psychology phd difficulty

Applying to Clinical PhD Psychology Programs

How many applications to send.

Posted July 22, 2018

Now is the time that many individuals are going to be thinking about their future career . For many, their career journey includes graduate program in a clinical psychology PhD program. For these individuals, the next few months will involve carefully researching various programs to determine which programs might be best for them. One big question that will hit all of these potential applicants concerns the optimal number of applications to send.

It might seem like someone or some computer program has figured out the number of applications to send, but like most aspects of the application process for PhD clinical psychology programs, determining this number is complex. To begin, it is likely the case that most applicants know that getting accepted to a clinical psychology PhD program is very difficult. To illustrate this in concrete terms, we looked at the acceptance and matriculation rates of PhD programs that are members of the Council of University Directors of Clinical Psychology. These rates are publicly available for these programs website under the link “Student Admissions, Outcomes, and Other Data”. We were able to locate data for 100 programs, and found that the acceptance rate was most often 4%, and the matriculation rate (those who actually enrolled) was most often 2%.

These extremely low values reflect the high standards of all clinical psychology PhD programs, the high number of applicants that apply to each program, and the low number of open slots at each program for an incoming class. One other point should be kept in mind related to the above points: The applicants to PhD programs are at the “highest level.” This means that if you are applying to a PhD program in clinical psychology, you really need to be a strong candidate. There is no hard and fast rule on what constitutes a strong candidate, but rest assured it is a combination of very high GRE scores (on all three components of the exam), a very high GPA in rigorous courses (forget those gym courses and basket-weaving courses!), research experience (remember that a PhD is a research degree), excellent letters of recommendation, and a great fit with a potential mentor.

Besides showing that it is really difficult to be accepted into a particular PhD program, the acceptance and matriculation (enrollment) rates raise other interesting issues that are important to the question of how many programs you should apply to. First, acceptance rates are higher than matriculation rates. This is because not every person who gets accepted to a clinical psychology PhD program ends up attending. For example, an applicant may realize that that being a clinician is not for them. This applicant’s slot is then open for another applicant. Second, applicants to clinical psychology PhD programs almost always apply to multiple programs. This leads to a lot of movement with regard to who gets accepted. Let’s take the example of a fictitious applicant Susan who applies to 15 clinical psychology PhD programs. She receives acceptances from five programs—Michigan State, UKentucky, UDenver, Alabama, and UTexas. Of course, she can only matriculate at one program—she picks UKentucky (not for the basketball!). Her matriculation decision means that the four other slots that were originally reserved for Susan must go unused or go to other applicants in the applicant pool, who may or may not enroll at each of the remaining four programs.

Given the above information, we can now focus on how many programs you should consider applying to. Right up front we should note that there does not appear to be any publicly accessible data that shows the number of applications per clinical psychology PhD applicant. This is different than other types of post-graduate applicants, where data is available on the number of applications per applicant for medical program (16 applications) and law program (6 applications).

Nonetheless, there is some guidance from the Internet on determining how many programs an applicant should apply to:

1) Although neither the American Psychological Association (APA) nor one of the most widely cited websites about applying to clinical psychology graduate program (“Mitch’s Guide”) recommends a specific number, these resources (and others) discuss applications in terms of “fit”. That is, an applicant should apply to programs where there is a fit between a student’s credentials and the characteristics of a particular program, including location, training emphasis, and potential mentor(s).

2) Some sites offer more specific recommendations. These sites discuss applying to different levels of programs. These types are typically defined based on the GPA and GRE data listed in a program’s link to Student Admissions, Outcomes, and Other Data. At the top level are “Dream” or “Reach” programs (programs where your credentials are lower than the data), “Match” programs (programs where your credentials match the data for that program), and “Safety” or “Back-up” programs (programs where your credentials exceed the data). Sites recommending that you apply based on level of program will typically argue that an applicant should apply to perhaps two or three at each level.

3) Some Internet sites offer recommendations on how many programs to apply without mentioning level of program. These sites recommend varying numbers, often as high as 10-20 programs.

The lack of clarity on the number of applications to clinical psychology PhD programs means you may have to adjust your thinking as you move forward with your plans to apply to clinical psychology PhD programs. You will have to decide whether applying to different levels makes sense for you. While some students may need to use the levels approach because of specific gaps in their credentials, others may have a record so strong that the levels approach does not really apply to them—these students are competitive at all programs.

In addition, if you are a highly competitive applicant, it is probably worth you increasing your number of applications. Figuring out additional programs to apply to will involve more work, and it might involve considering multiple research areas you are willing to pursue, but it will likely increase your overall chances to be accepted to a program. You must always keep in mind that your chances of being accepted anywhere is still a function of your credentials, the competition (always an unknown), and what programs are considering. Moreover, each application has an application fee, and takes time and effort to complete. Therefore, you should probably only apply to those programs that you feel you would be willing to attend. With all of the above in mind, good luck as you move forward with your applications!

Please note that the comments of Dr. Golding and the others who post on this blog express their own opinion and not that of the University of Kentucky.

Check out career possibilities for psychology majors at scoutiescareersinpsychology.org

Learn tips to succeed in college at beginnersguidetocollegesuccess.com

Jonathan Golding, Ph.D. , is a professor of psychology at the University of Kentucky. Anne Lippert, Ph.D. , is a post-doctoral fellow at the University of Kentucky.

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PhD Admissions

The PhD program in Psychology trains students for careers in research and teaching. In addition to a wide range of courses, the PhD program is characterized by close collaboration between students and their faculty advisors. 

General Information

The Department of Psychology holistically reviews each candidate's complete application to assess the promise of a career in teaching and research. Consideration is based on various factors, including courses taken, grade point average, letters of recommendation, and the statement of purpose. Additionally, the Department of Psychology places considerable emphasis on research training, and admitted students have often been involved in independent research as undergraduate students or post-baccalaureate settings. Although there are no course requirements for admission, all applicants should have sufficient foundational knowledge and research experience to engage in graduate-level coursework and research.

We accept students with undergraduate degrees and those with both undergraduate and master's degrees. An undergraduate psychology major is not required; the Department welcomes applicants from other academic backgrounds.

Our application portal is now closed for the AY24-25 admissions cycle.  Please consider applying during next year's AY25-26 admissions cycle, which opens on September 15, 2024.

How to Apply

Application and deadline.

Our 2025-26 Admissions application will open on September 15, 2024.

Applications will be due on November 30, 2024

The deadline for letters of recommendation will be  November 30, 2024 . 

Once an applicant submits the recommenders' information, the recommenders will receive an automated email with instructions for submitting the letter. Late letters should be sent directly to psych-admissions [at] stanford.edu (psych-admissions[at]stanford[dot]edu) . Staff will add them to the application file if the review process is still underway. Still, the faculty reviewers are not obligated to re-review files for materials submitted after the deadline.

The status of submitted applications can be viewed by logging in to the   application portal . 

The deadline to apply for the Stanford Psychology Ph.D. program is  November 30, 2024 . 

Applicants who are admitted to the program will matriculate in autumn 2025. 

In addition to the information below, please review the  Graduate Admissions  website prior to starting your application. The Department of Psychology does not have rolling admissions. We admit for the Autumn term only.

Requirements

• U.S. Bachelor's degree or its  foreign equivalent
• Statement of Purpose (submitted electronically as part of the graduate application). You will be able to specify three  Psychology Department faculty members , in order of preference, with whom you would like to work. 
• Three  Letters of Recommendation  (submitted electronically). A maximum of six letters will be accepted.
• Unofficial transcripts from all universities and colleges you have attended for at least one year must be uploaded to the graduate application. Applicants who reach the interview stage will be asked to provide official transcripts as well; Department staff will reach out to these applicants with instructions for submitting official transcripts. Please do  not  submit official transcripts with your initial application.
• Required for non-native English speakers: TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) scores, submitted by the Educational Testing Service (ETS) electronically to Stanford. 

Application Fee

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

Application Review & Status Check

The Department of Psychology welcomes graduate applications from individuals with a broad range of life experiences, perspectives, and backgrounds who would contribute to our community of scholars. The review of applications is holistic and individualized, considering each applicant’s academic record and accomplishments, letters of recommendation, and admissions essays to understand how an applicant’s life experiences have shaped their past and potential contributions to their field.

To check the status or activity of your application, please log into your  application account . You can also send reminders to recommenders who have not yet submitted their letter of recommendation.

Due to limited bandwidth, the Department of Psychology staff will not answer any phone or email queries about application status, including requests to confirm the receipt of official transcripts.

Our faculty will interview prospective students before making final admission decisions. Candidates who progress to the interview round will be informed in January. Interviews are generally conducted in February.

The Department of Psychology recognizes that the Supreme Court issued a ruling in June 2023 about the consideration of certain types of demographic information as part of an admission review. All applications submitted during upcoming application cycles will be reviewed in conformance with that decision.

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For More Information

Please see our  list of Frequently Asked Questions  and  psych-admissions [at] stanford.edu (contact us)  should you have additional questions.

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How Long Does It Take to Get a PhD in Psychology?

Kendra Cherry, MS, is a psychosocial rehabilitation specialist, psychology educator, and author of the "Everything Psychology Book."

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• How Long Will It Take?

Before You Earn PhD in Psychology

Which type of degree should you get, can you finish your degree early.

Just how long does it take to get a PhD in psychology? The answer can vary depending on your program, educational background, and academic schedule. In general, most PhD psychology programs take anywhere from five to seven years to complete.

Learning more about what it takes to get a doctorate in psychology can help you better plan your educational and career journey.

At a Glance

Getting a PhD in psychology can take several years of graduate study. If you are thinking about becoming a psychologist, research your degree options to figure out what type of degree you need and how long it will take to enter your chosen profession. No matter what you decide, plan to spend anywhere from three to seven years in graduate school to earn a doctorate.

How Long Will It Take to Get a Doctorate Degree?

How long it takes to get a doctorate in psychology depends on various factors, including the type of degree you have selected, your educational background, and the individual doctorate program in which you have enrolled.

Most doctorate programs in psychology take between four to seven years to complete.

PhD in Psychology

Most PhD programs require at least five to seven years to complete. These programs often follow a scientist-practitioner model that trains professionals both in research and clinical practice.

In addition to regular coursework, you may also be expected to complete an internship or supervised residency. The program usually culminates in completing an original research project or dissertation.

PsyD Degree

Most PsyD programs require between four to six years to complete. A PsyD is a degree designed to train professionals to apply psychological knowledge to treating and helping people in real-world settings.

According to the American Psychological Association, PsyD programs focus more on applying psychological science, usually in the form of service.  

Most EdD programs require between three to five years to complete. EdD programs are often focused on psychology, counseling, or counselor education. They explore topics that involve both education and psychology.

It is important to note that many applicants to EdD programs already hold a master's degree in a related field. This differs from applicants to PhD and PsyD programs, who often begin their program of study with a bachelor's degree.

Before you begin your academic journey, it is a good idea to look at just how long it will take you to complete your degree. The amount of time it will take can depend upon various factors, including:

• Your chosen specialty area
• The program you select
• The course load you can take each semester

A doctorate-level degree in psychology is required to work in many job areas, including as a licensed clinical psychologist or counseling psychologist. According to the American Psychological Association, a doctorate degree is also often required in fields such as school psychology or health psychology .

So how long does it take to get a PhD in Psychology ? First, it is essential to realize that the degree requirements can vary depending on the field that you decide to pursue. A PhD, or Doctor of Philosophy degree is not necessarily your only option. In some cases, you might want also to consider the PsyD (Doctor of Psychology) or the EdD (Doctor of Education) degree options.

The PhD, PsyD, and EdD are all great options, but don't let how long it takes to complete be the primary deciding factor. Before you decide to get a doctorate degree, start by deciding which type of degree is most suited to your professional goals.

If you want to conduct research:

A PhD in Psychology tends to focus on a research-based model of education. People with a PhD in Psychology are qualified for a wide range of teaching, research, and clinical positions in colleges, universities, hospitals, government offices, and private mental health practices.

If you want to treat mental health issues:

The PsyD degree option generally focuses on a practitioner-based model of education. Individuals with a PsyD degree can also teach or conduct psychology research, but they frequently work in applied settings to provide direct mental health services.

If you want to apply psychology to help students:

Finally, there is also a third doctorate option that you might also want to consider depending on your career goals. If you are interested in working as a school psychologist or in a related educational field, the EdD, or Doctor of Education, is a possible option.

Despite the years of work, earning your PhD, PsyD, or EdD can be well worth the effort. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics suggests that workers with a doctoral or education specialist degree in clinical, counseling, and school psychology will find the strongest job opportunities.

Generally, if you have a strong background in psychology and have completed all of the necessary prerequisites, you can finish your doctorate sooner than students who have not taken the prerequisite courses.

Carefully planning your degree can also help ensure you complete the program requirements quickly.

Be sure you have a clear idea of what you want to do with your psychology degree once you've completed it. Do you want to teach, or is research more appealing to you? Are you interested in seeing clients, or are you planning to combine your training in psychology with another field, such as law or medicine?

If you need help deciding, make an important with an academic advisor at your school. They can help you explore your options and answer any questions you may have.

What This Means For You

No matter the degree you decide to pursue, earning a doctorate in psychology requires a significant investment of time, money, and effort. Because of this, it is essential to carefully consider your goals before deciding on a graduate program. You should also think about whether you need a doctorate or if a master's might be more appropriate.

Gee DG, DeYoung KA, McLaughlin KA, et al. Training the next generation of clinical psychological scientists: A data-driven call to action .  Annu Rev Clin Psychol . 2022;18:43-70. doi:10.1146/annurev-clinpsy-081219-092500

Loyola University. Can I get my Psy.D. without a Master's in Psychology?

American Psychological Association. Doctoral degrees in psychology: How are they different, or not so different ?

Franklin University. Is getting a Doctorate in Education worth it?

American Psychological Association. Frequently asked questions about graduate school .

Bureau of Labor Statistics. Psychologists . Occupational Outlook Handbook .

Carr, A. Clinical Psychology: An Introduction . London: Routledge; 2012.

Kuther, TL. The Psychology Major's Handbook . Boston, MA: Cengage Learning; 2016.

By Kendra Cherry, MSEd Kendra Cherry, MS, is a psychosocial rehabilitation specialist, psychology educator, and author of the "Everything Psychology Book."

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Coping with common PhD challenges by making the implicit explicit

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It is normal to deal with difficult situations during PhD studies. Students and their advisors can set themselves up for success and minimize potential challenges with foreknowledge and by making expectations and workflows explicit.

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The author thanks P. A. Fiave, C. Hautekiet, K. Jordan, N. Langerock, H. Mishima and N. Turoman for their feedback on the challenging situations.

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DEPARTMENT OF PSYCHOLOGY

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• 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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Doctorate in Psychology: Is It Worth It?

Are you thinking about earning a doctorate in psychology? Choosing to earn a Doctorate is a big commitment—and one that isn’t necessarily for everyone as it requires a significant amount of effort and time. According to a report from 2010, some students drop out for a variety of reasons—bad psychology program fit, lack of financial resources, experience time constraints, program difficulty and so on. As a prospective student considering if a doctorate program in psychology is right for you, take the following factors into account:

Advance your career

PhD in Psychology vs PsyD in Psychology

Before we begin to decide whether earning a Doctorate in Psychology is worth it, we must establish the difference between the two types of doctorate degrees for psychology; the PhD and the PsyD.

The PhD degree in Psychology is the more common degree path in psychology. A Psychology PhD degree is founded in research, so the main focus of your studies will be on developing research ideas, conducting experiments, and analyzing data. 

The PsyD program is an alternative degree that focuses on the clinical and applied aspects of psychology. PsyD study revolves around preparing students for providing professional psychological services. The coursework is directed at applying established standards of practice and evidence-based services.

Whether it be a doctorate or a master's, graduating from a psychology degree program will require a significant commitment of time. Program duration varies by university, the program itself, and also the type of degree you’re pursuing, but generally takes four to eight years. PsyD degree programs usually take less time than PhD programs. For example, the PsyD in Clinical Psychology program at the California School of Professional Psychology (CSPP) at Alliant International University can be completed in as few as four years, while the PhD program takes a minimum of five.

Time aside, earning a doctorate also requires a significant financial commitment. Education isn’t free, so any time you choose to pursue a degree, you’re incurring a cost. Fortunately, many PhD in Psychology programs offer a substantial amount of financial aid for their students. Financial assistance comes in many forms which include student loan programs, graduate teaching positions, tuition waivers, stipends, as well as grants for conducting research.

Even if the program you’re considering does offer a substantial amount of financial aid, it’s important to consider living expenses. Because of the intensity of a doctoral program in psychology, it’s not always possible for a graduate student to work outside of school. So even if the majority of your program costs are covered, you’ll likely be living the life of a full-time college student for the duration of your program.

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Understanding competition & class size.

Doctorate in Psychology programs tend to admit fewer students, which can be both a Pro and a Con. On the one hand, it means smaller class sizes and student-to-faculty ratio that allows for a more personalized learning environment with increased one-on-one guidance. On the other hand, this makes for a more selective and therefore more competitive admission process.

A competitive admissions process means it will likely be more difficult for you to get into the program of your choice. With narrower selections, it will be tempting to choose a school that may not fit your interests as well. But remember—it’s important to select a program that is right for your needs and career goals, whether it be securing a licensure or pursuing a career in a clinical practice. You can look into organizational psychology, school psychology, counseling psychology, behavioral neuroscience, and many other psychology degree programs. If you choose a school based on reputation, ranking, or financial package as your first priority, it’s likely you will end up in a program that doesn’t match your interests as well, which will make it harder to stick with and find satisfaction in your program.

Common Reasons to Pursue a Doctoral Degree in Psychology

Due to the significant time investment required to pursue a PsyD, individuals who enroll in such a program usually have well-defined career objectives and licensing goals. As a result, there are two primary motives for commencing a PsyD program.

• To become a licensed clinical psychologist - Psychologists must hold a doctoral degree in psychology as mandated by all 50 states. There are two educational routes available for prospective clinical psychologists: a PhD or a Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) degree. While both degree programs meet the licensure requirement, understand that there are substantial differences between them that should be taken into consideration.
• To become a practicing psychologist - Students who pursue a PsyD degree usually have a distinct professional objective of becoming a clinical psychologist. 

Career and Professional Goals

With any advanced degree, it’s important to consider what your future career prospects are, and how interested you are in those careers. If you want to earn a Psychology PhD for intellectual prestige and money, we recommend that a doctorate program probably isn’t right for you. Careers in professional psychology can be lucrative, but the upfront cost is often great. If you’re considering a doctorate because you generally “like to help people,” then a doctorate program probably isn’t right for you either. There are plenty of career opportunities available where you can help people without having to earn a doctorate. And if you’re not interested in a career that doesn’t require a doctoral degree, then a doctoral program definitely isn’t right for you. Earning a doctorate can sometimes over qualify you for positions, so it’s important to discipline yourself and know your career aspirations before committing to a program.

However, if you’re interested in conducting research to further the study of psychology, working in academia, or working as a licensed psychologist, a doctorate program is probably right for you.

The Payoff: Career Prospects and Salary

Time, cost, and commitment aside, for many students, a Doctorate in Psychology is the right choice for their career goals, and for those people, a doctorate pays off after graduation, especially with licensure. With a doctoral degree, you will qualify for a greater range of jobs than those who only hold a bachelor’s or master’s degree—and you’ll be better positioned when pursuing the job you really want, too.

With a Doctorate, a variety of career opportunities are available. Depending on the degree specialty you pursue, you may be able to work in organizations as a:

• Research psychologist
• University professor
• Director of community health programs
• Clinical psychologist
• Counseling psychologist
• Health psychologist
• Neuropsychologist
• Industrial/organizational psychologist

To learn more about the Doctorate in Psychology or other graduate programs available at the California School of Professional Psychology at Alliant,  contact an admissions counselor .

Sources: [ https://www.psychologydegree411.com/degrees/psyd/ ]

David Stewart

Dean, California School of Professional Psychology

David G. Stewart, Ph.D., ABPP, is a board-certified clinical child and adolescent psychologist and Dean of the California School of...

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Description:

The clinical psychology training program at Syracuse University is a doctoral program designed to train students to be responsible, innovative, and scholarly psychologists. The program embraces the scientist-practitioner model, and a strong emphasis is placed on both research and clinical training.

Accreditation:

The Clinical psychology program at Syracuse University is accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA Office of Program Consultation and Accreditation, 750 First Street NE, Washington, D.C. 20002-4242; 202-336-5979). Completion of the program satisfies the current requirements for licensure in New York State.

Completion of the program satisfies the current requirements for certification and licensure in New York State. The residency requirements for the program includes at least one year in full-time residence at Syracuse University and at least two years of full-time study at Syracuse University. A minimum of three years total of full-time study is required for the doctoral degree. Full disclosure of education/training outcomes and information allowing for informed decision-making can be found at our web site: https://thecollege.syr.edu/psychology/graduate-study-psychology/clinical-psychology-graduate-program-overview/

Questions related to the program’s accreditation status should be directed to the Commission on Accreditation, Office of Program Consultation and Accreditation, American Psychological Association, 750 1 st Street, NE, Washington, DC 20002, Phone: (202)336-5979; Email: [email protected] ; Web: www.apa.org/ed/accreditation.

Student Learning Outcomes

The student learning outcomes are to demonstrate profession-wide competence and students will:

1) Demonstrate profession-wide competence in research

2) Demonstrate profession-wide competence in ethical and legal standards

3) Demonstrate profession-wide competence in individual and cultural diversity

4) Demonstrate profession-wide competence in professional values, attitudes, and behaviors

5) Demonstrate profession-wide competence in communications and interpersonal skills

6) Demonstrate profession-wide competence in assessment

7) Demonstrate profession-wide competence in intervention

8) Demonstrate profession-wide competence in supervision

9) Demonstrate profession-wide competence in consultation and interprofessional/interdisciplinary skills

Program Requirements

The courses offered in the program consist of intensive exposure to the prominent theories and methods in clinical psychology.  The Ph.D. requires 90 credits of coursework and a series of milestones (see below). Seven course areas are mandated by NYSED and students do not have the option of substituting courses in place of mandated courses (PSY 736, 674, 693, 682, 653, 894, 655, and 756).

Required Course Work

Clinical psychology core requirements (24 credits).

• PSY 624 - Graduate Seminar in Psychological Methods 3 credit(s)
• PSY 647 - Clinical Assessment I 3 credit(s)
• PSY 648 - Assessment II 3 credit(s)
• PSY 739 - Lifespan Developmental Psychology 3 credit(s)
• PSY 745 - Introduction to Psychotherapy 3 credit(s)
• PSY 843 - Seminar in Psychopathology 3 credit(s)
• PSY 847 - Practicum in Psychotherapy 3 credit(s) Two semesters (6 credits)
• PSY 851 - Clinical Therapy Experience Practicum 0 credit(s) Two semesters (0 credits)

Statistics (6 credits)

• PSY 655 - Experimental Design and Statistical Methods I 3 credit(s)
• PSY 756 - Experimental Design and Statistical Methods II 3 credit(s)

Substantive Areas (NY State and APA core courses) (24 credits)

Cognitive/affective basis of behavior (3 credits).

• PSY 736 - Advanced Introduction to Cognitive Psychology 3 credit(s)

Social Basis of Behavior (3 credits)

• PSY 674 - Advanced Social Psychology 3 credit(s)

Individual Differences (3 credits)

• PSY 693 - Advanced Personality 3 credit(s)

Biological Basis of Behavior (3 credits)

• PSY 682 - Physiological Processes and Health Psychology 3 credit(s)

Psychological Measurement (3 credits)

• PSY 653 - Psychological Measurement 3 credit(s)

History and Systems of Psychology (3 credits)

• PSY 894 - History and Systems Psychology 3 credit(s)

Professional Ethics and Standards of Practice (3 credits)

• PSY 649 - Ethical and Professional Issues in Clinical Psychology 3 credit(s)

Cultural and Ethnic Diversity (3 credits)

• PSY 860 - Topics in Psychology 3 credit(s) Diversity and Cultural Issues in Assessment and Psychotherapy 3 credit(s) 

SUPERVISION AND CONSULTATION - Coverage of supervision and consultation specifically occurs in the following courses: Practicum in Psychotherapy (PSY 847), Introduction to Psychotherapy (PSY 745), Ethical and Professional Issues in Clinical Psychology (PSY 649), Clinical Assessment I (PSY 647) and II (PSY 648), and Clinical Therapy Experience Practicum (PSY 851).

Thesis and Dissertation Credits (24 credits)

• PSY 997 - Masters Thesis 1-6 credit(s) (6 credits)
• PSY 999 - Dissertation 1-15 credit(s) (18 credits)

Internship in Clinical Psychology (0 credits)

• PSY 996 - Internship in Clinical Psychology 0-6 credit(s) (0 credits)

Electives (minimum of 12 credits)

The student should take additional graduate courses at the 600 level or above to achieve a minimum of 90 credit hours.

Total Credits required (90 credits)

In addition to the required coursework, all students must complete the following milestones.  

PSC Experience

Students must also successfully pass two semesters as practicum students in the Psychological Services Center (PSC), indicated by the course PSY 851.

Master’s Thesis

All students are required to complete a Masters. Students who completed a Masters thesis elsewhere will be required to complete a pre-doctoral project. 

Doctoral Qualifying Exam

Students must pass a doctoral qualifying exam before beginning work on their dissertation. The qualifying exam is designed to facilitate completion of the dissertation.

Dissertation

The dissertation proposal must be successfully defended before applying to internship.

 A full-time, one-year predoctoral clinical internship is also required before the Ph.D. is awarded. The internship is usually completed in the sixth year of the program.

Psychological Services Center

The clinical psychology program is associated with the SU Psychological Services Center (PSC), which is a service delivery, training, and research facility that serves SU students and members of the Syracuse community. Services are provided to children, adolescents, and adults. The Psychological Services Center is staffed by a director, clinic secretary, and graduate students in clinical psychology and related fields. Supervision is provided by full-time clinical faculty and part-time adjunct faculty drawn from local hospitals and clinics. Supervisors vary in their conceptual approach to understanding and modifying behavior. A broad array of clinical services are offered, including individual, marital, family, and group therapy, as well as psychological evaluations and testing.

Optional Concentrations

Please keep the” triple dipping rule” in mind as you consider the following optional programs to complement your MA and Ph.D. programs.

The triple dipping rule- Per university policy (link: http://coursecatalog.syr.edu/content.php?catoid=25&navoid=3251#34-0 ), specific courses/credits can be counted toward up to two (but no more than two) graduate programs or degree. The courses listed in the Program of Study for the Master’s count towards the Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology.

Concentration in Neuroscience (Optional)

Requirements.

• BIO 607 - Advanced Neuroscience 3 credit(s)
• NEU 613 - Readings in Neuroscience 0-3 credit(s)
• NEU 614 - Interdisciplinary Methods of Neuroscience 0-3 credit(s)
• PSY 777 - Advanced Cognitive Neuroscience 3 credit(s)

In addition, students are expected to:

Present at least one special seminar and participate in other research days organized or sponsored by the Interdisciplinary Neuroscience Program during your tenure as a student.

Attend program-sponsored seminars given by outside speakers, graduate students, postdocs, and faculty.

Concentration in Advanced Quantitative Methods in Psychology (Optional)

The program has two goals. First, students will receive training in a wide range of advanced statistics or quantitative methods. Such breadth assures that students have maximum flexibility in designing a curriculum that best fits their individual career goals. Second, the program emphasizes competence in the application of knowledge and analytic skills acquired through coursework to students’ own research.  Together these will help promote the pursuit of high-quality research and research-focused careers in academic and non-academic settings.

Pre-requisites

Requirements (part a).

12 credit hours of coursework focusing on statistical or quantitative methods at the 500-level or above. Select from these courses:

• CSE 581 - Introduction to Database Management Systems 3 credit(s)
• IST 718 - Big Data Analytics 3 credit(s)
• MAT 521 - Introduction to Probability 3 credit(s)
• MAT 525 - Mathematical Statistics 3 credit(s)
• MAT 651 - Probability and Statistics I 3 credit(s)
• MAT 652 - Probability and Statistics II 3 credit(s)
• MAT 750 - Statistical Consulting 3 credit(s)
• PSY 612 - Advanced Experimental Psychology 3 credit(s)
• PSY 780 - Introduction to Structural Equation Modeling 3 credit(s)
• PSY 854 - Bayesian Statistical Analysis 3 credit(s)

To demonstrate the minimum level of competence, students must earn a B- or better in each of the courses.

Courses may count toward the certificate and other degrees so long as the ‘triple dipping’ rule and any other university policies are met.

Requirements (part b)

An approved empirical research product demonstrating competence in the use of an advanced statistical or quantitative method:

A research product that demonstrates competence in the use of an advanced statistical or quantitative method may include one of the following options:

(b-1) submitting a manuscript based on empirical research using an advanced statistical or quantitative method for peer review, or

(b-2) successfully defending a thesis, qualifying exam, or dissertation using an advanced statistical or quantitative method. Specific statistical or quantitative methods on which the product is based may be different from those in the student’s elective coursework or desired specialization areas in psychology.

To confirm that this requirement is met, the student must:

• Submit to the committee a two-paragraph description about at the initiation of the project or proposal of the milestone: indicate the advanced statistical or quantitative method to be used in their project, along with a statement that the student alone will conduct the advanced statistical or quantitative method analysis. The committee will indicate if the proposal is sufficient for this requirement.​​​​​​​
• After the completion of the project, the committee must review and approve the final product along with a short statement confirming that they conducted the advanced statistical or quantitative method.

The program is strongly committed to the recruitment of individuals from diverse backgrounds.  Applications are considered for the fall term only, and the deadline for receipt of the completed application is December 1. Only full-time students are considered for admission. 

In making decisions about admission, the clinical faculty consider a student’s complete application and for evidence of the hard work, interest, and motivation that is vital to success in graduate school. Experience in research is also looked on positively. Applicants should have at least 18 credits of psychology, including a laboratory course and a statistics course. Recently admitted applicants have had higher than 3.5 undergraduate GPAs.

The program does not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, race, ethnic origin, religion, or physical disability. The program receives about 180 applications per year for four to five openings. There are typically between 20-25 students in the program.

Financial Support

The department makes a determined effort to offer each student who is in good standing financial support in the form of a stipend and tuition remission. Stipends may stem from several sources including, clinical assistantships, teaching assistantships, research assistantships, fellowships, or clinical internships and externships. Outstanding students are placed into competition for University-wide fellowships. In addition, students are encouraged to apply for available external funding.

Satisfactory Progress

Students’ progress is reviewed by the program faculty in three main areas: (a) academic or course-related requirements, (b) clinical / interpersonal skill development, and (c) research requirements.  Maintenance of a satisfactory GPA (3.0) is necessary for success in the Clinical Psychology Program, but it is not sufficient to guarantee progress toward the doctoral degree. 

In addition, students must earn a minimum grade of B in PSY 847 and PSY 655 and PSY 756 and a minimum grade of B- in all other courses.

 As part of scientist-practitioner training, students must demonstrate satisfactory clinical and interpersonal skills, actively participate in a research group, demonstrate the ability to function independently in all phases of the research process, and make timely progress toward completion of research requirements.

All students who receive department funding as a Teaching Assistant will be evaluated each semester by the faculty member assigned to the course. Each student’s overall performance will be assessed (e.g., teaching effort and performance, attendance, meeting deadlines, following course guidelines and policies, professionalism, etc.). In addition, if the TA assignment includes teaching, the faculty member may conduct an in-class observation to evaluate each student’s teaching skills and individualized feedback will be provided. It is expected that a student’s overall performance each semester, as assessed by the faculty member assigned to the course, will meet or exceed expectations in order for a student to remain in good standing in the program. 

The official designation required by the New York State Board of Regents is Clinical Psychologist.

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'There's a reason for doing something so difficult': what to expect from a PhD

Studying for a PhD is a stressful endeavour, which is why it’s so vital to know what the next three years of your life will look like

A PhD is not just three years of intense study, but something that will affect your whole life. “It is a long project that is very different to any academic work you’ll have done before,” says Alicia Peña Bizama, Life Tools programme manager at the University of Reading.

Psychological problems aren’t uncommon . The risks of developing common psychiatric disorders is very high , so it’s no surprise that evasion rates are also high . Above all, says NUS postgraduate representative David Evans, one should “come into PhD research with realistic expectations”.

Prepare yourself psychologically

During a PhD you will become a researcher, formulating your own hypotheses and theories and putting them to the test in front of peers. Keep in mind that you will spend many hours on books, computers, in meetings with the supervisor or even in laboratories, interviewing people and analysing data. All of this takes not only time, but also brings personal costs: fewer hours with family, children, or friends.

“I would urge prospective candidates to consider whether their reasons are strong enough to keep them going and to reflect on these motivations during the tough times, to remember that there is a reason for doing something so difficult,” says Andrew Clements, senior lecturer in organisational psychology at the University of Bedfordshire.

Prepare for networking and writing – a lot of it

Friends and family may not understand the difficulties of a doctorate, so it’s vital to build a network of contacts. These will include colleagues and professors who might collaborate on projects, discuss research, and direct your path to a postdoc or academic position. As University of Bath lecturer Rosana Pinheiro-Machado says, these contacts will “break the circle of competition” and help you “avoid the feeling of isolation”.

The support will come in handy for your writing deadlines. Throughout the doctorate you will write a research project, articles for journals and conferences, and present a final. They’ll also prepare reports, give written opinions and even write articles for the media translating their research for the public.

Prepare for the pressure and seek help

More than just preparing yourself psychologically, you need to prepare yourself for the enormous pressures you will face. “Work-life balance can be a challenge as candidates can often feel guilty when they stop [working],” says Clements.

It’s not just about handling the hours of work, but being able to keep to a schedule. “Eat well, get plenty of sleep and have a timetable – and stick to it. Once you have done the number of hours that you have timetabled yourself, stop and have a rest,” says Leila Collins, a fellow of the British Psychological Society.

Collins recommends researchers seek help from their supervisor to discuss any problems and also seek psychological help from the student board. Pinheiro-Machado agrees, adding that of the many causes of depression, a fundamental one is “not having an supervisor to help in this process”.

Plan for your graduation

Before finishing your PhD you should start looking for postdoc opportunities, if you wish to continue in academia. The competition for positions is immense , making it difficult to find a good research programme. It is important, then, to think about alternatives or backup plans – whether it’s consultancy, working in a private laboratories, or teaching in a school. No option should be seen as a defeat.

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When the PhD path leads to career struggles

A doctoral degree is a major commitment. Think carefully.

I appreciated reading Kara Miller’s The Big Idea column “PhD: Pretty heavily disappointed” (Business, May 22), about people with doctoral degrees struggling to build careers in academia. It made me think back to a conversation I had when I was about to graduate from high school.

I happened to run into a former track coach of mine, and as we were reminiscing he asked me what I planned as a major in college. “History,” I responded. He said, “Why don’t you take some computer classes also? It never hurts to be able to do something useful.”

I did not reflect on his motivation at the time, but my track coach was a young guy, and he was probably giving me advice straight from his own life, as a parent trying to raise his own young children. I did take computer classes in college and ultimately received a PhD in chemical engineering. I always remember that conversation as being a kind of turning point.

Earning a doctoral degree is a life commitment of great proportion. It can take, as Miller notes, between four and seven years. If we think of working life as roughly between the ages of 22 and 65, then a PhD requires more than 10 percent of a person’s working life. People need to think carefully about that investment.

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Two powerful arguments in favor of the path of science, technology, engineering, and math are that there tend to be more STEM jobs for PhDs, and many universities’ STEM departments are generous in covering their PhD students’ tuition and cost of studies, including a stipend toward food, rent, and other expenses.

Stuart Gallant

Not much has changed in 30 years

As I prepared to graduate in 1995 with a doctor of education degree from the Harvard Graduate School of Education, my mother memorably said to me, “Of my four children, you are the one with the most education and the smallest salary.” Apparently not much has changed in 30 years.

I must congratulate these students, however, on following their passion rather than following the money. I can’t help but think that their lives, though stressful, may contain greater happiness.

Peggy Clark

Lawyers & electricians & philosophers, oh my!

Kara Miller’s column on the career challenges for people with doctoral degrees generated more than 260 comments on Boston.Globe.com. The following is an edited sample of readers’ reactions:

Lots of law school grads are underemployed as well. (PL)

So true, PL. The market in Massachusetts is flooded with talented lawyers seeking work. (Roforma)

Supply and demand, the market at work. (guk)

Investing in education and research in all fields is the hallmark of a society with staying power. Disinvesting from these endeavors signals decline and decay. (Massachusetts citizen)

Electricians, plumbers, mechanics, and other skilled technical professions have no problems getting $100k jobs with great benefits. (ramsen)

Not enough turnover from tenured professors, leaving little space for new faculty. Although the tenured, well-established professors are needed, it’s the junior faculty who are hungry and with new ideas that help build new programs. The whole graduate program model is a bad model. I worked two jobs, had my tuition and some type of minimal student health insurance and could barely cover the rent with my stipend, and the second job paid for everything else. Though I was working on many faculty projects, it was the faculty who said this would be good for me. Never did they say it was also good for them. (TravelerofNJ2)

I just retired from a tenured faculty position in science. I’m in my early 70s. I have colleagues who are still doing what they do well into their 70s, a couple approaching 80. There is no active incentive from the university to move the older faculty on, to make way for a new generation. (Lola-lola)

The next step is for adjuncts to go on strike across the nation and hold colleges and universities accountable. The current system is completely absurd. (Wordsmith2358)

Universities should be required to release disclosure data about the fate of their PhD graduates. (davidman820)

I knew an attorney who managed a Cheesecake Factory. She had worked in food services through school. As an attorney, she really did not make that much money and was not doing the field of law of her choice. How many real estate closings can you do without dying of boredom? She went into management in the food industry and makes the same salary. (Antietem)

It was always a question and puzzling to me why people study philosophy. (Blazer27)

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