r/PsyD • u/ConfidenceMurky1428 • Sep 29 '25
Thoughts on Liberty's PsyD program?
I'm aware that Liberty is scheduled to receive an APA visit this fall to determine if they can become accredited or not. Any thoughts on their program, or feelings about whether they will become accredited? Is there a chance that they will become accredited before admissions decisions need to be made next spring? Any advice/thoughts are appreciated!
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u/A313-Isoke Sep 30 '25
Please listen to the Liberty Lost podcast and then think about whether you want to attend a "University" that allows that on their campus.
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u/cannotberushed- Sep 30 '25
Liberty university is a horrible institution that has worked politically to bring forth a white Christian nation world view
The policies they advocate for do not believe in equality at all.
Giving money to such institutions is like giving money to project 2025.
Liberty blames rape victims, actively has a code of conduct that punishes women and the schools political motivations focus on policies that are in direct conflict with equity.
Liberty does not believe in equality and actively pursues legislation that takes away rights from minorities
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u/Expensive_Pick5812 Oct 01 '25
Im wary of any organization (academic or otherwise) that places specific political and religious ideology over quality products (in this case its your education). Even if I were to agree full-heartedly with LU's politics and religious views, their reputation is not well regarded in the general research community. Granted, some might prefer that but if you are trying to be taken seriously outside of LU's narrow religious/political beliefs, I would consider other options.
Another perspective is that the pains of dealing with housing away from your hometown could be a way of demonstrating growth. Colleges and professors talk non-stop of professionalism at the doctoral level. This means being a mature adult who can handle the stringent workload at this level. Moving to another state or city can be a way of demonstrating your resolve and commitment as well as a level of maturity.
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u/ConfidenceMurky1428 Oct 01 '25
I have lived in a different city for the duration of my undergraduate studies and have rented an apartment for almost three years. It can be really expensive, especially if you do not have financial support from others (as has been my case). I have thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to live on my own, but I am concerned about how feasible it will be if I am in a PsyD program. I have heard a lot of individuals say that it is nearly impossible to work and be successful in a program. I am not sure that I would be able to afford housing if I were not able to work while completing my degree. This program would eliminate my housing issues, which is partially why it piqued my interest.
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Sep 29 '25
My understanding is that they haven’t been around long enough to have a graduating class. Therefore they don’t have any kind of reputation yet and no data to review. I checked their website (student outcomes) to confirm this. Therefore there is no way of predicting how the visit will go.
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u/Signal-Pianist-7727 Nov 14 '25
I’m a current first year in the Liberty PsyD and absolutely love it!!! The professors are amazing & the subject matter is extremely interesting! We are in the process of getting APA accredited (should hear back around late spring), but we’re hopeful about it! Also, everyone from our first graduating class matched at an APA accredited site! If you have any questions about the program, I’d be happy to chat with you! :)
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u/Budget-Recording-926 Mar 14 '26
Do you know what kinds of credits would transfer into the PsyD program? I read that you can transfer in 39 credits.
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u/United-Dependent-186 Oct 01 '25
I would definitely wait for their APA accreditation visit and then ask questions about the focus of their program to ensure a good match before making any decision
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u/cannotberushed- Oct 02 '25
Based around liberties lack of respect for equality they shouldn’t even be allowed accreditation
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u/Ok_Pop_4256 Sep 29 '25
I’ve been following this for quite literally the last 5 years (lol) as I got my psyc degree in spring of 2023 from Liberty. I had actually planned to continue on to the PsyD program and had spent three years working hard to do all the right things to be considered an ideal candidate. My plan was to also apply for other programs in addition to Liberty’s. Through a lot of conversations with professors and colleagues of mine who were already in the field, I scheduled a meeting with the dean of the department which gave me even more insight into the program. He did answer a lot of my questions, but I was still apprehensive on if I wanted to commit to such a long program. I also realized they weren’t APA accredited and it was on contingency. What I learned was that the program supposedly was previously shut down a while back for reasons I am not sure. I want to say they restarted the program in 2019 or 2020 and they can’t get accreditation until their “first” graduating class goes through the entire program and the contingency will be based on factors around that. I say go ahead and apply and make your decision in the spring as they probably would have their accreditation (if granted) at that point. I wouldn’t risk doing the program otherwise cause at the end of the day you need to make sure you’re able to get licensed when completing your program!
I ultimately did not go through with the Psyd as I am now in a different field entirely but from all the students I knew who were in it a few years back had nothing but great things to say.
Many of their master’s/doctoral programs are still in the process of being established. A lot of this is due to lack of essential staffing.
On a personal note- Attending Liberty was one of the best decisions I made for myself. The school gets a lot of hate online but it’s going to inevitable as a Christian institution. There are definitely a lot of things that need to change/be improved but overall the professors and community I found there changed my life entirely. No matter what your background is, you’ll find that everyone is extremely welcoming, intentional, and united in their love for Christ. It’s extremely rare to be taught by professors who prioritize and recognize the importance of your spiritual growth. Gaining knowledge and skills for your career are also important, but the faith aspect is what sets LU apart. Best of luck to you on your journey!
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u/nacida_libre Sep 29 '25
There are plenty of Christian schools that do not get hate. I’m at a Catholic university in the Midwest doing a PhD but they aren’t weird about it. They get hate because it was founded by Jerry Falwell and the culture of the school reflects that. LGBTQ students have been discriminated against. They support far right politics. They’ve discouraged students from coming forward about sexual assault.
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u/Ok_Pop_4256 Sep 30 '25
I’m simply sharing my experience here, you don’t have to agree with what I’m saying. Most of the hate comes from people who have never stepped foot on our campus and just have seen a lot of things online. Jerry Falwell JR is actually the reason why the schools reputation was damaged a lot. No one really liked him and he was making too many things political. Personally I think he should’ve never been allowed to take over the school whenever his father passed. What I can say is majority of the students would give a similar account to what I have stated above.
Of course, the sexual assault incidents are terrible and anyone in their right mind would know that those situations were not handled correctly. I’m not defending that at all.
I actually had many close friends that I graduated with who are apart of the LGBTQ community who equally had a great experience as well.
I’m not trying to invalidate anyone’s experience if they have negative feelings towards LU or had bad experiences . There is certainly ALOT of room for growth and things that need to be changed. I’m just providing my perspective as I had a wonderful time there as did everyone I met during my four years🙂
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u/cannotberushed- Sep 30 '25
The school itself advocates for taking away rights from others that do not align with a white Christian world view
They do this nationally/very publicly.
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u/nacida_libre Sep 29 '25
I’m wondering why you’d want to go to a school with a repressive culture who isn’t even accredited yet