Psychology Schools and Programs in Puerto Rico

Psychology Studies in Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico is a jurisdiction of the United States in the Caribbean, with Spanish and English as official languages. Its universities operate under the same standards as those in the US, so psychology is organised the American way: a broad bachelor's degree first, then a master's degree and, for those who want to practise clinically or do research, a doctorate. For Spanish speakers this means a US-style degree in a bilingual setting; according to Study Puerto Rico, the government's official study portal, most universities use English terminology and most textbooks are in English.

SpainExchange lists 1 school in Puerto Rico for psychology: the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Puerto Rico (PUCPR), founded in 1948 by the Catholic bishops of Ponce and San Juan. Its main campus is in Ponce, with further campuses in Arecibo and Mayagüez, and it offers more than 160 academic programmes.

How psychology studies are organised

PUCPR teaches psychology at every level in its College of Behavioural Sciences and Community Affairs (Colegio de Ciencias de la Conducta y Asuntos de la Comunidad):

• Bachelor's degree in psychology, in Ponce, Arecibo and Mayagüez, and a bachelor's in forensic psychology in Mayagüez
• Master of Science in Psychology with a specialisation in clinical psychology (Ponce and Arecibo) or industrial/organisational psychology (Ponce)
• PhD with a specialisation in clinical psychology or industrial/organisational psychology (Ponce)
• Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) with a specialisation in clinical psychology (Ponce and Arecibo)
• School psychology at master's level and as a Doctor of Education (EdD)

PUCPR describes the bachelor's degree as lasting approximately 4 to 6 years; with it, graduates can go on to postgraduate study. Its graduate programmes emphasise research training. The PhD and PsyD differ mainly in focus: the PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) is research-oriented, while the PsyD (Doctor of Psychology) is a professional doctorate. Psychology is a licensed profession, and the rules for clinical practice depend on where you plan to work, so it is worth checking them before you choose a route.

Admission and language

According to Study Puerto Rico, admission to higher education requires a secondary school diploma or its equivalent, and most universities on the island use the College Board's university admission test (PAA) as a decisive criterion. For graduate admission, some institutions ask for standardised tests such as the EXADEP or the GRE, and graduate schools generally interview candidates.

At PUCPR, all graduate programmes require an interview and academic and professional letters of recommendation. International applicants send apostilled transcripts and degree certificates; university studies completed abroad may need an evaluation by an agency that is a member of NACES. Students whose first languages are neither Spanish nor English take an institutional placement test in both languages.

Visa and costs

Because Puerto Rico is part of the US, international students need a US student visa. PUCPR issues the Form I-20 for an F-1 student through the SEVIS system of US Immigration and Customs Enforcement once the application file is complete; the student then signs it and applies for the visa. Applicants who will study in person must also show funds for at least one year, with a sworn statement and a bank statement, and health insurance with international coverage.

Study Puerto Rico states that the average cost of academic credits on the island is almost a quarter of the cost at universities in the United States, and that the US dollar is the official currency.

Careers

Psychology graduates in Puerto Rico work in clinical and community mental health services, schools, companies (as industrial/organisational psychologists), research and public agencies. PUCPR states that its programmes train behavioural professionals committed to social action, public policy and responsible practice. The bachelor's degree also gives access to graduate study.

Frequently asked questions

Can I study psychology in Spanish in Puerto Rico?

Spanish and English are both official languages in Puerto Rico. Study Puerto Rico notes that most universities use English terminology and that most textbooks are in English, so students benefit from good English as well.

What is the difference between a PhD and a PsyD in psychology?

Both are doctorates. The PhD focuses on research, while the PsyD is a professional doctorate aimed at clinical practice. PUCPR offers both with a specialisation in clinical psychology.

How much does it cost to study psychology in Puerto Rico?

Fees depend on the university and level. According to Study Puerto Rico, the average cost of a credit is almost a quarter of the cost at universities in the mainland United States.

Do I need a visa to study psychology in Puerto Rico?

US citizens do not need one. PUCPR requires international students who study in person to have a student visa, and it issues the Form I-20 needed to apply for it.