Admission Requirements

Selection of Doctoral Students

The selection of Doctoral students is a lengthy and difficult process as many excellent applications are received annually. A multitude of factors play a role in the decision making process including an applicant's academic history, research experience, recommendations, diversity in its multitude of forms, match with faculty interests, motivation for professional study and promise for the field. Admissions decisions are made with the input of the whole Clinical Psychology core faculty.

Admissions Requirements

Following are the requirements for admission to the Ph.D. Program.

• Proof of completion of a baccalaureate degree from an accredited College or University.
  
• Scores of no less than 500 on the verbal and 500 on the quantitative sections of the Graduate Record Exam.
  
  For non-native speakers of English, a TOEFL may be required. Check recently admitted student statistics at our website for detailed information.
  
• A score of 65th percentile or higher on the psychology section of the Graduate Record Examination.
  
• A strong undergraduate record or graduate record. Candidates are expected to have completed with an average of 3.0 or better, the following two courses:
  
  
  • Elementary Statistics
    
  • Research Design/Experimental Psychology (laboratory course)
  
  
  In addition, the following courses are strongly recommended:
  
  
  • Psychopathology/Abnormal Psychology
    
  • History or Systems of Psychology
    
  • Physiological Psychology or Sensation/Perception
    Tests and Measurements
  
  
• Personal Statement
  
  This statement gives you an opportunity to submit information that you would like to have evaluated with your application. Typically, applicants submit a well articulated essay of 2-3 pages in length on your interest in Clinical Psychology. An essay may include information about and/or copies of:
  
  
  • Honors or achievements which you have not listed elsewhere
    
  • Cultural, racial, religious, sexual orientation, or family history of perceived importance in determining your interest in professional Clinical Psychology
    
  • Physical disabilities
    
  • College or employment activities relevant to professional psychology
    
  • Previous publications or convention presentations in psychology, etc.
    
  • Any other information you deem interesting or relevant about you!
  
  
• Letters of Recommendation
  
  We ask that you have sent three confidential letters of recommendation, enclosed in a sealed and signed envelope along with the application. We will also accept letters which are separately sent to the Graduate Admissions office. (Please make sure to specify which program you are an applicant for if sent by separate cover.)
  
  The committee views in-depth letters from professors who know your work in a number of courses or a variety of settings as more important than a vague, general letter attesting to your competence or academic prowess. We are especially interested in letters which attest to your interpersonal attributes and competence in research skills, both of which are viewed as necessary to be a Psychology professional. Specific competence in statistics, research design, physiological psychology, lab courses or tests and measurements may be reflected in letters as well. These academic letters may be supplemented by letters which attest to your organizational and work skills in community activities, group homes, mental health centers, etc. Volunteer work or paid employment are both equally valued.
  
• A curriculum vita listing educational and professional experiences and accomplishments.