masters to phd clinical psychology

Clinical Psychology Graduate Programs in America

1-25 of 203 results

Harvard Graduate School of Arts and Sciences

Cambridge, MA •

Harvard University •

Graduate School

• • Rating 4.56 out of 5   9 reviews

Other: I am Harvard Extension School student pursuing a master degree, ALM, in sustainability. I have achieved a 3.89 in this program so far and have qualified, applied, and accepted as a 'Special Student' in the Harvard Graduate School of Arts and Sciences. Through this School, I will be focusing my time at the John A. Paulson school of Engineering & Applied Sciences. Looking forward to wrapping up my final year on campus! ... Read 9 reviews

Harvard University ,

Graduate School ,

CAMBRIDGE, MA ,

9 Niche users give it an average review of 4.6 stars.

Featured Review: Other says I am Harvard Extension School student pursuing a master degree, ALM, in sustainability. I have achieved a 3.89 in this program so far and have qualified, applied, and accepted as a 'Special Student'... .

Read 9 reviews.

McCormick School of Engineering and Applied Science

Evanston, IL •

Northwestern University •

• • Rating 5 out of 5   3 reviews

Master's Student: Northwestern's Master of Science in Energy and Sustainability is a first of its kind professionally focused master's program in the nation. Interdisciplinary by design, MSES covers the technical, policy, and business/economics of the energy and sustainability sector pulling professors from the Kellogg School of Management as well as the McCormick School of Engineering. The industry professionals are leaders in their respective fields and are always willing to help the students. The cohort focused program enables deep connection among the students that will last a lifetime! ... Read 3 reviews

Northwestern University ,

EVANSTON, IL ,

3 Niche users give it an average review of 5 stars.

Featured Review: Master's Student says Northwestern's Master of Science in Energy and Sustainability is a first of its kind professionally focused master's program in the nation. Interdisciplinary by design, MSES covers the technical,... .

Read 3 reviews.

The Graduate School of Arts & Sciences - University of Virginia

Charlottesville, VA •

University of Virginia •

• • Rating 4 out of 5   1 review

Alum: Very good in some areas, excellent in other areas, many academic choices available in all areas of study ... Read 1 review

University of Virginia ,

CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA ,

1 Niche users give it an average review of 4 stars.

Featured Review: Alum says Very good in some areas, excellent in other areas, many academic choices available in all areas of study .

Read 1 reviews.

College of Health and Human Services - IUP

Indiana University of Pennsylvania •

Graduate School •

INDIANA, PA

University of Texas - Rio Grande Valley College of Liberal Arts

The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley •

EDINBURG, TX

• • Rating 5 out of 5   4

Florida Institute of Technology

MELBOURNE, FL

• • Rating 4.61 out of 5   66

College of Liberal Arts - University of Texas - Austin

Austin, TX •

University of Texas - Austin •

University of Texas - Austin ,

AUSTIN, TX ,

College of Fine Arts - Boston University

Boston, MA •

Boston University •

Boston University ,

BOSTON, MA ,

College of Arts, Sciences, and Engineering - University of Rochester

Rochester, NY •

University of Rochester •

• • Rating 4 out of 5   2 reviews

Alum: The Optics program is the toughest offered at the school. Optics grads do twice as much (60 credit hours instead of 30) class work as other degrees. You learn a ton! The field is so diverse you can pick and choose what subfields to focus on, and all fields are offered. Amazing professors. In all my classes, I felt one professor was bad at teaching. All the others were very competent, and the best were extremely passionate about their class/field of research. ... Read 2 reviews

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University of Rochester ,

ROCHESTER, NY ,

2 Niche users give it an average review of 4 stars.

Featured Review: Alum says The Optics program is the toughest offered at the school. Optics grads do twice as much (60 credit hours instead of 30) class work as other degrees. You learn a ton! The field is so diverse you can... .

Read 2 reviews.

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Dedman College of Humanities and Sciences

Dallas, TX •

Southern Methodist University •

Southern Methodist University ,

DALLAS, TX ,

BYU College of Family, Home, and Social Sciences

Provo, UT •

Brigham Young University •

• • Rating 5 out of 5   2 reviews

Master's Student: I will be starting the EMPA program at Brigham Young University this fall, and have been so impressed with the communications I have received as a new grad student. BYU's faculty have been professional, welcoming, and enthusiastic, which has inspired an excitement in me to begin studying. ... Read 2 reviews

Brigham Young University ,

PROVO, UT ,

2 Niche users give it an average review of 5 stars.

Featured Review: Master's Student says I will be starting the EMPA program at Brigham Young University this fall, and have been so impressed with the communications I have received as a new grad student. BYU's faculty have been... .

University of Washington College of Arts & Sciences

Seattle, WA •

University of Washington •

University of Washington ,

SEATTLE, WA ,

GW School of Medicine and Health Sciences

Washington, DC •

George Washington University •

• • Rating 4.73 out of 5   11 reviews

Doctoral Student: GW selects an eclectic class. I noticed the diverse backgrounds, age groups, and interests among the students. Half the class are women. Students have a wide-variety of interests and talents outside of. medicine and bring this to the classroom and beyond. The location is amazing with major health organizations and hospitals nearby. The curriculum is focused on evidence-based care and cutting edge research. From day one. you dive in hands on. The pace is intense at times, but the faculty is supportive and available. ... Read 11 reviews

George Washington University ,

WASHINGTON, DC ,

11 Niche users give it an average review of 4.7 stars.

Featured Review: Doctoral Student says GW selects an eclectic class. I noticed the diverse backgrounds, age groups, and interests among the students. Half the class are women. Students have a wide-variety of interests and talents outside... .

Read 11 reviews.

UC San Diego School of Medicine

La Jolla, CA •

University of California - San Diego •

Current Doctoral student: The UCSD School of Medicine is a top-ranked medical school located in La Jolla, California, and is widely regarded as one of the best medical schools in the country. The school is part of the University of California system, known for its excellence in education and research. One of the strengths of the UCSD School of Medicine is its focus on innovation and collaboration. The school's curriculum emphasizes active learning and hands-on experience, with opportunities for students to participate in research projects and community service programs. The curriculum also encourages students to explore areas outside of traditional medicine, such as business and law, to help prepare them for a rapidly changing healthcare landscape. Overall, the UCSD School of Medicine is a highly respected institution that provides students with an excellent education and numerous opportunities for research and the ability to live in a beautiful city. ... Read 2 reviews

University of California - San Diego ,

LA JOLLA, CA ,

Featured Review: Current Doctoral student says The UCSD School of Medicine is a top-ranked medical school located in La Jolla, California, and is widely regarded as one of the best medical schools in the country. The school is part of the... One of the strengths of the UCSD School of Medicine is its focus on innovation and collaboration. The school's curriculum emphasizes active learning and hands-on experience, with opportunities for... .

Henry Kendall College of Arts & Sciences

Tulsa, OK •

The University of Tulsa •

Graduate Student: Overall, it’s pretty good to be a grad student at TU in A&S, but that is changing rapidly. The faculty care about us and the other students do as well, but neither the Board of Trustees nor the President nor the Provost (now acting President) actually care about this particular group of students. They’d honestly rather A&S disappear to make way for “industry jobs”. If your goal is to pursue Psychology, then TU is a solid option. Other degrees housed under A&S? I’d look elsewhere just to be safe. ... Read 1 review

The University of Tulsa ,

TULSA, OK ,

Featured Review: Graduate Student says Overall, it’s pretty good to be a grad student at TU in A&S, but that is changing rapidly. The faculty care about us and the other students do as well, but neither the Board of Trustees nor the... .

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Ferkauf Graduate School of Psychology

Bronx, NY •

Yeshiva University •

• • Rating 3 out of 5   1 review

Yeshiva University ,

BRONX, NY ,

1 Niche users give it an average review of 3 stars.

The Wheaton College Graduate School - Illinois

Wheaton, IL •

• • Rating 4.56 out of 5   27 reviews

Current Master's student: The staff is phenomenal, in and out of the classroom! Small-town feels, but very close to Chicago so the city life is close by. Academically challenging ! ... Read 27 reviews

WHEATON, IL ,

27 Niche users give it an average review of 4.6 stars.

Featured Review: Current Master's student says The staff is phenomenal, in and out of the classroom! Small-town feels, but very close to Chicago so the city life is close by. Academically challenging ! .

Read 27 reviews.

College of Arts and Sciences - Syracuse University

Syracuse, NY •

Syracuse University •

Master's Student: The speech-language pathology program at Syracuse university is ranked very high among graduate programs in New York State. It is clear that the professors are very knowledgeable and provide students with the quality education needed to become excellent clinicians. The clinical faculty does an amazing job at supporting their students and allowing them to develop clinical skills for all types of speech and language disorders. This program does so much more than just providing students with education on the field of speech-language pathology. Students are constantly challenged to use complex skills like analytical thinking, collaborating with peers, and so much more. This program can be very demanding at times and requires students to put in a lot of work in the clinical and classroom settings. The main campus at Syracuse is very nice, however, the building for the speech program is nothing special. Almost all masters classes are in the same, small classroom with no windows. ... Read 2 reviews

Syracuse University ,

SYRACUSE, NY ,

Featured Review: Master's Student says The speech-language pathology program at Syracuse university is ranked very high among graduate programs in New York State. It is clear that the professors are very knowledgeable and provide... This program can be very demanding at times and requires students to put in a lot of work in the clinical and classroom settings. The main campus at Syracuse is very nice, however, the building for... .

Graduate School of Education and Psychology - Pepperdine University

Los Angeles, CA •

Pepperdine University •

• • Rating 4.75 out of 5   108 reviews

Alum: Overall, I found that I was one of the most adequately prepared students at my practicum site, including clinical skills, documentation, and treatment planning. The program was sufficient and I remember the experience fondly and learned a ton. Due to the online nature of the program, however, busy work wasn't uncommon, and it was particularly heavy in certain courses. Generally, though, the program was a positive experience, I learned a lot, and I feel that my success as a clinician can be connected back to my graduate education at Pepperdine GSEP. ... Read 108 reviews

Pepperdine University ,

LOS ANGELES, CA ,

108 Niche users give it an average review of 4.8 stars.

Featured Review: Alum says Overall, I found that I was one of the most adequately prepared students at my practicum site, including clinical skills, documentation, and treatment planning. The program was sufficient and I... .

Read 108 reviews.

Auburn University College of Liberal Arts

Auburn, AL •

Auburn University •

Auburn University ,

AUBURN, AL ,

Saint Louis University- College of Arts and Sciences

St Louis, MO •

Saint Louis University •

Doctoral Student: Faculty are generally supportive, professional, and offer great training. There are resources for curriculum development and development as a teacher. Institutional support may vary by department or school, but I am funded with a stipend and health insurance. ... Read 2 reviews

Saint Louis University ,

ST LOUIS, MO ,

Featured Review: Doctoral Student says Faculty are generally supportive, professional, and offer great training. There are resources for curriculum development and development as a teacher. Institutional support may vary by department or... .

College of Arts and Sciences - Baylor University

Baylor University Graduate School •

Baylor University Graduate School ,

College of Arts and Sciences - University of Dayton

Dayton, OH •

University of Dayton •

University of Dayton ,

DAYTON, OH ,

College of Arts and Sciences - American University

American University •

American University ,

College of Arts and Sciences - University of South Carolina

Columbia, SC •

University of South Carolina •

• • Rating 4.5 out of 5   2 reviews

Current Master's student: My academic program has given me many opportunities to become a social worker post-graduation. The College of Social Work is great. ... Read 2 reviews

University of South Carolina ,

COLUMBIA, SC ,

2 Niche users give it an average review of 4.5 stars.

Featured Review: Current Master's student says My academic program has given me many opportunities to become a social worker post-graduation. The College of Social Work is great. .

Graduate School of Professional Psychology - University of Denver

Denver, CO •

University of Denver •

• • Rating 1 out of 5   1 review

University of Denver ,

DENVER, CO ,

1 Niche users give it an average review of 1 stars.

University of San Francisco College of Arts and Sciences

San Francisco, CA •

University of San Francisco •

University of San Francisco ,

SAN FRANCISCO, CA ,

College of Sciences - University of Central Florida

Orlando, FL •

University of Central Florida •

• • Rating 5 out of 5   1 review

Other: Nestled in a picturesque town surrounded by rolling hills and a bustling downtown, this college exudes an undeniable aura of fun and excitement. From the moment you step onto its vibrant campus, you're greeted by a palpable energy that permeates the air. The campus is alive with the sounds of laughter, music, and enthusiastic chatter, creating an atmosphere that's both invigorating and welcoming. One of the highlights of this college is its diverse range of extracurricular activities, catering to every interest imaginable. Whether you're into sports, arts, community service, or something entirely unique, there's a club or organization for you. From spirited intramural games and outdoor adventure trips to dynamic student-led performances and cultural celebrations, the options for fun and enrichment are endless. ... Read 1 review

University of Central Florida ,

ORLANDO, FL ,

1 Niche users give it an average review of 5 stars.

Featured Review: Other says Nestled in a picturesque town surrounded by rolling hills and a bustling downtown, this college exudes an undeniable aura of fun and excitement. From the moment you step onto its vibrant campus,... .

The New School

NEW YORK, NY

• • Rating 4.46 out of 5   37

College of Professional Sciences - Xavier University

Xavier University •

CINCINNATI, OH

• • Rating 4.5 out of 5   2

Indiana University of Pennsylvania

• • Rating 4.32 out of 5   56

Showing results 1 through 25 of 203

Best Clinical Psychology Doctorate Programs

Ranked in 2020, part of Best Health Schools

Clinical psychologists diagnose and treat mental illness

Clinical psychologists diagnose and treat mental illness and psychological disorders. Graduates may find work in private practice, schools and health care facilities. These are the top clinical psychology programs at the Ph.D. and/or Psy.D. level. Each school's score reflects its average rating on a scale from 1 (marginal) to 5 (outstanding), based on a survey of academics at peer institutions. Read the methodology »

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Clinical Psychology PhD Program

Founded on a scientist-practitioner model, the overall goal of the Clinical Psychology PhD Program is to graduate academic psychologists who are competent, ethical and productive in the science and practice of clinical psychology. Our program emphasizes the integration of science and clinical practice.

Directors' Message Student Admissions, Outcomes & Other Data Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Social Justice

How to Apply

Learn more about the criteria for applying to the program as well as tuition and financial aid.

Our curriculum is structured to maximize clinical, research and ethical training for students.

Meet Our Team

Meet our current students and their faculty mentors. Each student works closely with a faculty member throughout their tenure at Northwestern. Browse the Faculty Mentor list to learn more about their research projects and see who is currently recruiting new students.

Current Students    Faculty Mentors

JD-PhD Program

Northwestern's joint JD-PhD program  is a collaboration between The Graduate School and Northwestern Law. It's designed for applicants who are interested in academic careers examining research topics that are enriched by having both JD and PhD degrees.

Visit the JD-PhD Website

Questions about the PhD program? Find out more.

Read the FAQ

How to Contact Us

To contact the PhD Program in Clinical Psychology, please email us at [email protected] .

Please DO NOT call the number below as it will go to our clinic; it is reserved for patients. Please DO NOT call any other numbers that you may find within the Feinberg School of Medicine. We will only respond to emails that are sent to the following email address: [email protected] . Please DO NOT  contact via phone or email the MD Admissions Office; they are not involved in the admissions process for the PhD program in Clinical Psychology. 

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THE GRADUATE SCHOOL

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Clinical Psychology

• MA Requirements
• PhD Requirements

Learn more about the program by visiting the Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences

See related Interdisciplinary Clusters and Certificates

Degree Types: MA, PhD

The PhD Program in Clinical Psychology within the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine is one of only a handful of programs in the United States based in an academic medical center and housed in a psychiatry department. This unique setting provides opportunities for translational research and practice that span molecular to social models of disease, and epidemiologic to clinical and neuroimaging methodologies.

This scientist-practitioner program effectively balances clinical and research training to produce graduates who are competent in the science and practice of clinical psychology. The PhD program also provides opportunities for major areas of study within clinical psychology, including Adult Clinical Psychology, Behavioral Medicine or Clinical Health Psychology, Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology, Clinical Neuropsychology, and Forensic Psychology. Training is provided through core and emphasis-specific curricula, intensive research mentoring, and exceptional clinical practica. Major milestones include a research qualifying paper and master's thesis, a clinical qualifying exam, an empirical dissertation with original research, and an APA-accredited clinical internship.

Our mentor-based program prepares students to be competitive for careers as clinical psychologists in academic health centers, children's hospitals, VA medical centers, and related medical facilities.

The Clinical Psychology Master of Arts (MA) Program within the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine is intended for students interested in pursuing a career in academic clinical psychology. The MA program is designed to provide a foundation in academic clinical psychology at the graduate level, while also allowing students to gain educational and research exposure to major areas of study within clinical psychology, including Adult Clinical Psychology, Behavioral Medicine or Clinical Health Psychology, Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology, Clinical Neuropsychology, and Forensic Psychology. 

The goals of the MA Program in Clinical Psychology are to:

• Develop foundational competencies in research design, analytics, and ethics within academic clinical psychology.
• Explore major areas of study within academic clinical psychology.
• Understand educational and career opportunities within academic clinical psychology.

Note: the MA Program in Clinical Psychology does not include clinical training and is not intended to prepare students for clinical practice. Given the academic and research focus of the MA Program, the degree will not lead to licensure for independent practice.  For those interested in master's level programs that prepare students for licensure and practice, please visit the  MA in Counseling website , the  MS in Marriage and Family Therapy website  and  The Family Institute website . 

The MA Program in Clinical Psychology was designed for a variety of students, including students who:

• Are not yet ready to apply to a PhD program, but are considering doing so in the future.
• Wish to improve their competitiveness for a PhD program.
• Are interested in exploring a career in academic clinical psychology.
• With interests in related fields for which a background in academic clinical psychology may be of value.

The MA Program is embedded in the Clinical Psychology PhD Program, with coursework and lab work completed alongside PhD students. Although students in the MA Program are welcome to apply to Northwestern's PhD Program in Clinical Psychology, the MA Program is not intended to be a "gateway" into the PhD Program in Clinical Psychology at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine.

Additional resources:

• Department Website
• Pro gram Handbook

Program Statistics

Visit Master's Program Statistics and PhD Program Statistics for statistics such as program admissions, enrollment, student demographics and more.

Program Contact

Contact Sarah Bratta Program Coordinator

Degree Requirements

The following requirements are in addition to, or further elaborate upon, those requirements outlined in  The Graduate School Policy Guide .

MA Degree Requirements

Total Units Required: 17

The MA program requires at least 17 units for graduation across five (5) quarters (15 months) of full-time enrollment; part-time and early graduation is not permitted. Students are required to take the Research Core, including Research Methods/Statistics (3 units), Advanced Research Methodology (1 unit), and Scientific and Professional Ethics in Psychology (1 unit). In addition to these required courses, students are expected to select between five to eight elective courses across the Summer I, Fall, Winter, Spring, and/or Summer II quarters. Elective courses can include Discipline Specific Knowledge and Profession Wide Competency courses, as well as courses in one or more Major Areas of Study. 

In addition to the Research Core and Elective courses, all MA students participate in the weekly Professional Development Seminar for the first four quarters of the MA Program. This Seminar orients students to the MA program, introduces students to various mentors and labs across Northwestern, explores career options in academic clinical psychology, refines interests in academic clinical psychology, and prepares students for the next steps in their careers (e.g., developing applications for PhD programs; preparing for interviews). 

Other MA Degree Requirements

• Research/Projects:  In addition to completion of the coursework requirements, students engage in a Research Lab Experience for at least 10 hours a week.
• Master's Thesis :   Optional (see below)
• Master’s Culminating Academic Experience:  Through the Research Lab Experience, the student will work with her or his research mentor to complete a Capstone Project. The Capstone Project is the culmination of the Research Lab Experience provided by the research mentor, providing the final evaluation of the student’s research competencies. Examples of capstone projects include: Substantial participation (i.e., authorship level) on one or more empirical studies submitted for publication in a peer-reviewed journal. First author submission of one or more peer-reviewed poster/oral presentations at regional, national, or international conferences. A comprehensive review paper that is submitted to and graded by the research mentor. A grant proposal (e.g., F31 style) that is submitted to and graded by the research mentor.  

Last Updated: September 12, 2023

PhD Degree Requirements

Total Units Required: 30

Other PhD Degree Requirements

• Examinations:  defense of a research paper and a clinical qualifying project serving as examination for admission to candidacy
• Research/Projects:  independent, empirical research study completed in fulfillment of the research qualifying paper
• PhD Dissertation:  original research following third year of coursework
• Final Evaluations:  oral defense of dissertation

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• Clinical Psychology

The Clinical Psychology Program at Duke University is a Ph.D. program for students seeking excellence in academic, scientific, and clinical training.

This program is accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA) and by the Psychological Clinical Science Accreditation System (PCSAS). Our program has a strong history of training based on the scientist/practitioner (Boulder) model and more recently has adopted a clinical science model of training in which the science of psychology and its clinical application are mutually interdependent and mutually evolving.

The Graduate Program in Clinical Psychology at Duke University has been accredited by the American Psychological Association Commission on Accreditation since 1948.

Questions related to the program's accredited status should be directed to the Commission on Accreditation:

Office of Program Consultation and Accreditation American Psychological Association 750 First Street NE Washington, DC 20002-4242 Telephone: (202) 336-5979   Email:  [email protected]   Web:  www.apa.org/ed/accreditation

Questions about the Duke clinical program itself should be directed to Director of Clinical Training - Moria Smoski, PhD,  [email protected] , (919) 684-6717

Additional Information

The Clinical Psychology Program at Duke University is a Ph.D. program for students seeking excellence in academic, scientific, and clinical training. This program is fully accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA) and by the Psychological Clinical Science Accreditation System (PCSAS). Our program has a strong history of scientist practitioner (Boulder) model and more recently has adopted a clinical science model of training in which the science of psychology and its clinical application are mutually interdependent and mutually evolving. That is, our program is designed to train clinical scientists who are capable of functioning successfully in academic, research, clinical, and community settings. Within this multifaceted training framework, we seek to develop students who are interested in careers in which the science of psychology is applied to address public health issues related to mental and physical diseases both nationally and internationally. The program is not appropriate for students interested solely in clinical practice and not in research. Rather, we strive for excellence in both the science and practice of clinical psychology.

At Duke, graduate training in clinical psychology emphasizes three domains of knowledge: adult clinical, child clinical, and health psychology. The expertise of the faculty, drawn from the Department of Psychology and Neuroscience and the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences in the Duke University Medical Center, extends to a large number of interdisciplinary problems involving human behavioral and physical adaptation in its varying social contexts. Duke University’s Clinical Psychology Program is annually ranked among the top clinical psychology programs in the United States. Duke’s doctoral program in Clinical Psychology is a member of The Academy of Psychological Clinical Science, which is a coalition of doctoral training programs that share a common goal of producing and applying scientific knowledge to the understanding, assessment, and amelioration of human problems.

Specific interests include intervention and prevention methods across the life course for such phenomena as aggression and antisocial behavior, depression, personality disorders, eating disorders and obesity, substance abuse, HIVAIDS, cardiovascular disease, and chronic pain. Our faculty also study behavioral cardiology, behavioral medicine, global mental health, reducing disparities in minority mental and physical health services, assessment and intervention in pediatric psychology, and gene-environment interaction.

Clinical program faculty are also actively involved in University Institutes, including the Duke Institute for Brain Sciences (DIBS) , Social Science Research Institute (SSRI) , and Duke Global Health Institute (DGHI) .

Each year the Department admits 2-5 clinical graduate students, which will result in approximately 25 students being advised by our faculty at one time. As of August, 2023, our faculty advise a total of 23 students receiving clinical training, (8 males and 15 females, 6 of whom are from underrepresented racial/ethnic groups).

In accordance with American Psychological Association requirements, a more complete description of the clinical program's goals, clinical training resources, and special requirements can be found in the on-line Clinical Graduate Student Handbook.

The Duke Psychology Clinic has been providing psychological services to the Triangle community for over twenty years and is committed to working with adults who are seeking services for a range of psychological and adjustment difficulties. As part of the Department of Psychology and Neuroscience at Duke University , the Clinic functions as a training center for the Ph.D. program in clinical psychology. Psychotherapy is provided by advanced graduate students who are supervised by experienced clinicians. With our commitment to training and intensive supervision, the Clinic is dedicated to providing high-quality care to our clients.

The Duke Psychology Clinic offers short- and long-term individual psychotherapy for adults seeking treatment for a range of psychological difficulties. The Clinic treats a wide-range of presenting concerns, including depression, anxiety, inattentiveness/hyperactivity, self-esteem, eating concerns, relationship difficulties, adjustment, and coping with stressors. In addition, the Clinic has a long-standing reputation in the community for effectively assisting individuals who have experienced traumatic events. Therapeutic work is individually-focused and clinicians work with their supervisors to tailor treatment to the needs of each client. The treatment approach utilized integrates principles from a range of evidence-based treatments in order to best address the client’s presenting concerns, including cognitive-behavioral, psychodynamic, and interpersonal approaches.

• Respected community reputation in the treatment of mental health concerns

• Affordable session fees

• Convenient location and flexible hours

• Assessment to further tailor treatment

• Availability of long-term treatment 
• Enthusiastic therapists receiving supervision from experienced clinicians

Obtaining Services

Services are available to individuals throughout the community. Those seeking services or who would like to make a referral should begin by calling a Clinic Coordinator, (919) 660-5771. Because the Clinic is a training center, utmost care is taken to ensure we can provide appropriate services; clients in crisis or in need of a higher level of care are typically referred to a more suitable clinic.

The Clinic is located in Suite 312 of the Psychology/Sociology building on Duke's West Campus .

During the academic year, clinic hours are 9a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Fridays. Hours are slightly abbreviated during the summer months.

Timothy Strauman, Ph.D. Director, Duke Psychology Clinic Professor, Department of Psychology & Neuroscience Licensed Psychologist

David Rabiner, Ph.D. Research Professor, Department of Psychology and Neuroscience Licensed Psychologist & Supervisor

Moria Smoski, Ph.D. Director of Clinical Training, Department of Psychology and Neuroscience Associate Professor, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences Licensed Psychologist

Rachel Guetta Graduate Student, Department of Psychology and Neuroscience Clinic Coordinator

Current Practicum Supervisors

• David Rabiner 
• Melanie Bonner 
• Sarah Cook 
• Geraldine Dawson 
• Christian Mauro 
• Rhonda Merwin 
• Zach Rosenthal
• Moria Smoski
• Tamara Somers
• Rebecca Shelby 
• Julia Woodward
• Nancy Zucker
• Naomi Davis 
• John Mitchell 
• Julia Schacter  
• Sarah O’Rourke 
• Kyla Blalock 
• Nicole Heilbron 
• David Goldston 
• Jill Howard  
• Adrienne Inscoe
• Ashley Hill

Practicum descriptions

Internships:.

• Alpert Medical School of Brown University
• Baylor College of Medicine/Texas Children's Hospital
• Cambridge Hospital, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA
• Central Regional Hospital, Butner, NC
• Children’s Hospital, Boston, Harvard University, Boston, MA
• Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
• Children's Hospital at Stanford / Children's Health Council
• Clarke Institute (Center for Addiction and Mental Health), Toronto, Ontario
• Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, NH
• Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC
• Emory, Atlanta, GA
• Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN
• McLean Hospital, Harvard University, Belmont, MA
• Medical University of South Carolina (Charleston Consortium), Charleston, SC
• Miami/Dade County Department of Human Services, Miami, FL
• Miami Veterans Administration Health Care System, Miami, FL
• Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, NY
• MUSC/Charleston Consortium Internship
• Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH
• New York Univesity/Bellevue Hospital
• North Florida/South Georgia Veterans Administration Medical Center, Gainesville, FL
• Rush University Medical Center
• University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson, AZ
• University of California-Los Angeles
• University of California-San Diego/Veterans Affairs, San Diego, CA
• University of California-San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
• University of Colorado Health Center, Boulder, CO
• University of Florida Health Science Center, Gainesville, FL
• University of Kansas Medical School
• University of Michigan/Rackham Institute
• University of Mississippi Medical/VA Jackson
• University of New Mexico Health Science Center
• University of North Carolina Medical School, Chapel Hill, NC
• University of Pennsylvania, Department of Psychiatry
• University of Texas Health Science Center - Houston
• University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA
• University of Wisconsin Medical Center, Madison, WI
• Veterans Administration Medical Center, Durham, NC
• Veterans Administration Maryland Health Care System/Univ. of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
• Veterans Administration Medical Center, Northport, NY
• Veterans Administration Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA
• Veterans Administration Medical Center, Salem, VA
• Veterans Administration Puget Sound-American Lake, Tacoma, WA
• Virginia Treatment Center for Children, Virginia Commonwealth Univ., Richmond, VA
• Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA

NOTE: Our program has made the GRE General Test  optional  for admission to the fall 2024 class. You may submit scores if you have them, and they will be considered by the admissions committee. Applications without GRE scores will be given equal consideration. 

Each year we receive between 350 and 400 completed applications for admission to our clinical psychology program. A variety of bases for admission are utilized, although some common themes emerge. In our search for qualified graduate students, we look for the potential to conduct original research, to engage in scholarship, to work effectively with others, including future clients, and to have an impact on the broader field of clinical psychology. We seek applicants who are interested both in research and in clinical practice. It is important for applicants to consider and to articulate potential matches with the research interests of one or more potential faculty mentors. While an undergraduate integrative psychology major is not required, most of our students were psychology majors, and most had post-baccalaureate research experience in psychology prior to application. Every year about 20 applicants are contacted for virtual interviews with our faculty. Interviews are required for clinical applicants. Interviews take place in late January - early February with invitations extended a few weeks prior to interviews.

All students accepted into the program are guaranteed five years of stipend support, as well as full tuition. Stipends may be based on fellowships, research or teaching assistant positions, or, for more senior students, their own external research support.

Applicants: Please see our Departmental Application FAQ .

Our program follows a mentorship model in which students are admitted to work with specific faculty members for their research training. 

Admitting students for the fall 2024 class

• David Goldston (Need to type in name on application)
• Timothy Strauman

Not admitting students for the fall 2024 class

• Gary Bennett
• Melanie Bonner
• Ernestine Briggs-King
• Karen Appleyard Carmody
• Scott Compton
• Francis Keefe
• Terrie Moffitt

Students and faculty in the Clinical Psychology Program established the Anti-Racism Community (ARC) in July 2020 as a response to the murders of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor, the rampant police brutality at subsequent nationwide protests, and the preceding 401-year legacy of anti-Black racism in the United States. The mission of the ARC is to:

• Establish an anti-racist culture in all activities conducted by students, faculty, and staff
• Acknowledge the impact of centuries of systemic and individual racism at the national, statewide, and university levels, and
• Take all possible corrective action to eliminate these effects on our program

ARC members meet monthly to provide general updates and make requests for assistance in completing tasks. Currently, members of the ARC are organized into three Pillars. Members are welcome to join one or more Pillar based on their interests. Each Pillar meets separately to coordinate and work on their specific goals and actions. The goals of the three Pillars are to

Pillar 1 : Enhance recruitment and retention of BIPOC faculty, students, and staff that reflect national demographics

Pillar 2 : Ensure all academic activities reflect anti-racism as a core value of the program

Pillar 3 : Elevate multicultural awareness as a core competency of clinical training and professional development for all faculty, students, and staff

The ARC is an action-oriented community. Below are a few of the actions taken by the ARC since its inception:

• Creation of the Clinical Science Anti-Racism Series , a set of presentations and discussions on the ways clinical practice, research, and professional issues is informed by anti-racist approaches
• Launch an annual  Virtual Office Hours program , an opportunity for individuals underrepresented in psychology to receive individualized feedback on their applications to PhD programs in psychology
• Hosted a weekly writing group for faculty, post-docs, and graduate students, especially those from underrepresented communities and those looking to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion within our department
• Establishment of Peer Multicultural Consultation Team , a monthly meeting during which students seek culturally-informed perspectives from other students on diverse patients
• Evaluation of all P&N undergraduate syllabi for content that supports inclusion, reduction of "hidden curriculum" elements, and anti-racist principles. Provided feedback to the P&N Faculty with resources for improving DEI principles in syllabi
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Clinical Psychology

Mission statement.

Our mission is to advance knowledge that promotes psychological well-being and reduces the burden of mental illness and problems in living and to develop leading clinical scientists whose skills and knowledge will have a substantial impact on the field of psychology and the lives of those in need. Our faculty and graduate students promote critical thinking, innovation, and discovery, and strive to be leaders in their field, engaging in and influencing research, practice, policy, and education. Our pursuit of these goals is guided by the values of collaboration, mutual respect, and fairness, our commitment to diversity, and the highest ethical standards.

Information about the Clinical Psychology Graduate Major

UCLA’s Clinical Psychology program is one of the largest, most selective, and most highly regarded in the country and aims to produce future faculty, researchers, and leaders in clinical science, who influence research, policy development, and practice. Clinical science is a field of psychology that strives to generate and disseminate the best possible knowledge, whether basic or applied, to reduce suffering and to advance public health and wellness. Rather than viewing research and intervention as separable, clinical science construes these activities as part of a single, broad domain of expertise and action. Students in the program are immersed in an empirical, research-based approach to clinical training. This, in turn, informs their research endeavors with a strong understanding of associated psychological phenomena. The UCLA Clinical Science Training Programs employs rigorous methods and theories from multiple perspectives, in the context of human diversity. Our goal is to develop the next generation of clinical scientists who will advance and share knowledge related to the origins, development, assessment, treatment, and prevention of mental health problems.

Admissions decisions are based on applicants’ research interests and experiences, formal coursework in psychology and associated fields, academic performance, letters of recommendation, dedication to and suitability for a career as a clinical scientist, program fit, and contributions to an intellectually rich, diverse class. Once admitted, students engage with faculty in research activities addressing critical issues that impact psychological well-being and the burden of mental illness, using a wide range of approaches and at varying levels of analysis. Their integrated training is facilitated by on-campus resources including the departmental Psychology Clinic, the Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, and the David Geffen School of Medicine.

Our program philosophy is embodied in, and our goals are achieved through, a series of training activities that prepare students for increasingly complex, demanding, and independent roles as clinical scientists. These training activities expose students to the reciprocal relationship between scientific research and provision of clinical services, and to various systems and methods of intervention, assessment, and other clinical services with demographically and clinically diverse populations. The curriculum is designed to produce scientifically-minded scholars who are well-trained in research and practice, who use data to develop and refine the knowledge base in their field, and who bring a reasoned empirical perspective to positions of leadership in research and service delivery.

The program’s individualized supervision of each student in integrated research and practice roles provides considerable flexibility. Within the parameters set by faculty interests and practicum resources, there are specializations in child psychopathology and treatment, cognitive-behavior therapy, clinical assessment, adult psychopathology and treatment, family processes, assessment and intervention with distressed couples, community psychology, stress and coping, cognitive and affective neuroscience, minority mental health, and health psychology and behavioral medicine. The faculty and other research resources of the Department make possible an intensive concentration in particular areas of clinical psychology, while at the same time ensuring breadth of training.

Clinical psychology at UCLA is a six-year program including a full-time one-year internship, at least four years of which must be completed in residence at UCLA. The curriculum in clinical psychology is based on a twelve-month academic year. The program includes a mixture of coursework, clinical practicum training, teaching, and continuous involvement in research. Many of the twenty clinical area faculty, along with numerous clinical psychologists from other campus departments, community clinics, and hospitals settings, contribute to clinical supervision.  Clinical training experiences typically include four and a half years of part-time practicum placements in the Psychology Clinic and local agencies. The required one-year full-time internship is undertaken after the student has passed the clinical qualifying examinations and the dissertation preliminary orals. The student receives the Ph.D. degree when both the dissertation and an approved internship are completed.

Accreditation

PCSAS – Psychological Clinical Science Accreditation System

The Graduate Program in Clinical Psychology at UCLA was accredited in 2012 by the Psychological Clinical Science Accreditation System (PCSAS). PCSAS was created to promote science-centered education and training in clinical psychology, to increase the quality and quantity of clinical scientists contributing to the advancement of public health, and to enhance the scientific knowledge base for mental and behavioral health care. The UCLA program is deeply committed to these goals and proud to be a member of the PCSAS Founder’s Circle and one of the group of programs accredited by PCSAS.  (Psychological Clinical Science Accreditation System, 1800 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Suite 402, Washington, DC 20036-1218. Telephone: 301-455-8046). Website:  https://www.pcsas.org

APA CoA – American Psychological Association Commission on Accreditation

The Graduate Program in Clinical Psychology at UCLA has been accredited by the American Psychological Association Commission on Accreditation since 1949. (Office of Program Consultation and Accreditation, American Psychological Association, 750 First Street NE. Washington, DC 20002-4242. Telephone:  202-336-5979 .) Website:  http://www.apa.org/ed/accreditation/

Future Accreditation Plans:  

Against the backdrop of distressing evidence that mental health problems are increasingly prevalent and burdensome, the field of psychological clinical science must think innovatively to address the unmet mental health needs of vulnerable populations. UCLA’s clinical psychology program remains committed to training clinical psychological scientists who will become leaders in research, dissemination, and implementation of knowledge, policy development, and evidence-based clinical practice. This commitment is firmly rooted in our overall mission of promoting equity and inclusion, adhering to ethical standards, and developing collaborations in all aspects of clinical psychology.

Increasingly, we believe that significant aspects of the academic and clinical-service requirements of accreditation by the American Psychological Association (APA) obstruct our training mission. Too often, APA requirements limit our ability to flexibly adapt our program to evolving scientific evidence, student needs, and global trends in mental health. Like many other top clinical science doctoral programs, we see our longstanding accreditation by the Psychological Clinical Science Accreditation System (PCSAS) as better aligned with our core values, including advancement of scientifically-based training.

Accordingly, we are unlikely to seek renewal of our program’s accreditation by APA, which is set to expire in 2028. The ultimate decision about re-accreditation will be made with the best interests and well-being of current and future students in our program in mind. To that end, we will continue to monitor important criteria that will determine the career prospects of students completing a doctoral degree in clinical psychology from programs accredited only by PCSAS. For example, we are working to understand the potential implications for securing excellent predoctoral internships and eligibility for professional licensure across jurisdictions in North America. Although the UCLA clinical psychology program has no direct influence over these external organizations, we are excited to continue to work to shape this evolving training landscape with the Academy of Psychological Clinical Science (APCS) and leaders from other clinical science programs.

Our ongoing monitoring of trends in clinical psychology training is encouraging for PCSAS-accredited programs. However, evolving circumstances could result in our program changing its opinion with respect to seeking APA re-accreditation in the future. In the spirit of transparency and empowering potential applicants to make informed choices for their own professional development, we are pleased to share our thinking on these important issues.

Notice to Students re: Professional Licensure and Certification

University of California programs for professions that require licensure or certification are intended to prepare the student for California licensure and certification requirements. Admission into programs for professions that require licensure and certification does not guarantee that students will obtain a license or certificate. Licensure and certification requirements are set by agencies that are not controlled by or affiliated with the University of California and licensure and certification requirements can change at any time.

The University of California has not determined whether its programs meet other states’ educational or professional requirements for licensure and certification. Students planning to pursue licensure or certification in other states are responsible for determining whether, if they complete a University of California program, they will meet their state’s requirements for licensure or certification. This disclosure is made pursuant to 34 CFR §668.43(a)(5)(v)(C).

NOTE:  Although the UCLA Clinical Psychology Program is not designed to ensure license eligibility, the majority of our graduates do go on to become professionally licensed.  For more information, please see  https://www.ucop.edu/institutional-research-academic-planning/content-analysis/academic-planning/licensure-and-certification-disclosures.html .

Clinical Program Policy on Diversity-Related Training 

In light of our guiding values of collaboration, respect, and fairness, this statement is to inform prospective and current trainees, faculty, and supervisors, as well as the public, that our trainees are required to (a) attain an understanding of cultural and individual diversity as related to both the science and practice of psychology and (b) provide competent and ethical services to diverse individuals.  Our primary consideration is always the welfare of the client.  Should such a conflict arise in which the trainee’s beliefs, values, worldview, or culture limits their ability to meet this requirement, as determined by either the student or the supervisor, it should be reported to the Clinic and Placements Committee, either directly or through a supervisor or clinical area faculty member.  The Committee will take a developmental view, such that if the competency to deliver services cannot be sufficiently developed in time to protect and serve a potentially impacted client, the committee will (a) consider a reassignment of the client so as to protect the client’s immediate interests, and (b) request from the student a plan to reach the above-stated competencies, to be developed and implemented in consultation with both the trainee’s supervisor and the Clinic Director.  There should be no reasonable expectation of a trainee being exempted from having clients with any particular background or characteristics assigned to them for the duration of their training.

Clinical Program Grievance Policies & Procedures

Unfortunately, conflicts between students and faculty or with other students will occur, and the following policies and procedures are provided in an effort to achieve the best solution. The first step in addressing these conflicts is for the student to consult with their academic advisor. If this option is not feasible (e.g. the conflict is with the advisor) or the conflict is not resolved to their satisfaction, then the issue should be brought to the attention of the Director of Clinical Training. If in the unlikely event that an effective solution is not achieved at this level, then the student has the option of consulting with the Department’s Vice Chair for Graduate Studies. Students also have the option of seeking assistance from the campus Office of Ombuds Services and the Office of the Dean of Students. It is expected that all such conflicts are to be addressed first within the program, then within the Department, before seeking a resolution outside of the department.

More Clinical Psychology Information

• For a list of Required Courses please see the  Psychology Handbook
• Psychology Clinic
• Student Admissions Outcomes and Other Data

Psychological Sciences

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Vanderbilt University Clinical Psychological Science

View list of Clinical Science Faculty here

 The Clinical Science Program in Psychological Sciences at Vanderbilt University subscribes to the clinical scientist model of training, with the primary goal of training clinical scientists. The Clinical Science Program is part of the outstanding program in Psychological Sciences at Vanderbilt that includes over 60 faculty spanning two departments (the Department of Psychology and the Department of Psychology and Human Development). All students complete a core set of required coursework, research, and clinical training. This includes courses in the biological, social, cognitive, and affective bases of behavior; human development; individual differences; research design and statistics; psychopathology; psychological assessment; psychological intervention; and professional ethics.

Interested individuals can learn about the application process here   In addition to these core requirements common to all students, the program has sufficient flexibility to allow students to concentrate their training and to develop specialized expertise in given areas that draw on the strengths of our faculty and the opportunities for research and clinical training. Students can focus their training in the following areas:

• Psychopathology , including the identification, etiology, treatment, and prevention of psychopathology in children, adolescents and adults. Within psychopathology students can further concentrate their training in any of three areas:
• Developmental psychopathology , including the identification, etiology, treatment, and prevention of psychopathology in children and adolescents (particularly with respect to mood disorders), and the study of typical and atypical development (particularly with respect to autism and intellectual disabilities). Faculty who are involved in the mentoring of students in this area include Drs. Bachorowski, Cole, Compas, Dykens, Garber, Hollon, Humphreys,  Kujawa, Smith, Tomarken, Walker, and Weiss.
• Adult psychopathology , including the identification, etiology, treatment and prevention of psychopathology in adults including mood disorders, anxiety disorders, somatoform disorders, schizophrenia, and psychopathy. Faculty involved in the mentoring of students in this area include Drs. Bachorowski, Compas, Davis, Garber, Hollon, Kujawa, Olatanji, Park, Schlundt, Tomarken, Walker, Weiss, and Zald.
• Developmental disabilities , including the identification, etiology and treatment of autism, Prader-Willi Syndrome, and Williams Syndrome. Faculty mentors include Drs. Bachorowski and Dykens.
• Clinical neuroscience , including neuropsychological, psychophysiological, and neuroimaging approaches to studying normal and abnormal behavior. Faculty mentors include Drs. Cole, Compas, Hollon, Humphreys, Kujawa, Olatunji, Park, Tomarken, and Zald.
• Basic emotional processes , including the biological, cognitive, and interpersonal factors influencing basic emotion-related processes, as well as individual differences in affective traits. Faculty mentors include Drs. Bachorowski, Compas, Dykens, Garber, Hollon, Kujawa, Olatunji, Smith, Tomarken, and Zald.
• Prevention and intervention , including the development and evaluation of optimal interventions for various psychopathologies, the prevention of diabetes and other biomedical disorders, and the identification of potential etiological or vulnerability markers that are linked to heightened risk for depressive disorders among children and adolescents. Faculty mentors include Drs. Compas, Garber, Hollon, Humphreys, Kujawa, Olatunji, and Weiss.
• Health psychology , emphasizing a biopsychosocial approach to health and illness throughout the life span, including chronic and recurrent pain, cancer, and eating disorders. Faculty mentors include Drs. Compas, Garber, Olatunji, Schlundt, Smith, and Walker.
• Quantitative analysis , including the application of advanced statistical techniques to the study of psychopathology and other clinical issues. Faculty mentors include Drs. Cole and Tomarken.

All students take the following courses as part of their core training in clinical science: Advanced Statistics (two semesters), Clinical Research Methods, Psychopathology, Psychological Measurement, Introduction to Psychotherapy, Cognitive Assessment, Psychological Assessment, Ethics and Cultural Diversity, and courses in the fundamental areas of psychological science (biological bases of behavior, cognitive/affective bases of behavior, human development, and individual differences). 

Program Costs

Research training.

Our program offers training in research through a mentoring model in which students work closely with their primary advisor/mentor on research throughout their time in the program.

Clinical faculty research areas include:

• Basic cognitive and emotional processes, including the biological, cognitive, and interpersonal factors influencing basic emotion-related processes, as well as individual differences in affective traits.
• Clinical neuroscience, including neuropsychological, psychophysiological, and neuroimaging approaches to studying normal and abnormal behavior.
• Developmental psychopathology, including the identification, etiology, treatment, and prevention of psychopathology in children and adolescents (particularly with respect to mood disorders), and the study of typical and atypical development (particularly with respect to autism and mental retardation).
• Prevention and intervention, including the development and evaluation of optimal interventions for various psychopathologies, the prevention of diabetes and other biomedical disorders, and the identification of potential etiological or vulnerability markers that are linked to heightened risk for depressive disorders among children and adolescents.
• Health psychology, emphasizing a biopsychosocial approach to health and illness throughout the life span.
• Quantitative analysis, including the application of advanced statistical techniques to the study of psychopathology and other clinical issues.

Underlying each of these areas is a common philosophy that emphasizes theoretical development, empirical validation, methodological rigor, and the establishment of links between normal and abnormal processes using multiple methods and levels of analysis. The Program faculty enjoy strong relationships with the John F. Kennedy Center for Research on Human Development; the Center for Integrative and Cognitive Neuroscience ; the Departments of Psychiatry , Pediatrics , and Medicine in the Vanderbilt School of Medicine; the Vanderbilt University Institute for Imaging Science ; the Vanderbilt Brain Institute ; the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center ; the Center for Developmental Medicine ; the Meharry Medical College  and Vanderbilt Memory and Alzheimer's Center . A strong focus of Clinical Science at Vanderbilt is the integration of research with professional expertise. Students are actively involved in research on a continuing basis throughout their graduate training. The primary orientations are cognitive-behavioral, interpersonal, and neurobiological. The program is able to provide students with a wealth of training experiences, both scientific and professional, that is unmatched even by programs much larger in size. Students are involved in clinical practicum work at a number of Vanderbilt sites and more broadly throughout the Nashville community. They receive supervised research and clinical training in a wide variety of agencies that serve children, adolescents, and adults, and that address a wide spectrum of psychological problems.

Clinical Internship

As with practicum training, the clinical internship is carefully planned to meet each student's career goals and needs. Our students typically intern at highly regarded, APA-approved internship sites. The vast majority of our students are matched at the internship ranked as their first or second choice. Evaluations of internship placements indicate both that our students are well prepared for internship by our training program and that they find the internship experience to be highly rewarding.

Internship Placement - Table 1

Internship placement - table 2.

* Should only include students who applied for internship and are included in applied cell count from “Internship Placement – Table 1"

Our Graduates

Graduates of the Clinical Science Program over the last decade occupy important positions in academic as well as service institutions, and have research interests that are at the cutting edge of clinically and socially relevant issues. Their success is evidence of the effective combination of research and clinical training we offer, and of their own commitment to professional, research, and academic careers in clinical psychology.

Time to Completion for Students entering the Program with a Bachelor's Degree ( if applicable )

Psychology licensure.

As an APA and PCSAS Accredited Clinical Training Program, it is our intention to train students in all the particulars of health service psychology, such that they are equipped to be both excellent scientists and excellent clinicians. We expect that the majority of our graduates will be able to obtain professional licensure as clinical psychologists and to engage in clinical practice and supervise trainees. Given that licensure is controlled by individual governmental bodies in all 50 US states (typically State Boards of Psychology under the Division of Occupational Affairs in State Governments), and that each jurisdiction may impose its own unique requirements, we cannot guarantee that the specific training we provide will meet the exact criteria for licensure in every individual state. Please proceed to the following link to review the list of states for which we have determined our program satisfies the curriculum requirements for licensure, as well as information about additional requirements necessary to obtain licensure in two states (California and New Jersey).

For more information, see Licensing Requirements

Accreditation

The graduate training program in Clinical Science is fully accredited by the American Psychological Association (last accredited 2014; next site visit 2024). For more information concerning accreditation, contact: Office of Program Consultation and Accreditation American Psychological Association 750 First Street, NE Washington, DC 20002-4242 Phone: 202-336-5979 Website: http://www.apa.org/ed/accreditation

The Vanderbilt University Clinical Sciences program is also accreditated by the Psychological Clinical Science Accreditation System (PCSAS), with accreditation until June 30, 2028.  Information regarding this accreditation may be obtained from: Psychological Clinical Science Accreditation System 1800 Massachusetts Avenue, NW. Suite 402 Washington, DC 20036-1218 Tel +301.455.8046 http://www.pcsas.org/accreditation/accredited-programs/

For more information, please contact the program Co-Directors:  Bruce Compas  or  Bunmi Olatunji  

The Clinical Psychology doctoral program (PhD) has been accredited by the American Psychological Association since 1949 and also is accredited by the Psychological Clinical Science Accreditation System (PCSAS). We emphasize training in clinically-informed research and evidence-based clinical work and recognize that students have varying career aspirations that may evolve over the course of graduate training. Our program offers two tracks: Adult and Child/Family . Read more about our Student Admissions, Outcomes and Other Data.

We are strongly committed to promoting diversity and training early career scientists of diverse backgrounds. We encourage students from backgrounds historically underrepresented in the sciences to apply, including but not limited to BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, first generation college students, and those of low socioeconomic status.

Questions related to the program’s accredited status should be directed to the Commission on Accreditation:

Office of Program Consultation and Accreditation American Psychological Association 750 1st Street, NE, Washington, DC 20002 Phone: (202) 336-5979 | Email: [email protected] Website: www.apa.org/ed/accreditation

Recent News

• Amanda Haik Awarded the Wadden Award for Training in Behavioral Medicine and Health Psychology
• Maku Orleans-Pobee Named 2023 Community Engaged Scholar Fellow
• Esmeralda Navarro and Yolanda Yang Selected as 2023 LEAD Fellows
• Thank you to all those who came last night, we had a blast and will miss our internship-bound students!
• Congratulations to our 2022 Award Winners!
• Dr. Mitchell J. Prinstein testified in front of the US Senate on the Mental Health and Substance Abuse
• Dr. Andrea Hussong Q&A on the impact of COVID-19 on adolescents’ mental health
• Dr. Andrea Hussong Selected for Thorp Faculty Engaged Scholars Program
• Dr. Margaret Sheridan Named APS Fellow
• April Highlander Receives Gray-Little Diversity in Research Honorable Mention
• Carrington Merritt Receives Davenport Diversity in Research Honorable Mention

Clinical Program

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Mission and Values

Our mission is to understand how behavioral and mental health problems emerge and develop and to improve well-being at the individual, system, and societal levels through intervention, prevention and resilience promotion.

We aim to train the next generation of leaders who are capable of producing innovative, high-impact research and who apply a science-informed lens to improve behavioral and mental well-being in diverse settings.

We aspire to pursue this mission with awareness that the logic, methods and findings of psychological science have often perpetuated and justified systems of oppression and inequity.  Our belief is that a flexible and progressive clinical science, engaged with humility by diverse scientists, and centering those furthest from behavioral and mental health equity and justice, is essential for creating lives worth living for all members of our society.

Overview of Program and Training Sequence

Located in a vibrant metropolitan setting in Seattle, Washington, UW’s doctoral program in Clinical Psychology is top ranked and is accredited by the Psychological Clinical Science Accreditation System (PCSAS) and the American Psychological Association (APA). With an emphasis on research training, our program aims to develop creative clinical scientists who will become leaders and innovators in academic, research, clinical, community, and/or global dissemination settings.

Most students complete the Ph.D. program in 6-7 years. Program requirements include coursework, research activities, and supervised clinical training in psychological assessment and treatment at our in-house training clinic and at external practicum training sites. Required classes are generally completed within the first 3-4 years of the program, with students beginning to see clients in the second year. The last year of the program typically involves a one-year, full-time accredited clinical internship.

Given the research emphasis of our program, individuals who are primarily interested in a career in private clinical practice will not find our program to be a good fit.

Program Highlights

• Close research mentorship from faculty with expertise spanning alcohol and other substance use; behavioral aspects of HIV; anxiety, autism spectrum, posttraumatic stress, and schizophrenia spectrum disorders; implementation science and treatment in global settings; coping and contextual factors impacting child adjustment; biological mechanisms underlying disorders and treatment; racism and microaggressions; and mental health disparities.
• A newly renovated psychology building, Kincaid Hall, which includes a state-of-the-art in-house magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) center with a Siemens 3T Prisma scanner and peripheral equipment for fMRI such as eye-tracking, physiological monitoring, and audio presentation systems (see: https://depts.washington.edu/chnadmin/chn-mri/ for details).
• Emphasis on evidence-based clinical training, including through in-house practica such as the CALM Clinic for Anxiety, Traumatic Stress, and Obsessive Compulsive Related Disorders, Dialectical Behavior Therapy Clinic, the Parent-Child Clinic, and the LEARN Clinic, as well as opportunities at more than 40 external practica sites throughout the Seattle area.
• Opportunities for additional specialized training within the department in diversity science, data science, and quantitative methods.
• Access to a wealth of additional resources and formal and informal training opportunities across departments and institutes in the broader UW community, including through the Department of Global Health, School of Public Health, the eScience Institute, the Institute for Learning and Brain Sciences (I-LABS), Medical Genetics, and the Graduate Program in Neuroscience.
• High student success rates in obtaining external fellowships from NIH and NSF, as well as top-choice internships in the APPIC Doctoral Level Internship Match Program
• Active efforts to continue to improve equity, diversity, and inclusion in the department including a faculty-student diversity steering committee, diversity advocacy committee, and department-level bias reporting mechanisms to maintain accountability and transparency in these efforts.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)

Recognizing that psychological science has often perpetuated and justified systems of oppression and inequity, the Clinical Psychology Program approaches our DEI work from a stance of humility. We place great value on recruiting and retaining diverse faculty and students, co-creating an inclusive environment, and providing curriculum and clinical training that support and promote DEI. For example, clinical students and faculty play a prominent role in a new departmental Specialization in Diversity Science, 5 of our 6 recent Clinical faculty hires hold historically marginalized identities, and our curriculum is influenced by a recently implemented DEI-focused syllabus review process. In addition, many of the 48 external practica sites we currently partner with throughout the Seattle area serve diverse and traditionally underserved populations. For example, many practica, such as the King County Sexual Assault Resource Center, Asian Counseling and Referral Service, and Dawson Place Child Advocacy Program, provide low-cost or free services in multiple languages and/or focus on providing services to specific diverse populations. We are committed to the ongoing process of improving our program such that our training is aligned with these values and centers those furthest from behavioral and mental health equity.

For details on recent actions to strengthen DEI in the Clinical Program and department see: https://psych.uw.edu/diversity/recent-actions

General and Child Tracks

The Clinical Psychology Program offers separate but highly overlapping General Clinical and Child Clinical tracks. The Child Clinical track offers specialized coursework in the assessment, etiology, and treatment of psychological disorders of childhood, adolescence, and young adulthood, whereas the General track covers the assessment, etiology, and treatment of psychological disorders across the lifespan. The Child Clinical track also offers a variety of specialty practica focused on evidence-based treatment for youth and families. The tracks share many courses and faculty collaborations, while allowing for training emphases from groups of faculty whose interests focus primarily on either adult or child/adolescent populations. Students in both tracks are encouraged to take core courses from the other track. Applicants should apply to either the General track or the Child track, specifying core faculty with whom they would like to work. Please see the General Track Faculty Page and Child Track Faculty Page for details on faculty expertise within each track.

General Track Faculty Page

Child Track Faculty Page

Clinical Program Accreditation

The Clinical Psychology Program has a long and distinguished history. It has been accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA) since 1948 and is currently accredited through 2027 ( http://www.apa.org/ed/accreditation/ ). Reflecting our commitment to excellence in scientific training and to using clinical science as the foundation for designing, implementing, and evaluating assessment and intervention procedures, our program is also accredited by the Psychological Clinical Science Accreditation System ( http://www.pcsas.org ) through 2028. We plan to maintain PCSAS accreditation indefinitely. Meanwhile, we are actively promoting efforts to ensure that, in the future, students graduating from programs accredited by PCSAS are given the same access to state licensure opportunities as are programs accredited by APA. Once this parity is achieved, we will reconsider whether to maintain our APA accreditation.

Program Recognition

The Clinical Psychology Program has been the recipient of three prestigious awards: the Distinguished Program Award from the Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies for its success in training cognitive-behavioral clinical scientists; the Award for Innovative Practices in Graduate Education in Psychology from the American Psychological Association for its creative integration of clinical and scientific training; and the First Annual Clinic Innovation Award from the Association of Psychology Training Clinics for our development of the Owl Insights ( owlinsights.com ) software platform to aid clinical decision making by routinely monitoring treatment process and outcomes on a session-by-session basis.

Program Statistics and Further Information

For statistics on admissions, graduation, internships and other information, please click on "Student Admissions, Outcomes, and Other Data" link above.  For a detailed examination of all aspects of our program, please view our   Training Manual .

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Graduate program, clinical psychology, program description.

The University of Rochester’s clinical psychology doctoral program subscribes to the clinical scientist model which prepares its graduate students for careers in academia, research, as well as professional practice. The faculty's teaching and research interests span several areas of expertise, including developmental psychopathology, adolescence, relationships, and quantitative methods. The core program provides background in theory and research in personality, psychopathology, and diagnostic and psychotherapeutic techniques. Additional discipline-wide training is provided in developmental and social psychology, neuroscience, and affective and cognitive bases of behavior.

The University of Rochester doctoral training program in clinical psychology is patterned after the clinical-scientist model. The program provides students with thorough grounding in both general and clinical psychology and has been continually accredited by the American Psychological Association (Office of Program Consultation and Accreditation, American Psychological Association, 750 First Street, NE, Washington, DC 20002; phone: (202) 336-5979; website: www.apa.org/ed/accreditation/ ) since 1948. In 2018, the program became a member of the Academy of Psychological Clinical Science , which is an alliance of leading, scientifically oriented programs with a strong commitment to clinical science training.

The program is built around a four-year curriculum. The Department of Psychology offers MA to PhD track* training; graduates earn both an MA and PhD, we do not offer a terminal Masters. Students complete 90 credit hours, up to one third of which may be credited for research. To learn more the program’s mission, see the program aims page .

Interested in applying?

See our application page , admission criteria page , Student Admissions, Outcomes, and Other Data (PDF) for more information.

The core clinical faculty is composed of:

• Loisa Bennetto
• David Dodell-Feder
• Liz Handley
• Christie Petrenko
• Sheree Toth

In addition, the following affiliated faculty members from other departments/areas also mentor clinical psychology doctoral students:

• Jody Todd Manly , PhD, Mt. Hope Family Center
• Thomas O'Connor , PhD, URMC Department of Psychiatry
• Steve Silverstein , PhD, URMC Department of Psychiatry
• Benjamin Suarez-Jimenez , PhD, URMC Department of Neuroscience

For a complete list of department faculty, see our directory .

Program Requirements

For a detailed description of all program requirements, see the Psychology Graduate Handbook (PDF).

Department Requirements

All psychology PhD students are required to take quantitative methods, complete one course in the other two disciplines, and act as a teaching assistant for at least one semester. For more details see the Psychology Graduate Handbook (PDF).

Core Courses

Clinical students are required to complete 14 core courses as outlined in the Psychology Graduate Handbook (PDF).

Students may also enroll for additional credit in graduate courses offered by the psychology department or other departments.

Research and Examination Requirements

Clinical students are required to complete a two-year research project in the first two years of residence, culminating in a research report by the end of the second year. Students must also complete a doctoral dissertation, as outlined in the Psychology Graduate Handbook (PDF).

Students are also required to complete the major comprehensive examination as outlined on page 21 of the Psychology Graduate Handbook (PDF).

Pre-Internship and Internship Requirements

In preparation for internship, clinical students are expected to complete an organized, sequential series of practicum experiences. Practicum experiences are defined as supervised training in the use of evidence-based assessments and therapies by clinical psychologists and other qualified professionals. Examples include practicum experiences at Mt. Hope Family Center , the University Counseling Center , and at other faculty-approved sites.

The program’s recommendation for formal internship training is contingent on positive reviews of performance and professional ethics and demeanor in these pre-internship experiences.

Students must complete a clinical internship with a minimum of 1,750 hours in an approved agency. During the internship the student’s training should span a variety of clinical approaches and populations. Students are strongly encouraged to complete their internship training in an APA-accredited agency.

For more information about pre-internship and internship requirements see the Psychology Graduate Handbook (PDF).

State Licensure Eligibility

As an APA Accredited Clinical Training Program, it is our intention to train students in all aspects of health service psychology, such that they are equipped to be both excellent scientists and excellent clinicians. It is our expectation that the vast majority of our graduates will obtain professional licensure as clinical psychologists, and will be able to engage in clinical practice and supervise trainees. However, given that licensure is controlled by individual governmental bodies in all 50 US states (typically State Boards of Psychology under the Division of Occupational Affairs in State Governments) and that every jurisdiction may impose their own unique requirements, we cannot guarantee that the specific training we provide will meet the criteria for licensure in any individual state other than New York. That said, we typically are successful at advocating for our students who request assistance related to licensure in states other than New York. Given that we are not aware of licensure requirements in other states, please refer to this link to access information on out of state licensure requirements that can be provided by licensure Boards in states of interest.

https://nc-sara.org/professional-licensure-directory

Per U.S. Federal Regulations, 668.43 (2019 Rule), and in compliance with the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (SARA) Manual version 19.2, the University of Rochester provides the following disclosure related to the educational requirements for professional certification and licensure. The University of Rochester has designed the curriculum for professional certification and licensure, that if successfully completed, is sufficient to meet the certification and licensure educational requirements in the state of New York.  For information regarding licensure in another state, enrolled and prospective students are strongly encouraged to contact that State’s licensing body to review all certification and licensure requirements.

Orange Alert

Clinical psychology graduate program overview.

Our department has eliminated the GRE General Test for admission to the fall 2024 class. Applicants should NOT submit their GRE scores through ETS nor report their scores in the application portal or on their CVs or personal statements .

Please note that our interviews for the Fall 2024 class will be offered virtually.

The doctoral program in Clinical Psychology at Syracuse University is dedicated to training outstanding students to become responsible, innovative, and scholarly clinical psychologists. Our program embraces the scientist-practitioner model, providing balanced training in the science and practice of clinical psychology. Our faculty view scholarly empirical research as the foundation of clinical psychology, and we seek to train students who are eager to embrace the research mission of the program. Graduates of our program are well-positioned to pursue a variety of career options, including academic appointments, clinical research, and the provision of clinical services. The doctoral program in Clinical Psychology at Syracuse University has been fully accredited by the American Psychological Association since 1956. Please see below for more information.

Student Admissions, Outcomes and Other Data

Data on students’ time to completion, program costs, attrition, internships, and licensure are collected and reported in keeping with the requirements of programs accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of the American Psychological Association. These education and training outcomes can be found at this link: Student Admissions, Outcomes, and Other Data .

Promising applicants will be invited for a zoom-based personal interviews. Applicants will be notified of their status by April 15th or earlier if possible. We encourage all admitted applicants to visit the campus and meet Clinical faculty and students before making a decision to accept an offer. The doctoral program in Clinical Psychology at Syracuse University does not discriminate based on race, color, creed, religion, sex, gender, national origin, citizenship, ethnicity, marital status, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law.

Please also see the Council of University Directors of Clinical Psychology (CUDCP) policy regarding Admissions Offers and Acceptances .

State Professional Licensure and Certification Disclosure Information

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility in Clinical Psychology

The Syracuse University Clinical Psychology doctoral program is committed strongly to promoting diversity with respect to race, color, creed, religion, sex, gender, national origin, citizenship, ethnicity, marital status, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression, and veteran status. Our doctoral program also seeks to prepare students to be sensitive to issues of inclusion and diversity in all aspects of their culturally competent work.

We strive to maintain a diverse student population and historically underrepresented students are especially encouraged to apply for our doctoral program. The Clinical Psychology program is dedicated to the active recruitment of a diverse group of students and faculty. See here for an overview of the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility efforts across the university, college, and Department in terms of curriculum, research, clinical practice and programming .

We strongly support Syracuse University's institutional commitment to diversity and inclusion .

Financial Support

The Department of Psychology makes a determined effort to provide at financial support for all graduate students in good standing. For decades, all Psychology graduate students in good standing have been funded. Financial support consists of tuition scholarship, assistantships that provide a competitive stipend, research funding, and the opportunity for summer assistantships.

Tuition Scholarship

Students receive 24 hours of remitted tuition per year (at $1,683 per credit hour), up to 90 credits in total across the span of the graduate career, which funds the full PhD program of study. The tuition scholarship does not cover the costs of student fees or student insurance.

Funding for Academic Months

Students receive a competitive stipend that meets or exceeds the cost of living in Syracuse from one of several different sources including teaching assistantships, clinical assistantships, clinical externships, research assistantships, community or university externships, or university fellowships. In most cases, these are 9-month appointments although some are 12-month positions. Teaching assistants support the education of undergraduate students by teaching lab or recitation sections, grading, providing reviews, proctoring exams, or other activities. Research assistantships support a specific research project, typically one funded by extramural funding agencies such as the NIH. Fellowships provide protected time to pursue independent research projects. Clinical assistantshipsCommunity or university externships involve providinge mental health services to community and campus clients. Clinical externships are offered in conjunction with university and community partners.

Funding for Summer Funding

Although not guaranteed, most of psychology graduate students receive summer funding in the form of independent teaching, clinical assistantships, clinical community or university externships, research assistantships, or fellowships.

Research Support

The department offers a research fund to support the research and professional development of each student. These funds can be used for the collection or analysis of data, to attend a scientific conference or workshop, or other purposes that will enhance student training (such as attending professional or statistical workshops or traveling for predoctoral clinical internship applications).

Cost of Living Comparison

Syracuse is a very affordable city. We encourage you to use a cost-of-living comparison (such as the one available at this site ) to compare Syracuse to other cities.

Program Information

Official program requirements include at least 90 credit hours, including a 6-credit master's thesis and an 18-credit dissertation. Prior to beginning the dissertation, students must pass a doctoral qualifying exam. A full-time, one-year clinical internship is also required before the Ph.D. is awarded.

Program of Study

The doctoral program in Clinical Psychology at Syracuse University admits students to begin full-time study in the fall semester. Our curriculum has evolved in order to meet both responsibilities to the profession of Psychology as well as individual student needs. Doctoral students in Clinical Psychology typically follow a common core sequence in their first two years of study. The course content in the first two years is structured to ensure that all doctoral students receive comprehensive training in statistics and research design, theoretical underpinnings to Clinical Psychology as well as developing core foundational skills in evidence-based treatments. Students are also expected to complete their Master’s thesis in their second or third year of study.

This core sequence is then followed by an opportunity for students to tailor their training and study to match personal interests. These subsequent years of doctoral study include elective courses, additional research and dissertation work, clinical practica and a one-year predoctoral internship.

Consult the Course Catalog for specific requirements.

Our APA accredited Clinical Psychology doctoral program is also identified as New York State licensure-qualifying. This ensures that the education of program graduates will be accepted for licensure immediately in New York. The core courses that our doctoral students must complete are those required by New York State for licensure.

Optional Concentrations

In addition to completing the degree requirements for the doctorate in Clinical Psychology, students in good academic standing can also enroll in one of the two optional concentrations: (1) the Neuroscience Concentration and (2) the Concentration in Advanced Quantitative Methods in Psychology (CAMP), which appears as a graduate specialization on a student’s transcript. Your Ph.D. in Clinical psychology will be awarded the Psychology department with your concentration listed as an area of specialization in your degree. More information about the concentration can be found here .

Application Information

The Clinical faculty considers the mentoring of graduate students to be an integral part of our professional endeavors. Graduate students are carefully selected from a pool of applicants and work closely with a major advisor in a research apprentice training model. Although admissions decisions are made by the faculty as a committee, major advisors and students are matched based on shared research interests at the time an offer of admission is made. The following is intended to provide a quick reference for potential applicants. Please see the rest of this page for more detailed information about the doctoral program in Clinical Psychology at Syracuse University.

1.Applications are due no later than December 1.

2.Application requirements include but are not limited to:

• CV or Resume
• Transcripts from prior and current institutes
• Three letters of recommendation
• Personal Statement of Purpose (please indicate at least oneup to three faculty members within the clinical psychology program you are interested in working with; please see the below list of clinical psychology faculty members who will review applications for the fall 2024 class)

3.All application materials must be submitted via the online application for graduate study.

• To begin the application process visit https://www.syracuse.edu/admissions/graduate/apply/
• Click the online application link and create a New User account with Embark
• When queried as “to which program and degree do you intend to apply?” select “Clinical Psychology, Ph.D.”

4.Please direct questions about our program to [email protected] (preferred) or 315.443.3087.

Additional Resources

• Before you apply
• Other useful forms can be found via the Forms & Resources page
• Steps: Defense Procedures

Questions related to the program's accredited status should be directed to:

Office of Program Consultation and Accreditation American Psychological Association 750 1st Street, NE, Washington, DC 20002 Phone: (202) 336 5979 / E-mail: [email protected] Web: www.apa.org/ed/accreditation

Clinical Psychology Faculty

The doctoral program in Clinical Psychology at Syracuse University is dedicated to training outstanding students to become responsible, innovative, and scholarly clinical psychologists. Our program embraces the scientist-practitioner model, providing balanced training in the science and practice of clinical psychology. Our faculty view scholarly empirical research as the foundation of clinical psychology, and we seek to train students who are eager to embrace the research mission of the program.

Kevin Antshel, Ph.D. Dr. Antshel’s research and clinical interests focus on developmental psychopathology, with specific emphasis on attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) across the lifespan. Dr. Antshel investigates the heterogeneity of ADHD (e.g., ADHD in the context of autism spectrum disorder, ADHD in medical disorders such as 22q11.2 deletion syndrome) to further explore mediators and moderators of treatment outcomes. For more information, please visit Dr. Antshel's faculty page . Dr. Antshel will review applications for Fall admission in 2024.

Joseph W. Ditre, Ph.D. Dr. Ditre’s research cuts across basic and applied work in the areas of health psychology and behavioral medicine, with an emphasis on the intersection of addictive behaviors and comorbid medical disorders. Broadly, this research examines how the use of substances may influence the onset and progression of comorbid medical disorders, and vice versa. Specifically, his research applies a multi-method approach to the study of complex interrelations between pain, affect, comorbid psychopathology, and the maintenance of addiction. For more information, please visit Dr. Ditre's faculty page . Dr. Ditre will review applications for Fall admission in 2024.

Les A. Gellis, Ph.D. Dr. Gellis is an associate teaching professor. His research and teaching focuses on cognitive and behavioral elements that contribute to stress, insomnia, and other sleep disorders. Dr. Gellis is currently interested in testing and designing techniques to treat insomnia and understanding and causes and consequences of sleep problems in University students. For more information, please visit Dr. Gellis’ faculty page . Dr. Gellis does not accept PhD students.

Afton Kapuscinski, Ph.D. Dr. Kapuscinski is an assistant teaching professor and director of the psychological services center. She is interested in the treatment of mood, anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorders, and other concerns particularly relevant to the young adult population, including body image, disordered eating, and religious/spiritual issues. Her clinical work and supervision utilize an integrative approach that emphasizes psychodynamic and humanistic therapy models. She also provides Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for the treatment of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder in adults. For more information, please visit Dr. Kapuscinski’s faculty page . Dr. Kapuscinski does not accept PhD students.

Katie Kidwell, Ph.D. Dr. Kidwell’s research focuses on pediatric health behaviors (primarily eating and sleep) as predictors, mechanisms, and intervention targets for improving physical and mental health. Dr. Kidwell employs a multilevel, multimethod approach to understand the relationships among physical health, mental health, and health behaviors within a larger social context in children and adolescents. This research program combines subjective and objective data with technology to build rich datasets to answer complex questions about the best way to improve children’s health. For more information, please visit Dr. Kidwell's faculty page . Dr. Kidwell will not review applications for Fall admission in 2024.

Aesoon Park, Ph.D. Dr. Park's research interests focus on individual risk pathways of the development and escalation of alcohol use/misuse involving and co-occurring high-risk health behaviors (such as sleep and substance use/misuse) within developmental contexts. She is also interested in statistical techniques that account for the time-varying and multi-level nature of human development (e.g., structural equation model, multilevel model, latent mixture model). For more information, please visit Dr. Park's faculty page . Dr. Park will not review applications for Fall admission in 2024.

Jillian R. Scheer, Ph.D. Dr. Scheer’s interdisciplinary research program focuses on (1) identifying biopsychosocial determinants of hazardous drinking and PTSD among sexual and gender minority people and (2) developing tailored evidence-based interventions for this population. For more information, please visit Dr. Scheer's faculty page . Dr. Scheer will review applications for Fall admission in 2024.

Shannon Sweeney, Ph.D. Dr. Sweeney is an assistant teaching professor. She teaches Foundations of Human Behavior, Psychology of Childhood and Pediatric Psychology. She also focuses on transferring theory to practice and in so doing provides her students with a strong foundation for their own practices in psychological service delivery. For more information, please visit Dr. Sweeney’s faculty page . Dr. Sweeney does not accept PhD students.

Peter A. Vanable, Ph.D. Dr. Vanable's research focuses on psychological aspects of health and illness, with an emphasis on behavioral aspects of HIV/AIDS. Current projects include studies designed to characterize the coping challenges and experiences of men and women who are living with HIV disease, as well as studies that evaluate the effectiveness of interventions to reduce high risk sexual behavior. Dr. Vanable's interests also include the prevention and treatment of addictive behaviors. For more information, please visit Dr. Vanable's faculty page . Dr. Vanable will not review applications for Fall admission in 2024.

Sarah Woolf-King, Ph.D . Dr. Woolf-King is a licensed clinical psychologist with a combined interest in health psychology, epidemiology, and behavioral medicine. The overarching goal of her work is to inform the development of behavioral and psychological interventions that can enhance the wellbeing of patients and families coping with chronic medical conditions. For more information, please visit Dr. Woolf-King's faculty page. Dr. Woolf-King will review applications for Fall admission in 2024.

Michelle Zaso, Ph.D. Dr. Zaso’s research focuses on sources of vulnerability and resiliency to alcohol-promoting environments. Her current projects work to identify in-the-moment cognitive processes in stress- and trauma-related drinking. Dr. Zaso’s research program utilizes ecological momentary assessment, intensive longitudinal data analysis, experimental laboratory paradigms, and other mixed methods approaches to model alcohol etiologies. For more information, please visit Dr. Zaso's faculty page .

Dr. Zaso will review applications for Fall admission in 2024.

Research Training

Research training is a primary mission in the Clinical Psychology training program. Through both coursework and supervised apprenticeship, doctoral students learn skills that will enable independent research upon graduation. Skills that provide the basis for our research training model include how to critically evaluate the existing knowledge base, formulate new hypotheses that can be empirically tested and disseminate research findings. Training in manuscript preparation, grant writing and presenting data orally are all core components of our research apprenticeship model.

Members of the Clinical faculty collaborate with each other and with colleagues within the Syracuse area and across the country. There are ongoing collaborative research projects at the Syracuse V.A. Medical Center and the State University of New York - Upstate Medical University. Both of these institutions are within easy walking distance of the Psychology Department and provide valuable research and clinical experiences for our students.

Clinical Training

Our clinical training is centered on providing doctoral students with a thorough grounding in evidence-based practice. Our goal is to equip students with core skills in assessment and intervention so that the student is fully prepared for the predoctoral internship training experience.

Students begin their formal clinical training by completing a year-long assessment course sequence and a year-long therapy practicum course. Both of these year-long sequences are completed before the students spend the third-year training in the Department's Psychological Services Center (PSC). The PSC provides psychotherapy and assessment services to university students and to members of the greater Syracuse community. Upon completion of the year-long PSC practicum, students are able to complete advanced practica at multiple local sites in the broader Syracuse community.

Clinical supervisors vary in their conceptual approaches to understanding and modifying behavior, which promotes lively discussion of clinical topics and the development of flexibility in clinical skills. Supervision is complemented by seminars in multicultural issues, ethics and psychopathology, as well as by regular case conferences.

Teaching Training

Many students also obtain teaching experience to help prepare them for academic careers. Initially, students may work as a teaching assistant, usually during the first year, in the undergraduate Introduction to Psychology course (PSY 205). Subsequent to this initial teaching experience, students may serve as course instructors and have full responsibility for an undergraduate course. Doctoral students interested in pursuing an academic career can be confident that they will receive significant teaching opportunities and mentoring on the essential skills of college instruction. Students frequently rank teaching among the most rewarding experiences of their graduate training. Many of our students also obtain additional training in teaching and career development experiences through the Future Professoriate Program and Women in Science and Engineering (WiSE) Future Professionals Program .

For more information about the program, visit the Frequently Asked Questions page. Please direct requests to: [email protected] .

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IMPORTANT NOTE REGARDING 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 SITE VISITS: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, site visits for the majority of programs scheduled to be visited in 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023 have been shifted. Please note that the “next site visit date” listed for each program does not represent an expiration of accreditation. It represents a timeline for a program’s next periodic review. The accreditation status of the 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023 programs will not be impacted by site visit delays. Cycle shifts are listed here . 

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College of Science and Health > Academics > Psychology > Graduate Programs > Clinical Psychology (MA/PhD)

Clinical Psychology (MA/PhD)

Be a leader and an advocate.

DePaul’s Clinical Psychology MA/PhD program emphasizes training in both scientific research and practice and has been recognized by the APA for training in diversity. You’ll gain a deep understanding of the societal and systemic forces that influence mental health and contribute to disparities in access to adequate health care for poor, urban and ethnically diverse populations. You’ll be prepared to work in the public sector, in an urban environment, with diverse ethnic and socio-economic populations, and with children, teens and families who have been traditionally underserved by psychology.

Applications are due December 1st. 

Choose from two areas of emphasis:

• The community track emphasizes training in prevention, program development, consultation, empowerment and health promotion.
• The child track focuses on developmental psychopathology and treatment of underserved youth in schools and community settings.

The Clinical Psychology MA/PhD is a combined degree. The MA is non-terminal, and the program admits only students intending to earn the PhD. Classes are offered on the Lincoln Park Campus, and this program can be completed in five or six years.

Get a closer look at what it’s like to be in the program. See our Student Admission, Outcomes and Other Data ,  Program Manual ,  Program Highlights ,  Faculty Diversity Manuscripts and Timeline . See our department's DEI website for more information.

Hone your skills at DePaul’s own clinic and in greater Chicago

You will receive extensive training while making an impact in the community. Through DePaul’s in-house clinic, you’ll have opportunities to provide mental health services to local families with diverse ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds. You’ll also gain advanced experience in a number of settings in the Chicago area, such as Howard Brown Health Center, Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center and John H. Stroger Jr. Hospital of Cook County.

Application Deadlines

Applications are due April 10th. Please review the admissions requirements page carefully, as admissions this year is contingent on availability of grant funding.

Submit an online application, GRE scores, official transcripts, course history form, letters of recommendation and a personal statement.

Required Courses

To earn the master’s, you’ll take 20 courses and complete a practicum and thesis. You’ll then take three core PhD courses and three courses in your area of emphasis, complete two practica, an internship and a dissertation.

of Clinical Psychology graduates were employed, continuing their education or pursuing other goals within six months of graduation.

DePaul’s Clinical Psychology program has received three APA awards—two focused on overall excellence in training and one focused on diversity.

Learn with respected contributors and mentors

Professor Antonio Polo and his students conduct research that addresses youth depression and the needs of early adolescents. Their team works on a coping skills program called Act and Adapt that helps young students learn to handle stress, improve their mood and gain control. They partner with school districts to train and support counselors, social workers and psychologists to deliver this program at dozens of Chicago schools.

“DePaul provided me with opportunities to build my research and teaching portfolio while I was a graduate student in ways that absolutely set me apart when I went on the academic job market. As the director of a sliding-scale community mental health training clinic serving sexual and gender minority clients, I am frequently grateful for the ways my current role supports continued practice of the Vincentian values that were so central to my experience at DePaul.”

Liz (MA/PhD ’19)

Assistant professor & director, sexual and gender identities clinic, palo alto university.

Alumni Network

You’ll join a network of psychology alumni working in corporate and nonprofit settings and at colleges and universities around the country. You’ll also join a community of more than 201,000 DePaul alumni, the majority of whom live in the Chicago area.

DePaul’s APA-accredited clinical psychology doctoral program trains students in a scientist-practitioner model.

Questions related to the program’s accreditation status should be directed to the Commission on Accreditation:

Office of Program Consultation and Accreditation American Psychological Association Education Directorate 750 1st Street, NE, Washington, DC 20002 Phone: (202) 336-5979 Email: [email protected] Web: https://www.apa.org/ed/accreditation

Scholarships

All entering students receive a full-tuition waiver and a stipend for the first five years of study.

Contact Information

For more information about applying, contact The Office of Graduate Admission for DePaul’s College of Science and Health at (773) 325-7315 or [email protected] .

Take the next step

We’ll send you information about the degree, admission requirements and upcoming info sessions. Let’s get started.

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Top 10 tips for applying to clinical psychology Ph.D. programs

Participants of the second annual Diversifying Clinical Psychology Weekend gained skills for succeeding in graduate school.

Program offers pointers for prospective students

In an effort to help aspiring clinical psychology applicants from historically marginalized and underrepresented backgrounds feel better prepared to tackle the application process and succeed in graduate school, School of Social Ecology graduate students from the clinical psychology area hosted their second annual “Diversifying Clinical Psychology Weekend” event earlier this month. Co-sponsored by DECADE, the event included breaking down application requirements, discussing how to obtain relevant research experience, and sharing the experiences of current students to help aspiring applicants feel more confident in their own academic journeys. 

• Professionalism is key. Using professional email greetings, being punctual, demonstrating preparation, taking ownership and responsibility, and using critical thinking and problem solving skills goes a long way. 
• Get involved in research labs. Joining a research lab during undergraduate or post-bacc programs, or seeking full-time research assistant and research staff positions will help prepare you for graduate programs that place heavy emphasis on research. 
• Prepare an accurate and professionally-formatted CV. Keep formatting consistent, list things in reverse chronological order, use action words when describing your contributions to activities. 
• Personalize your Research Statements (also known as Statement of Purpose) for each program you apply to. Emphasize what draws you to each particular program, include faculty members you are interested in working with and why, and state how YOU can add value and contribute to the program.  
• Weave a narrative through your personal statement that goes beyond your CV. Avoid summarizing your CV. Tell a story that SHOWS the reader what lessons you have learned and your main takeaways from prior experiences that have led you to apply to their program. Relate your experiences through common themes, goals, and interests that may not be obvious to someone simply reading through your CV. 
• Incorporate your values, commitment to DEI, and who you are as a person in your Personal History Statement (also known as Diversity Statement). This is a great place to show parts of yourself, your background, and your experiences that don’t fit into other parts of the application. 
• Get feedback on your materials. Get feedback from friends, family, and colleagues on your essays. 
• Submit strong letters of recommendation. Letters of recommendation are a critical component of a well-rounded application. Be sure to request letters from writers with whom you have good relationships and believe will be able to write you a thorough and positive letter of recommendation. Don’t hesitate to ask potential letter writers if they would be able to write you a STRONG letter of recommendation. 
• Research your programs ahead of time to make sure they are a good fit for you. Just as schools are evaluating whether you will be a good fit for their program, you should take the time to do your research on whether programs you are applying to seem to be a good fit for your research interests, professional goals, and personal needs.
• Check out additional resources and information sessions:  https://tinyurl.com/ClinicalPhDInfoSessions  and  https://tinyurl.com/ClinicalPsychResourceSheet .

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Understand the Human Experience from a Biblical Worldview with an Online PhD in Psychology

Do you want to deepen your knowledge in psychology and use your research to contribute to the field of understanding human behavior? Liberty University’s PhD in Psychology can provide rigorous research training that can better prepare you for a career in academia and research. An online PhD in Psychology is ideal for students who want to bring new knowledge of human behavior to the field and find new ways to help people heal, grow, and thrive.

Liberty’s PhD in Psychology is designed to prepare you to evaluate research and to understand the truth about human behavior from a biblical worldview. Our mission is to  Train Champions for Christ , and we fulfill this mission by training professionals to use science and biblical values to understand the full breadth of the human experience. Our unique, biblically-based approach to this field can help prepare you to make a positive impact on those you work with.

With Liberty’s PhD in Psychology, you can take part in optional face-to-face on-campus intensives that will allow you to meet faculty and other students while you develop your professional and research skills.

What Will You Study in Our PhD in Psychology Degree?

Liberty’s online PhD in Psychology is designed to build on your previous study and experience in human psychology and develop you into a researcher and psychologist who demonstrates ethical and academic excellence while integrating biblical values into your practice.

Through this program, you will:

• Learn how an appreciation of biblical values enhances psychiatric practice by putting human value at the forefront of technique and theory.
• Develop a grounded critical approach to psychiatric research and theory while integrating a biblical worldview into approaches to current issues in psychology.
• Master psychiatric research and writing techniques that can establish your work in the study of human behavior.
• Complete dissertation research through your program with mentorship from your professors so that you have the option to present research at conferences.

Through this program, you will be encouraged to become a thought leader on a variety of topics related to the human experience. Our goal is to help you venture into the world of psychiatric research and practice and offer insights based on biblical foundations of truth that can help people heal and thrive.

Featured Courses

• PSYC 510 — Research Methods and Statistics in Psychology I
• PSYC 710 — Psychological Research and Biblical Worldview
• PSYC 716 — Theories and Research in Industrial/Organizational Psychology
• PSYC 775 — Teaching of Psychology

Degree Information

• This program falls under the  School of Behavioral Sciences .
• View the  Graduate Behavioral Sciences Course Guides   (login required).
• View the  PhD in Psychology Dissertation Handbook
• The online PhD in Psychology is a non-clinical, non-licensure program.

Why Choose Liberty’s Online Degree?

To help you meet your educational goals in a way that fits your life, our online PhD in Psychology provides scheduling flexibility and keeps affordability in mind. Our PhD in Psychology’s online format allows you to take your classes from home without traveling to campus. However, this program still provides a community of psychology professionals and the ability to take optional intensive courses to allow you to connect in person.

Throughout this program, Liberty incorporates a biblical worldview into your instruction. This perspective in your research and practical training in psychology can help you develop professional and academic excellence without compromising an ethical appreciation for human life. Additionally, our caring faculty are devoted to helping you grow personally and academically.

With our online PhD in Psychology, you can learn effective clinical techniques, essential behavioral theory, and develop your research and writing expertise. You can be equipped with a thorough understanding of human thought and behavior while developing your own research to further the field.

Earning a PhD in Psychology online with Liberty means that you will be trained to engage with research and psychiatric practice critically and biblically. If you are interested in becoming a thoughtful, articulate, and research-focused professional, then this is the program for you.

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• Private Nonprofit University
• 600+ Online Degrees
• No Standardized Testing for Admission
• Transfer in up to 75% of an Undergrad Degree
• Transfer in up to 50% of a Grad/Doctoral Degree

Potential Career Opportunities for PhD in Psychology Graduates

• Corporate psychologist
• Program or department head
• Project manager

Degree Options for Our PhD in Psychology Program

Focus your studies in psychology with a specialization.

Behavioral Health Leadership

Through the  PhD in Psychology – Behavioral Health Leadership , you can hone your research and leadership skills as you prepare to pursue administrative and management positions in mental and behavioral health organizations.

View the Degree Completion Plan .

Developmental Psychology

Through the online  PhD in Psychology – Developmental Psychology , you can learn about research theory related to human development, including cognitive development, social development, and language development.

General Psychology

The online PhD in Psychology – General Psychology provides an in-depth study of advanced psychiatric research and practice while giving you room to customize your course content.

Industrial/Organizational Psychology

In the online  PhD in Psychology – Industrial/Organizational Psychology  track, you will study human behavior in organizations and the workplace. You will focus on deriving principles of individual, group, and organizational behavior and applying that knowledge to developing solutions for challenges in the workplace.

Social Psychology

In the online  PhD in Psychology – Social Psychology  track, you can learn about research and theory related to social processes and relationships, attitudes, and other constructs related to social psychology.

In the online  PhD in Psychology – Theology  track, you can learn how to study the Bible and integrate that study of the Bible with research in psychology to further your understanding of psychological concepts.

Not sure what to choose?

Speak to one of our admissions specialists to help you choose the program that best fits your needs.

Tuition & Aid

Your success is our success, which is why we are committed to providing quality academics at an affordable tuition rate. While other colleges are increasing their tuition, we have frozen tuition rates for the majority of our undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs for the past 9 years – and counting.

Eligible current and former military service members and their spouses may qualify for a special rate of $300/credit hour ( learn more ) .

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Admission Information for Our PhD in Psychology

Admission requirements.

• A non-refundable, non-transferable $50 application fee will be posted on the current application upon enrollment (waived for qualifying service members, veterans, and military spouses – documentation verifying military status is required) .
• Send official college transcripts (mailed as sealed, unopened copies or sent via a direct electronic transcript system). A regionally or nationally accredited master’s degree with at least a 3.0 GPA is required for admission in good standing.
• Contact information  for 2 recommenders is required (approved recommenders are the student’s former college professors or supervisors).
• Statement of Purpose  is required (1,000-1,500 words, double spaced).
• Departmental approval is required.
• Applicants whose native language is other than English must submit official scores for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or an approved alternative assessment. For information on alternative assessments or TOEFL waivers, please call Admissions or view the official International Admissions policy .

Preliminary Acceptance

If you are sending in a preliminary transcript for acceptance, you must:

• Be in your final term and planning to start your doctoral degree after the last day of class for your master’s degree.
• Complete a Master’s Self-Certification Form confirming your completion date. You may download the form from the Forms and Downloads page or contact an admissions counselor to submit the form on your behalf.
• Submit an official transcript to confirm that you are in your final term. The preliminary transcript must show that you are within 6 credit hours of completion for a 30-48 credit hour master’s degree or within 9 credit hours of completion for a 49+ credit hour master’s degree.
• Send in an additional, final official transcript with a conferral date on it by the end of your first semester of enrollment in the new doctoral degree.

Transcript Policies

Official college transcript policy.

An acceptable official college transcript is one that has been issued directly from the institution and is in a sealed envelope. If you have one in your possession, it must meet the same requirements. If your previous institution offers electronic official transcript processing, they can send the document directly to [email protected] .

Admissions Office Contact Information

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Liberty University is dedicated to providing world-class educational experiences to military students across the globe.

Who May Qualify?

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Military Tuition Discount

We want to help you find the doctoral degree you want – at a price you’ve earned. As a thank-you for your military service, Liberty University offers eligible current and former service members like you or your spouse multiple pathways to earn a doctoral degree for only $300/credit hour . Find out how you can take advantage of this unique opportunity as you work toward your goal of reaching the pinnacle of your profession – for less.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there opportunities to interact in-person with peers.

You can meet faculty and fellow students in person through optional on-campus intensives.

Can I have an impact through this degree?

Through your dissertation, you can contribute to the understanding of human experience and behavior.

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Clinical Psychology

The Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology program helps students prepare to work as mental health professionals in a variety of settings and is intended to provide a broad training program in empirically validated clinical psychology. The program can provide the academic training necessary for graduates to apply for master's level licensing as a professional counselor in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and is flexible enough to prepare graduates for licensure in many other U.S. states. The M.A. program requires 60 credits of course work.

The overall model emphasizes the scientific bases of behavior, including biological, social, and individual difference factors. This scientist-practitioner training model is health-oriented rather than pathology-oriented and emphasizes the development of helping skills, including both assessment and intervention.

The degree program is intended for both part- and full-time students. Students are admitted fall semester only. The deadline for applications is April 30.

Admission Requirements

Applicants apply for admission to the program via the Graduate School application for admission . Requirements listed here are in addition to Graduate Council policies listed under GCAC-300 Admissions Policies .

Students will be admitted on a competitive basis and must submit the following:

• completed  Graduate School application form  with the application fee
• official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended
• three professional letters of recommendation, two of which need to be from academic letter writers
• a brief (two-page) interest statement

GRE scores are not required for admission, but students who do not submit GRE scores will not be eligible for most graduate assistantships and/or scholarships.

The applicant must have a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited academic institution or the equivalent, must have completed at least 18 credits in psychology, and must have a cumulative grade-point average of 3.0 or above in the last 60 credits of undergraduate course work. The undergraduate work must include a statistics course and a psychology research methods course with grades of B or higher. Students must submit a resume or CV and an APA-style paper (from a class is appropriate) for evaluation. A personal interview is required.

Applications are processed on a rolling basis with admission to the program granted only in a fall semester

Degree Requirements

Master of arts (m.a.).

Requirements listed here are in addition to Graduate Council policies listed under GCAC-600 Research Degree Policies.

The M.A. in Clinical Psychology requires 60 credits of course work. At least 20 credits must be earned at the established graduate campus where the program is offered. Included in the core courses are 100 hours of clinical practicum, 600 hours of supervised internship experience, and a master's research paper completed in association with  PSYC 530 .

Psychology Core Courses (21 credits) provide a foundation in professional ethics, individual differences and cultural diversity, the scientific bases of behavior, and scientific research skills. These courses are intended to facilitate the development of an awareness of the context in which clients live and in which interventions must work and are grounded in research.

Clinical Core Courses (27 credits) provide a general background in clinical diagnosis, assessment, and interventions with appropriate supervised experience to allow students to develop the clinical skills appropriate for master's level practitioners.

Electives (9 credits)  400-level courses may be taken for graduate degrees and in this program may only account for nine credit hours total. The flexibility in offerings here allows students to meet licensing requirements in a variety of states.

Grade-Point Average

Students must have a minimum 3.00 grade-point average to graduate from the program.

A graduate minor is available in any approved graduate major or dual-title program. The default requirements for a graduate minor are stated in Graduate Council policies listed under GCAC-600 Research Degree Policies and GCAC-700 Professional Degree Policies , depending on the type of degree the student is pursuing:

• GCAC-611 Minor - Research Doctorate
• GCAC-641 Minor - Research Master's
• GCAC-709 Minor - Professional Doctorate
• GCAC-741 Minor - Professional Master's

Student Aid

Graduate assistantships available to students in this program and other forms of student aid are described in the Tuition & Funding section of The Graduate School’s website. Students on graduate assistantships must adhere to the course load limits set by The Graduate School.

There are a limited number of scholarships and research grants available, as well as graduate assistantships.

Graduate courses carry numbers from 500 to 699 and 800 to 899. Advanced undergraduate courses numbered between 400 and 499 may be used to meet some graduate degree requirements when taken by graduate students. Courses below the 400 level may not. A graduate student may register for or audit these courses in order to make up deficiencies or to fill in gaps in previous education but not to meet requirements for an advanced degree.

Psychology (PSYC) Course List

Learning Outcomes

1. KNOW: Graduates will be able to demonstrate conceptual understanding and proficiency in clinical psychology and counseling from a scientist-practitioner lens and at the level required to contribute to the discipline.

2. THINK: Graduates will be able to develop and use appropriate, ethical, and culturally responsive research methods and techniques to apply knowledge or create new knowledge aimed at significant questions in clinical psychology and counseling as prudent scientist-practitioners.

3. COMMUNICATE: Graduates will be able to effectively communicate current research and practice applicable to the field in formal presentations and in written works.

4. APPLY/CREATE: Graduates will be able to conceptualize therapeutic cases in an empirically-supported theoretical framework that is sensitive and responsive to the unique facets of each client, with emphasis of their multicultural background, developmental experiences, and environmental influences.

5. PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE: Graduates will demonstrate the ability to work effectively and ethically across contemporary practice settings (e.g., schools, community-based clinics, medical settings, etc.) as competent scientist-practitioners with clients from diverse backgrounds.

Professional Licensure/Certification

Many U.S. states and territories require professional licensure/certification to be employed. If you plan to pursue employment in a licensed profession after completing this program, please visit the Professional Licensure/Certification Disclosures by State interactive map.

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Education & Psychology

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College of Education and Psychology

Be an architect of human potential .

Take the first step toward making a positive impact in your community. At The University of Texas Tyler’s College of Education and Psychology, we give you the tools to become a caring, service-oriented professional in education, psychology or counseling.

Hands-on coursework teaches you the best practices for a clinic, classroom or other educational setting. Through our small class sizes, our renowned faculty support and mentor you throughout your studies. Round out your education through research opportunities, internships and practicums. By the time you graduate, you are ready to take your field’s respective licensure exam and embark on a career that enriches the lives of East Texans.

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Whether you are a first-year college student discovering your vocation or a seasoned professional wanting to deepen your knowledge, our programs train you to better serve and uplift individuals in communities and schools across East Texas.

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Hands-on training and academic enrichment.

Improving Lives Through Science

One of our main goals is to help the residents of East Texas meet their full potential. Research is an essential part of that mission, and some of our major areas of focus include STEM education, literacy and understanding cognitive impairment in older adults. Through our partnerships with local nonprofits, schools and educational institutions, we actively apply our knowledge and experience to make effective changes today.

Participate in faculty-led research projects as early as your freshman year. As a graduate student, you can help discover solutions to some of the most pressing challenges in the field through our five research centers.

Discover How to Maximize Others’ Potential

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Education Beyond the Classroom

Gain practical experience through fieldwork, clinical teaching, internships and practicums. We have multiple partnerships around East Texas where you can fulfill the requirements needed for teaching and clinical certifications, as well as opportunities on campus. For those looking to make an impact beyond our borders, take advantage of UT Tyler’s partnership with Belize to access study abroad, professional development and research opportunities.

Put Your Newfound Skills Into Practice Before You Even Graduate

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Embrace your calling in our collaborative, nurturing community that understands the role of support in achieving your goals. Our team of advisors guides you through all program requirements and helps you create a personalized plan of study.

We Help You Become the Professional You Know You Can Be

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Make a Difference with a Master’s in Clinical Professional Counseling

• Healthcare and Science |

Mental health service providers are needed now more than ever to tackle our nation’s growing mental health crisis. The shortage of qualified professional helpers is calculated to extend into 2036, according to the Health Resources and Services Administration . According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics , rates of substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselor jobs are projected to grow 18 percent from 2022 to 2032, with an average of 42,000 jobs opening each year.

University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC) has committed to filling this gap by introducing a new program: the Master of Science in Clinical Professional Counseling (MSCPC). This 60-credit program provides students with fundamental skills, knowledge, and competencies that support counseling licensure. UMGC’s first cohort will begin in fall 2024, and the program will be offered to Maryland residents for the 2024-2025 academic year with plans to expand in the future.

“The clinical professional counseling program at UMGC prioritizes practical and applied skills, equipping students with a diverse set of counseling techniques, emphasizing ethical and legal considerations, and providing training in psychological assessment and diagnosis,” says Phyllis Medina, PhD, program director for the MSCPC program. “The goal is to prepare graduates for licensure and successful practice as independent and effective counselors in various mental health settings.”

UMGC learners grow in their confidence and capabilities through 700 hours of supervised practicum and internship experiences. This gives students the opportunity to perform the work of a counselor under the guidance and supervision of an experienced practitioner.

What is the difference between a master’s degree in clinical professional counseling (MSCPC) and other psychology master’s degrees?

An MSCPC degree prepares students for careers as licensed professional counselors. MSCPC training extends beyond coursework to include supervised clinical fieldwork experiences. During practicum and internships, students apply their knowledge in real-world settings and practice their interviewing, case conceptualization, and therapy skills in an ethical, culturally informed, scientifically supported way under the direct supervision of a licensed professional.

While supervised, in-the-field practicum experiences set a master’s in clinical professional counseling program apart from non-clinical psychology master’s degrees, allowing MSCPC students to learn the fundamentals through focused coursework. Courses in the program emphasize current best practices in counseling theory, psychotherapy practice, assessment methods, cross-cultural and trauma-informed care, and ethical standards.

What careers could a master’s in clinical professional counseling help prepare you for?

With licensure, a master's in clinical professional counseling graduate is equipped for various careers. Licensed Clinical Professional Counselors (LCPCs) can establish private practices, provide therapy in mental health clinics, or take on leadership roles as clinic directors or clinical managers in healthcare settings.

Experienced LCPCs may become clinical supervisors, training the next generation of effective and ethical counselors. LCPCs can work as trauma therapists, forensic counselors, and military and veteran counselors. Additionally, LCPCs can work as Employee Assistance Program (EAP) counselors, offering short-term support to employees, or serve as community mental health counselors, addressing the mental health needs of diverse local populations.

The growing field of telehealth also opens opportunities for LCPCs to provide online counseling services, while those with specialized training in addiction can work as addiction counselors in rehabilitation centers or outpatient clinics dedicated to substance abuse treatment.

“Counseling provides a safe space for individuals to explore their emotions, behaviors, and thought patterns,” says Medina. “By offering fresh perspectives and understanding, counseling can lead to improved mood and better management of mental health conditions.”

Does a master’s in clinical professional counseling prepare you to become a therapist?

The master’s in clinical professional counseling program intentionally prepares students for careers as therapists.

“Overall, a master's in clinical professional counseling is a recognized and common pathway for individuals seeking to become licensed therapists,” says Medina. “At UMGC, this program equips students with the knowledge, skills, and practical training necessary to provide therapeutic interventions and support for individuals dealing with various mental health issues and life challenges."

Upon completing a master's in clinical professional counseling and fulfilling any additional state-specific licensing requirements, one can pursue licensure (e.g., Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor or similar titles, depending on the jurisdiction). With this licensure, graduates are qualified to work as therapists in various settings, including private practice, mental health clinics, hospitals, community agencies, school counseling, and other healthcare organizations.

Licensing requirements vary by state or country, so those interested in becoming therapists should familiarize themselves with the specific regulations and licensure processes in the location where they plan to practice.

What is the difference between clinical professional counseling and clinical psychology?

Both clinical professional counseling and clinical psychology center around supporting individuals with mental health concerns, but key differences exist in their focus, training, and scope.

“The distinction lies in the depth of training,” says Medina. “Clinical professional counselors specialize in applied counseling techniques, while clinical psychologists have a comprehensive understanding of psychological conditions and therapies.”

Clinical professional counselors focus their training on applied therapies that address a variety of psychological stressors and life events. Licensed counselors typically have master's degrees in counseling or related fields and provide therapy to individuals, couples, families, and groups. They focus on addressing mood and anxiety issues, personal growth, and relationship challenges using various therapeutic techniques.

In contrast, licensed clinical psychologists carry the protected title “psychologist,” have doctoral degrees in psychology, and are trained to diagnose and treat mental illness using a variety of personality and neuropsychological assessments and evidence-based interventions. Many psychologists have concentrated training in research and often specialize in subfields like forensic, health, or neuropsychology.

UMGC's new program is a master’s in clinical professional counseling, which emphasizes a practical, applied approach to mental healthcare. Graduates do not become psychologists upon licensure, rather licensed clinical professional counselors.

What current and future trends does the UMGC Master’s in Clinical Professional Counseling program prepare students for?

While pursuing a master's degree in clinical professional counseling, UMGC students are prepared for landscape-shifting industry trends, including:

• Telehealth and technology integration. The COVID-19 pandemic saw a huge shift in how professional counselors delivered their services – a trend that has only continued to grow. Technology innovations, like cognitive behavioral therapy “homework” apps, mindfulness reminders, and thought trackers are also on the rise. Those seeking licensure will need to be competent at providing counseling services remotely and incorporating technology into their practice.
• Assessment and treatment of trauma. The field of counseling is also expanding its definition and understanding of psychological trauma. In the MSCPC program, UMGC students will study trauma-informed care, recognize the impact of trauma on mental health, and learn evidence-based approaches to trauma treatment.
• Equity, diversity, and inclusion. Well-trained counselors understand that their clients exist in their own cultural context; and they recognize and make moves to correct mental health disparities that exist across the sociocultural spectrum. Our program acknowledges the importance of inclusive counseling practices, of addressing the unique needs of clients from diverse backgrounds, and of advocating for the needs of underrepresented groups.
• Mindfulness and holistic practices. While earning their counseling degree, students can also learn about evidence-based mindfulness practices and holistic techniques designed to help clients cultivate present-moment awareness, develop greater self-compassion, and enhance psychological resilience.
• Integrated healthcare delivery. As the field of mental health shifts towards an integrated and preventive approach, students can explore the collaborative nature of integrated behavioral health. Mental health professionals work alongside medical professionals, occupational and speech therapists, and psychologists to address both physical and mental health concerns.

Staying up to date with these industry trends enhances students' adaptability and positions them to provide effective, informed, and culturally sensitive counseling services.

“As the mental health field shifts towards an integrated and preventive approach, students can explore the collaborative nature of integrated behavioral health,” says Medina. “Mental health professionals work alongside medical professionals to address both physical and mental health concerns.”

With a master’s in clinical professional counseling , students can meet the growing need for trained mental health professionals ready to take on roles as licensed practitioners. Upon obtaining licensure, graduates are primed and ready to enter the world of professional helping, prepared to join the ranks of those willing to address our nation’s mental health crisis.

Reference on this webpage to any third-party entity or product does not constitute or imply endorsement by UMGC nor does it constitute or imply endorsement of UMGC by the third party. 

Learn More About the Master’s in Clinical Professional Counseling

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