Meridian University Psychology Programs

Meridian University is a 30-year old degree-granting higher education institution with full accreditation from the Senior Commission of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). WASC has recognition from the U.S. Department of Education and accredits leading institutions like the University of California, Berkeley, UCLA, and Stanford University. The university offers graduate programs through hybrid and 100% online formats that cater to diverse learning needs.

The university’s global network spans four continents. Santa Monica, California hosts the main Los Angeles Campus, while Petaluma houses the San Francisco Bay Area Center. The university’s international presence extends through centers in Berlin, Germany; Athens, Greece; and Johannesburg, South Africa. These locations make shared work possible among faculty and staff while supporting the learning community.

The university has earned approval from several federal departments. The U.S. Department of Education authorizes Meridian to participate in Federal Student Aid programs, and the Department of Veteran’s Affairs approves training for veterans and eligible persons. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security allows Meridian to provide Form I-20 to qualified international students so they can travel to and stay in the United States during their studies.

Meridian’s psychology education stands out through its dedication to transformative learning. The university’s psychology programs take an integrated approach that emphasizes embodied knowledge, unlike traditional academic institutions. Students learn to internalize knowledge at the deepest levels of their psyche and body, which surpasses conventional informational learning.

Meridian’s Graduate School of Psychology takes a fresh approach to clinical psychologist preparation. Students learn from a complete core curriculum that builds strong foundations for clinical and research courses. This approach helps graduates become agents of positive change – professionals ready not just for a job, but to achieve a career dedicated to improving others’ lives.

Students from around the world study at Meridian while pursuing educational eligibility for licensure in different states and license types. The university makes clinical psychology education available worldwide by offering institutional financial aid to qualified applicants.

Programs offered

Meridian University’s Graduate School of Psychology has a comprehensive selection of degree programs that prepare future mental health professionals. The PsyD in Clinical Psychology program leads their academic offerings. This flagship program helps students become integral clinicians who combine academic excellence with integrated healing approaches.

The PsyD curriculum covers 108 academic credits that combine core, clinical, and research courses to build strong clinical practice foundations. Students need 133 total credits (including 25 credits of fieldwork) when starting with a Bachelor’s degree, or 117 credits with a qualified Master’s degree. PsyD students complete an original Clinical Case Study instead of a dissertation as their final project.

Meridian’s psychology programs also include:

• Master’s in Counseling Psychology
• Master’s in Psychology
• PhD in Psychology

Students can choose their preferred learning format:

1. Online Format – Perfect for remote students with a mix of live and self-paced learning
2. Hybrid Format – Combines online learning with in-person classes at the Los Angeles Campus

The university offers various scheduling options with part-time, full-time, and accelerated paths. Students can complete the PsyD program in just 33 months through the accelerated path.

Meridian stands out by offering individual-specific experiences through numerous concentrations. Students can specialize in Clinical Psychology, Depth Psychology, Somatic Psychology, Integral Psychology, Transformative Leadership, Health and Wellbeing Coaching, Yoga and Psychology, Expressive and Movement Arts, Business Psychology, Developmental Coaching, Collective Trauma and Social Healing, Transformative Learning, and Organizational Development.

The curriculum takes inspiration from a variety of psychological orientations—from somatic and depth psychology to transpersonal and clinical approaches. This creates an integrated approach to clinical work. Students develop skills that challenge traditional boundaries by combining academic excellence with personal growth and practical application.

A custom social learning platform and live video calls with faculty help create a supportive community, whatever your location. Students can also join Transformative Learning Labs either onsite or online to gain hands-on experience.

Online options

Meridian University’s PsyD in Clinical Psychology program offers a 100% online format that lets you complete your degree from anywhere in the world.

The online learning experience at Meridian stands out with its faculty-led model that balances flexibility and high engagement. The platform goes beyond traditional distance learning by combining asynchronous coursework with live video sessions. Students build meaningful connections with their professors and peers throughout their educational experience.

Students can take one or multiple seven-week online courses each quarter. The breaks between quarters give you time to recharge and get ready for new material. This flexible schedule works well with your professional and personal life without compromising the quality of education.

Key features of Meridian’s online PsyD format include:

• Faculty-led online classes designed for maximum interaction
• No on-campus requirements, giving you complete location freedom
• Custom social learning platform for easy peer and instructor communication
• Optional participation in in-person Transformative Learning Labs held globally

The online PsyD costs nowhere near as much as traditional programs, making it more available to aspiring clinical psychologists. Federal student loans and scholarships can help qualified students reduce costs even further.

Students with physical or mental disabilities will find equal learning opportunities without needing to be physically present. Recent data shows 12% of graduate students reported having a disability during the 2015-16 academic year.

Virtual classrooms and discussion boards connect you with students from around the world. Your professional network grows beyond geographic limits. This global point of view helps you understand psychological practices in different cultures and opens up new career possibilities.

While fully online PsyD programs are rare because of hands-on clinical training requirements, Meridian has partnerships with mental health clinics, schools, and private practices. These partnerships let you complete all required practicum experiences while keeping the flexibility of online learning.

Your choice between Meridian’s hybrid and online formats ended up depending on your learning priorities and whether you value location convenience more than occasional in-person sessions.

Accreditation

Understanding Meridian University’s PsyD program’s accreditation status helps you make smart decisions about your educational investment. Meridian University has institutional accreditation from the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC). The U.S. Department of Education recognizes this accreditation. Top schools like Stanford University, UC Berkeley, and UCLA share the same accreditor.

Meridian earned its first WSCUC accreditation in 2017. The university passed its latest accreditation review on June 30, 2023, which confirmed its status. This shows that the school meets all WSCUC standards.

The university does not have American Psychological Association (APA) accreditation for its PsyD program. Sources indicate that Meridian doesn’t plan to get APA accreditation. This difference might matter based on your career goals and where you want to practice.

Meridian has earned several other important recognitions among other credentials:

• Recognition as a CHEA (Council for Higher Education Accreditation) member institution
• Approval from the California Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education
• Approval from the Ministry of Education of the People’s Republic of China as a foreign higher education institution for graduate studies
• Authorization for Federal Student Aid programs and training veterans

The PsyD in Clinical Psychology program meets educational requirements for licensure in many states. California’s Board of Psychology accepts Meridian’s PsyD degree for psychologist licensure. The program’s curriculum satisfies educational requirements for various license types in Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, California, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Pennsylvania, and Texas.

Meridian hasn’t determined if its curriculum meets state educational requirements for licensure in Delaware, Kansas, Georgia, Michigan, Minnesota, New Mexico, Oregon, New York, Rhode Island, Wisconsin, or Virginia.

This accreditation profile forms the foundations for becoming a licensed clinical psychologist through Meridian’s PsyD program. Students should check how Meridian’s accreditation status fits their career goals, especially with state licensure requirements where they plan to practice.

WSCUC has scheduled upcoming reviews for Spring 2026 (Special Visit) and Fall 2028 (Offsite Review), with an Accreditation Visit planned for Spring 2029.

Admission Requirements

The PsyD program at Meridian University looks for candidates who are ready for intensive clinical psychology training. You’ll need a Bachelor’s degree to get started – that’s a basic requirement for all graduate programs at Meridian, including the PsyD in Clinical Psychology.

The path to admission starts with submitting your online application and paying a non-refundable $50 fee. You’ll work with an Admissions Advisor who guides you through the process and helps you prepare any extra materials you might need.

Your academic record matters significantly. Meridian requires a minimum 3.0 GPA across all degree programs. Students with GPAs below this threshold need to explain their circumstances in an addendum or address it in their personal statement.

A full application package needs:

• Official transcripts from previous institutions
• Personal statement
• Letters of recommendation
• Proficiency in English documentation (for non-native speakers)
• Interview (for selected applicants)

Meridian’s Advanced Standing option benefits applicants who already have a Master’s degree in psychology or related fields. This status could reduce your total credit requirements in the PsyD program.

International students are welcome at Meridian. The school can provide I-20 forms for F-1 student visa applications. If English isn’t your first language, you’ll need to show your proficiency through standardized tests. The minimum required scores are 550 (paper-based), 213 (computer-based), or 79 (internet-based) on the TOEFL, or equivalent IELTS scores.

The admissions committee takes a full picture of each candidate. They look at your intellectual energy, leadership potential, personal qualities, and professional achievements along with your academic performance. This approach reflects how PsyD programs now value clinical study readiness through coursework, service, and professional experience.

Meridian has picked up on the field’s shift away from standardized testing. None of their programs require the GMAT. This matches research that shows standardized test scores don’t reliably predict success in doctoral psychology education.

Tuition

The fixed tuition rate at Meridian University plays a vital role when you plan your PsyD education costs. Your per-credit cost stays locked based on your first quarter’s enrollment, which helps you plan your finances better throughout the program.

Meridian charges $676 per credit for all psychology programs in the 2025-2026 academic year. Full-time PsyD students pay $21,632 each year, calculated on 32 credits per academic year. Your rate stays the same if you maintain half-time enrollment with 4 credits per quarter. The rate changes to current tuition levels if you need readmission.

Students need to complete 133 total credits with a Bachelor’s degree, including 25 credits of fieldwork. Students with a qualified Master’s degree (Advanced Standing) complete 117 total credits.

PsyD students should consider these additional costs:

• Clinical Case Study Fee: $9,750 for the required four-quarter period
• Clinical Case Study Extension Fee: $9,750 for a four-quarter extension (if needed)
• Continuation Student Registration Fee: $1,550 annually after completing coursework
• Additional quarterly extension fees: $2,437 per quarter beyond the extended period

Meridian accepts Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans up to $20,500 annually and Federal Direct Graduate Plus Loans. The university also offers Impact Scholarships to qualified psychology students. International students who cannot access federal aid can get institutional financial assistance through scholarships and income share agreements.

Your tuition rate stays fixed with continuous enrollment. Higher tuition rates apply if you withdraw and return later. Some qualified students choose half-time registration with 4 credits to extend their timeline while keeping financial aid eligibility.

Additional Information

PsyD graduates from Meridian University have excellent job prospects. The psychology field will grow 6-7% through 2032-2034. This is a big deal as it means that the growth outpaces other professions, creating about 13,000 new positions yearly. California psychologists earn well, with median annual wages hitting $124,000 statewide and $128,000 in Los Angeles metro area.

PsyD graduates choose many different career paths. The American Psychological Association reports most psychologists work in private practice (44%), hospitals or medical centers (24%), or community mental health clinics (14%). Meridian’s alumni have carved out unique careers. Elizabeth Fisher combines trauma-focused attachment therapy with theater and ritual in her practice. Rosemary Lloyd applies mindfulness and Gestalt-based approaches at nonprofits that serve children and teens.

Meridian students say their experience changes them deeply beyond just academic learning. Here’s what they say:

“Meridian taught me a lot about myself. It was a big step in knowing who I am as a person and how I can bring this person into my professional career.” – Vanessa N.

“The faculty are so supportive and very attuned to your needs and interests. They know how to bring out things you’re afraid to admit at first.” – Vanessa N.

Meridian keeps its students engaged and motivated. Faculty members track student involvement in every course module to ensure quality learning. Graduates consistently score above California’s state averages on licensing exams.

PsyD graduates typically earn between $60,000 and $120,000 yearly. The exact amount depends on location, specialization, experience, and practice type. Mental health awareness continues to grow, and the reliable demand for qualified clinical psychologists offers stable long-term careers.