Clinical Psychology

Ph.D. Concentration

The concentration in clinical psychology provides doctoral education and training in behavioral health service psychology, with the goal of producing graduates trained as research scientists and clinical practitioners.


UConn's clinical psychology concentration is accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA). Students enrolled in the concentration complete coursework consistent with APA requirements, conduct research on complex clinical and social problems, and gain clinical assessment and intervention skills using a range of modalities.

Students work under the close supervision of faculty mentors who teach, model, and supervise the acquisition of advanced skills and knowledge using an integrated, sequential, and graduated curriculum. Specific areas of focus include health psychology, neuropsychology, and developmental psychopathology.

Program Overview

UConn graduate students earning a Ph.D. in psychological sciences can choose a concentration in clinical psychology. The concentration aims to establish basic competence in academic, research, and clinical pursuits, with students' individual interests being critical determinants of their professional development.

Student Admissions, Outcomes, and Other Data

Through coursework, research, and clinical experiences, our program trains new generations of professionals who demonstrate the following qualities:

  • A thorough understanding of clinical psychology and an appreciation of current issues in the field.
  • The ability to generate independent research, evaluate and critique empirical work, and contribute to the empirical study of literature.
  • The ability to use a variety of empirically supported techniques in the areas of assessment and intervention and to assess the efficacy of those efforts.
  • The ability to create and implement innovative psychological strategies and procedures that will help to promote human welfare and evaluate the efficacy of those strategies.
  • A recognition of the interdependence of science and practice and an ability to integrate the two perspectives.
  • An understanding and appreciation of human diversity and the ability to approach clinical work, research, and training from a stance of cultural humility.
  • The ability to hold self-critical and self-corrective attitudes informed by ethical principles and professional standards toward all scientific and clinical endeavors.

 

Learn more about courses and curriculum


Research

The concentration is grounded in the scientific method, considered the cornerstone upon which clinical knowledge is advanced and clinical skills are developed. We have a long-standing commitment to the integration of science and clinical practice and view that integration as central to our training program. Research requirements are integral to the program and are regarded as efforts to bring empirical rigor to theoretical questions and to the real-life dilemmas encountered by practitioners. Similarly, clinical skills are taught within the context of relevant theory and empirical data. Clinical training begins in the Psychological Services Clinic, where students receive close supervision from faculty members.

Learn more about research specialties.

Accreditation

The UConn clinical psychology program has been continuously accredited since 1951 by the APA. Accreditation is a voluntary process in which educational institutions demonstrate that they meet standards that the dominant professional association deems necessary to ensure a high quality of professional training. Being accredited means that our concentration meets multiple criteria, including having a coherent model of professional training; clearly identifiable core faculty; clear lines of leadership and accountability; adequate space and resources; respectful interpersonal relationships; a coherent and graduated curriculum that provides exposure to discipline specific knowledge and documents the attainment of profession wide competencies; and training experiences that recognize human commonalities and diversity.

Questions regarding our accreditation may be directed to the Office of Program Consultation and Accreditation, American Psychological Association:
750 1st Street, NE, Washington, DC 20002
(202) 336-5979
apaaccred@apa.org

Outcomes

In accordance with the APA and the Council of University Directors of Clinical Psychology, UConn surveys alumni of the Ph.D. concentration in clinical psychology on their satisfaction with the degree and career outcomes. Our alumni report that the clinical psychology concentration prepares them well for a variety of career paths and career trajectories. Many combine clinical work, supervision, teaching, and research in a manner consistent with the program’s commitment to integrated clinical and research training.

Learn more about graduate placements and career outcomes.

Financial Aid

Most students admitted into the Ph.D. program receive a graduate assistantship for research or teaching. The assistantship includes a tuition waiver, stipend, and a range of other benefits. Students can also apply for other scholarships, fellowships, and awards based on financial need and academic merit, as well as interdisciplinary graduate training programs.

Learn more about graduate funding and financial support.

Admissions

All application materials must be received by December 1.

 

Full Ph.D. Admissions Requirements

Please designate "clinical psychology” as your concentration in the online application.

We strongly encourage applicants to review our list of faculty members and reach out to inquire whether they are accepting new students. Faculty likely to accept students for the Fall 24 cycle include: Drs. Chen, Cruess, Egbert, Eigsti, Gray, Park.

Applicant Selection

The clinical psychology program follows a mentoring model of selection. Each application is read by the preferred faculty advisor (as indicated by your nomination) and at least one other faculty member.

In keeping with recommendations from The Alliance for Multi-campus Inclusive Graduate Admissions, we do not have admission cut-offs for GPA or for prior background (e.g. an undergraduate degree in psychology). We look especially for compatibility between individual faculty interests and the interests and experiences of individual applicants.

Given this process, it is important that you nominate a preferred advisor in your online application to the Ph.D. program. You may also want to elaborate on the reasons for your interest and fit with that advisor in your personal essay.

Applicant Interviews

Individual faculty invite prospective applicants to join us at one of two Applicant Interview Days in late January or early February. Applicants have an opportunity to meet current students and faculty and to learn about the program in greater detail. The two days are typically organized and hosted by members of our first-year class, who serve as guides and ambassadors to prospective students. We make offers of admission soon after interviews.

Students who are offered entry into the program have until April 15 to accept our invitation. In consideration of other students who are waiting for acceptance, we urge you to make your decision as early as you can.

Contact Us

For questions about the clinical psychology concentration, please contact the director:

Stephanie Milan

Associate Professor of Psychological Sciences
Stephanie.milan@uconn.edu