There often seems to be a natural draw toward Augsburg PsyD students, and this reflects the confidence that sites have in the preparation and professionalism of students coming from the program. Another aspect that makes the program stand out is its strong emphasis on multicultural awareness and integration. Diversity is not treated as a separate topic but is woven throughout the courses, training model, and clinical discussions. This helps students develop culturally responsive clinical skills that are essential for working with diverse populations. The university itself is also very diverse and intentionally supportive of students from different backgrounds. There is a genuine commitment to advocacy, inclusion, and respect for students’ identities and experiences. As an international student, I have experienced a strong sense of belonging, which has made my time here especially meaningful. There is also a welcoming culture within the community. People are kind, approachable, and supportive. You often hear the phrase “Minnesota nice,” and in many ways, that warmth and friendliness are reflected in the environment here.
~Juneill M-H, 2029
I chose Augsburg to continue my education in psychology because the staff and faculty impressed on me through their dedication to diversity, their focus on student success, and their openness. I have had many amazing experiences with faculty during my time at Augsburg. During the first couple of weeks of my first semester, I experienced a loss, and the support that the program and faculty showed me allowed me to have time to grieve and keep up with my studies. Augsburg’s clinical PsyD programs help advance their students in the field by providing hands-on practicum experiences, offering courses that support professional development, and providing education that focuses on post-academic expectations, preparing students to pursue their career goals. Augsburg is special because of the people it attracts and the community it creates. Meeting the faculty and peers from my potential cohort during interview day made me know that Augsburg was right for me. I would tell a prospective student to choose Augsburg’s clinical PsyD program because of its welcoming staff and faculty, its focus on diversity, its generalist approach, and its emphasis on assessment. I would mention that the biggest “gold star” for me is the faculty who bring their own unique interests and lived experiences into the classroom.
~Ozzie R, 2030
I chose Augsburg due to the clinical aspect of its doctorate psychology program, in addition to its commitment to student learning and mentoring. My overall experience with the PsyD faculties have honestly been extraordinary. The faculties are always available to support either by email, zoom, or face to face at any time. They provide a therapeutic learning environment that is supportive and safe, which enables me to feel accepted and valued. The program prepares me to advance my career and provides personal and professional growth opportunities through classroom discussion engagement. Additionally, it provides different learning opportunities, such as going through many practicum trainings. Augsburg is unique because it encourages a supportive learning environment. The professors and faculties are always there to help with whatever you need. I do not feel alone or lost here. Augsburg takes its program very seriously, and students actually get their money’s worth. The faculties are always available to help with whatever you need.
~Leton S-V, 2027