Program Overview

Ph.D. Degree in Clinical Psychology

The Ph.D. Degree in Clinical Psychology is a comprehensive program designed to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and experience necessary for a successful career in clinical psychology.

Important Dates

• Applications Open: August 1
• Application Deadline: November 7
• Interview Date: Saturday in early to mid-February

About the Program

The program is designed to provide students with a thorough understanding of clinical psychology, including theoretical foundations, research methods, and practical applications.

Requirements

• A bachelor's degree or its equivalent from an accredited institution of higher learning in the United States, or proof of equivalent training at a foreign university, is required.
• Students who are in the process of completing a bachelor's degree are eligible to apply.
• A major in psychology or substantial coursework in psychology is encouraged.
• As a minimum prerequisite, we require three psychology undergraduate courses:
  • A basic psychology course such as abnormal or introduction to psychology,
  • Behavioral statistics,
  • And either experimental or learning/behavioral psychology.
• UT Southwestern's Graduate School has no minimum GPA, but incoming students have an average undergraduate GPA of 3.6.
• GRE is NOT required for the admissions process, but is encouraged.

International Applicant Disclaimer

International applicants are advised that federal law governs who may enter the United States and on what terms. Any offer of acceptance will be contingent upon the applicant's ability to lawfully enter and remain in the United States throughout the course of study.

Application Process

• The application is online.
• Admission is granted for the fall semester only.
• A complete application will include:
  • Finalized and submitted online application
  • Unofficial transcripts
  • Language Proficiency Exam scores (for international applicants only)
  • Three letters of recommendation

Applicant Evaluation

The Admissions Committee seeks to identify applicants whose qualities, attributes, and accomplishments indicate that they will contribute to the missions of the Graduate School and be successful in their course of study. The committee considers the following factors:

• Prior academic achievement in college and graduate school
• Recommendations from appropriate professors and/or mentors
• The applicant's personal statement and the motivation indicated therein
• Experiences in clinical or scientific research activities
• Personal qualities (e.g., extra-curricular activities, motivation, grit, resiliency, tenacity, integrity, maturity, and leadership)
• Suitability for a career in clinical psychology

Personal Statement

The personal statement is a chance for the applicant to tell their psychology journey and story, clearly and concisely describe their educational, professional, and research experience, and show their drive, motivation, passion, and suitability for a career as a psychologist.

Transfer of Graduate Credits

The Graduate Studies Committee for Clinical Psychology does not accept graduate credits obtained prior to admission. However, it will consider petitions from already admitted students to waive particular required courses if there is clear evidence that the student has taken the substantial equivalent of such a course.

Financial Support

• Clinical Psychology students receive a nationally competitive stipend as funds are available.
• The practicum stipend usually begins the summer of the first year and is currently set at $10,000 annually.
• The internship stipend begins in the third year and continues until completion of internship, currently set at $20,000 annually.
• Paid teaching and research assistantships are available and are highly competitive.
• Subject to availability, the Admissions Committee Chairperson may award a scholarship to incoming students.

Scholarships

• The Carmen Miller Michael Award: a $1,000 award bestowed on an advanced student who shows outstanding leadership and academic skills.
• The Children's Medical Center, Children's Health Mental Health Disparities Scholarship: awarded to an incoming first-year student who is interested in the psychiatric needs of children from ethnic minority groups and other underserved populations.

FAQ

• Can coursework completed in a Master's degree program be counted toward the doctoral degree at UT Southwestern? No, but it is possible to request permission to substitute another course, or research or internship activity, for a course already taken.
• Do you offer a Master's degree program? The Doctoral Program does not offer a master's degree en route to the Ph.D.
• How long does it take to complete the program? The Clinical Psychology Graduate Program is designed as a four-year course of study, and includes an integrated two-year, half-time internship. The average length of time from entry to graduation is approximately 4.0 to 4.5 years.
• May I take courses without being a full-time student? No, all doctoral students in the Clinical Psychology Graduate Program must be full-time.