Clinical Psychology, Ph.D.
The Clinical Psychology Doctoral Training Program at ¶¶Òõpro adheres to the scientist-practitioner model of training in clinical psychology. ÌýAs part of the Department of Psychology, our students receive strong generalist training and develop extensive skills in research. ÌýOur diverse faculty members offer specialized clinical training opportunities in clinical child psychology, clinical neuropsychology, health psychology, trauma psychology and sports psychology.
U.S. News & World Report consistently ranks ¶¶Òõpro's clinical psychology graduate education program among the top programs in the United States.
Program Highlights
Areas of Emphasis, Experience or Exposure
Our program’s major area of study is adult clinical psychology. Consistent with the APA taxonomy, you may elect one of the following areas of emphasis, experience or exposure: clinical neuropsychology, clinical child psychology, health psychology, trauma psychology or sports psychology. Students interested in pursuing one of these areas work with their advisor to establish an individualized curriculum and training plan. Relevant research may be conducted in any of these areas.
Clinical Child Psychology (Experience or Exposure)
Elective graduate courses for students interested in clinical child psychology include Child Assessment and Psychopathology, Child Interventions, Couples and Family Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Interventions and Psychopharmacology. External placements involving pediatric, child and adolescent assessment, consultation and intervention are also available.
Clinical Neuropsychology (Emphasis, Experience or Exposure)
Elective graduate courses for students interested in clinical neuropsychology include Fundamentals of Neuropsychology, Neuropsychological Assessment, Memory and Cognition, Physiological Psychology and Psychopharmacology. Supervised clinical experience in neuropsychological assessment, consultation and treatment is offered through external placements.
Health Psychology (Experience or Exposure)
Students interested in health psychology should consider taking courses in clinical health psychology, cognitive behavior interventions, psychopharmacology, sports psychology and addictions: assessment and interventions. Additional courses related to health psychology are offered in SLU's College for Public Health and Social Justice. External placements in the application of psychological services to enhance physical well-being and health are available.
Trauma Psychology (Experience or Exposure)
Students interested in working in the field of trauma are offered elective graduate coursework in the psychology of trauma, cognitive-behavioral interventions and addictions: assessment and interventions. Additional courses related to traumatic stress are offered through SLU's College for Public Health and Social Justice. Supervised clinical training experiences with those who have experienced trauma are offered within the on-campus Psychological Services Center on a trauma-focused team.
Sports Psychology (Experience or Exposure)
Elective graduate courses in sports psychology, health psychology and cognitive-behavioral interventions are offered to students interested in sports and performance psychology. Students work with teams and athletes across the community, including the SLU Department of Athletics, through research, practicum and clinical training opportunities.
Curriculum Overview
The clinical psychology program at ¶¶Òõpro is designed to provide broad and general doctoral education and training in health service psychology. Our faculty members are committed to training and education that evidences the integration of science and practice, that is sequential, cumulative, graded in complexity, designed to prepare students for further organized training and that indicates respect for and understanding of individual and cultural diversity.
Further information about the program can be found in the handbook and student manual.
Program HandbookÌýStudent Manual
Thirty-six credits are required for SLU's master's degree in clinical psychology, including 30 credits of departmental and clinical core coursework and six credits of thesis research. Each student must complete and defend a thesis. Upon completing the master's degree, doctoral students complete an additional 42 credits of coursework and 12 credits of dissertation research.
Ph.D. students conduct a public presentation and oral defense of the dissertation after completing this research project. They must also complete an APA-approved internship in clinical psychology before receiving their doctoral degree.
Students enrolled in the program can also complete a graduate certificate in Public Health.
Consumer Disclosure Information
Fieldwork and Research Opportunities
Training in psychological assessment and intervention for children, adolescents and adults is provided through the on-campus Psychological Services Center.
Advanced clinical training opportunities in neuropsychology, pediatric and clinical child psychology, health psychology and academic psychology are available through collaborative relationships with medical centers, agencies and practitioners in the St. Louis community. Specialized research, clinical and academic opportunities also are available through various fellowships, grants and contracts.
Careers
SLU's American Psychological Association-accredited clinical psychology program will train students to be competent and ethical scientist-practitioners in various health care settings. Job possibilities include clinical psychology, clinical health psychology, neuropsychology and child and pediatric psychology positions.
Students in SLU's graduate program in clinical psychology have gained professional experience through internships at Baylor College of Medicine, Boston Medical Center, Vanderbilt University VA Medical Center, Rush University Medical Center and the University of Louisville, among others.
Admission Requirements
Most students enter the program with a bachelor's degree and complete both the Master of Science degree and the Doctor of Philosophy degree in the clinical program.
All applicants apply to the Ph.D. program. Applicants who have earned a Master of Arts or Master of Science degree in psychology may apply for advanced standing upon matriculation into the program.
Students admitted to the program typically have an average undergraduate GPA of 3.7 (on a 4.0 scale). Admitted students usually also have relevant clinical and research experience. Students must have completed a minimum of 21 credits in psychology, including courses in general psychology, abnormal psychology and research and/or statistical methods. Applications must be submitted by December 1.
Application Requirements
- Application form (no fee required)
- Transcript(s)
- Three letters of recommendation
- ¸éé²õ³Ü³¾Ã©
- Interview
- Personal statement
- Diversity statement
Requirements for International Students
All admission policies and requirements for domestic students apply to international students. International students must also meet the following additional requirements:
- DemonstrateÌýEnglish Language Proficiency
- Financial documents are required to complete an application for admission and be reviewed for admission and merit scholarships.Ìý
- Proof of financial support that must include:
- A letter of financial support from the person(s) or sponsoring agency funding the student's time at ¶¶Òõpro
- A letter from the sponsor's bank verifying that the funds are available and will be so for the duration of the student's study at the University
- Academic records, in English translation, of students who have undertaken postsecondary studies outside the United States must include:
- Courses taken and/or lectures attended
- Practical laboratory work
- The maximum and minimum grades attainable
- The grades earned or the results of all end-of-term examinations
- Any honors or degrees received.
WES and ECE transcripts are accepted.
Assistantship Application Deadline
Students who want to be considered for an assistantship must submit their application by December 1. All applicants accepted for admission are considered for assistantships. No separate assistantship application is required.
Review Process
Applications are reviewed by a committee of psychology department faculty members.
Tuition
Tuition | Cost Per Credit |
---|---|
Graduate Tuition | $1,310 |
Additional charges may apply. Other resources are listed below:
Information on Tuition and Fees
Scholarships, Assistantships and Financial Aid
For priority consideration for a graduate assistantship, apply by the program admission deadlines listed. Fellowships and assistantships provide a stipend and may include health insurance and a tuition scholarship for the duration of the award.Ìý
Explore Scholarships and Financial Aid Options
Accreditation
The American Psychological Association has continually accredited ¶¶Òõpro's clinical psychology program since 1965.
Questions related to the program's accreditation status should be directed to the American Psychological Association's Commission on Accreditation:
Office of Program Consultation and Accreditation American Psychological Association
750 1st Street, NE
Washington, DC 20002
Phone: 202-336-5979
Student Admissions, Outcomes and Other DataÌý
- Graduates will be able to demonstrate Discipline-Specific Knowledge (DSK) (categories 1- 3) as defined by the American Psychological Association’s Office of Accreditation.
- Graduates will be able toÌýdemonstrate the ability to apply knowledge of DSK category 4 as defined by the American Psychological Association’s Office of Accreditation.
- Graduates will be able toÌýmeet or exceed expectations on the Profession Wide Competencies (PWCs) as defined by the American Psychological Association’s Office of Accreditation.
Bachelor's Degree Entry
This option is for students entering with a bachelor’s degree.
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
Required Courses | ||
PSYÌý5030 | Clinical Assessment I | 3 |
PSYÌý5040 | Clinical Assessment II | 3 |
PSYÌý5100 | History of Psychology | 3 |
PSYÌý5120 | Memory & Cognition | 3 |
PSYÌý5220 | Lifespan Dev Psychology | 3 |
PSYÌý5300 | Advanced Social Psychology | 3 |
PSYÌý6030 | Human Diversity | 3 |
PSYÌý5520 | Psychopathology | 3 |
PSYÌý5610 | Clinical Interventions | 3 |
PSYÌý6800 | Ethics, Supervision, and Consultation | 3 |
Research Methods | ||
PSYÌý5080 | Advanced Quantitative Research Methods | 3 |
PSYÌý5090 | Psychometric Theory | 3 |
Statistics | ||
PSYÌý5790 | Applied Univariate Statistics in Behavioral Science | 3 |
PSYÌý6500 | Applied Multivariable and Multivariate Statistics in Behavioral Science | 3 |
Clinical Practice | ||
PSYÌý5800 | Clinical Assessment Practicum I | 0 |
PSYÌý5880 | Practicum: Psychopathology | 0 |
PSYÌý5830 | Clinical Assessment Practicum II | 0 |
PSYÌý5890 | Clerkship in Clinical Psychology | 0 |
PSYÌý6880 | PRC: Clinical Interventions | 0 |
PSYÌý5810 | Clinical Practicum I 1 | 3 |
PSYÌý5820 | Clinical Practicum II 1 | 3 |
PSYÌý6810 | Clinical Practicum III 1 | 3 |
PSYÌý6820 | Clinical Practicum IV 1 | 3 |
Electives | ||
Select 18 credits | 18 | |
Research | ||
PSYÌý5860 | Clinical Research I 1 | 0 |
PSYÌý5870 | Clinical Research II 1 | 0 |
PSYÌý5990 | Thesis Research | 6 |
PSYÌý6860 | Clinical Research III 1 | 0 |
PSYÌý6870 | Clinical Research IV 1 | 0 |
PSYÌý6990 | Dissertation Research | 12 |
Total Credits | 90 |
- 1
At least one taken each semester in residence
Master's Degree Entry
This option is for students entering with a master’s degree.
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
Required Courses | ||
PSYÌý5100 | History of Psychology | 3 |
PSYÌý5120 | Memory & Cognition | 3 |
PSYÌý5220 | Lifespan Dev Psychology | 3 |
PSYÌý5300 | Advanced Social Psychology | 3 |
PSYÌý6030 | Human Diversity | 3 |
Research Methods | ||
PSYÌý5080 | Advanced Quantitative Research Methods | 3 |
PSYÌý5090 | Psychometric Theory | 3 |
Statistics | ||
PSYÌý5790 | Applied Univariate Statistics in Behavioral Science | 3 |
PSYÌý6500 | Applied Multivariable and Multivariate Statistics in Behavioral Science | 3 |
Clinical Practice | ||
PSYÌý6810 | Clinical Practicum III 1 | 3 |
PSYÌý6820 | Clinical Practicum IV 1 | 3 |
PSYÌý6890 | Internship in Clinical Psychology | 0 |
Psychology Electives | ||
Select 15 credits | 15 | |
Research | ||
PSYÌý6860 | Clinical Research III 1 | 0 |
PSYÌý6870 | Clinical Research IV 1 | 0 |
PSYÌý6990 | Dissertation Research | 12 |
Total Credits | 60 |
- 1
At least one taken each semester in residence
Continuation Standards
Students must maintain a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.00 in all graduate/professional courses.
Roadmaps are recommended semester-by-semester plans of study for programs and assume full-time enrollmentÌýunless otherwise noted. Ìý
Courses and milestones designated as critical (marked with !) must be completed in the semester listed to ensure a timely graduation. Transfer credit may change the roadmap.
This roadmap should not be used in the place of regular academic advising appointments. All students are encouraged to meet with their advisor/mentor each semester. Requirements, course availability and sequencing are subject to change.
Bachelor's Degree Entry
Year One | ||
---|---|---|
Fall | Credits | |
PSYÌý5030 | Clinical Assessment I | 3 |
PSYÌý5800 | Clinical Assessment Practicum I | 0 |
PSYÌý5520 | Psychopathology | 3 |
PSYÌý5880 | Practicum: Psychopathology | 0 |
PSYÌý5080 | Advanced Quantitative Research Methods | 3 |
PSYÌý5790 | Applied Univariate Statistics in Behavioral Science | 3 |
PSYÌý5810 | Clinical Practicum I | 0 |
PSYÌý5860 | Clinical Research I | 0 |
PSYÌý5890 | Clerkship in Clinical Psychology | 0 |
Ìý | Credits | 12 |
Spring | ||
PSYÌý5040 | Clinical Assessment II | 3 |
PSYÌý5830 | Clinical Assessment Practicum II | 0 |
PSYÌý5610 | Clinical Interventions | 3 |
PSYÌý6880 | PRC: Clinical Interventions | 0 |
PSYÌý6500 | Applied Multivariable and Multivariate Statistics in Behavioral Science | 3 |
PSYÌý5810 | Clinical Practicum I | 0 |
PSYÌý5860 | Clinical Research I | 0 |
PSYÌý5890 | Clerkship in Clinical Psychology | 0 |
PSYÌý5990 | Thesis Research | 0-3 |
Ìý | Credits | 9-12 |
Summer | ||
Psy DSK Elective | 0-3 | |
PSYÌý5810 | Clinical Practicum I | 3 |
PSYÌý5860 | Clinical Research I | 0 |
PSYÌý5990 | Thesis Research | 0-3 |
Ìý | Credits | 3-9 |
Year Two | ||
Fall | ||
PSYÌý6030 | Human Diversity | 3 |
PSYÌý6800 | Ethics, Supervision, and Consultation | 3 |
Psy DSK Core and/or Psy Elective | 0-3 | |
PSYÌý5820 | Clinical Practicum II | 0 |
PSYÌý5870 | Clinical Research II | 0 |
PSYÌý5990 | Thesis Research | 0-3 |
Ìý | Credits | 6-12 |
Spring | ||
PSYÌý5090 | Psychometric Theory | 3 |
Psy DSK Core and/or PSY Elective | 0-3 | |
PSYÌý5820 | Clinical Practicum II | 0 |
PSYÌý5870 | Clinical Research II | 0 |
PSYÌý5990 | Thesis Research | 0-3 |
Ìý | Credits | 3-9 |
Summer | ||
Psy DSK Elective | 0-3 | |
PSYÌý5820 | Clinical Practicum II | 3 |
PSYÌý5870 | Clinical Research II | 0 |
PSYÌý5990 | Thesis Research | 0-3 |
Ìý | Credits | 3-9 |
Year Three | ||
Fall | ||
Psy DSK Core and/or Psy Elective | 0-6 | |
PSYÌý6810 | Clinical Practicum III | 0 |
PSYÌý6860 | Clinical Research III | 0 |
PSYÌý5990 or PSYÌý6990 |
Thesis Research or Dissertation Research |
0-3 |
Ìý | Credits | 0-9 |
Spring | ||
Psy DSK Core and/or Psy Elective | 0-6 | |
PSYÌý6810 | Clinical Practicum III | 0 |
PSYÌý6860 | Clinical Research III | 0 |
PSYÌý5990 or PSYÌý6990 |
Thesis Research or Dissertation Research |
0-3 |
Ìý | Credits | 0-9 |
Summer | ||
Psy DSK Core and/or Psy Elective | 0-3 | |
PSYÌý6810 | Clinical Practicum III | 3 |
PSYÌý6860 | Clinical Research III | 0 |
PSYÌý6990 | Dissertation Research | 0-3 |
Ìý | Credits | 3-9 |
Year Four | ||
Fall | ||
Psy DSK Core and/or Psy Elective | 0-6 | |
PSYÌý6820 | Clinical Practicum IV | 0 |
PSYÌý6870 | Clinical Research IV | 0 |
PSYÌý6990 | Dissertation Research | 0-6 |
Ìý | Credits | 0-12 |
Spring | ||
Psy DSK Core and/or Psy Elective | 0-6 | |
PSYÌý6820 | Clinical Practicum IV | 0 |
PSYÌý6870 | Clinical Research IV | 0 |
PSYÌý6990 | Dissertation Research | 0-6 |
Ìý | Credits | 0-12 |
Summer | ||
Psy DSK Core and/or Psy Elective | 0-3 | |
PSYÌý6820 | Clinical Practicum IV | 3 |
PSYÌý6870 | Clinical Research IV | 0 |
PSYÌý6990 | Dissertation Research | 0-3 |
Ìý | Credits | 3-9 |
Year Five | ||
Fall | ||
PSYÌý6890 | Internship in Clinical Psychology | 0 |
PSYÌý6990 | Dissertation Research | 0-3 |
Ìý | Credits | 0-3 |
Spring | ||
PSYÌý6890 | Internship in Clinical Psychology | 0 |
PSYÌý6990 | Dissertation Research | 0-3 |
Ìý | Credits | 0-3 |
Summer | ||
PSYÌý6890 | Internship in Clinical Psychology | 0 |
PSYÌý6990 | Dissertation Research | 0-3 |
Ìý | Credits | 0-3 |
Ìý | Total Credits | 42-132 |
Program Notes
We do not have a terminal master’s degree. Coursework generally includes 90 credits including six hours of thesis research and 12 hours of dissertation research. In certain cases, credit may be award for completion of History and Systems of Psychology prior to program matriculation.
Students apply for an internship during their fourth year and generally complete it during their fifth year. The internship is required for the award of the doctoral degree. Once in a while, a student does not match in which case we work with the student to determine how to best spend the fifth year during which time they re-apply for internship. Dissertation hours (0-3 credits) may be taken while on internship.
Master's Degree Entry
Year One | ||
---|---|---|
Fall | Credits | |
Psy DSK Core and/or Psy Elective | 0-6 | |
PSYÌý5810 | Clinical Practicum I | 0 |
PSYÌý5860 | Clinical Research I | 0 |
PSYÌý5890 | Clerkship in Clinical Psychology | 0 |
PSYÌý6990 | Dissertation Research | 0-3 |
Ìý | Credits | 0-9 |
Spring | ||
PSYÌý5090 or PSYÌý6500 |
Psychometric Theory or Applied Multivariable and Multivariate Statistics in Behavioral Science |
3 |
PSYÌý5820 | Clinical Practicum II | 0 |
PSYÌý5870 | Clinical Research II | 0 |
PSYÌý5890 | Clerkship in Clinical Psychology | 0 |
PSYÌý6990 | Dissertation Research | 0-3 |
Ìý | Credits | 3-6 |
Summer | ||
Deleted summers if not needed | Ìý | |
PSYÌý5820 | Clinical Practicum II | 3 |
PSYÌý5870 | Clinical Research II | 0 |
PSYÌý6990 | Dissertation Research | 0-3 |
Ìý | Credits | 3-6 |
Year Two | ||
Fall | ||
Psy DSK Core and/or Psy Elective | 0-3 | |
PSYÌý6030 | Human Diversity | 3 |
PSYÌý6810 | Clinical Practicum III | 0 |
PSYÌý6860 | Clinical Research III | 0 |
PSYÌý6990 | Dissertation Research | 0-3 |
Ìý | Credits | 3-9 |
Spring | ||
Psy DSK Core and/or Psy Elective | 0-3 | |
PSYÌý6810 | Clinical Practicum III | 0 |
PSYÌý6860 | Clinical Research III | 0 |
PSYÌý6990 | Dissertation Research | 0-3 |
Ìý | Credits | 0-6 |
Summer | ||
Psy DSK Elective | 0-3 | |
PSYÌý6810 | Clinical Practicum III | 3 |
PSYÌý6860 | Clinical Research III | 0 |
PSYÌý6990 | Dissertation Research | 0-3 |
Ìý | Credits | 3-9 |
Year Three | ||
Fall | ||
Psy DSK Core and/or Psy Elective | 0-6 | |
PSYÌý6820 | Clinical Practicum IV | 0 |
PSYÌý6870 | Clinical Research IV | 0 |
PSYÌý6990 | Dissertation Research | 0-3 |
Ìý | Credits | 0-9 |
Spring | ||
Psy DSK Core and/or Psy Elective | 0-6 | |
PSYÌý6820 | Clinical Practicum IV | 0 |
PSYÌý6870 | Clinical Research IV | 0 |
PSYÌý6990 | Dissertation Research | 0-3 |
Ìý | Credits | 0-9 |
Summer | ||
PSYÌý6820 | Clinical Practicum IV | 3 |
PSYÌý6870 | Clinical Research IV | 0 |
PSYÌý6990 | Dissertation Research | 0-3 |
Ìý | Credits | 3-6 |
Year Four | ||
Fall | ||
PSYÌý6890 | Internship in Clinical Psychology | 0 |
PSYÌý6990 | Dissertation Research | 0-3 |
Ìý | Credits | 0-3 |
Spring | ||
PSYÌý6890 | Internship in Clinical Psychology | 0 |
PSYÌý6990 | Dissertation Research | 0-3 |
Ìý | Credits | 0-3 |
Summer | ||
PSYÌý6890 | Internship in Clinical Psychology | 0 |
PSYÌý6990 | Dissertation Research | 0-3 |
Ìý | Credits | 0-3 |
Ìý | Total Credits | 15-78 |
Program Notes
Coursework generally involves 60 graduate credits including 42 hours of coursework, six practicum hours and 12 hours of dissertation research.
Students entering with a clinical master’s degree must have fulfilled the requirements for the Profession Wide Competency (PWC) Courses in their master’s degree programs. If these courses were not completed, were not completed at the graduate level, lacked original source material, were not completed with a grade of "B" or better or in any other way did not meet our curricular requirements, these courses will need to be taken. This plan also assumes that students have completed at least nine hours of Discipline Specific Knowledge (DSK) credit in Research Methods/Statistics in their master’s programs. In total, six hours of Statistics and six hours of Research Methods (at least three hours of which address psychometric theory and/or test development) are required at the graduate level.
Students entering with a clinical master’s degree usually apply for an internship during their third year and generally complete it during their fourth year. The internship is required for award of the doctoral degree. Once in a while, a student does not match for an internship in which case we work with the student to determine how to best spend the fourth year during which time they re-apply for an internship. Dissertation hours (0-3 credits) may be taken while on internship.
For additional information about our program, please contact
David Kaufman, Ph.D., ABPP
Director of the Clinical Psychology Program
david.kaufman@health.slu.edu
Annie Garner, Ph.D.
Coordinator of Admissions
annie.garner@health.slu.edu.