clinical psychology phd programs no gre

• 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
• Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
• Climate Handbook
• P&N Team Resources
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• Psychology Programs

Accredited Psychology PhD and PsyD Programs That Don’t Require GRE [2024]

Not that long ago, the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) was a basic requirement to get into most master’s degree and doctoral programs. That’s no longer the case.

While many Ph.D. and Psy.D. programs still request your GRE scores, a growing number have omitted that requirement. Rather than relying on your performance on a four-hour-long exam to predict how you might do in graduate school, more and more schools are taking a holistic view of your educational background as a determiner of how equipped you are for graduate studies.

This shift has taken hold in the natural and life sciences, including many psychology programs.

If you want to enroll in a psychology PhD/PsyD program but don’t want to take the GRE, consider enrolling in one of the programs listed below.

Psychology PhD Programs That Don’t Require GRE

Listed below are some of the popular schools that offer psychology PhD programs that don’t require GRE:

Stanford University

The university of arizona, the chicago school of professional psychology.

• Boston University
• Grand Canyon University

Capella University

Northcentral university.

• The University of Arizona Global Campus

Not only does the Ph.D. program at Stanford not require the GRE for admission, but it’s also one of the best psychology programs in the nation. In fact, Stanford ranks first in the country for psychology, according to US News and World Report .

Stanford’s Ph.D. program requires you to complete at least 135 course units, which typically takes about five years of full-time study. During that time, you will focus on gaining knowledge and skills in two areas: psychological theory and psychological research.

The requisite skills in psychological theory and related areas come in courses and seminars that populate the program’s first few years. You will take part in high-level inquiries with your professors and classmates and have opportunities to tailor your learning to your desired sub-discipline.

The development of research-related skills come from hands-on research experiences. These experiences begin your first semester and comprise about half of your time in the program, though much more research occurs in the latter years of your studies.

Application requirements for this program include the following:

• Have a bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited U.S. institution (or an equivalent program abroad)
• Submit an application
• Submit transcripts from any college you’ve attended for at least one year
• Submit a statement of purpose
• Submit three to six letters of recommendation

Additionally, if you aren’t a native English speaker, you must submit scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).

You can study three distinct areas of psychology in the Ph.D. program at the University of Arizona: Cognition and Neural Systems, Social Psychology, or Clinical Psychology. In each case, taking the GRE is not a requirement for admission.

Since this program is in the College of Science, all three specialization areas have a heavy research component. Likewise, your studies in this program will be highly interdisciplinary, with coursework in areas like Speech and Language Science, Neuroscience, and Cognitive Science.

This is a full-time, residential, 63-credit program that takes four to five years to complete. You will take varied courses, including statistics, research fundamentals, and current issues in psychological theory. Additionally, you must take six units of elective coursework in your specialty area.

As noted above, you will undertake psychological research throughout your tenure in the program. There are research opportunities both on and off campus. Regardless of where you conduct research, you will work closely with a faculty member who will help guide and direct your research activities.

Application to this program requires that you:

• Submit an application to the graduate college and pay a $90 fee
• Have a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale
• Submit letters of recommendation from past professors (including two who teach psychology)

The Chicago School of Professional Psychology offers a number of doctoral programs that don’t require a GRE. This includes the Psy.D. in Clinical Forensic Psychology offered at their Anaheim, California campus.

This is a full-time residential program that requires four years to complete. Your time in the program is spent in seminars, conducting research, and getting real-world experience using your forensic psychology skills in supervised situations. You will take courses in topics ranging from Forensic Assessment to Violence and Risk Assessment to Psychopathology.

Likewise, you must complete a practicum and an internship in forensic psychology to graduate. The practicum serves as a highly supervised entry point to working in the field. In contrast, the internship is a culminating field experience where you conduct more independent (yet still supervised) fieldwork.

This program also has a dissertation component. Dissertation research is done throughout the program, but the dissertation defense takes place after the practicum and before the internship.

Admissions requirements include submitting the following:

• An application to the program, along with a $50 fee
• A resume or curriculum vitae
• A personal essay
• Official college transcripts
• Three letters of recommendation

Boston University (BU)

Boston University’s program is worth a look if you want to pursue a Ph.D. in clinical psychology but don’t want to take the GRE. This program began in the 1940s and has been accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA) since 1948. As such, the education you get at BU aligns with current standards of psychological practice.

This five-year clinical program includes traditional coursework and seminars, as well as opportunities to conduct research and get clinical experience. In fact, you will begin psychological research in your first year in the program, and internship experiences follow in the second year. These opportunities extend throughout the program until year five, which includes two semesters of internship placements.

Initially, your formal clinical training is on campus at BU’s Psychological Services Center. Your training includes 10 hours of work per week for a period of 11 months. During the third year of the program, your clinical experiences move to locations off campus and require you to work two full days each week for 11 months. The final internship during the fifth year of the program is a full-time placement.

Additional graduation requirements include dissertation research and defense, compiling a portfolio of competencies, and passing a qualifying exam.

To apply to BU’s Ph.D. program in clinical psychology, you must submit the following:

• An application by December 31 for the following academic year
• A personal statement explaining why you are a good fit for this program

The general psychology Ph.D. program at Northcentral University is another excellent example of a Ph.D. program that doesn’t require the GRE, provided your college GPA is at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.

This is a non-licensure program, so completing this degree won’t qualify you as a licensed clinical psychologist. However, the program’s emphasis on biological and social bases of behavior, and the robust research requirements, prepare you for many different jobs in psychology research.

You will need about four years to complete the 60 credits for graduation. Northcentral offers flexible courses to assist you in completing your degree with minimal disruptions to your life and work. For example, there are no weekly assignments, no lecture hours, and courses start every week.

Furthermore, Northcentral’s Ph.D. in psychology program offers one-to-one engagement with your professors, all of whom hold a doctorate in this field. You will benefit from their expertise by developing the ability to:

• Evaluate ethical considerations in psychology
• Use psychological theories and techniques in professional contexts
• Evaluate psychological research and analyze data

Northcentral provides the following guidelines for applying to this program:

• You must have a master’s degree from an accredited institution.
• If your master’s degree is in psychology, you may begin the Ph.D. program immediately.
• If your master’s degree is not in psychology, Northcentral will evaluate your transcripts to determine what prerequisite courses you need to take, if any.

Capella University offers a number of psychology doctoral programs, none of which require you to take the GRE. These include:

• Ph.D. in General Psychology
• Ph.D. in Developmental Psychology
• Ph.D. in Educational Psychology
• Ph.D. in Behavior Analysis
• Ph.D. in Industrial-Organizational Psychology
• Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology
• Psy.D. in School Psychology
• Ed.S. in School Psychology

Needless to say, Capella offers the pathways you need to pursue a specific type of expertise in psychology. Whether you want to practice in a clinical setting, conduct research in a laboratory, apply psychological principles in the workplace, or something in between, these programs will prepare you to do so.

Depending on your chosen specialty, your program might take two to five years to complete. Furthermore, some specialties offer 100 percent online studies, while others have online and in-person requirements. Additionally, some tracks, like behavioral analysis, have more research requirements than other tracks.

You need to meet the following requirements to apply to one of Capella’s doctoral programs in psychology:

• Submit an application and a $50 fee
• Possess a master’s degree from a regionally-accredited school in the United States or from a foreign program that is internationally recognized
• Submit transcripts from your master’s program showing a minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale

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40 Psychology Graduate Programs that Don’t Require the GRE

Check out the latest psychology graduate programs that don’t require the GRE for 2024. Explore in-demand graduate programs offered by schools with no GRE.

How people think directly influences how they act. If you’re fascinated by human thought and behavior, then it may be time to apply to a graduate program in psychology.

Editorial Listing ShortCode:

Jobs for psychologists are expected to increase 3 percent in the next ten years (Bureau of Labor Statistics), and a grad degree can help prepare you for success in those positions.

Universities Offering Psychology Graduate Programs Without a GRE Requirement

The following universities are regionally accredited and offer psychology graduate programs online. In addition, the universities either offer a GRE waiver to qualified students or have no GRE requirement at all for admission.

1. Abilene Christian University

In an on-campus program at Abilene Christian University in Texas, you can earn your master’s degree in Clinical Psychology, Counseling Psychology or General Psychology. In addition to classroom work that covers topics like statistics, cognition, ethics, assessments, psychotherapy, and research, students in these programs participate in a practicum experience.

• On-campus Master’s in Clinical Psychology
• On-campus Master’s in Counseling Psychology
• On-campus Master’s in General Psychology

ACU is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

2. Adler University

Founded in 1952, Adler strives to develop professionals and practitioners who will better their local communities and the world. Driven by the work of physician and psychotherapist Alfred Adler, the school values fairness, equality and civil rights and helps students learn to put these concepts into practice.

• Online Doctor of Psychology in Industrial & Organizational Psychology

Adler University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

3. Alliant International University

Recognized as a top school for minorities by Diverse: Issues in Higher Education Magazine and Best for Vets Colleges by Military Times EDGE magazine, Alliant values diversity in the classroom and the workforce. Students are encouraged to have a global perspective, a desire for community service and a commitment to equality. Believing that hands-on experiences are essential for a well-rounded education, the school connects students to the community throughout its degree programs.

• Online Doctor of Psychology

Alliant is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission.

4. American International College

On the Massachusetts campus of American International College, you can choose one of four different psychology master’s degree programs: Clinical, Counseling, Forensic or General Psychology. If you opt for Clinical Psychology, you can further refine your focus by choosing a Forensic Psychology or Mental Health concentration.

• On-campus Master’s in Forensic Psychology

AIC is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.

5. Antioch University

Equal rights, equal pay and equal educational opportunities for minorities and women have long been important at Antioch. In the 1800s, Antioch was one of the first institutions of higher education that admitted both whites and African-Americans, and the school’s list of famous alumni includes Coretta Scott King.

• Online Doctor of Clinical Psychology

Antioch University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

6. Ball State University

You can study online with Indiana’s Ball State University to earn a master’s degree in Educational Psychology. Another option is to get your degree in Quantitative Psychology through an online or hybrid course of study. Each program offers further concentrations, such as Neuropsychology, through which you can tailor your studies.

• Online Master’s in Educational Psychology
• Online Master’s in Quantitative Psychology

BSU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

7. California Baptist University

Through online study, you can earn a master’s degree in Counseling Psychology from California Baptist University. During this program, you’ll be required to complete a practicum and write a case report. You can select to complete your coursework through a synchronous or asynchronous format, and you’ll be expected to engage with fellow students each week.

• Online Master’s in Counseling Psychology

California Baptist University is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges Accrediting Commission for Senior Colleges and Universities.

8. California Lutheran University

You can take classes on the campus of California Lutheran University to earn an MS in Counseling Psychology or Clinical Psychology. Counseling Psychology students must complete a practicum and are eligible to take a licensing exam after graduation. Clinical Psychology students write a research thesis.

In 2015, WSCUC reaffirmed Cal Lutheran ’s accreditation for another 10 years.

9. California Southern University

Through online coursework, you can earn an MA or an MS in Psychology from California Southern University. The MA program can help prepare you for becoming licensed as a marriage and family therapist. The MS program features specializations like Sports Psychology and Pastoral Counseling and is good preparation for doctoral studies.

• Online Master’s in Psychology

California Southern University is regionally accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.

10. Capella University

Online master’s degree options from Capella University in Minnesota include Psychology and Clinical Psychology programs. Psychology students can choose among specializations like Educational Psychology, Applied Behavior Analysis, Industrial/Organizational Psychology and Child and Adolescent Development. Clinical Psychology students can study Applied Research, Clinical Counseling or Forensic Psychology.

• Online Master’s in Clinical Psychology – Applied Research
• Online Master’s in Clinical Psychology – Clinical Counseling
• Online Master’s in Clinical Psychology – Forensic Psychology
• Online Master’s in Psychology – Applied Behavior Analysis
• Online Master’s in Psychology – Child & Adolescent Development
• Online Master’s in Psychology – Educational Psychology
• Online Master’s in Psychology – General Psychology
• Online Master’s in Psychology – Industrial/Organizational Psychology
• Online Master’s in Psychology – Sport Psychology

Capella is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

11. Felician University

Since 1942, Felician University has been providing educational experiences based on the Catholic Franciscan values of service, compassion and respect. Over 2,000 students take classes from this school each year. The university has a student-faculty ratio of 13:1, and 73 percent of classes have fewer than 20 students.

• Online Doctor of Counseling Psychology

Felician University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

12. Florida International University

The MS in Professional Counseling Psychology from Florida International University is designed to prepare you to seek licensure. This is a hybrid psychology program, so you’ll do some coursework online and some on the university’s campus. For hands-on experience, you will also be required to complete a clinical practicum and a clinical internship.

• Hybrid Master’s in Professional Counseling Psychology

Florida International University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

13. Fort Hays State University

To help prepare you to work in an educational setting, you can earn an online MS in School Psychology from Fort Hays State University in Kansas. Courses in this program include Appraisal of Children, Curriculum-based Measurement and Advanced Child Psychopathology. Before graduation, you’ll be required to compile a portfolio and take comprehensive examinations.

• Online Master’s in School Psychology

FHSU is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

14. George Mason University

Virginia’s George Mason University offers a fully online program for earning an MPS in Applied Industrial and Organizational Psychology. To earn your degree, you’ll be required to take core classes like Psychological Research Methods and Personnel Selection as well as a few electives of your choosing. You will also need to complete two practicums.

• Online Master’s in Applied Industrial and Organizational Psychology

George Mason is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

15. Grand Canyon University

From Arizona’s Grand Canyon University, you can earn an MS degree with a concentration like Forensic Psychology, Geropsychology or Health Psychology. A generalist degree is available as well. Classes may include Social and Cultural Psychology and Contemporary and Ethical Issues in Psychology. You’ll be required to finish your studies with a capstone project.

• Online Doctor of Performance Psychology
• Online Master’s in Psychology – Forensic Psychology
• Online Master’s in Psychology – GeroPsychology
• Online Master’s in Psychology – Health Psychology
• Online Master’s in Psychology – Human Factors Psychology
• Online Master’s in Psychology – Industrial and Organizational Psychology
• Online Master’s in Psychology – Life Coaching

GCU is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

16. LeTourneau University

Earning an MA in Psychology from Texas’ LeTourneau University can help prepare you to use psychology in ministry settings. Classes include Integrative Theology for Counselors and Lifespan Human Development. Students also participate in fieldwork. This is a non-licensure degree, but credits can be transferred to the university’s MA in Counseling program.

LeTourneau is regionally accredited by: the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

17. Liberty University

Studying online with Liberty University in Virginia allows you to earn an MA in Applied Psychology with a specialization in Developmental Psychology or Industrial/Organizational Psychology. These programs include core courses like Cognitive Psychology and Psychology and Christianity. The Developmental Psychology electives provide insight into various age groups.

• Online Master’s in Applied Psychology

Liberty University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

18. Lynn University

You can take online classes from Lynn University in Florida to earn a generalist MS in Psychology or one with a focus on Industrial/Organizational Psychology. All students receive an iPad that they can use for their coursework. During the program, you may get to help faculty members with research.

Lynn University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

19. Murray State University

Earning a psychology master’s degree from Murray State University requires studying on the school’s Kentucky campus, but you’ll have the options of earning an MA or an MS in General Experimental Psychology or Clinical Psychology. Your coursework will include classes like Biological Bases of Behavior, and you’ll be required to complete a thesis.

• On-campus Master’s in General Experimental Psychology

Murray State is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

20. National University

Headquartered in San Diego, California, National University offers a variety of master’s programs in psychology that can be completed online or on campus at several locations in CA. These programs are designed with busy adults in mind. Fields of study offered include mental health counseling, forensic psychology, marriage and family therapy, and human behavior.

• Online MA in Counseling Psychology (California)
• Online or On-Campus MA in Human Behavior Psychology
• Online or On-Campus MA in Marriage and Family Therapy
• Online or On-Campus MA in Psychology
• Online or On-Campus MA Sport and Performance Psychology
• Online or On-Campus Master’s in Child and Adolescent Developmental Psychology
• Online or On-Campus MS in Applied Behavioral Analysis
• Online or On-Campus MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
• Online or On-Campus MS in Educational Counseling
• Online or On-Campus MS in Educational Psychology
• Online or On-Campus MS in Forensic Psychology
• Online or On-Campus MS in Health Psychology
• Online or On-Campus MS in Industrial Organizational Psychology
• Online or On-Campus MS in Sport Psychology

National University is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission.

21. Northeastern University

If you’re located in Boston, consider attending classes at Northeastern University to earn an MS in Counseling Psychology. For those who can’t attend classes on this Massachusetts campus, an MS in Applied Behavior Analysis is an online option in a related field; this program includes an optional practicum.

Northeastern has maintained its status as a member in good standing of the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) Commission on Institutions of Higher Education (CIHE) since it was awarded its initial accreditation in 1940.

• Online Master’s in Applied Behavior Analysis

Northeastern University is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Inc.

22. Northwest University

Affiliated with the Assemblies of God denomination, Northwest University is a Christian school with a desire to engage students who are committed to both scholarship and service. Graduates go on to work in a variety of fields, including ministry, business, medical and educational settings.

Northwestern University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

23. Nova Southeastern University

Florida’s Nova Southeastern University has online master’s programs for Forensic Psychology and General Psychology. These non-licensure programs may be useful as a pathway to a doctoral program, or you may put your education into practice in the workforce. Your coursework may include Cognitive Psychology, Human Growth and Development, and Human Sexuality.

• Online Master’s in Forensic Psychology
• Online Master’s in General Psychology

NSU is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

24. Pacifica Graduate Institute

By taking a mix of on-campus and online classes, you can earn a Master’s in Counseling Psychology from Pacifica Graduate Institute in California. You’ll be expected to take classes in the humanities, marriage and family therapy, and clinical counseling. In addition, you will be required to complete a practicum and may eligible for MFT or LPC licensure.

In June 2019, Pacifica’s accreditation was re-affirmed by the WASC Senior College and University Commission.

Pacifica Graduate Institute is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.

25. Palo Alto University

California’s Palo Alto University offers an online master’s program in preparation for earning your doctorate. Although classes are online, you’ll need to make one trip to campus. After earning your degree, you may be able to transfer your MS in Psychology credits toward the school’s PhD in Clinical Psychology program.

PAU is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges and the WASC Senior College and University Commission.

26. Pennsylvania State University

If you lead employees or other teams, consider pursuing an MPS in the Psychology of Leadership from Penn State World Campus. Your studies from this Pennsylvania school will include classes like Diversity Leadership, Dysfunctional Leadership and Leadership for Creativity and Innovation. You’ll also be required to engage in a culminating experience.

• Online MPS – Psychology of Leadership

Penn State World Campus is regionally accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools.

27. Pepperdine University

With online classes from Pepperdine University in California, you can earn an MA in Psychology or an MS in Behavioral Psychology. MA students learn about psychotherapy, counseling and interventions. The MS program includes supervised clinical experience, and it can help you prepare for taking the Board Certified Behavior Analyst exam.

• Online Master’s in Behavioral Psychology
• Online Master’s in Clinical Psychology – Marriage and Family Therapy

Pepperdine is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges—Senior College and University Commission.

28. Purdue University Global

You can earn a generalist psychology master’s degree from Purdue University Global, or you can pursue a specialty, such as Addictions or Applied Behavior Analysis. Before graduation, you can choose whether to take a comprehensive exam or write a thesis paper. Your coursework may prepare you to take certification exams.

Purdue University Global is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

29. Sacred Heart University

While earning your master’s degree through Sacred Heart University ’s hybrid format, you’ll take classes like Foundations of Psychological Science and Individual Psychological Assessment and Appraisal. The Connecticut school offers three options for the MS in Applied Psychology: a generalist degree, an Industrial-Organizational Psychology concentration and a Community Psychology concentration.

• Hybrid Master’s in Applied Psychology – Community Psychology
• Hybrid Master’s in Applied Psychology – Industrial-Organizational Psychology

SHU is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE).

30. Southern New Hampshire University

The concentration options for SNHU’s online psychology master’s program are Child and Adolescent Development Psychology, Forensic Psychology and Industrial Organizational Psychology. This non-licensure program includes courses like Theories of Personality and Ethical Practice in Psychology. You’ll be required to complete your studies with a capstone class.

• Online Master’s in Psychology – Child & Developmental Psychology
• Online Master’s in Psychology – Industrial & Organizational Psychology

SNHU is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.

31. The Chicago School of Professional Psychology

The Chicago School, which has campuses around the country, offers a number of online master’s programs for psychology students, including concentrations in International Psychology, Public Health , Child and Adolescent Psychology and Organizational Leadership. Most tracks are non-licensure, but the MA in Forensic Psychology can lead to licensure.

• Online Master’s in Forensic Psychology – Non-Licensure
• Online Master’s in Forensic Psychology – Professional Counselor Licensure
• Online Master’s in Industrial and Organizational Psychology – Applied Research Project
• Online Master’s in International Psychology – Environmental Advocacy
• Online Master’s in International Psychology – Management and Leadership
• Online Master’s in International Psychology – Trauma and Group Conflict
• Online Master’s in Psychology – Child and Adolescent
• Online Master’s in Psychology – Generalist
• Online Master’s in Psychology – International Psychology
• Online Master’s in Psychology – Organizational Leadership
• Online Master’s in Psychology – Public Health
• Online Master’s in Psychology – Social and Community Psychology

The Chicago School is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).

32. Touro University Worldwide

From Touro University Worldwide, you can earn an online MA in Psychology with a concentration in Educational Psychology, Media Psychology or Health Psychology. This New York-based school’s non-licensure programs can help equip you with skills for putting your classroom learning about cognition and personality into real-life practice.

• Online Doctor of Psychology in Human & Organizational Psychology
• Online Master’s in Psychology – Media Psychology

TUW is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission.

33. University of Hartford

You can take online or on-campus classes to earn an MS in Organizational Psychology from the University of Hartford in Connecticut. In addition to core classes like Personnel Psychology, you can choose both general psychology and organizational psychology electives. You’ll also be required to complete a capstone project or an internship.

• Online Master’s in Organizational Psychology

UHart is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.

34. University of North Dakota

The online no-GRE master’s program from UND includes classes like Behavior Pathology and Diversity Psychology. Earn an MA in Forensic Psychology will give you opportunities to study legal and criminal justice systems. The online class format involves watching recorded lectures, and you can access tutoring and library services.

UND is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission since.

35. University of Northern Colorado

You can take online classes from UNC to earn an MA in Educational Psychology with a Teaching Emphasis. Classes include Life Span Developmental Psychology, Brain and Education, Cultural Issues in Education Psychology and Motivation in Education. You’ll be expected to join a cohort and complete a master’s project.

• Online Master’s in Educational Psychology – Teaching Applications

UNC is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

36. University of Tennessee – Knoxville

The University of Tennessee – Knoxville’s Vols Online program offers an MS in Educational Psychology. You can choose a concentration in Adult Education or Applied Educational Psychology. This degree program often attracts professionals or those looking for a stepping stone toward a doctorate.

• Online Master’s in Educational Psychology – Adult Education
• Online Master’s in Educational Psychology – Applied Educational Psychology

The University of Tennessee – Knoxville is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

37. University of the Cumberlands

The Baptist roots of the University of the Cumberlands date back to 1888. The university reaches over 10,000 learners each year and has a 17:1 ratio of students to faculty. Hands-on learning is highly valued at this school, and all students are expected to engage in service opportunities while attaining their degrees.

The University of the Cumberlands is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

38. Walden University

Over 57,000 students are studying with Walden University at any given time. The faculty members are leaders in their areas of expertise, and almost 90 percent of them hold doctoral degrees. The university’s status as a certified B Corporation shows its commitment to operating ethically and motivating students to be positive change-makers in their communities.

• Online Master’s in Developmental Psychology
• Online Master’s in Industrial and Organizational (I/O) Psychology
• Online Master’s in Psychology – Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
• Online Master’s in Psychology – Applied Psychology
• Online Master’s in Psychology – Social Psychology

Walden is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission.

39. Western Kentucky University

U.S. News has ranked Western Kentucky University No. 24 in Best Colleges for Veterans and No. 34 in Best Regional Universities South. Both Sierra Club and Princeton Review have applauded this university for its environmental efforts. The school has over 20,000 students, and the average class has around 24 students in it.

Western Kentucky University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

40. William James College

With William James College, you can choose to earn your degree fully online or to report to the school’s Massachusetts campus on select weekends. This program allows you to earn an MA in Organizational Psychology, and you can select an optional concentration in Talent Management.

William James College is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.

A graduate degree in psychology may help you take your career to the next level. Thanks to the many no-GRE programs that are available, you may be able to get started without delay. Whether you are interested in counseling psychology or another specialty, there may be a no-GRE program that meets your needs.

Psychology Master’s Programs

Click on the field that most interests you to see a list of programs:

• Applied Behavior Analysis
• Forensic Psychology
• General Psychology
• Industrial Organizational Psychology

Psychology Doctoral Programs

Possible specializations outside of a Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) include:

• Cognition and Instruction
• Counselor Education
• Educational Psychology
• Marriage and Family Therapy

Master’s in Psychology – Applied Behavior Analysis

Focusing your studies on the field of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) can help you obtain the skills to help people modify their choices and actions. ABA skills can be useful with many populations, including children, the elderly and people with mental illnesses.

This concentration may help to prepare you for the licensure examination that will allow you to become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst; however, at some schools, you may need to take additional classes as well.

Master’s in Counseling

If you want to work one-on-one with people who could use direction and guidance, consider pursuing a career in counseling.

During your studies for a Counseling concentration, you may study individual and group therapies, addictions, tests and assessments, mental health disorders and life coaching. Your school’s program may prepare you for certification as a Licensed Professional Counselor in your state.

You may be able to select a concentration like Trauma Intervention or Health Psychology.

Master’s in Forensic Psychology

A master’s degree with an emphasis in Forensic Psychology can help students develop needed skills in various criminal justice and rehabilitation settings.

You might consider a career in prisons, juvenile homes, schools, rehab centers or courtrooms. The classes that you’ll take may cover mental illnesses, crisis negotiations, correctional systems and communications.

This degree program may prepare you for Licensed Professional Counselor status in your state.

Master’s in Psychology – General

A generalist master’s degree can give you the opportunity to explore many aspects of psychology.

Your studies may cover personality theories, group psychology, human development and mental health. A generalist concentration may allow you to enroll in several different electives so you can tailor your education to your various interests.

This online psychology degree can be useful in fields like human services, education, child development, business leadership, marketing and sales.

Master’s in Industrial Organizational Psychology

For a psychology degree that can help you become a better workplace leader, consider a concentration in Industrial Organizational Psychology.

Students in this concentration study the ways that people think and act in order to become more effective at motivating employees and encouraging exemplary performance. Your classes may cover topics like recruitment, productivity, conflict management and interpersonal relationships.

Many graduates apply their skills in management positions or as leaders in HR departments.

PhD in Psychology – Cognition and Instruction

When you pursue a concentration in Cognition and Instruction, you won’t just have the opportunity to gain a comprehensive education in cognitive psychology.

It can also help you learn how to teach others and effectively motivate learners. You might choose to teach college students or become a business trainer.

In preparation, your classes may cover topics like perception, attention, behavior theory, testing, mental health and social cognition.

PhD in Counseling

As a counseling psychologist, you can help people better their own lives and their interpersonal relationships.

Coursework for a Counseling concentration may encompass family dynamics, lifespan development, diversity and behavioral science. After completing this doctoral degree, you may be eligible to become licensed as a psychologist; your program may need to be licensed by the American Psychological Association.

Some schools require that you hold a master’s degree in this field before you can begin a PhD psychology program .

PhD in Counselor Education

Becoming experienced or licensed in counseling requires that students spend a good deal of time in supervised practice.

Earning a concentration in Counselor Education can help prepare you to be a professional who supervises others. This specialization may also help you earn a faculty position in a university’s psychology program.

In addition to increasing your knowledge about mental health, diagnostic criteria and various treatments, this concentration can also help you learn more about conducting research and teaching others.

PhD in Educational Psychology

If you want to use your psychology skills in academic setting, then a concentration in Educational Psychology may provide invaluable training.

Your doctoral classes will probably cover topics like memory, motivation, test scores, curriculum and organizational leadership. Educational Psychology programs may equip you to work with young students or adult learners.

You may be able to pursue licensure as a School Psychologist after completing this degree.

PhD in Psychology

To learn about many facets of psychology at the doctoral level, you may want to consider pursuing a generalist Ph.D. in this field.

Your studies can help you learn more about topics like psychology theories, client assessments, counseling ethics, behavior science, research and teaching. A general psychology program may offer you a chance to select multiple electives so you can pursue in-depth study in several areas.

A PhD in Psychology will typically also require a dissertation. However, a Doctor of Psychology may not require a dissertation since it’s a professional doctorate.

PhD in Industrial Organizational Psychology

An Industrial Organizational Psychology concentration can help prepare you for leadership positions in nonprofit agencies, corporations and other organizations.

The coursework will likely focus heavily on team leadership, group dynamics and organizational improvement. You may serve an internship with a company’s human resources, training or workplace safety team.

In some schools, this concentration may be known as Business Psychology, or I/O Psychology may be a subset of the Business Psychology program.

PhD in Marriage and Family Therapy

If helping people improve their closest relationships is important to you, then you might be a successful in the field of family therapy.

Pursuing a concentration in Marriage and Family Therapy can give you opportunities to study interpersonal relationships, refine your clinical skills, practice writing grants for family supports and conduct research in the field.

With a clinical internship experience, your degree program may prepare you to become a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist.

Applying to Psychology Graduate Programs

Although the application process can differ from one university to the next, most schools have a have some common requirements.

You may be required to submit:

• An application — this is often done online
• A personal resume that outlines your professional and volunteer experience
• School transcripts for your undergraduate and graduate degrees
• A letter or essay that states your personal goals and reasons for applying
• Your GRE or other test scores
• Letters of recommendation
• An application fee

When you think of applying to grad school, submitting test scores may be one of the first things that come to mind. However, that’s a less standard requirement than you might think. Some schools do not require any applicants to send in GRE scores for admission to their psychology programs, or they offer waivers.

Prerequisites

To be admitted to a master’s-level program in psychology, you must have earned a bachelor’s degree. Some schools stipulate that your undergraduate studies must be in psychology or a related field . Others do not have such a requirement.

Previous educational requirements for a doctorate can vary greatly. Most schools expect you to first hold a master’s degree, but others provide fast psychology degree programs in which you can earn your master’s while on your way to completing your doctorate. Don’t let the length of a doctorate in psychology program deter you away as it is normally an extra year or two and can be very rewarding.

Professional Requirements

Some schools consider only applicants with work experience. The workforce equips students with skills and knowledge beyond what is learned in the classroom, so having held a psychology-related position can help to set grad students up for success.

The exact length of time required can vary greatly among schools, but it’s common for programs to require applicants to have at least a few years of professional experience in the field.

5 Common GRE Waivers

Many universities look at GRE scores during the application process, but they’re willing to make exceptions for students who meet various waiver requirements, such as those listed below. Keep in mind that waivers are granted on a case-by-case basis, so you’ll have to discuss your eligibility with your university’s admissions department.

A strong undergraduate GPA may be enough to exempt you from testing. At some schools, a standard GPA minimum, such as 3.0, applies to all programs. Others set a different standard for each of their grad programs.

2. Professional Experience

If you’ve been working in the field for a certain length of time, some universities believe that is enough to demonstrate your competence and knowledge. Professional certifications may increase the likelihood of an exemption. Military service may also help you earn a waiver.

3. Graduate Degree

The GRE is intended to demonstrate your readiness for graduate-level work. If you have already earned another graduate degree, then it’s clear that you can perform at the post-baccalaureate level. Therefore, the GRE may not be necessary when applying for your second or third graduate program.

4. GMAT or GRE

Some schools want to receive test scores from you, but they may be flexible about which ones. The GMAT is an exam that is typically used for admission to business school. If you’ve taken the GMAT but not the GRE, you may be able to send your GMAT results in place of GRE scores.

5. No GRE Required for Specific Graduate Programs

Often, a school’s admissions requirements are different for each department. Just because GRE scores are mandatory for some programs, that doesn’t mean that every department will insist on them. Before sending in your application for grad school, look into the psychology department’s specific requirements.

What is the GRE?

The GRE, officially titled the Graduate Record Examination, is a rigorous test that some schools rely on as a measure of your readiness for grad school. The test covers topics like vocabulary, mathematics, reasoning and critical thinking.

If you take the GRE, you’ll receive three different scores. These three scores reflect the results of your:

• Two Verbal Reasoning sections
• Two Quantitative Reasoning sections
• One Analytical Writing section

What is a GRE Waiver?

Even if a school lists GRE scores as one of its requirements for admission to grad school, there’s a chance that you’ll be able to send in your application without them. If you meet other criteria, the school may be willing to assess your suitability for their graduate programs without GRE requirements .

Waivers may be granted for:

• Work history
• High undergraduate GPA
• Prior graduate degrees

The requirements vary among schools, so yours might grant other exceptions as well.

Is the GRE Exam Required for Graduate School?

For years, the GRE was considered the gold standard for grad school admissions. These days, more and more universities are opting not to require GRE scores as part of the application package. The same is true with psychology master’s programs not requiring the GRE .

The trend away from GRE testing is based on a mix of factors:

• Testing requirements may reduce schools’ diversity
• Exams don’t always predict grad school success
• Other criteria can do a better job of showing whether students are a good fit for a program

What master’s programs don’t require the GRE?

Each university sets its own admissions requirements, so there isn’t a set list of masters programs that don’t require the GRE . Because there has been a growing movement away from mandatory GRE testing in recent years, there’s a good chance that you will be able to find at least a few no-GRE universities that offer your desired master’s program.

Whether you are interested in psychology or another field, getting into grad school without the GRE may be possible.

What PhD programs do not require GRE?

There are many fields in which you can earn a doctoral degree without ever sitting for the GRE. Each university or doctoral program makes its own decisions about whether GRE scores are an essential part of the application process. From theology to psychology to mathematics, you may be able to find no-GRE doctoral programs that appeal to your interests.

To learn more about whether your top programs require GRE scores, contact the schools’ admission departments.

Does every graduate school require GRE?

No, only some graduate schools ask applicants to submit GRE scores with their applications for master’s or doctoral programs. Business schools often rely on the GMAT, and there are many schools that require no test scores at all.

Instead, they evaluate applicants based on other criteria, such as school transcripts and personal essays.

Is the GRE required for a PhD?

No, many successful doctoral students have earned their degrees without ever taking the GRE. If you are interested in a doctorate but don’t want to spend time or money on test preparation, you may be able to find programs that don’t require GRE scores as part of the application process.

Applying to the Clinical Program

The Clinical Psychology PhD program will not require students to submit GRE (General Test of the Graduate Record Exam) scores for the Fall 2024 admissions cycle.  Applicants who have taken or are planning to take the GRE may submit their scores if they choose. However, admissions decisions will not be based on whether or not an applicant has submitted their GRE scores. Applications will be evaluated based on all available materials provided as part of a holistic review process.

The deadline for submission of applications to the Clinical Psychology Doctoral Program is 11:59 PM, EST on December 1 st . The application and all required credentials must be received by the graduate school by this deadline. Applications must be submitted online (please see the GRS admissions website for the online application), and must include a personal statement, at least 3 letters of recommendation, GRE scores (see note above) and transcripts. Please note that you must enter the program name (Clinical) under specialization in the online application.

Given the large number of applications we receive and the expense you incur by applying to multiple programs, we offer what guidance we can as to how you might assess your “fit” with the program and your general chances of acceptance.

From 2016 to 2020, we received an average of approximately 560 applications per year and have accepted an average of 7 students per year. In this competitive process, virtually all the accepted students met a number of criteria. The successful applicants in those years had a combined average Verbal and Quantitative score of 324, and an undergraduate GPA averaging 3.6. Most of the successful applicants had scores and grades within a small range around these numbers.

The Boston University program largely works on a mentorship model. The most important criterion for entry is that your interests and experience fit closely with a mentor who is able to accept a student in the upcoming year. Unfortunately, it is difficult for us to predict which mentors will have funding for a student at the time that you apply to the program. However, of the faculty members listed in the department, only a core group are clinical “mentors”. The mentors listed below with an asterisk (*) will NOT be taking a student for the 2024-2025 class.

Clinical “mentors” are:

• Tim Brown *
• Alice Cronin-Golomb *
• Todd Farchione
• Dan Fulford
• Kristin Long
• Michael Otto *
• Tibor Palfai
• Donna Pincus
• Mark Richardson *
• Amelia Stanton
• Martha Tompson *

You should locate and carefully read their published materials and website profiles and assess whether you have experience in their area of study. Successful applicants typically have actual working experience in research in a closely related field. You should indicate which mentors you are qualified to work with, and therefore you would like to consider your application, in your personal statement.

Of course, we welcome all qualified applications. Our students cannot be described as fitting into any particular mold; we are extremely interested in applications from students from all ethnic/racial backgrounds, genders, sexual orientations, and nationalities. We hope this information will help you in the challenging process of selecting programs and submitting applications and that the experience will prove successful and satisfying.

Graduate Admissions for Clinical Psychology

Our program has made the GRE General Test optional for those applying Fall 2024 (application deadline: 12/1/2023). You are NOT required to submit GRE scores, and applications without GRE scores will be given full consideration. You may choose to submit scores if you have them, and they will be considered by the admissions committee.  In our current method of evaluating applicants, a relatively strong GRE could be used to offset a relatively lower GPA, but you would not be penalized for a low or unsubmitted GRE score. 

ADMISSIONS INFORMATION

Admission decisions are made by the department faculty and forwarded to the dean of the graduate school for final approval. Only applicants for full-time enrollment toward the Ph.D. will be considered. We do not accept applications for part-time enrollment or to complete a terminal master’s degree. We review applications only once each year for admission the following August.

Admission to the Clinical Program at The University of Mississippi, as at other APA-approved programs across the country, is extremely competitive. We receive approximately 100-125 applications each year for the clinical program. From this group, the clinical faculty select approximately 30 for on-campus interviews. These interviews usually occur in February, and we extend interview invitations in December. We consider these on-campus interviews to be an important source of information for applicants in making informed decisions about where and how they will spend the next several years of their lives. While on campus, applicants have the opportunity to observe firsthand what graduate training at The University of Mississippi is really like. Applicants usually interview with 3 faculty; meet with other graduate students; tour the campus, department, and the Psychological Services Center; and attend two informal dinner gatherings. Applicants are informed of admission decisions thereafter, and those offered admission are required to notify us of their acceptance of our offers by April 15. We typically admit around 8 students annually. The Student Admissions, Outcomes, and Other Data table on this website contains information about students who have most recently applied and been admitted to our program (number of applications received, average GPA and GRE scores of students beginning the program, etc.).

Admission to the program is based on a mentorship model with input from other faculty. We evaluate applicants using conventional admissions criteria and assessment of “fit” between the applicant’s research interests and those of his/her prospective faculty mentor. We also make efforts to attend to applicants’ ability to contribute to diversity and diverse perspectives.

We seek to admit applicants who have a strong track record of academic achievement and scientific commitment. Academic achievement is evaluated based on GPA, GRE scores (optional), honors/leadership, letters of recommendation, and history and rigor of prior coursework. Scientific commitment is gauged via a record of presentations and/or publications and prior involvement in research labs and/or grant-funded projects. Because we are a scientist-practitioner program, applications from students who have been involved in empirical research are evaluated more favorably than those from students with no such involvement. Similarly, we prefer letters of recommendation from academic psychologists who can better assess a student’s potential for success in an academic environment. Those applicants with clear interests in the research areas supported by our faculty are more likely to receive offers of admission.

We do not have absolute cutoffs for grade-point averages, and we do not require a psychology major, though a strong academic record and background in psychology are characteristic of most students we admit. The most competitive applicants have a GPA of 3.5 or higher, GRE scores above the 50 th percentile, and a prior track record of significant involvement in psychological research. Students with lower scores on these measures who have strong backgrounds in research, particularly those with publications, also receive favorable consideration. Our faculty and graduate students recognize the value of a diverse student body and a supportive educational environment that affirms the value of cultural diversity, and thus we encourage applications from members of ethnic minorities, other groups traditionally underrepresented in academia, and those who would contribute diverse perspectives to the program. Our department’s Diversity Statement is located here: https://psychology.olemiss.edu/diversity-statement/ . We do not require the GRE Psychology Subject Test.

We nominate some of the students we admit each year for Graduate School Recruiting Fellowships. These fellowships are selectively awarded to admitted students for academic excellence or to enhance access to graduate education, and they come with an additional $3,000 stipend each year for the first 4 years in the program. More information about the Graduate School Recruiting Fellowships can be found at   https://gradschool.olemiss.edu/prospective-students/financial-aid-information/

APPLICATION PROCESS

Students apply to the psychology graduate programs through the  Graduate School .   The entire application process is completed online , and is initiated by clicking the Graduate School link. Detailed instructions are presented below and should be followed carefully. There is a checklist at the end of this document to make sure your application includes all required materials.

Step-By-Step Instructions for Applying to the Ph.D. Program in Clinical Psychology 

ALL application materials are due by December 1.

Applying Online at the Graduate School’s Website

• Go to https://apply.olemiss.edu/graduate/ and create account.
• Click “New Application”
• Complete application using the left sidebar as a guide.
• You will need to upload supplemental documents and enter in recommender contact info prior to submitting the application. If needed, you can save your progress and log back in and pick up where you left off.

*Supplemental documents include 1) a Personal Statement (required), 2) your CV/resume (required), and 3) optional 3 rd document such as a writing sample.

  Your personal statement should address the following (in no more than 2 pages):

• Your reason(s) for pursuing a doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology
• Your academic preparation for your proposed field of study
• Your research experiences
• Personal experiences that have uniquely prepared you for graduate school or that sparked your interest in psychology
• Relevant volunteer or paid work experience
• Your current research interests
• The name(s) of faculty with whom you would like to work
• The match between your goals and the orientation/aims of the clinical program ( https://psychology.olemiss.edu/clinical-program/ ) and our commitment to diversity ( https://psychology.olemiss.edu/diversity-statement/ )

Once you submit your application, it will take 24-48 hours for your recommenders to be contacted and your application to be uploaded in the database. Recommenders will receive an auto-generated email to submit their recommendation on your behalf. Do NOT have them fax, email, or mail letters to the department directly .) Keep track of your application number . You will be sent an email confirming submission and a link to “Track your application”.

• Official transcripts should be sent to the Graduate School using the following address: University of MS Graduate School 54 Galtney-Lott Plaza PO Box 1848 University, MS 38677 Official electronic transcripts from domestic (US only) institutions may be sent to gschool@olemiss.edu . Only transcripts received directly from the college/university will be considered official. (Do not send junior/community college transcripts.)
• Official test scores should be sent directly to the Graduate School.

Contact ETS and request for your scores to be sent to us electronically.

The institutional code for the University of Mississippi is 1840 .

GRE– Department code: 5199 *GRE is NOT required but may be submitted if you wish

TOEFL – Department code: 99

*The Graduate School must receive your official transcripts and official GRE scores. It is your responsibility to ensure that your official transcript(s) and official GRE scores are sent to the graduate school. See instructions here: https://gradschool.olemiss.edu/prospective-students/items-to-send/

PLEASE TAKE THE TIME TO REVIEW YOUR APPLICATION BEFORE YOU SUBMIT. ONCE YOU HAVE SUBMITTED YOUR APPLICATION, THE GRADUATE SCHOOL IS UNABLE TO CHANGE INFORMATION.

Additional Information about the application process:

The Application Fee is $50.00

MAKE SURE THAT YOU SUBMIT ALL REQUIRED MATERIALS BY THE DEADLINE. *This includes all letters of recommendation, GRE scores, transcripts, etc. Incomplete applications are unlikely to be given full consideration.

CHECKLIST OF APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

___ Graduate School Application ___ Official transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate institutions attended ___ GRE official score reports (GRE is NOT required for those applying this Fall) ___ 3 letters of recommendation (uploaded separately by recommenders) ___ Personal Statement ___ CV ___ Optional third document (eg, writing sample)

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] .

Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology

Mission and Aims

The UNCG Clinical Psychology program produces clinical psychologists who are professionally and culturally competent in the science and practice of psychology, and who recognize their responsibility as Health Service Providers to actively contribute, through research and practice, to issues facing their communities. Our faculty and training program promote the development of critical thinking, innovation, discovery, community engagement, and adherence to evidence-based clinical practice among our trainees. We are also guided by our core values of collaboration, mutual respect, and equity, and by our commitment to diversity and inclusion, alongside high ethical standards. 

To achieve this mission, two related aims guide our approach to training our students. We seek to: 

• Produce Health Service Psychologists with demonstrated knowledge and competence in psychology research, the practice of clinical psychology, and their integration  
• Prepare socially responsible clinical psychologists who will contribute to the field and their community while demonstrating ethical behavior and respect for individual and cultural differences in all aspects of their professional behavior

Read more about the curriculum and practicum training

Application Deadline:

A NOTE ON THE GRE

The Clinical Program does not require GRE scores as part of the admissions process. GRE scores will not be considered as part of our admissions decisions rubric.

Note to 2024 applicants

Virtual interviews will take place Feb 1 and 7 and invitation interviews have been sent

OUR COMMITMENT

Diversity and inclusion

“The clinical program is committed to promoting diversity and inclusiveness in research, service and practice…”

• Read our full statement about Diversity and Inclusion

RESEARCH & MENTORSHIP

Running Start

To give incoming students a jump start on their research, we developed a summer research experience called “Running Start.” Each incoming student is paired with a peer research mentor who meets with the student to introduce him/her to lab data collection procedures and lab data. The peer mentor and the student, in concert with the faculty advisor, discuss ideas for a first research project. The student then works to conduct a literature review, refines the question and “meets” electronically with the mentors to further develop their idea.

PHD PATHWAY

Next Gen Clin

In addition to addressing financial need, the program also addresses critical workforce development needs by expanding the pool of candidates who are able to afford and thrive in graduate school. Our  Next Gen Clin  program offers in-depth training in working with underserved populations through a combination of didactic and  experiential programming, close relationships with a UNCG Faculty Mentor and links students with alumni mentors currently working with underserved populations and within integrated-care settings.

• More on Next Gen Clin

Faculty in Clinical Psychology

Ilana s. berman.

A.P. Assistant Professor & Director of UNCG Psychology Clinic

UNCG Psychology Clinic

Not accepting students

Kari M. Eddington

Professor and Director of Clinical Training

Depression Treatment and Research Program

Adult depression, the role of motivation and self-regulation in emotional functioning, and psychotherapy process and outcome

Accepting students

Margaret Fields-Olivieri

Assistant Professor

Parent-toddler emotional and verbal communication processes, especially in the context of socioeconomic or psychosocial risk; Role of these processes in early emotional and language development; Child effects on parenting

Michaeline Jensen

Interactions and Relationships Lab

Adolescent mental health and risk taking; parent-adolescent interactions; technology-mediated communication; acculturation and enculturation; intensive longitudinal methods.  

Susan P. Keane

RIGHT TRACK

Childhood psychopathology and children’s social relationships; parent-child interaction; the etiology, assessment, and treatment of peer rejection and neglect.

Julia Mendez

Professor and Associate Department Head

Parenting and School Readiness Lab

Developmental impact of poverty, parent involvement in children’s education, risk and resilience, and clinical interventions for ethnic minorities

Rosemery O. Nelson-Gray

Personality or temperament basis of adult psychopathology, with an emphasis on personality disorders, especially borderline personality disorder

Suzanne Vrshek-Schallhorn

Associate Professor and Undergraduate Program Director

Genetic, neuroendocrine, and cognitive mechanisms of life stress on depression

Blair Wisco

Associate Professor

Cognitive biases and emotion regulation processes in emotional disorders, particularly depression and PTSD

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the philosophy of the clinical training program.

The Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology is based on the scientist-practitioner model. Consistent with this model, our overarching goal is to foster the development of students as psychologists first, and secondarily as clinical psychologists. 

Is the clinical program accredited by the American Psychological ASSOCIATION?

The clinical program is accredited by the American Psychological Association.  This next site visit is scheduled for 2023. 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 / E-mail:  [email protected] Web:  www.apa.org/ed/accreditation

What is the curriculum of the clinical program?

The Ph.D. curriculum for clinical students consists of clinical courses and seminars, courses and seminars in other areas of psychology, courses in statistics and research methods, practicum and internship training, and 24 credit hours of research including the thesis and dissertation. The program is structured so that it can be completed in five years, depending on the progress of the individual student, plus a required year of pre-doctoral internship. For more detailed information about the clinical program curriculum (including coursework, research requirements, and practicum training), see the Clinical Graduate Student Handbook under the Forms and Resources section. 

What practicum opportunities do you offer?

Clinical practicum and internship is required of all clinical students. In the first and second years, students enroll in assessment and intervention courses that include a methodological component. In the second year, students carry a small caseload. By the end of the third year, students typically will have completed 200 client contact hours in the UNCG Psychology Clinic where they are supervised by clinical faculty, all of whom are licensed psychologists. In the 4th and 5th years, students complete their advanced practicum training of 350 supervised client contact hours.  Advanced Practicum primarily occurs in the UNCG Psychology Clinic. Advanced Practicum training can also be obtained at program-approved placements. Some of these external sites require students to be licensed at MA level (LPA). All students are expected to obtain LPA licensure, including taking the EPPP exam; the Clinic provides financial support for licensure costs. The clinical program also sponsors DREAM Camp, a summer day camp for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

How is research training conducted in the clinical program?

Research training in UNCG’s clinical program is based on a mentorship model. Training begins in the summer prior to the first year with the Running Start program. During the first year, students begin to develop a thesis research project through the research methods course and under the direction of their faculty mentors. All second-year students make a presentation at the Graduate Research Conference, scheduled early in the fall term. The thesis is typically completed during the second or third year. An independent doctoral research project, which is often pilot work for the dissertation, is generally completed during the third or fourth years, and the doctoral dissertation during the fourth or fifth years.Students are encouraged to co-author papers for publication and presentation at professional meetings, as well as to have involvement in grant preparation. 

What is the student selection process?

Applications for admission to the Clinical program are due December 1st and are reviewed for admission into the program for the following Fall semester. Only one annual admission cycle is offered. Typically, around 200 applications are received for each admission cycle. We admit between 5-8 students each year.  Successful candidates show evidence of knowledge of psychology through their previous coursework and work/research experience, show evidence of success in managing the demands of academic coursework through a strong GPA and history of good grades, have scholarly interests that are a good “fit” with one or more of our core clinical faculty members, and are committed to diversity and inclusion in their endeavors as psychologists, consistent with the APA Code of Ethics for Psychologists. Successful applicants are notified by April 1 of each year. The selection process is usually completed by April 15 of each year. 

We do not admit part-time students.  Except in extraordinary circumstances, we do not offer clinical retraining of persons with a Ph.D. in another area of psychology. Qualified persons may take specific graduate courses in the department (e.g., Psychological Disorders of Adults or of Children) without admission to the program. Interested students should contact the Graduate School for admission as a non-degree student. The assessment, intervention, and practicum courses are open only to clinical psychology graduate students.

What financial support will I receive as a student?

Program costs are listed here: Student Outcome Table

Tuition waivers

The Department has a limited pool of funds that cover the costs out-of-state or in-state tuition.  We make every effort to provide Out of State (OS) students the funds to cover the cost of out-of-state tuition. In-state (IS) tuition funds are also available to students. Over the past 10 years, we have provided funds to cover the cost of  tuition to all IS and OS students who are in good standing in the program.

Tuition funds do not cover any student fees that may be charged by the University. Current student fee costs are found here .

Student Funding

Competitive Fellowships .  There are many fellowships at UNCG and in the department available for students. For example,  Alumni / Excellence / Hayes Fellowship s, t he PRIME program, the   Duffy scholarship.  Faculty nominate students for these fellowships. 

State Funded assistantships : State funding provided by the department typically provides students who are in good standing in the program with stipend support for a TA assignment (the commitment includes no more than 20 hours a week). 

Other Funding Opportunities : Clinical students may also be eligible for funding through our partnerships with external clinics, hospitals, schools, and other organizations. Some of these funding opportunities require that students be licensed at the Psychological Associate (Master’s) level.

What are the job placements of your alumni? 

Our alumni are employed in a variety of positions. Over the past 10 years, approximately 37% of our alumni work in hospitals, academic medical centers or VA Centers, 32% are employed in community mental health centers or are in independent private practice, 7% are employed in Academic Teaching positions, 7% are employed in research positions (including on who is doing pharmaceutical research) and 4% are in other Integrated Health care settings (including 1 in a pediatric practice).  Thirteen percent (13%) are completing post doctoral fellowship positions.

Request more information

Please address all Graduate Application questions to:

Malcolm Mohan

Administrative Assistant

[email protected] 336-334-5014

Please address all Clinical Training questions to:

[email protected] 336-256-0045 Eberhart 279

Please address all additional Graduate questions to:

Associate Professor and Graduate Program Director

[email protected] Eberhart 271

The U.S. Department of Education requires that all higher education institutions advise students as to whether their curriculum provides them with the eligibility to apply for a professional license and/or certification in the state for which they plan to practice. 

As such, please review  UNC Greensboro’s status by state for the Clinical Psychology program . You should note whether the program either “meets”, “does not meet”, or if there “has not been a determination” of the program’s status in the state for which you plan to practice. You should contact the program at  [email protected]  with any questions regarding this data.

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• PsyD Program: Doctorate of Clinical Psychology

Our doctoral program in clinical psychology (PsyD) provides the expertise and experience you need to excel as a clinician and leader in a broad range of clinical settings.

• Graduate Degree Programs

At a Glance

• College of Health & Human Services
• Chester, PA

On This Page

Explore our clinical psychology doctoral program.

In Widener's clinical psychology doctoral (PsyD) program, you’ll prepare for success as a scholar-practitioner-psychologist. Not only will you delve into the science of psychology, you’ll also apply newfound knowledge in assessment, intervention, consultation, and supervision. Through a practicum placement, paid internship rotations, and rigorous dissertation research, you’ll gain on-the-job training for a rewarding career in the field of clinical psychology.

The doctoral degree in clinical psychology program and exclusively-affiliated internship are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of the American Psychological Association (750 1st Street, NE, Washington, DC 20002, 202-336-5979).

• Student Admissions, Outcomes, and Other Data for the doctoral program
• Internship Admissions, Support, and Initial Placement Data for the internship program

PsyD Program Information

View the Loading... for information regarding the clinical psychology doctoral (PsyD) program as well as certificate track and concentration requirements.

Biofeedback

Explore how to use biofeedback data such as heart rate, galvanic skin response, and brain waves to inform mental health intervention. This one-year, two-semester track pairs didactic learning with hands-on clinical application at Widener’s Biofeedback Clinic  and leads to certification with the Biofeedback Certification Institute of America.

Neuropsychology

Become an expert in brain-behavior relationships as you prepare for certification in clinical neuropsychology. We provide the coursework, placement, and research experience you need to become certified in clinical neuropsychology after completion of our program and the required postdoctoral experience.

School Psychology

Interested in working in schools and obtaining child clinical training? This track integrates field experience that will lead you to becoming a certified Pennsylvania state school psychologist and can be applied to certification in other states. This program is approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Education.

• Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy/Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (CBT/ACT)
• Psychodynamic Psychology
• Cross-Cultural & Diversity Psychology
• Child, Adolescent, & Family Psychotherapy
• Forensic Psychology
• Health Psychology
• Consulting Psychology

Detailed information about our concentrations, including courses and requirements, can be found in the Concentrations Manual .

At Widener, a unique clinical and internship experience is embedded in the PsyD degree curriculum.

Year 1: Pre-Practicum

The pre-practicum training is multi-modal and experiential. It offers students opportunities to learn and practice skills that are foundational to the practice of professional psychology.

Years 2 – 3: Practicum Training

The practicum-level placements are designed to familiarize the students with a variety of clinical settings. Each practicum offers progressively more responsibility and patient–staff interaction.

Years 4 & 5: Internship Training Program with three day a week clinical rotations

Most doctoral students in clinical psychology enter the Association for Psychology Postdoctoral and Internship Centers (APPIC) match process to find a pre-doctoral internship. In contrast, our PsyD program offers a unique and fully integrated internship that is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of the American Psychological Association (750 First Street NE, Washington, DC 20002, 202-336-5979).

This means that rather than enter the APPIC match to find an internship; our students are guaranteed a local internship placement through our in-house network of outstanding internship rotations.

Take an interdisciplinary approach to clinical psychology. A unique opportunity to obtain a master's degree in a related area of psychology, expanding your marketability and professional network as you prepare for a well-rounded career.

• PsyD/MBA (Master of Business Administration)
• PsyD/MBA - Health Care Management
• PsyD/MEd - Human Sexuality Education
• PsyD/MCJ (Master of Criminal Justice)

The  clinical psychology doctoral degree program is designed to afford an opportunity for doctoral level nonclinical psychologists to shift their career focus to the professional practice of clinical psychology. Students must have a PhD in psychology from an accredited university. The Loading... is typically 3 years of study, including the internship.

Q: Can the program be completed in less than three years? A: No. Due to the needs of licensure and our APA Accredited internship, which is part-time for two years, the respecialization program takes three years to complete.    Q: Can I do this program remotely? A: No. This is a full-time in-person program, so respecialization students need to be in the area to complete it.   Q: How can I apply for the respecialization program? A: Our respecialization students apply using the PsyCAS application and submit all of the same materials that the general PsyD applicants submit.    Q: How do I know what courses I will take? A: Our faculty work with respecialization students individually to determine a course ladder. We take a look at the courses you’ve taken, courses needed for the professional practice of clinical psychology included in our curriculum, and licensure requirements.

Doctoral education alone is not sufficient for licensure in the United States. In addition to requiring specific educational criteria, all states require candidates for licensure to pass a national exam after completing graduate education (the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology [EPPP]), and many states also require additional experiences for licensure, including supervised post-doctoral experiences, criminal history background checks, and personal ethical/moral references. Specific requirements for each state vary, and are developed and monitored by State Boards of Psychology. A general list of State Boards and contacts can be found on the website of the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards . 

The curriculum provided by Widener’s Institute for Graduate Clinical Psychology meets state educational requirements for licensure as listed below. It is strongly recommended that students who expect to pursue licensing in a particular state reach out to the licensing board to confirm specific licensing requirements. The information below is accurate, as best as could be determined based on published records of state licensing requirements, as of June 2021.

Widener’s PsyD curriculum meets educational requirements for licensing in the following states

It is still being determined whether widener’s psyd curriculum meets educational requirements for licensing in the following states.

• Puerto Rico

Widener’s PsyD curriculum does not meet educational requirements for licensing in the following state  

• California  

Doctorate of Psychology Outlook & Outcomes

Practicum and internships.

• Inpatient/outpatient clinics & hospitals
• School counseling centers
• Private practice settings
• Forensic-related placements

Industry Growth

93% of job ads in psychology that specified a minimal educational requirement asked for a doctoral degree.

Source: American Psychological Association

Avg. Salary

2021 mean annual wage for clinical, counseling and school psychologists

Recent Employers

• University of Pennsylvania
• North Shore Medical Center
• South Woods State Prison
• Sheppard-Pratt Health System
• Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia

Why Study Clinical Psychology at Widener?

Gain Clinical Experience from Day One

You’ll hit the ground running. In your first year, you’ll dive into clinical training that includes courses on theory and technique, laboratory activities to practice basic skills, and discussion groups to process the nuances and challenges of clinical work. Practicum placements continue the intensive clinical training through the third year of the program. All students are also admitted to our APA-accredited internship at the time of doctoral program admission, which translates to a placement in our exclusively-affiliated and integrated internship in years four and five.

Engage in Next-Level Research

Through your rigorous research and dissertation experience, you’ll enhance your approach and understanding of scholarly literature and theory as you anticipate new innovations and developments in psychology. When you graduate, you’ll excel as a scholar-practitioner who asks the right questions and uses creative problem-solving solutions.

Make an Impact on Your Community

You’ll encounter countless opportunities to serve. Whether you engage in service projects with local organizations or serve community members in one of our on-campus clinics, you’ll go beyond your formal training in psychology as you meet the needs of your new neighbors.

• Clinics & Centers

Doctorate of Psychology Program Highlights

Ranked 11 out of 50.

On the list of Editors' Choice 50 Best Accredited PsyD Programs for 2022

90%+ Five-Year Graduation Rate

for PsyD students

Our Faculty

Recent News

Widener/CCCP Partnership Strengthens Next-Gen Culturally Competent Providers

A partnership between Widener and the Coalition of Culturally Competent Providers invites new conversations about community care and creates opportunities for health and human services students.

The Future of Widener’s Health Science Programs Is Bright, and Integrated

The expansion of health science programs in the College of Health & Human Services and School of Nursing is bolstering Widener’s interprofessional learning approach that has set the programs apart and put students on track to becoming competent and compassionate clinicians.

After COVID Hardships, PsyD Alumni Sponsor Hoods for Graduating Class

After trying final semesters during COVID-19, alumni from the Institute for Graduate Clinical Psychology offer their support for students through sponsoring doctoral hoods for each graduate.

Admissions & Aid

Admissions information.

• Complete online application and pay application fee through PsyCAS .
• Please also pay the supplemental Widener application fee . 
• Applicants must hold a bachelor of arts or a bachelor of science degree from an accredited institution. A major in psychology is desirable, but not required.
• Transcripts are required from all attended institutions. A minimum GPA of a 3.0 is preferred, competitive applicants have a 3.5 GPA or higher.
• All entering students must have completed a course in statistics, abnormal psychology or psychopathology, and research design or experimental psychology by the time they matriculate in the fall.
• Personal character and attributes of emotional maturity and stability, as well as a capacity for relating to and working with other people, are also major factors in reviewing the credentials of applicants. Evidence for these attributes is sought from records of past performance, letters of reference, autobiographical statement, and work history.
• All applications are reviewed holistically and no strict cutoffs are utilized. We aim to understand your story, motivation, and passion for this career choice via the application process, and later via on campus interviews.

Applicants are not required to take the GRE or submit scores from the GRE.

Deadline The online application opens September 8th, 2023. 

An online application, including all supporting credentials, must be received by 11:59 pm EST, December 11th, 2023  to be considered for acceptance into the program. We encourage all applicants to submit their application as early as possible, especially as applications are only complete once verified by PSYCAS. All acceptance decisions are made by April 1. Supplemental Materials All supplemental materials must be submitted through the online PSYCAS (Psychology Centralized Application Service) system:

• 3 letters of recommendation
• Transcripts
• Optional scholarship essays (to be considered for service-related tuition scholarships)

If you are selected as a top candidate for the PsyD program, you will receive an invite to one of four Admissions Interview Days, which will include an individual interview, tour, and information sessions. Interviews will be held in person.

Financial Aid

Because Widener is a private institution, we're able to offer financial assistance that brings our education within reach for individuals who might otherwise not be able to afford it.

You might be surprised how much we are able to offer.

Getting started is easy. Simply apply to Widener and submit your FAFSA to be automatically considered for scholarships and grants. "FAFSA" stands for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid and helps identify whether you are eligible for aid awarded by Widener, the government, and other sources. Our school code is 003313.

In order to receive a financial aid offer, students must meet certain  eligibility requirements . Here are the general eligibility requirements for most financial aid programs:

• Must demonstrate financial need
• Be a U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen
• Be enrolled or admitted for enrollment as a regular student in an eligible degree or certificate program

Learn more about applying for financial aid as a graduate student

Paths to Savings

85% of full-time grad students receive aid.

Simply  apply to Widener  and complete the financial aid process to be automatically considered for scholarships and grants. Because Widener is a private institution, we are able to offer financial assistance that brings our education within reach for individuals who might otherwise not be able to afford it. You might be surprised at how much we are able to offer in assistance.

Applying For Financial Aid as a Graduate Student

In order to receive your part of the financial aid pie, all you have to do is submit your FAFSA. "FAFSA" stands for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid and helps identify whether you are eligible for aid awarded by Widener, the government, and other sources.

COMPLETE YOUR FAFSA 

Graduate Assistantships

Widener offers a limited number of graduate assistantships to enrolled students. GAs receive tuition assistance for their work. Once you're a student, contact your program director for more information.

Employer Discounts & Tuition Reimbursement

Widener University also partners with many local organizations and corporations to offer discounted tuition and other incentives to their employees. Don't see your company on the list? Ask them to become a partner. In addition, employers often offer educational reimbursement benefits. We encourage you to explore these opportunities and will be glad to provide any necessary documentation.

Explore Our Employer Partnerships

Widener Scholarships

A limited number of university-based scholarships are made available to enrolled graduate students made possible directly from our academic department or thanks to the generosity of university donors. No extra steps are needed to be taken prior to admission. Once enrolled, contact your program director to learn more.

20% Discount for Widener Alumni

If you graduated with a degree from Widener, you may qualify for a 20% tuition discount . The first step to see what you qualify for is to submit your application. Widener offers students many paths to savings, and while we don't offer "double discounts", we'll make sure you'll get the biggest financial benefit you're eligible for . Only students who have completed an associate's, bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree are eligible. Students who have pursued a 4+1, 4+2, or 3+3 pathway, graduate assistantship, Widener-funded scholarship, or other tuition discount may not be eligible if the financial discount granted surpasses 20%.

Learn more about qualifying for an alumni discount

Program Cost

Clinical psychology.

Tuition rates are subject to change. Official costs for your first year will be determined at time of enrollment.

• More About Tuition & Financial Aid

Take the Next Steps

To visit Widener is, often, to fall in love with the place. To fit your timeline and schedule, we offer a variety of ways to get to know us.​

View Admissions Events

We offer a variety of virtual events to get to know Widener and meet with faculty and admissions staff.

Request Information

Have a question about Widener? Drop us a line and an admissions counselor will be in touch. We're always happy to help!​

Visit our online application system to complete your app and share supplemental materials. There is a $35 application fee to apply to Widener.

• Pay Application Fee

Get in Touch

Institute for graduate clinical psychology.

• 610-499-1206
• [email protected]
• Institute for Graduate Clinical Psychology Facebook

Kat LeConey

Hyatt Hall, Office #320

• (610) 499-1388
• [email protected]

Courtney L. Slater

Bruce Hall Room 216

• 610-499-1212
• [email protected]

PhD Admission FAQ

General Information

When is the application due and how do i apply .

NOW CLOSED- The application is due on  November 30, 2023  at 11:59 PM Pacific Time. 

Apply using the  application portal .

How long does it take to get a PhD in Psychology at Stanford?

The PhD program is designed to be completed in five years of full-time study. Actual time will depend on students' prior background, progress, and research requirements. The minimum residency requirement for the PhD degree is 135 units of completed coursework and research units.

What are the requirements for the PhD degree in Psychology?

Please consult the  PhD Requirements page .

What are the different subfields within the graduate program in Psychology?

• Affective Science
• Cognitive Psychology
• Developmental Psychology
• Neuroscience
• Social Psychology

What is the Department's teaching requirement?

PhD students must complete at least five quarters of teaching assistantship (TA) under the supervision of a faculty member. Students are required to attend a TA training workshop in their second year. In addition, students are encouraged to take advantage of department and university teacher training programs. Students for whom English is a second language are expected to acquire sufficient fluency in English. All international students must be approved by  Stanford’s EFS department . 

How many students apply to the Stanford Psychology PhD? How many are admitted? What are the demographics?

Stanford provides public reports with summary data about graduate programs and graduate admissions. Please consult the public dashboards published by Stanford's office of Institutional Research & Decision Support on  doctoral admissions ,  doctoral enrollment and demographics , and  doctoral completion and time-to-degree . 

Is there a standalone Master of Arts program in Psychology?

The Department of Psychology does not offer a terminal Master’s degree program. Current doctoral students within the Department or in another Stanford graduate program may apply to be awarded a Master of Arts in Psychology during the course of their PhD program.

Does your department have a program in Clinical Psychology? Are you accredited by the APA?

No. Our department does not have a program in Clinical Psychology. As such, we are not accredited by the APA.

Do you have any advice about getting into grad school?

The Stanford School of Humanities and Sciences offers an online resource for prospective graduate school applicants:  Guide on Getting Into Grad School . We encourage applicants to take advantage of this resource.

Financial Support

What is the annual cost of attending your program.

All students admitted to the Psychology PhD program receive five years of 12-month funding. Financial support is provided through a combination of fellowship stipend and salary, and assistantship salary and tuition allowance. Information about the cost of attendance and funding options are available from the  Financial Aid Office .

What type of financial support do you offer?

All students admitted to the Psychology PhD program receive five years of 12-month funding. Financial support is provided through a combination of fellowship stipend and salary, and assistantship salary and tuition allowance. Funding is contingent upon satisfactory academic progress. Students are encouraged to pursue fellowships offered by the University and by national organizations, such as the National Science Foundation.

Stanford University also offers the  Knight-Hennessy Scholars  program, designed to build a multidisciplinary community of Stanford graduate students dedicated to finding creative solutions to the world's greatest challenges. The program awards up to 100 high-achieving students every year with full funding to pursue graduate education at Stanford, including the PhD in Psychology. To be considered, you must apply to Knight-Hennessy Scholars and separately apply to the Psychology Department. Note that the Knight-Hennessy Scholars program application deadline is in the spring  before  the autumn application cycle.

Do you offer support for the summer months?

Yes, funding is offered for 12 months a year for 5 full years, including 5 summers.

Preparing for Admission

Am i eligible to apply if my undergraduate major is not in psychology.

An undergraduate major in Psychology is not required; applicants from other backgrounds can apply and be admitted. All applicants should have sufficient foundational knowledge and research experience prior to the program to allow them to go straight into graduate-level coursework and conduct research.

My undergraduate degree was completed outside the United States. Is my degree eligible? 

Please refer to the Stanford Graduate Admission Office's table of  minimum level requirements for international academic credentials . These credential requirements are set by the University and nonnegotiable.

If I have prior graduate work, can it be transferred to the PhD program?

No, the Department of Psychology does not allow the transfer of unit credits from your previous program.

How competitive is admission to the PhD program?

Admission to our program is highly competitive. About 10-15 admits enter the program each year and are chosen from a pool of over 600 applicants. These students are selected on the basis of a strong academic background as demonstrated by previous coursework, research experience, and letters of recommendation. Please be assured that the Department reviews each application very carefully and makes decisions on an individual basis.

The Application Process

How do i apply.

Please visit the  PhD Admissions page  for instructions on how to apply to the Psychology PhD Program, graduate application requirements, and the link to the online application. 

Is there an application fee? If so, can I apply for a fee waiver?

The fee to apply for graduate study at Stanford is $125, see  Application Fee . Fee waivers are available for some applicants. Please visit Graduate Admissions for information on applying for an  Application Fee Waiver .

Can I submit another application to a different department within the University?

You may only apply to one degree program per academic year. However, you may apply concurrently to one departmental program and to a professional school program (law, medicine, or business).

I'm interested in the joint JD/PhD in Law and Psychology - how does it work?

Students interested in the JD/Ph.D. joint degree must apply and gain entrance separately to the School of Law and the Psychology Ph.D. program. Additionally, students must secure permission from each degree program to pursue the joint degree. Interest in both degrees should be noted on the student’s admissions applications and may be considered by the admissions committee of each program. Alternatively, an enrolled student in either the Law School or the Psychology department may apply to add the other degree and undertake the joint degree program, preferably during their first year of study. Students participating in the JD/Ph.D. joint degree program are not eligible to transfer and receive credit for a masters, or other degree, towards the Psychology Ph.D.

Students interested in the MPP/Ph.D. joint degree must apply and gain entrance to the Public Policy program’s MPP degree and the Psychology Ph.D. program. Students should note their interest in both degrees on their graduate admissions applications. Additionally, students must secure permission from each degree program to pursue the joint degree

Which faculty are accepting new students this year?

All active faculty are potentially accepting new students each year. In your application, we ask you to list the top 3 faculty you are most interested in working with. Multiple readers will review your application in full regardless of who you list. 

My institution does not report GPAs on a 4.0 grading scale. How should I report my GPA on the application?

Please do not convert your GPA to a 4.0 grading scale. You should enter “0.00” for the GPA and use the “Unconverted GPA” and “Unconverted GPA System” fields instead. A link to detailed instructions for reporting GPA is located near these fields on the application.

I attended multiple undergraduate institutions. In what order should I list them on the application?

The institution where you earned or expect to earn your Bachelor's degree should be listed as "Post-Secondary Institution 1." The remaining institutions don’t have to follow a particular order. List all institutions that were attended for at least one full academic year. Please note that you must submit a transcript for all courses taken towards your undergraduate degree, including those from your nonprimary institutions.

When should I submit my transcripts if my degree will still be in progress at the time of the application deadline?

The most current version of your unofficial transcript must be submitted as part of your electronic application, even if the grades from your fall term are not available. The absence of these grades will have no impact on the review of your application. If you are admitted and enrolled, we will ask you to submit your final transcript showing all grades and proof of degree conferral.

Should I submit official transcripts?

At the time of your initial application, please only submit your unofficial transcripts. Submit the unofficial transcripts as part of your electronic application, per the instructions in the application portal. A short list of applicants who move forward to the next stage of the review process will be contacted with instructions for submitting official transcripts at a later stage. 

It may be helpful to understand the difference.  Unofficial transcripts  are transcripts issued by your college or university directly to you, the student, which you then submit to Stanford for review. Official transcripts  are transcripts issued by your college or university directly to Stanford University, usually by secure electronic transfer and sometimes in hard copy in signed and sealed envelopes. The key difference is that an  official transcript  has never been directly handled by the applicant.

Do you have a minimum GPA score?

We do not require applicants to have a minimum GPA for consideration, and we do not release information about the average GPAs of accepted students. As a guideline, successful applicants typically earn undergraduate cumulative GPAs among the top of their class. However, please keep in mind that admission to our graduate program depends on a combination of factors, and all areas of a student’s application are weighed similarly when applications are reviewed. If our research areas meet your educational goals, we encourage you to submit an application. 

May I contact the faculty directly during the application process?

Applicants are not prohibited from reaching out to faculty directly during the application cycle. However, please understand that our faculty are extremely busy, and it is quite possible that you will receive either a very short response or no response at all. This does not mean the faculty are not interested in your application. All applications will be read and reviewed in full during the formal review process. Note that per Department policy, all faculty are potentially accepting graduate students in any given cycle, so you do not need to contact faculty in advance to see if that specific mentor is accepting students for the coming year.

Can I meet with Department staff either by phone or email before I apply to discuss my application materials or ask general questions about the program?

No, the Department staff do not have meetings with or provide individualized advising for prospective applicants. Please understand that this is a matter of bandwidth and equity. We do not have the ability to offer personalized service to all interested applicants, so we do not offer them at all. By Department policy, our staff do not provide any evaluative feedback on prospective applicants' materials, so please do not contact us with CVs, academic histories, etc to request feedback or ask about odds for acceptance. For support in crafting your application, we recommend that you turn to your existing network of mentors (e.g., your letter writers) and/or the resources offered by your current or prior academic institution(s).

TOEFL and GRE

Is the general gre required is the subject gre required.

No, the Stanford Psychology PhD program does not require the general GRE or the subject GRE. We will not be collecting any information related to GRE exam scores on the application. Please do not submit GRE scores to Stanford for our program.

What is the TOEFL exam, and am I required to take it?

The TOEFL is a standardized test of English language proficiency. Per University policy, the TOEFL exam is required for international, non-native English speakers who apply to any Stanford graduate program. 

The TOEFL score requirements are waived for international non-native English speakers who have received a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree from an institution in the United States or another English-speaking country. Therefore, applicants with these degrees from the U.S., Australia, Canada (except Quebec), New Zealand, Singapore, Ireland, and the United Kingdom (England, Scotland, Northern Ireland, Wales) are exempt from taking the TOEFL and do not need to submit the TOEFL waiver request form.

When should I take the TOEFL?

The TOEFL must be taken by the published application deadline. 

What is the minimum TOEFL score required for admission?

Please visit the website of  Stanford's Office of Graduate Admissions  for more information on the University’s minimum requirements.

If my TOEFL score falls below the University’s minimum, am I still eligible to apply?

Yes, you may still apply. If your TOEFL scores fall below the University's minimum requirements and you are admitted, Stanford may require you to take an English placement exam and/or English classes.

May I submit the IELTS instead of the TOEFL to demonstrate English proficiency?

The IELTS is not accepted at Stanford University; only the TOEFL is accepted to provide proof of proficiency in English.

How do I request a TOEFL exemption or waiver?

For all questions related to TOEFL exemptions or waivers please refer to the website of  Stanford’s Office of Graduate Admissions . Please note that the central office makes all final decisions regarding TOEFL waivers; the Department of Psychology is not involved in the approval of TOEFL waivers.

How do I check the status of my TOEFL scores?

Log in to your application account. It may take up to two weeks after submitting your application or sending the scores (whichever occurs later) for your official scores to show as received. Processing may be delayed or halted if the name or birthdate on the score report does not exactly match the information on your application.

Why does my TOEFL status show as “Not Applicable” even though I submitted a TOEFL score?

This may be because you listed English as your first language in the application. Please note that “first language” refers to your native language.

Is there a department code for ETS to use in order to send in my scores?

No, there are no individual department code. Use the Stanford University score recipient code  4704  to send your TOEFL scores.

Statements of Purpose

How long should my statement of purpose be.

We strongly recommend that your statement of purpose be around two pages in length.

What should I include in my statement of purpose?

Please consult the Stanford Graduate Admissions  FAQ page  for more information on the Statement of Purpose.

Letters of Recommendation

When are the letters of recommendation due.

The letters of recommendation have the same deadline as the rest of the application. This year, the deadline is  November 30, 2023.

How many recommendations do I need, and who should I ask to be my recommenders?

Applicants need three recommendations from faculty or others qualified to evaluate your potential for graduate study. At least one evaluation and letter should be from a faculty member at the last school you attended as a full-time student (unless you have been out of school for more than five years). Substitutions for faculty recommendations may include work associates or others who can comment on your academic potential for graduate work.

My recommender will not be able to submit his/her letter by the application deadline. Will my application still be considered?

Letters of recommendation must be submitted by the application deadline. As such, we strongly encourage you to contact your recommenders directly to remind them of our deadline. If your recommender misses the deadline, please contact  psych-admissions [at] stanford.edu (psych-admissions[at]stanford[dot]edu) . Depending on the circumstances, Department staff may collect the letter via email and forward it to the faculty to add to your file. That said, the program expects applicants to do everything possible to ensure that letters are submitted on time via the secure online system.

Can my recommenders submit their letters via email, fax, or postal service?

No. Recommenders must submit their letters via Stanford’s online recommender system.

My recommenders are having technical difficulties with the online letters of recommendation process. Who should they contact?

Should any of your recommenders experience technical difficulties with the online letters of recommendation process, please refer them to our application database provider's letters of recommendation help page or have them submit a Help Request Form directly to our application database provider.

Additional Materials and Updates

I realized i made a mistake on my application and/or uploaded the wrong version of my documents. what do i do.

Depending on the timing and the nature of the error, our staff may be able to correct your application. Please send an email to  psych-admissions [at] stanford.edu (psych-admissions[at]stanford[dot]edu) . Include your full name, a complete description of the error, and attach the correct version of the file (if applicable). The Department reserves the right to decline to update your application after the deadline has passed. Requests will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

If you need to change your recommenders, please use the Activity Status Page. Note: The order of recommenders cannot be changed.

May I submit a resume/CV, list of publications, etc. as part of my application?

Applicants are permitted to upload one additional document to the online application, under the “Document Uploads” section.

Is there an interview process? 

Yes, our faculty interview prospective students before making final admission decisions. 

When are the interviews?

The interviews for the current admissions cycle are likely to be in February 2021. We anticipate that all interviews will take place virtually.

When can I expect to find out the decision on my application?

The Department of Psychology aims to issue all offers of admission to PhD degree applicants by the end of March.

I applied in a prior cycle and was not admitted. Can I apply again?

Applicants who applied in prior cycles and were previously not admitted are welcome to reapply if they can demonstrate significant progress made since they last applied. We encourage you to use your Statement of Purpose to explain this progress.

All documents must be resubmitted with a new application. We do not keep records from past applications.

I still have questions!

If you have questions that are not answered on this page or the Stanford Graduate Admissions  FAQ page , please email  psych-admissions [at] stanford.edu (psych-admissions[at]stanford[dot]edu) . If your questions are already covered on this page, your email may not receive a response.

Note that our Department staff are experts on the logistics and administration of the application, but do not answer questions related to research topics or faculty fit. Per Department policy, Department staff will not offer any evaluative feedback on application materials or applicants' academic background. Unfortunately, due to the extremely high volume of inquiries, we cannot provide individual status updates for applicants at any point in the process.

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• PsyD vs PhD

List of Online PhD in Psychology Programs with No GRE

As psychologists are needed more in American society today, more students are considering a Ph.D. in psychology. By earning a Ph.D. in this popular and growing field, you can move into the highest-paying positions in the psychological field. Many students who earn their Ph.D. go on to become practicing clinical or counseling psychologists, while others choose to go into academia or psychological research.

SEE ALSO:  5+ Best Online PsyD Degree Programs

Earning one’s Ph.D. in psychology can take four to six years, but it is usually worth it in the end because of the strong job demand and salaries in this field. The Bureau of Labor Statistics states the median salary for all psychologists is $77,000 per year, and the top 10% with the most education and experience earn up to $125,000 per year. Those high salaries are related to the high job demand in the field, with 14% job increases expected by 2026. ( BLS.gov ).

As you are thinking about earning this advanced degree, you may consider the following highly rated online Ph.D. in Psychology degrees:

#1 Capella University

Capella University’s online No GRE Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology offers students the flexibility to design a Ph.D. program based upon your professional and personal interests in the field. Students can choose from many electives to allow their doctoral education to meet their professional goals. This program can be used to prepare you for a career as a psychologist, professor, consultant, researcher or program administrator.  No GRE Required for Admissions

Specializations include : General Psychology, Behavior Analysis, Developmental Psychology, Educational Psychology, Industrial/Organizational Psychology.

91% of alumni said Capella gave them the flexibility to graduate on schedule. -Source: Gallup Research Study, 2016.

*Visit Capella University

Major learning goals of this Ph.D. program are:

• Learn how to think critically as you discover how to respond to major psychological challenges
• Adhere to the highest ethical standards, as you apply ethical standards and principles of the field to professional and academic activities
• Become a psychology field leader
• Understand and embrace diversity in psychology
• Learn how to effectively communicate important psychological concepts and information to the public and community

Your required courses for graduation are:

• Survey Construction and Administration
• Multivariate Statistics – Theory and Application
• Advanced Qualitative Analysis
• Program Evaluation
• Research in Psychology

Requirements for admission to the Capella program are as follows:

• Professional writing samples
• College transcripts from bachelor’s and master’s programs
• Professional and academic recommendations

#2 The Chicago School of Professional Psychology

The Chicago School of Professional Psychology offers a No GRE General Online Ph.D. in Psychology  with an International Global Dynamic focus . It’s the first of its kind in the nation, is tailored for individuals with a passion for psychology as it relates to a global dynamic. It provides post-graduate students with a solid understanding of global systems of psychology and thought, to prepare students to assume positions of leadership in multinational organizations. The Ph.D. in Psychology online program provides students with two real-world training modules as well as the required field experience. ( Thechicagoschool.edu )

Specializations include:  International Psychology, Business Psychology, Business Psychology (Consulting Track), Applied Behavior Analysis, Applied Behavior Analysis (Credential Track).

• Demonstrate skill in qualitative, quantitative and mixed-method research design, data analysis and data interpretation.
• Demonstrate a high level of knowledge of diversity and individual differences.
• Demonstrate an understanding in effective self-reflection and show the ability to recognize, discover and manage behaviors that help or impede effectiveness in communication.
• Show a good understanding of ethics and social justice endorsed by the American Psychological Association.

Your required courses for graduation include:

• Acculturation Psychology
• Organizations and Systems Field Experience
• Mental Health Interventions
• Psychology of Organizations and Systems from a Global Perspective

Requirements for admission to The Chicago School of Professional Psychology are:

• GRE scores are optional and can be used to enhance your application
• Organizations and Systems concentration requires a master’s degree of any kind with nine hours of undergraduate or graduate psychology courses.
• Trauma Services concentration requires a master’s in psychology, counseling psychology, pastoral counseling, social work, psychiatric nursing or marriage, and family therapy.
• Official transcripts from bachelor’s and master’s programs
• Academic and professional recommendations

#3 Walden University

Earn a Ph.D. in Psychology from Walden University with No GRE , and learn how to affect the psychology positively and the lives of others. You will gain advanced, highly sought after skills in consulting, research, teaching and program evaluation. Students also will explore psychological study findings, theories and best practices. You also will be able to immediately apply these lessons to your work. ( Waldenu.Edu )

Specializations include : General Psychology, Clinical Psychology, Forensic Psychology, Behavioral Health Leadership, Industrial/Organizational Psychology, Developmental Psychology, Counselor Education & Supervision.

The program will ready you to utilize current psychological research and theory to make strong contributions to nonprofit, government and private organizations. You also will be able to work effectively with individual patients, including children and older adults, as well as families and universities.

No GRE Required for Admissions

Your required courses at Walden University include:

• Lifespan Development
• Culture and Psychology
• Teaching of Psychology
• Quantitative Reasoning and Analysis
• Research Theory, Design and Methods
• Survey Research Methods
• Tests and Measurements

Requirements for admission to the Walden University Ph.D. program are:

• Writing samples
• College transcripts
• Updated resume with related work experience

#4 Grand Canyon University

Grand Canyon University has an online Ph.D. in General Psychology with a concentration in Cognition and Instruction. Students will explore and evaluate theories of cognitive processes and information so you can develop the best methods for instruction for postsecondary education. This psychology degree has been designed to prepare instruction professionals to be trained to work in culturally diverse adult educational centers and communities.

*Visit Grand Canyon University

No GRE Required for Admissions, 2.8 GPA Minimum Required

Required courses in this Grand Canyon University Ph.D. program are:

• Psychoanalysis and Psychodynamic Theory
• Theories of Inquiry
• Qualitative Research Methods
• Cognition and Instruction
• Ethical Issues in Psychology
• Developing the Research Proposal
• Human Learning and Cognition

Admission requirements for this Grand Canyon University Ph.D. in psychology program are:

• College transcripts showing previous bachelor’s and master’s work
• Resume showing related work experience
• Three professional and/or academic references

#5 Northcentral University

The online Ph.D. in Psychology program at Northcentral University was designed because of the increased interest in the field. There also is a strong need in American society today for greater educational opportunities in the field online. Students hone their critical thinking skills, expand their psychology base so they can evaluate social, individual, global and organizational problems. They also learn and practice psychological research methods as you transition from being a doctoral student to being an independent scholar in psychology. ( NCU.Edu )

Specializations available in this program are:

• Mental Health Policy
• Gerontology
• Gender Diversity
• Industrial Organizational Psychology
• Trauma and Disaster Relief

Required courses are:

• Research Methods
• Statistics I
• Research Design Planning
• Advanced Qualitative and Quantitative Analysis and Design
• IRB and Data Collection
• Components of the Dissertation

Requirements for admission are:

• 5 GPA or higher

#6 Saybrook University

Saybrook University offers a Ph.D in Clinical Psychology will prepare you to bring positive change to the psychological profession through service and leadership. Graduates of this five year program will learn how to focus on their clients in a more holistic way in a broader system and social context. They will learn to direct their professional efforts toward the interpersonal and person centered dimensions of clinical psychology that truly make therapy effective.

Major learning topics in your Ph.D. program at Saybrook include:

• Data analyses and meta-analyses
• Psychotherapy
• Developmental psychology
• Child and adolescent psychology
• Multicultural psychology
• Humanistic-integrative psychology

To be considered for admission at Saybrook University, you need the following:

• Personal writing samples
• College transcripts showing previous bachelor’s and master’s level grades

#7 Keiser University

Keiser University offers an online Ph.D. in Psychology that has been developed to challenge students with the most rigorous coursework and intense teaching and research classes. The program is four to five years in length and follows a scholar-practitioner model that encourages the student to integrate scholarly research with classwork. ( KeiserUniversity.edu ).

After graduation, students will have developed an advanced understanding of vital psychological principles and theories, such as motivation, emotion, behavior and learning. They also will understand how to apply principles of effective psychological research methods, evaluate psychological problems, create research strategies and design and conduct important psychological research.

Required courses for graduation are:

• Evolutionary Psychology
• Psychopathology
• Behavioral Neuroscience
• Cognitive and Affective Basis of Behavior
• Human Development
• Theories of Learning and Motivation
• Sociocultural Basis of Behavior

To be considered for admission to this Ph.D. program, you need to have the following:

• College transcripts showing grades for all earlier college work

#8 Meridian University

Meridian University’s online Ph.D. in Psychology offers coursework that is four years in duration on imaginal psychology. The program stresses research, clinical, and cultural praxis skills as well as being able to acquire the foundational knowledge base of psychology so you can succeed in your career. This Ph.D. program has been designed to meet all educational requirements to obtain a psychologist license in California. ( MeridianUniversity.edu ).

Requirements for graduation for this doctoral degree include these courses:

• Imaginal Process I
• Transformative Learning Praxis
• Foundations of Integral Psychology
• Research Methods I
• Psychotherapy Integration
• States and Stages
• Integral Theories of Consciousness and Development
• Research Methods II
• Principles of Psychopharmacology

Admission requirements for this Meridian University Ph.D. program are as follows:

• College transcripts for your bachelor’s and master’s work
• Resume with experience in the field
• Two letters of recommendation

*Indicates school is a Featured Partner.  Click here for disclosure on Featured Partners. 

• Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology. (n.d.). Retrieved from  https://www.saybrook.edu/areas-of-study/humanistic-clinical-psychology/phd-in-clinical-psychology/
• Ph.D. in Psychology. (n.d.). Retrieved from  https://www.ncu.edu/programs-degrees/psychology/general-psychology-phd-psy
• Ph.D., in Psychology. (n.d.). Retrieved from  https://www.gcu.edu/degree-programs/phd-psychology-cognition-instruction
• Ph.D. in Psychology. (n.d.). Retrieved from  https://www.waldenu.edu/online-doctoral-programs/phd-in-psychology
• Ph.D. in General Psychology. (n.d.). Retrieved from  https://www.capella.edu/online-degrees/phd-general-psychology/
• Psychologists. (2017). Retrieved from  https://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/psychologists.htm
• Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology. (n.d.). Retrieved from  https://www.keiseruniversity.edu/doctor-of-philosophy-in-psychology/
• Ph.D. in Psychology. (n.d.). Retrieved from  https://meridianuniversity.edu/academics/psychology-programs/psychology-concentrations/integral-psychology/integral-psychology-courses
• DMFT Doctorate of Marriage & Family Therapy. (n.d.). Retrieved from  https://psydprograms.org/online-dmft-doctorate-of-marriage-and-family-therapy/
• 8+ Online Psychology Ph.D. Programs 2020. (2019). Retrieved from  https://psydprograms.org/most-affordable-online-psychology-phd-programs/
• Best Online PsyD Programs. (2019). Retrieved from  https://psydprograms.org/accredited-online-psyd-programs/

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The 10 Best No-GRE Online Ph.D. in Psychology Degree Programs

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Looking at No-GRE online doctorates in psychology? Gaining admission to an online PhD program in Psychology presents challenges. Like any doctorate, earning a PhD or PsyD in psychology requires great dedication and years of learning and engagement in the subject.

One challenge that prospective PhD or PsyD students often face is the daunting Graduate Record Examinations (GRE), which in itself takes a lot of preparation and can be quite stressful. Thankfully, many excellent online doctorates in psychology do not require the GRE for admission into their program. Below is a list of some of the very best No-GRE online PhD and PsyD programs.

Methodology

Our profiled list of the best No-GRE  online doctorates in Psychology presents ten of the best degrees currently available. To be included in this list, each online doctorate was required to display:

• Strong institutional credibility
• Appropriate accreditation
• Outstanding academic and practicum opportunities
• A clear vision and presentation of the degree’s core components and requirements
• No-GRE requirement for admission to the doctorate
• All information is cited directly from college websites and/or the unbiased, independent College Navigator
• Our sponsored schools are paid advertisements that are not affiliated with our site’s individual school rankings. They are clearly defined with the word “SPONSORED” as to not confuse our readers with what has been methodologically researched and ranked by our site editors and researchers as compared to the independently sponsored schools that pay for their placement on our site. For more information regarding our rankings or our sponsored schools, please email us at [email protected]

Best No-GRE Online Ph.D. in Psychology Degree Programs

Fielding graduate university, ph.d. in media psychology and ph.d. in clinical psychology.

Program Standouts:

Fielding Graduate University offers two excellent No-GRE PhDs in Psychology: Media Psychology and Clinical Psychology. Both PhD programs have been developed in line with the university’s mission to establish greater equity and justice in the wider world through instilling in its graduates a desire for academic excellence, a strong sense of community in all its diversity, and a desire to create civil and economic structures that foster social justice.

The PhD in Media Psychology is designed to give students the knowledge and skills to recognize the role of media in developing communications, organization, and institutional structuring. The PhD in Clinical Psychology offers a number of concentrations that each focus on clinical settings and engagement with personal psychological needs of individuals under the clinician’s care. Both degree programs provide ample opportunity for hands-on experience in the field by working with active practitioners of media and clinical psychology.

Campus Location: Santa Barbara, California

Accreditation: Fielding Graduate University has received accreditation from the WASC Senior College and University Commission

Graduation Rate:  78%

Acceptance Rate:  96%

Admission Requirements:

• Online application
• Bachelor’s degree
• Official transcripts
• Writing sample or critical thinking writing sample
• Statement of purpose/Reflective essay
• Letters of recommendation

Media Psychology Concentrations:

• Brand Psychology and Audience Engagement
• Positive Psychology and Media
• Social Impact of Mobile Media and Immersive Technology

Clinical Psychology Concentrations:

• Forensic Psychology
• Health Psychology
• Neuropsychology
• Social Justice and Diversity

Degree Outcomes:

Graduates from Fielding Graduate University’s PhD programs in psychology will possess doctoral-level knowledge in the science and theory of psychology. They will be able to engage in critical and creative thinking in the field. Graduates will be able to analyze and improve upon elements of current research and practice. Graduates will have a high level of knowledge in applying theory to practice as well as necessary field competencies.

LEARN MORE ABOUT FIELDING GRADUATE UNIVERSITY’S ONLINE PHD PROGRAMS IN MEDIA PSYCHOLOGY AND CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY

______________________________

LIBERTY UNIVERSITY ONLINE PROGRAMS

Phd in psychology-industrial/organizational.

Liberty University’s online PhD in Psychology-Industrial/Organizational offers an excellent option for college graduates interested in human behavior in organizational and workplace settings. This doctoral degree has no GRE requirement, allowing previous academic success to be the primary determinant in gaining acceptance to the program.

This online doctoral degree in psychology will equip psychology professionals to understand and develop sound, Christian-based, principles of behavior for individuals, groups, and different organizational contexts. This doctoral program offers manageable courses of eight weeks. (This degree program is fully ready to go live, and is only waiting for approval by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.)

Campus Location: Lynchburg, Virginia

Accreditation: Liberty University has received accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools

Graduation Rate:  79%

Acceptance Rate:  50%

• Application
• Regionally or nationally accredited master’s degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA
• 12 credit hours in psychology at the undergraduate and/or graduate level
• Contact information for two recommenders
• Statement of purpose
• Official college transcripts

Program Core Components:

• The Study of Human Behavior in Various Settings
• The Discovery and Application of Solutions in Workplace Contexts
• The Application of a Christian Outlook on the Field of Psychology

Graduates from this online doctoral program in psychology will be prepared for professional careers in a number of fields related to workplace psychology. These include Independent Consultation; College Instructor; Organizational Mentoring/Consulting; Research and Writing.

LEARN MORE ABOUT LIBERTY UNIVERSITY’S  ONLINE PHD IN PSYCHOLOGY-INDUSTRIAL/ORGANIZATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY

Touro university worldwide, psyd in human & organizational psychology online degree program.

Touro University Worldwide’s online doctorate in psychology (PsyD) requires no GRE exam for admission and boasts an accelerated application process coupled with very affordable tuition rates. This doctoral degree program builds upon early coursework in theory, and through personal research and opportunities for practical experience in the field, the program culminates in a dissertation.

Throughout the program, an emphasis is placed upon getting graduates ready for making serious contributions to real-life situations and questions in the many areas of Human and Organizational Psychology.

Campus Location: Los Alamitos, California

Accreditation:  Touro University Worldwide has received accreditation from the WASC Senior College and University Commission

Graduation Rate:  33%

Acceptance Rate:  100%

• Master’s degree from an accredited institution
• Minimum 3.4 GPA in a master’s program
• Two letters of recommendation
• Doctoral entrance essay

Sample Courses of the Degree:

• Applied Cognitive Psychology
• Applied Media Psychology
• Applications of the Scholar-Practitioner Model

Graduates from this degree program are proficient scholar-practitioners able to use and apply evidence-based solutions. They are prepared to choose and apply appropriate theories and develop stringent research programs. Graduates are able to integrate local evidence with general evidentiary conclusions.

LEARN MORE ABOUT TOURO UNIVERSITY WORLDWIDE’S ONLINE PsyD IN HUMAN & ORGANIZATIONAL PSYC HOLOGY

California southern university, doctor of psychology (psyd).

California Southern University without required the GRE provides an excellent online doctorate in psychology (PsyD). This degree program is practice-focused, designed for real-life clinical work. Combining affordable tuition and accessibility, students engage in a degree program strongly rooted in counseling.

This degree program will prepare students for needed licensures so that they can move directly from their online doctoral studies to clinical practice. Instead of a dissertation, this program culminates in a doctoral project that focuses on each student’s primary interests and career goals.

Campus Location: Costa Mesa, California

Accreditation: California Southern University has received accreditation from the WASC Senior College and University Commission

Graduation Rate:  92%

Acceptance Rate:  13%

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
• Master’s degree in psychology or related field from an accredited institution
• Personal statement

Examples of Degree Courses:

• Advanced Theories of Personality
• Ethical and Professional Issues
• History and Systems of Psychology
• Psychological Assessment

This degree program integrates a number of desired outcomes. Critical thinking and communication, undergirded by social and cultural knowledge, are key indicators of success in this program. Science-based quantitative psychological assessment skills that are open to a developmental application in clinical settings characterize graduates from this doctoral program.

LEARN MORE ABOUT CALIFORNIA SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY’S  ONLINE DOCTOR OF PSYCHOLOGY (PsyD) 

 saybrook university, online phd in psychology and phd in clinical psychology.

Saybrook University offers two outstanding options for online learners aspiring to a doctoral degree in the field of psychology. Neither degree requires the GRE, and both degrees provide an excellent and affordable PhD. The PhD in Psychology is designed for those not necessarily seeking licensure or employment in clinical psychology.

The PhD in Clinical Psychology prepares students for licensure and professional practice in psychological therapy.

Campus Location: Oakland, California

Accreditation:  Saybrook University has received accreditation from the WASC Senior College and University Commission

Graduation Rate:  70%

Acceptance Rate:  N/A

• Bachelor’s and master’s degrees from accredited institution/s
• Personal Statement
• One letter of recommendation
• Official transcripts of undergraduate and graduate work
• Faculty interview
• Foundations and Critique of Contemporary Psychology
• Ethics, Spirit, and Health Care
• Psychology of Consciousness
• Dimensions of Creativity

Both online doctoral degree programs prepare graduates with needed theoretical and practical bases for contributing either as researchers and academicians or therapists. Graduates of this program will possess deep self-knowledge as well that is integrated into a profound awareness of various diversities in human life, experience, and psychological makeup that necessary for effective advancement of psychological knowledge and health.

LEARN MORE ABOUT SAYBROOK UNIVERSITY’S ONLINE PHD IN PSYCHOLOGY OR  CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY

Grand canyon university, phd in psychology.

Grand Canyon University’s online PhD in Psychology offers general expertise and doctoral-level instruction and training across the broad range of the psychological profession. Designed for working professionals, the program’s academic requirements are structured to fit into the demands of the student’s employment obligations, and for acceptance to the degree, no GRE is needed.

The degree’s emphasis in instruction and learning prepares students to understand the mental life and how to construct psychologically fitting learning programs that best suit the general conditions of human cognition in diverse learning contexts and settings. The emphasis in technology, learning, and instruction prepares online students with an understanding of the roles that technology and media play in the spread of information and upon the process of learning.

Campus Location: Phoenix, Arizona

Accreditation: Grand Canyon University has received accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission

Graduation Rate:  47%

Acceptance Rate:  83%

• Bachelor’s and/or master’s degree
• Letter of intent

Doctoral Degree Concentrations:

• General Psychology with an Emphasis in Cognition and Instruction
• General Psychology with an Emphasis in Integrating Technology, Learning, and Psychology

The online doctorate in General Psychology-emphasis in Cognition and Instruction equips graduates for careers in government, school systems, and other instructional contexts. The PhD with an emphasis in Technology and Learning is especially suitable for those interested in entering the rapidly growing field of industrial-organizational psychology.

LEARN MORE ABOUT GRAND CANYON UNIVERSITY’S ONLINE PHD IN PSYCHOLOGY WITH CONCENTRATIONS IN COGNITION AND INSTRUCTION OR  INTEGRATING TECHNOLOGY, LEARNING, AND PSYCHOLOGY

National university, online phd in psychology.

Admission to National University’s online PhD in Psychology is made easier because it does not require the GRE. This outstanding and affordable online doctorate is designed to give its students a broad doctoral-level education in psychological history, theory, and practice.

Enhancing current practitioners’ knowledge and skills, this degree offers weekly course starts that can fit any schedule. Graduates from this online PhD in Psychology will be ready to transition from student to scholar with the ability to analyze individual, group, and institutional psychological structures with an eye to their improvement.

Campus Location: San Diego, California

Accreditation:  National University has received accreditation from the WASC Senior College and University Commission

Graduation Rate:  13%

Acceptance Rate:  55%

• Master’s degree in psychology or related field

Program Specializations:

• Gender Diversity Studies
• General Psychology
• Gerontology
• Industrial Organizational Psychology
• Mental Health Policy and Practice
• Trauma and Disaster Relief

This degree program is designed to prepare students with general and specialized doctoral education that will immediately be able to be applied to academic research and writing.

LEARN MORE ABOUT NATIONAL UNIVERSITY’S  ONLINE PHD IN PSYCHOLOGY

The chicago school of professional psychology, multiple phds in psychology.

The Chicago School of Professional Psychology is the most diverse doctoral program on this list of GRE-free online PhD programs in psychology. With its specific focus upon psychology and the vast number of part-time and full-time online PhD in psychology specializations, The Chicago School of Professional has a PdD program to fit any student’s aspirations in the field of psychology. From managers and supervisors to academics, Chicago has an online PhD tailored to fit your needs.

Campus Location: Chicago, Illinois

Accreditation:  The Chicago School of Professional Psychology has received accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Graduation Rate:  80%

Acceptance Rate:  37%

• Personal essay
• Statement of research

PhD in Psychology Specializations:

• Organizational Leadership
• International Psychology
• Business Psychology
• Applied Behavior Analysis

This degree prepares graduates, according to their chosen specializations, for a career in the field of psychology. Potential employment fields include business consultation, college instructors, counseling, trauma, industrial-organizational settings.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE CHICAGO SCHOOL OF PROFESSIONAL PSYCHOLOGY’S  ONLINE PHD PROGRAMS IN PSYCHOLOGY 

Walden university.

Walden’s online PhD in Psychology doesn’t require applicants to take the GRE and offers them the possibility of an accelerated degree track by waiving up to five courses for applicants who have completed a master’s degree in a related field. This degree program also awards students with an MPhil in Psychology upon their completion of program requirements prior to completing their dissertation. Combining accessibility, affordability, speed, and convenience, this online doctorate in psychology is an outstanding option for students and practitioners in the field of psychology, looking to advance their careers and their contributions this important field.

Campus Location: Minneapolis, Minnesota

Accreditation:  Walden University has received accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission

Graduation Rate:  32%

• Employment history
• Educational Psychology
• Social Psychology
• Research in Psychology
• Teaching in Psychology
• Self-Designed Program

This degree through its core components and specializations prepares graduates for a wide range of employment opportunities in the field of psychology. Some these include researcher, consultant, marketing director, human resources manager, political strategist, staff psychologist, director of career services.

LEARN MORE ABOUT WALDEN UNIVERSITY’S  ONLINE PHD IN PSYCHOLOGY

Meridian university, phd in psychology and psyd in psychology.

Meridian University offers both an online PhD and an online PsyD in Psychology. Neither online doctorate requires the GRE for admission. Both programs offer top-notch, affordable doctoral-level instruction and field experience. The PsyD program emphasizes clinical practice and psychological therapy, while the PhD is more geared towards research. Both degrees, however, are designed to prepare graduates for attaining licensure according to the standards of the state of California.

Campus Location: Petaluma, California

Accreditation: Meridian University has received accreditation from the WASC Senior College and University Commission

Graduation Rate:  62%

• Master’s in psychology or related field

Program Sample Courses (PsyD and PhD):

• Child Abuse Assessment and Reporting
• Theories of Group Counseling
• Social Psychology and Industrial Psychology
• Developmental Psychology

The PhD program prepares graduates for various careers in counseling, staff psychologist, research and writing, and consultation. The PsyD, in addition to the above-mentioned possible career paths, opens avenues for graduates to pursue clinical practice and therapy.

LEARN MORE ABOUT MERIDIAN UNIVERSITY’S ONLINE PHD IN PSYCHOLOGY  or PsyD in Psychology

Now is a great time to consider earning a doctorate online in psychology. The rapid growth and implementation of technologies and the diversification of media have sparked great changes in the overall field of psychology.

The dynamic field of psychology is expanding, providing numerous career avenues for psychology professionals and practitioners. From clinical work and therapy to consultation, to organizational management, and marketing, the field of psychology is wide open.

The schools on this list of  No-GRE  online doctorates provide great options for pursuing a doctoral degree without the hurdle of the GRE!

What do Psychologists do?

Psychologists are found in virtually every field of human industry and interaction. Their expertise and care are needed almost anywhere questions of the mental processes, structures, makeup, emotions, and behaviors of humans are involved.

While the application of psychological knowledge and practice is very extensive, the specific characteristics and concerns of all psychologists are the spheres of the mental, emotional, and behavior present everywhere human beings are involved.

Psychologists, therefore, seek to understand, explain, and improve human mental health and behavior. This is accomplished through research and writing, applications, and clinical research and therapy.

What is the difference between a Ph.D. in Psychology and a PsyD?

PhD programs in psychology are commonly oriented toward academic pursuits that serve to advance the field in terms of both theory and application. To this end, heavy focus is given to research methods, data collection and application, experimentation, and statistics.

A key component of PhD program in psychology is the research and writing of a dissertation wherein the student demonstrates proficiency in the field and specialization in a specific area.

The  PsyD is a more recent development in the field of doctoral studies in psychology. The primary focus of most PsyD students is oriented toward clinical practice and therapy. While sharing many aspects with the PhD, the PsyD does typically include a dissertation component to the program.

Both degrees, however, can serve as adequate preparation to practice as licensed psychologists. Broadly speaking, choosing between a PhD and PsyD comes down to personal preferences and one’s orientation to either academic pursuits or application pursuits.

What settings do Psychology professionals and practitioners work in?

Professionals in the field of psychology work in a variety of settings. These include organizations, governmental and non-governmental institutions, businesses, and non-profits. Holders of a doctorate in psychology work as consultants, counselors, licensed psychologists, advisors, supervisors, human resource managers, clinicians, and many other fields.

Is it hard to get into a Ph.D. program in psychology?

It can be challenging to get into a Ph.D. program for psychology. The requirements for admission vary from program to program, but typically applicants must have a bachelor’s or master’s degree in psychology (or a related field) and a solid academic record.

Additionally, many programs require applicants to submit GRE scores, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement. The competition for spots in a Ph.D. program is often quite intense, so it is important for applicants to do their research and make sure they are a good fit for the program they are applying to.

Search NYU Steinhardt

Doctor of Philosophy Counseling Psychology

The principles underlying our Counseling Psychology doctorate are a focus on a developmental understanding of clients; commitment to a health model of intervention; and appreciation of the gendered, cultural, and institutional contexts of people’s lives, as these contexts affect both clients and counselors.

Degree Details

Official degree title.

PhD in Counseling Psychology

About the Program 

The program follows the basic pattern of a scientist-practitioner model. The major components of the Counseling Psychology doctorate are course work, clinical training (practica, externships, internship), and research training (including dissertation). Solid training in teaching and mentoring, giving students the professional background toward a career in academics, is another key feature of our program. Across all components, attention is given to the integration of practice, theory, and research.

Licensure and Accreditation

The PhD in Counseling Psychology was first registered with the New York State Department of Education for the professional preparation of psychologists in 1971. Graduates of the program become fully qualified psychologists with specialized training in counseling and are eligible for licensure by the state. Learn more about licensure requirements in those states in which students are doing learning placements.

The Counseling Psychology program has been fully accredited since 1981 by the American Psychological Association, Office of Program Consultation and Accreditation, 750 First Street, NE, Washington DC 20002-4242 (202-336-5979). Questions related to the program's accreditation status may be directed to this office.

Center for Counseling and Community Wellbeing

The Center is part of the teaching and training program in Counseling Psychology and provides services to meet the local community's social, emotional, and behavioral health. We provide a range of services to children, adolescents, adults, and families.  Learn more about the Center , an important part of the Department of Applied Psychology at NYU Steinhardt.

Admissions Information

Careers and outcomes.

CNPS Student Handbook

Counseling Psychology Doctoral Program Online Info Session

Individuals interested in learning about and applying for the Doctoral Program in Counseling Psychology in the Department of Applied Psychology at New York University will have the opportunity to hear from the Chair of the Admission Committee, Dr. Anil Chacko, about the process. This will include information about the mission of the program, requirements for applying, and what makes for a successful candidate/application. There will also be an opportunity for Questions and Answers.

Registration Required. 

GRE Requirements: 

Although the GRE is typically required for this program, for the 2024 admissions cycle, the GRE general test score is optional, and the GRE subject test is not required. The Admissions Committee will review all applications holistically, and the applications submitted without GRE scores will not be disadvantaged in the review.

Research Mentors:

The doctoral program in counseling psychology at NYU is a small, individualized scientist-practitioner training program; thus, we pay close attention to the match between the candidate and the program’s faculty and resources. In particular, we seek to admit students whose professional interests align with the program as a whole and whose research interests are well-matched with those of more than one faculty member. Each new student will be matched with a primary research mentor and will also be supported by secondary faculty mentors in other research and clinical roles.

The faculty who are available to serve as primary research mentors for the Fall 2024 admission are:

• Anil Chacko
• Shabnam Javdani
• William Tsai

Other faculty are potentially available to serve as secondary mentors, so we encourage you to write about your interests and experiences that demonstrate that you are a good match with the program as a whole as well as with your potential primary mentor.

Questions: 

If you have questions regarding admission requirements, please review our How to Apply  page.

If you have any additional questions that are not addressed on the "How to Apply" page, please contact us at  [email protected] .

NYU Steinhardt offers a competitive funding package for PhD students who study full time.   Learn more about Steinhardt's funding opportunities .

Our program will prepare you for diverse roles in academia, social research, and clinical practice. In the academic arena, our students can go on to jobs in schools of psychology, public health, and public policy. In the area of social research, students are prepared to obtain positions in research, advocacy, and social service organizations. 

Additionally, our students are well-positioned for jobs in private-practice and healthcare organizations. Indeed, there is increasing demand for evidence-based strategies in health and social service organizations and our students are qualified to contribute to the design and implementation of such strategies, and the delivery of evidence-based interventions.

Learn more about Students Admissions, Outcomes, and Other Data .

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Advance your personal and professional journey – apply to join our community of students.

DEPARTMENT OF PSYCHOLOGY

• Undergraduate
• Graduate Studies in Psychology
• Areas of Specialization
• Considering Clinical Psychology

What Does It Take to Get Into Graduate School in Clinical Psychology?

Admission to PhD programs in clinical psychology is very competitive. Ratios of 300 applicants to 8 positions are common (though perhaps 10-15 people would have to be accepted to fill the 8 slots; some who are accepted decide to go elsewhere, or enter a different kind of graduate or professional program ). Different programs emphasize different characteristics, but it is safe to say that in all programs GREs and GPAs are examined closely. Graduate students in Northwestern's program have averaged over 1400 on the GRE (Verbal plus Quantitative), with an average GPA of over 3.5. (GPAs for the last two years of undergraduate schooling are most important, so students with uneven early records have a good chance if they've improved.) There are respectable programs whose students score lower on these measures, but students who have lower than 1200 on the GRE or a GPA of less than 3.3 can expect to find it difficult to get into a top graduate program in clinical psychology without other special qualifications.

Regarding less standardized criteria, most graduate programs in clinical psychology will prefer that you have taken a course in psychopathology, e.g., our Psych 303. Introduction to Clinical Psychology (Psych 306) can also be useful, in part as a way to learn more about the field and your options within it. Most graduate schools also expect students to have obtained some research experience. The primary concern is that students should have conducted some psychological research in order to know whether they find it interesting. From an admissions perspective, it is less important that you have had clinical research experience than it is that you have had meaningful research experiences (e.g., not just entering data). It is also important that you be able to solicit a letter of recommendation from at least one research supervisor. This means that it is important to get involved in research before you do your applications. If you plan to apply to graduate programs during fall of your senior year, then you should begin your research involvement as a junior, or even earlier.

Northwestern’s psychology department offers many  research opportunities  for undergraduate students. Each quarter, many of our students do  research for course credit  through 399-Independent Study or the two-quarter sequence 397-Advanced Supervised Research. You can learn more about 399 and 397, including their requirements and the differences between them, by reading our webpage on research for course credit. This page also includes tips on choosing a professor with whom to do research. Other students obtain paid positions in the department, typically through the federal  work-study program . You should make sure that your research experience provides you with an in-depth look at the nature of psychological research and at the theories and past research relevant for the questions under investigation. Entering data, scheduling research participants, and so on are integral parts of the research process, but it is important to do much more than that.

Some psychology students hope to do research that is outside the specific projects for which their faculty supervisors have funding. In addition, students who want to do research on campus during the summer may need to earn money for living expenses. Northwestern University, Weinberg College, and the psychology department all have funds available on a competitive basis to support student research. Guidelines for applying for the psychology department’s Benton J. Underwood Summer Fellowship are always included in the winter edition of our undergraduate newsletter,  Swift Thinking . See the Weinberg College webpage on  funds for undergraduate research  and the university page on  Research Opportunities for Undergraduates  for additional funding options.

Many graduate schools give a great deal of consideration to the likely match between potential students' interests and faculty interests. Students can convey their interests through the personal statements they include in their applications and in direct contact with relevant professors. If you have strong interests in a professor's research, this will make you a much more desirable applicant to that person. But you must be able to convey that your interests are serious, for example, by discussing a specific study. Faculty will not be impressed if it appears that you merely scanned the departmental brochure searching for topics that sound interesting.

Students may also want to consider trying some hands-on counseling-type work. Many agencies accept and train volunteers. For example, volunteering at a teen drop-in center or a hospital, working as a camp counselor for special needs children, and answering phones for a helpline can all be relevant experiences. If your goal is to work with some specific population – troubled teens, the elderly, autistic children – then you should try to gain some firsthand experience with this population. In part, this may serve as a valuable credential when you apply for graduate training. Perhaps more importantly, it will let you know if working with this population is as rewarding for you as you expect it to be. Two student groups –  Northwestern Community Development Corps (NCDC)  and  OASIS  – are good sources of information about volunteer opportunities in Evanston and surrounding communities

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Psychology Graduate Program

• Psychology Department

The Clinical Psychology Program adheres to a clinical science model of training, and is a member of the Academy of Psychological Clinical Science.  We are committed to training clinical psychologists whose research advances scientific knowledge of psychopathology and its treatment, and who are capable of applying evidence-based methods of assessment and clinical intervention. The main emphasis of the program is research, especially on severe psychopathology. The program includes research, course work, and clinical practica, and usually takes five years to complete. Students typically complete assessment and treatment practica during their second and third years in the program, and they must fulfill all departmental requirements prior to beginning their one-year internship. The curriculum meets requirements for licensure in Massachusetts, and is accredited by the Psychological Clinical Science Accreditation System (PCSAS) and by the American Psychological Association (APA).  PCSAS re-accredited the program on December 15, 2022 for a 10-year term. APA most recently accredited the program on April 28, 2015 for a seven-year term, which was extended due to COVID-related delays. 

Requirements

Required courses and training experiences fulfill requirements for clinical psychology licensure in Massachusetts as well as meet APA criteria for the accreditation of clinical psychology programs.  In addition to these courses, further training experiences are required in accordance with the American Psychological Association’s guidelines for the accreditation of clinical psychology programs (e.g., clinical practica [e.g., PSY 3050 Clinical Practicum, PSY 3080 Practicum in Neuropsychological Assessment]; clinical internship).

Students in the clinical psychology program are required to take the following courses:

• PSY 3900 Professional Ethics
• PSY 2445 Psychotherapy Research
• PSY 2070 Psychometric Theory and Method Using R
• PSY 2430 Cultural, Racial, and Ethnic Bases of Behavior
• PSY 3250 Psychological Testing
• PSY 2050 History of Psychology
• PSY 1951 Intermediate Quantitative Methods
• PSY 1952 Multivariate Analysis in Psychology
• PSY 2040 Contemporary Topics in Psychopathology
• PSY 2460 Diagnostic Interviewing
• PSY 2420 Cognitive-Behavioral Treatment of Psychological Disorders

Clinical students must also take one course in each of the following substantive areas: biological bases of behavior (e.g., PSY 1202 Modern Neuroanatomy; PSY 1325 The Emotional, Social Brain; PSY 1355 The Adolescent Brain; PSY 1702 The Emotional Mind); social bases of behavior (e.g., PSY 2500 Proseminar in Social Psychology); cognitive-affective bases of behavior (e.g., PSY 2400 Cognitive Psychology and Emotional Disorders); and individual differences (Required course PSY 2040 Contemporary Topics in Psychopathology fulfills the individual differences requirement for Massachusetts licensure). In accordance with American Psychological Association guidelines for the accreditation of clinical psychology programs, clinical students also receive consultation and supervision within the context of clinical practica in psychological assessment and treatment beginning in their second semester of their first year and running through their third year. They receive further exposure to additional topics (e.g., human development) in the Developmental Psychopathology seminar and in the twice-monthly clinical psychology “brown bag” speaker series. Finally, students complete a year-long clinical internship. Students are responsible for making sure that they take courses in all the relevant and required areas listed above. Students wishing to substitute one required course for another should seek advice from their advisor and from the director of clinical training prior to registering. During the first year, students are advised to get in as many requirements as possible. Many requirements can be completed before the deadlines stated below. First-year project:  Under the guidance of a faculty member who serves as a mentor, students participate in a research project and write a formal report on their research progress. Due by May of first year. Second-year project:  Original research project leading to a written report in the style of an APA journal article. A ten-minute oral presentation is also required. Due by May of second year. General exam:  A six-hour exam covering the literature of the field. To be taken in September before the start of the third year. Thesis prospectus:  A written description of the research proposed must be approved by a prospectus committee appointed by the CHD. Due at the beginning of the fourth year. Thesis and oral defense:  Ordinarily this would be completed by the end of the fourth year. Clinical internship:  Ordinarily this would occur in the fifth year. Students must have completed their thesis research prior to going on internship.

Credit for Prior Graduate Work

 A PhD student who has completed at least one full term of satisfactory work in the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences may file an application at the Registrar’s Office requesting that work done in a graduate program elsewhere be counted toward the academic residence requirement. Forms are available  online .

No more than the equivalent of eight half-courses may be so counted for the PhD.

An application for academic credit for work done elsewhere must contain a list of the courses, with grades, for which the student is seeking credit, and must be approved by the student’s department. In order for credit to be granted, official transcripts showing the courses for which credit is sought must be submitted to the registrar, unless they are already on file with the Graduate School. No guarantee is given in advance that such an application will be granted. 

Only courses taken in a Harvard AB-AM or AB-SM program, in Harvard Summer School, as a GSAS Special Student or FAS courses taken as an employee under the Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) may be counted toward the minimum academic residence requirements for a Master’s degree.

Academic and financial credit for courses taken as a GSAS Special Student or FAS courses taken as a Harvard employee prior to admission to a degree program may be granted for a maximum of four half-courses toward a one-year Master’s and eight half-courses toward a two-year Master’s or the PhD degree.

Applications for academic and financial credit must be approved by the student’s department and should then be submitted to the Registrar’s Office.

Student Admissions, Outcomes, and other data  

1. Time to Completion

Students can petition the program faculty to receive credit for prior graduate coursework, but it does not markedly reduce their expected time to complete the program.

2. Program Costs

3. Internships 

4. Attrition

5. Licensure

Standard Financial Aid Award, Students Entering 2023  

The financial aid package for Ph.D. students entering in 2023 will include tuition and health fees support for years one through four, or five, if needed; stipend support in years one and two; a summer research grant equal to two months stipend at the end of years one through four; teaching fellowship support in years three and four guaranteed by the Psychology Department; and a dissertation completion grant consisting of tuition and stipend support in the appropriate year. Typically students will not be allowed to teach while receiving a stipend in years one and two or during the dissertation completion year.    

Year 1 (2023-24) and Year 2 (2024- 25)  Tuition & Health Fees:                             Paid in Full  Academic Year Stipend:                           $35,700 (10 months)  Summer Research Award:                       $7,140 (2 months)

Year 3 (2025-26) & Year 4 (2026- 27) Tuition & Health Fees:                             Paid in Full Living Expenses:                                       $35,700 (Teaching Fellowship plus supplement, if eligible)  Summer Research Award:                       $7,140 (2 months)

Year 5 (2027-28) - if needed; may not be taken after the Dissertation Completion year Tuition & Health Fees:                             Paid in Full

Dissertation Completion Year (normally year 5, occasionally year 6) Tuition & Health Fees:                             Paid in Full  Stipend for Living Expenses:                    $35,700  

The academic year stipend is for the ten-month period September through June. The first stipend payment will be made available at the start of the fall term with subsequent disbursements on the first of each month. The summer research award is intended for use in July and August following the first four academic years.

In the third and fourth years, the guaranteed income of $35,700 includes four sections of teaching and, if necessary, a small supplement from the Graduate School. Your teaching fellowship is guaranteed by the Department provided you have passed the General Examination or equivalent and met any other department criteria. Students are required to take a teacher training course in the first year of teaching.

The dissertation completion year fellowship will be available as soon as you are prepared to finish your dissertation, ordinarily in the fifth year. Applications for the completion fellowship must be submitted in February of the year prior to utilizing the award. Dissertation completion fellowships are not guaranteed after the seventh year. Please note that registration in the Graduate School is always subject to your maintaining satisfactory progress toward the degree.

GSAS students are strongly encouraged to apply for appropriate Harvard and outside fellowships throughout their enrollment. All students who receive funds from an outside source are expected to accept the award in place of the above Harvard award. In such cases, students may be eligible to receive a GSAS award of up to $4,000 for each academic year of external funding secured or defer up to one year of GSAS stipend support.

For additional information, please refer to the Financial Support section of the GSAS website ( gsas.harvard.edu/financial-support ).

Registration and Financial Aid in the Graduate School are always subject to maintaining satisfactory progress toward the degree.

Psychology students are eligible to apply for generous research and travel grants from the Department.

The figures quoted above are estimates provided by the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences and are subject to change.

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

The Director of Clinical Training is Prof. Richard J. McNally who can be reached by telephone at (617) 495-3853 or via e-mail at:  [email protected] . 

• Clinical Internship Allowance

Harvard Clinical Psychology Student Handbook

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Clinical Health Psychology PhD Program

Mission statement.

The mission of the Clinical Health Psychology (CHP) program is to train Scientist-Practitioners who receive a generalist-training in clinical psychology, and who acquire additional knowledge and skill in health psychology and behavioral medicine. We promote a practice of clinical psychology that is evidence-based and integrates the findings of relevant scientific research. We encourage our students to engage in both research and clinical work, and to use critical analysis of the empirical literature to inform their clinical interventions. Our graduates are trained to function in a complex, diverse, and pluralistic society, emphasizing ethical principles and developing knowledge and respect for individual, group, and cultural differences.

Program Director : Amy Wachholtz, PhD                             

Program Assistant : Kimberly Hill , Ph.D.

CHP Admissions:   [email protected]

CU Denver and the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences have provided clear statements that we must stand together against racism and injustice. The Clinical Health Psychology program is aligned with these values. Please find here a helpful site of resources regarding racial justice.

The Psychology Department at CU Denver offers a Doctor of Philosophy degree (PhD) with an emphasis in Clinical Health Psychology (CHP). We are accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA) since 2016 (APA, Office of Program Consultation and Accreditation, 750 1st St. NE, Washington, DC 20002-4242; 202.336.5979). Our next site visit is Winter/Spring 2024.  Our program adheres to the scientist-practitioner model. Training emphasizes the contribution of research to the understanding, treatment and prevention of a wide range of health-related concerns, and the application of knowledge that is grounded in scientific evidence.  

In the CHP program, students are trained in a variety of approaches and techniques for evaluating, diagnosing and treating a wide range of psychological problems. Because our program places an emphasis on health, our students are also trained to assess the psychological factors associated with different medical conditions and learn to design effective interventions that integrate biological, psychological and social (including cultural) factors. Students acquire research expertise by completing a master's thesis and doctoral dissertation and demonstrate competence in clinical assessment and intervention through several applied practica experiences, a clinical competency evaluation, and a pre-doctoral internship. With this broad and intense model of training, our students have gone on to diverse professional postdoctoral fellowships and professional careers. Examples of research opportunities, clinical training opportunities, and post graduate experiences for our students can be found here.

CU Denver is a premier research university in Colorado and the PhD program in CHP was conceived as an important bridge between the Downtown Campus and the Anschutz Medical Campus (AMC).  The program is housed on the Downtown Campus which is located in the heart of Denver close to the Denver Center for the Performing Arts, the LoDo District and the state capital.  The Anschutz Medical Campus includes over 5 million square feet of research, educational and clinical space on 227 acres.  The PhD program offers research and clinical opportunities for its students at AMC in addition to the many relationships it has established with other clinical facilities in the Denver area.

The University of Colorado Denver’s CHP program is committed to diversity and fostering inclusion; one in which all individuals- whether from underrepresented, represented, or well represented groups- feel uniquely esteemed, valued and respected.  As psychologists, we understand that a culture of inclusion encourages diverse perspectives and makes our program and students stronger. This is part of our mission to equip future researchers and clinicians to be culturally competent and responsive as they engage in the science and practice of psychology.  Cultural competence and responsiveness in both research and clinical practice is strongly emphasized in our curriculum, clinical training, research, and numerous events in both the University and Denver communities. In our large urban setting, students in our program have excellent opportunities in to expand their research and clinical experience in with regard to diverse and underserved populations, including opportunities in bilingual training. Moreover, students and faculty in the program have a wide range of research interests, including research focused on neurodiversity, varying developmental periods, religious diversity, military couples, physical ability and addiction status, and health and healthcare disparities. Student research regarding diversity is encouraged. Applicants and current students can click the link below for more information about diversity programs at CU Denver.

Office of Diversity and Inclusion

Licensure information:

We are an APA accredited program (APA, Office of Program Consultation and Accreditation, 750 1st St. NE, Washington, DC 20002-4242; 202.336.5979) and most states and territories in the United States use APA requirements for licensing psychologists, including the state of Colorado.  However, as state requirements may change without any notice to doctoral programs, we are unable to confirm that our program meets the licensure requirements for any specific state or territory.  If you intend to pursue such credentialing and licensing in a different state or territory, we advise you to contact the applicable state credentialing authority to familiarize yourself with its specific requirements and determine if our program meets its eligibility criteria.  Many students find the following link is a helpful place to start in researching a state or territory’s requirements:   https://www.asppb.net/page/BdContactNewPG  . If you have further questions, you are welcome to contact the program director,  Amy Wachholtz, PhD , or the program assistant,  Kimberly Hill  and we will do our best to assist you in your career planning.       

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