Divine Mercy University
General Information of Divine Mercy University
Overview
Divine Mercy University (DMU) is a private Catholic graduate institution specializing in psychology, counseling, and human-services training grounded in faith-based anthropology. Located in Sterling, Virginia, DMU was founded in 1999 (originally as the Institute for the Psychological Sciences) and evolved into its current structure in 2015-16. Its mission emphasizes integrating scientific psychological study with a Catholic-Christian understanding of the human person, marriage, family, and “faith, reason, and action.” DMU offers advanced degree programs including a Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) in Clinical Psychology, a Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision (CES), and Master of Science (M.S.) degrees in Counseling and in Psychology.
The institution appeals to professionals seeking graduate-level preparation combined with a values-driven, service-oriented perspective. DMU supports both residential and online modalities, as students often maintain employment or ministries while pursuing advanced study, and the university emphasizes small cohorts, close faculty-student interaction, and a mission-driven community. With accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) and programmatic accreditation of its Psy.D. by the APA, DMU ensures professional standards and encourages licensure readiness and scholarly work accessible to Catholic-affiliated ministries and service outreach.
Contact Information
Address: 45154 Underwood Lane, Sterling, Virginia 20166, United States
Phone Number: (703) 416-1441
Email Address: admissions@divinemercy.edu
School Facts
| Fact | Information |
|---|---|
| Founding Year | 1999 (as Institute for the Psychological Sciences) |
| Type | Private, Catholic graduate institution |
| Location | Sterling, Virginia (suburban, near Washington, D.C. region) |
| Motto | “Fides · Ratio · Actio” — Faith, Reason, Action |
| Degrees Offered | Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology, Ph.D. in Counselor Education & Supervision, M.S. in Psychology, M.S. in Counseling |
| Accreditation | Regional accreditation via SACSCOC; Psy.D. program accredited by APA |
Divine Mercy University Rankings
| Ranking Source | National / U.S. Position | Other / Global Rank |
|---|---|---|
| EduRank Overall University Ranking | Ranked ~12,693 in the United States | Ranked ~2,747 globally Educatly+1 |
| Niche Graduate School Rating | “A-” in Graduate Schools category | — |
| Specialty Accreditation (Psychology) | Psy.D. program APA accredited — indicator of top-tier status | — |
Divine Mercy University Academics
Divine Mercy University Faculties / Departments
The academic organization at Divine Mercy University is structured around several distinct departments and specialty units:
- Department of Clinical Psychology (Psy.D. program)
- Department of Counselor Education & Supervision (Ph.D. CES)
- Department of Psychology (M.S. Psychology)
- Department of Counseling (M.S. Counseling – Mental Health)
- Office of Online and Hybrid Education Modalities
- Center for Trauma and Resiliency Studies
These departments coordinate curriculum, admissions, field-work placements, and licensure preparation, aligning academic offerings with DMU’s mission of integrating faith, reason and action in professional settings.
Divine Mercy University Courses and Programs / Majors
Divine Mercy University offers the following graduate-level programs:
- Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) in Clinical Psychology – full-time, integrates theory, practice and Catholic Christian anthropology
- Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision (CES) – designed for advanced practitioners, educators and supervisors in counseling
- Master of Science (M.S.) in Psychology – flexible format, online/hybrid, for professionals in human services, education, ministry
- Master of Science (M.S.) in Counseling (Mental Health Counseling) – prepares for licensure as a professional counselor, available online/hybrid
- Graduate certificate in Spiritual Direction and Continuing Professional Development – for clergy and lay leaders seeking specialization
Online Learning
Divine Mercy University provides hybrid and fully online options for several of its graduate programs, notably the M.S. in Psychology and M.S. in Counseling. This online modality allows students to remain in employment, ministry or geographic locations while completing coursework; residencies or synchronous online components supplement flexibility. The on-campus Psy.D. program retains in-person clinical, practicum and cohort standing as core features, reflecting the applied nature of clinical psychology training. The online offerings enhance accessibility for working professionals and those outside the Washington-D.C./Virginia region.
Average Test Scores
| Test / Metric | Typical Range / Middle 50% |
|---|---|
| GPA for admitted graduate students | Average entering GPA ~3.8 or higher |
| GRE/Standardized Test Scores | Specific GRE ranges not publicly listed |
Retention and Graduation Rates
Although Divine Mercy University does not publish detailed retention and graduation rates for each cohort, the institution emphasizes strong professional outcomes: the Psy.D. program is APA accredited, and the master’s and doctoral programs focus on licensure readiness, high faculty mentorship, small cohort sizes and field-work integration. The institution notes many graduates proceed to licensure or leadership positions in mental-health agencies, educational settings, and ministry contexts, supporting effective completion rates.
Divine Mercy University Admissions
GPA Range and SAT / ACT Range
As a graduate-level institution, Divine Mercy University does not primarily rely on SAT or ACT for admissions. Applicants to its graduate programs must hold a bachelor’s degree, satisfy prerequisite coursework or relevant professional experience, and present a competitive cumulative GPA often in the range of ~3.0 to 3.8 or higher. The Psy.D. applicants typically demonstrate advanced preparation in psychology or related fields, strong letters of recommendation, and readiness for clinically-oriented doctoral work.
Divine Mercy University Acceptance Rate
| Program Level | Approximate Acceptance Rate |
|---|---|
| Graduate Programs (overall) | Not publicly disclosed; selective admisssion |
Divine Mercy University Application Requirements
Applicants must complete an online application, submit official transcripts from all prior institutions, provide a résumé or summary of professional/clinical experience (especially for Psy.D. or CES programs), submit letters of recommendation (typically two or more), supply a personal statement describing motivation for advanced study in psychology or counseling and alignment with the university’s mission, and participate in an admissions interview if required by the program. International applicants or those with credentials from non-U.S. institutions must submit transcripts evaluations and proof of English proficiency. The review process focuses on academic readiness, professional experience, fit with faith-rooted values and potential for licensed practice or research.
Application Process
- Submit online application and fee
- Provide official transcripts verifying bachelor’s and any master’s coursework
- Submit letters of recommendation and résumé of relevant experience
- Write and submit personal statement/essay aligned with program mission
- Participate in admissions interview (as required)
- Receive decision and complete matriculation steps (orientation, enrollment, financial-aid review)
Divine Mercy University Application Deadlines / Important Dates
| Program | Deadline Approximation |
|---|---|
| Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology | Applications reviewed on a rolling basis; early decision advisable for Fall entry |
| M.S. in Counseling / M.S. Psychology | New terms often begin in Fall and Spring; check each cohort for priority deadlines |
Essay Prompt
Applicants are required to articulate their motivation for entering the profession of psychology or counseling, how they intend to integrate faith, reason and action in their work, describe prior experience or service with children, families or vulnerable populations, and how completion of the advanced degree will further their leadership, clinical or research goals in a values-based setting. Additional prompts may invite reflection on diversity, ethics and interpersonal engagement.
Divine Mercy University Scholarships
Divine Mercy University offers institutional scholarships, tuition discounts and grants particularly for candidates aligned with its mission of service and leadership in psychology and counseling. Financial-aid counselling and payment plans are available; students are encouraged to apply early for merit-based or mission-driven awards and to explore federal student-loan eligibility.
Divine Mercy University Tuition Fee (Costs)
| Program | Estimated Tuition / Fees |
|---|---|
| Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology | ~$1,240 per credit hour (2025-26); for 37 credits ~$44,880 direct tuition for first year Divine Mercy University |
| Ph.D. in Counselor Education & Supervision | ~$1,000 per credit hour; typical first year 26 credits ~$26,000 plus fees/residency ~$29,950 Divine Mercy University |
| M.S. in Psychology (Online) | ~$900 per credit hour (36 credits) Divine Mercy University |
Divine Mercy University Student Profile and Demographics
Student Demographics
Divine Mercy University’s student body is entirely graduate level, and while detailed breakdowns by gender or ethnicity are limited, the institution serves a diverse cohort of professionals, working or service-oriented individuals, often in counseling, ministry or psychology backgrounds. Many students are mid-career, hold previous degrees and are engaged in clinical or human-services roles while studying.
Low-Income Students / Students with Disabilities
The university supports applicants from a variety of socioeconomic backgrounds, including those entering service professions, ministry or underserved community roles. Accommodations for students with disabilities are provided in consultation with the Student Success services, and need-based financial-aid options are available. Students balancing employment and advanced study are common, reflecting the flexible program models.
Student Body
| Category | Value (Approximate) |
|---|---|
| Total Graduate Enrollment | ~360 postgraduate students (approx.) Vikipedi+1 |
| Predominantly Graduate Level | 100% of enrollment is graduate programs |
University Diversity
Diversity is central to Divine Mercy University’s mission of preparing mental-health professionals grounded in Catholic anthropological perspective and serving global and varied populations. Students come from multiple states and international backgrounds, spanning a range of ages, career stages and life experiences. The curricula integrate cultural competence, ethical reflection, service to vulnerable or underserved populations, and community engagement, enabling graduates to practice in diverse settings including faith-based ministries, human-services agencies and school counseling. This inclusive educational environment emphasizes the human person in full context—psychological, social, spiritual—and encourages learners to translate theory into practice with empathy, cultural humility and leadership.
Average Earnings
Although specific median alumni salary data for Divine Mercy University are not publicly detailed, graduates of Psy.D. and counseling programs typically enter licensed professional roles or leadership positions in clinical, counseling, ministry or academic settings. Licensed clinical psychologists in the United States can earn median annual salaries ranging from approximately $80,000 to $120,000 or more depending on region and experience, and advanced practitioners in counseling similarly may earn in the range of $60,000 to $90,000+. Given DMU’s mission-orientation and niche specialization, alumni are well positioned for meaningful careers with strong growth potential, often augmented by service roles, private practice or leadership in educational or nonprofit institutions.
Divine Mercy University Faculty and Staff
Teachers and Staff
The faculty at Divine Mercy University is comprised of scholar-practitioners in psychology, counseling, trauma and resiliency, as well as theologians and ethicists aligned with the Catholic intellectual tradition. Faculty support student success via small class sizes, clinical supervision, research mentorship and online/hybrid delivery expertise. Administrative and student-services staff facilitate admissions, financial-aid counselling, online learning support, and practica placements, enabling a personalized and mission-driven academic environment.
Faculty Profiles
Faculty at DMU bring diverse expertise including clinical psychology, trauma studies, family systems, counseling supervision, neuropsychology, and spiritual-direction integration. Many hold doctoral credentials, are licensed practitioners, publish in their fields, and contribute to professional associations. Their achievements enhance student learning by providing applied and integrative perspectives bridging science and faith, preparing graduates for licensure, clinical practice and leadership in settings where values, ethics and professional competencies intersect.
Divine Mercy University Campus and Student Life
Campus Life / Housing
Divine Mercy University’s Sterling, Virginia location offers graduate-level study in a suburban setting near the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. As a primarily graduate institution, on-campus housing is limited; many students remain working professionals and live off-campus. Student life emphasizes cohort networks, online communities, professional development seminars, residency intensives (for certain online programs), and community-service engagement rather than traditional undergraduate campus athletics or housing. The flexible scheduling and distance-education model accommodate diverse lifestyles and commitments of mature learners.
Transportation
The campus is accessible via major regional roadways and commuter options to the D.C./Northern Virginia area. Students who commute may drive or use regional transit; online/hybrid programs reduce the need for frequent campus travel. Residency intensives or on-campus clusters are scheduled infrequently, allowing students from outside the region to attend while balancing professional and personal responsibilities. The campus’s proximity to Dulles Airport, major highways and metropolitan amenities supports out-of-state or international students attending residencies.