Clinical Psychology - M.A. and Ph.D. Download to print

The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Clinical Psychology prepares students to conduct research, to serve on college and university faculties, and to provide a range of clinical services. The program adheres to the Clinical Scientist model of education and training, which is founded on the idea that the practice of psychology should be based on the science of psychology, and that practicing psychologists should be able to translate clinical observation into researchable questions and pursue new knowledge on the basis of their observations. Students are expected to develop an area of special expertise in research, and opportunities for specialized clinical training are offered. In addition to general training in clinical psychology, students may receive specialized research and clinical training in one of the following areas: Adult Psychopathology; Assessment; Child; Health; or Neuropsychology.

The Master of Arts (M.A.) in Clinical Psychology is an intermediate degree required of students in the doctoral program.

With the interdisciplinary Master of Arts (M.A.) in Clinical Psychology–Gerontology, students develop a specialty in gerontological studies in preparation for doctoral work.
 

Applications for admission are accepted only from holders of a baccalaureate who aspire to the doctorate.

The M.A. requires a broad undergraduate preparation; research experience; junior-senior scholastic GPA average of 3.0; and 18 semester hours in psychology, which include a course in statistics and a broad background in psychology.  Students also must submit a statement of goals and motivations for pursuing a career in psychology, official transcript(s), scores from the Graduate Record Examination, and three letters of recommendation. 

In addition to the requirements above, admission into the Ph.D. program requires an M.A. or M.S. in Psychology.

Please refer to the University policy for graduate admissions.

M.A.:  Requirements for the M.A. degree are at least 32 semester hours, which include a basic core of required courses, clinical practica, and a thesis. Additional courses are selected with the aid of an advisor. A limited number of courses outside the department may be credited toward the degree. No 50000-level psychology courses may be applied toward degree requirements for psychology majors. Students must complete at least 18 semester hours of course credits within an academic year.

Ph.D.: The doctoral program, with the M.A. as an intermediate degree, requires a minimum of four years of full-time attendance for holders of the baccalaureate degree. All doctoral students in psychology (regardless of area of specialization) complete a program of basic core courses and clinical practica, select additional courses and seminars with the aid of a faculty advisor, and complete a doctoral dissertation. A limited number of graduate courses outside the department may be credited toward graduation. No  50000-level psychology courses may be applied to the degree program for psychology majors.

Doctoral program aspirants who do not hold the M.A. must complete all the requirements for the master’s degree.

Clinical psychology students must complete a supervised traineeship in a faculty-approved mental health facility outside the department, which involves a minimum of 1,000 hours. Additionally, a 2,000-hour internship in a setting approved by the American Psychological Association is required.

The program requires full-time continuous enrollment including summers.
 

Graduates of this program will be able to:

1. Demonstrate competencies in research methodologies specific to their area of interest.

2. Demonstrate competencies in teaching undergraduate courses.

3. Demonstrate competencies in providing psychological assessment and treatment services.
 

The graduate programs in psychology are strongly research-oriented.  Students are encouraged to become engaged in a variety of research projects.

M.A.: Students must complete a master’s thesis.

Ph.D.: Students must complete a doctoral dissertation. 
 

Ph.D.:  Students who have been admitted into the doctoral program will be considered for Ph.D. candidacy after they have met all requirements for the M.A. and have passed a qualifying examination in a major area of specialization in psychology. In addition, the department reserves the right to separate from the program a student who, in the opinion of a duly constituted departmental committee, is not likely to succeed professionally despite earning acceptable grades. Proficiency in a foreign language is not a requirement for a doctoral degree in psychology.
 

Ph.D.: Approved by the American Psychological Association.