Program Overview

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Clinical Psychology, Ph.D.

The clinical psychology doctoral training program at Saint Louis University adheres to the scientist-practitioner model of training in clinical psychology. As part of the SLU Department of Psychology, our students receive strong generalist training and develop extensive skills in research. Our diverse faculty members offer specialized clinical training opportunities in clinical child psychology, clinical neuropsychology, health psychology, trauma psychology, and sports psychology.

Program Highlights

• The program's major area of study is adult clinical psychology.
• Students may elect one of the following areas of emphasis, experience, or exposure: clinical neuropsychology, clinical child psychology, health psychology, trauma psychology, or sports psychology.
• Relevant research may be conducted in any of these areas.

Areas of Emphasis, Experience, or Exposure

• Clinical Child Psychology (Experience or Exposure): Elective graduate courses include child assessment and psychopathology, child interventions, couples and family therapy, cognitive behavioral interventions, and psychopharmacology.
• Clinical Neuropsychology (Emphasis, Experience, or Exposure): Elective graduate courses include fundamentals of neuropsychology, neuropsychological assessment, memory and cognition, physiological psychology, and psychopharmacology.
• Health Psychology (Experience or Exposure): Students should consider taking courses in clinical health psychology, cognitive behavior interventions, psychopharmacology, sports psychology, and addictions: assessment and interventions.
• Trauma Psychology (Experience or Exposure): Students are offered elective graduate coursework in the psychology of trauma, cognitive-behavioral interventions, and addictions: assessment and interventions.
• Sports Psychology (Experience or Exposure): Elective graduate courses include sports psychology, health psychology, and cognitive-behavioral interventions.

Curriculum Overview

The clinical psychology program at Saint Louis University 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.

• 36 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.

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.

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.

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.
• 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
• Résumé
• Interview
• Personal statement
• Diversity statement

Tuition

Tuition Per Credit: $1,400

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.

Accreditation

The American Psychological Association has continually accredited Saint Louis University's clinical psychology program since 1965.

Student Admissions, Outcomes, and Other Data

• Graduates will be able to demonstrate discipline-specific knowledge (DSK) as defined by the American Psychological Associations Office of Accreditation.
• Graduates will be able to demonstrate the ability to apply knowledge of DSK category 4 as defined by the American Psychological Associations Office of Accreditation.
• Graduates will be able to meet or exceed expectations on the profession-wide competencies (PWCs) as defined by the American Psychological Associations Office of Accreditation.

Roadmap

The roadmap for the clinical psychology program is provided, outlining the course of study for students entering with a bachelor's degree or a master's degree. The plan includes required courses, research methods, statistics, clinical practice, and electives. Students must maintain a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.00 in all graduate/professional courses.