Westmont Graduate University
Advanced Clinical Education Begins Here
Providing advanced clinical education rooted in an intersectional, integrative, and theory/practitioner model that empowers professionals to lead the future of health.
"Healthy mental health is about being allowed to live in the world in the ways that make sense to you."
-Dr. Chris Donaghue, Westmont Graduate University Dean of Education
Westmont Graduate University’s mission is to provide advanced programs that prepare our graduates for impactful careers in clinical practice, academia, supervision, and education. We believe that inclusive, forward thinking scholarship is key to changing the future of mental health.
Our inaugural program is a rigorous doctoral sexology degree that is designed for Certified Sex Therapists and Counselors (or those nearing certification) seeking to achieve advanced clinical expertise, specialized knowledge, and leadership within the field.
The PhD program is approximately 3 years, hybrid (in-person and online coursework) and includes intensive clinical skill building and practice to help students become master clinicians.
Community & Mentorship
Join Top Psychotherapists and Counselors
Connect with a supportive community built to make your PhD experience more rewarding. This is a program where seasoned therapists, thought leaders, and subject matter experts committed to advancing the field all work together. This is not just a typical university offering—it is a professional community of practice where your experience is honored, your insights are sharpened, and your growth is actively supported.
Learning Experience
Hybrid In-Person & Online
Deepen your understanding with our hybrid program, designed to strengthen critical thinking and support a lasting passion for learning. From tailored supervision and workshops to events that bring clinicians together, we’re here to help you grow—academically, socially, and personally—through every stage of your journey.
Self-Paced Flexibility
Core Foundations at Your Own Pace
Designed with the realities of clinical work in mind, you’ll have the flexibility to move through material at a pace that supports reflection, integration, and depth—without sacrificing the clinical sophistication or nuance.
Our integrated supervision and mentorship model includes live case consultations, discussion forums, and monthly faculty office hours designed to support both clinical application and ethical discernment.
The Only Hybrid, Advanced Clinical PhD Program for Licensed Professionals
You're Already Certified. Now, It's Time to Become a Master Clinician.
You've dedicated yourself to helping individuals and couples navigate the complexities of intimacy, relationships and well-being. You possess the foundational knowledge and skills that have earned you the distinction of a Certified Sex Therapist, Counselor or Sexologist.
But what if you could go further? What if you could delve into the most intricate clinical challenges, master cutting-edge specialized knowledge, and emerge as a true leader and innovator in the field?
The Premier PhD in Advanced Clinical Sexology
Designed Exclusively for Certified Professionals Like You.
This is a transformative journey crafted to elevate your clinical expertise, empower you with advanced skills, and position you at the forefront of clinical sexology. You will learn an integrative model for conceptualizing and treating sexual problems that applies a variety of theoretical perspectives in order to create change. You will have the opportunity to deepen your clinical practice knowledge, skills, and application in clinical sexology work. This isn't a typical university PhD Program.
Your Journey to Advanced Clinical Mastery Starts Now
Become a leader, an innovator, and a true expert in the field.
Enroll in our PhD in Advanced Clinical Sexology today.
The PhD in Advanced Clinical Sexology is designed for professionals seeking to deepen their knowledge and expand their impact in the field of sexuality. This rigorous, clinical-based program covers diverse topics such as:
Clinical applications in sex therapy and counseling
Ethics and cultural competencies
Science and research methodologies
Somatic and body-based work
Forensic and legal work
AI and advanced technology
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Prerequisites:
Master’s degree in counseling, therapy, clinical field or similar with a licensure option
Official transcript, valid ID, CV/resume
Certification in sex therapy, counseling or coaching from an approved program, or active enrollment in SHA’s Certification program or another approved program.
Please see our Admissions page for more information.
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Our PhD program is ideal for:
Mental health Professionals
Medical / healthcare professionals that practice counseling
Clergy or other students with a master’s degree that counsels others
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This flexible program offer rolling admission. However, students must be enrolled on a payment plan by August 1 (or have made additional payments), or have paid in full, in order to attend this yea'r’s annual in-person intensive.
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We highly recommend the Sexual Health Alliance Comprehensive Program www.sexualhealthalliance.com We will approve Certification from other comprehensive program if they meet the guidelines notes on our admissions page.
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The program will take a minimum of 2 years depending on your pace, schedule and clinical experience.
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We are not accredited. For those that want to teach in a university setting where a PhD is required, we have not found that lack of current accreditation hinders that path. This program is first of its kind and is similar to a PsyD as it’s tailored to those that want to increase their clinical skills and practice. As such, there is not an established accreditation baseline or licensure for clinical sexology. The PhD program operates independently and follows rigorous academic standards in alignment with other advanced degrees. Students would continue to operate under their previous licensure, if they have one.
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No, this program does not require a dissertation or doctoral committee. This program is clinically focused and requires a doctoral project that significantly improves clinical practice or the clinical field.