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Clinical Psychology

Frequently Asked Questions about the Clinical Graduate Program at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro

1. How do I apply for graduate study in clinical psychology?

See the page on applying for the doctoral program.

2. What are the philosophy and goals of the clinical training program?

The clinical psychology program at UNCG is based on the scientist-practitioner model. It aims to train skilled scientists and competent clinicians who utilize their expertise to understand, assess, treat, and prevent behavioral disorders, regardless of the setting in which they work (e.g., university psychology department, mental health center, private practice). Graduates of the doctoral program are prepared to work as independent researchers and practitioners.

To achieve this aim, our students are trained in the scientific method, basic areas in psychology, the special content domain of the clinical psychologist, and practical skills appropriate to the professional practice of psychology. Students are trained as clinical generalists, prepared to deal with adults and children, with individuals, families, and groups. The program teaches a broad range of empirically validated techniques in assessment and intervention. Although conceptual analyses of clinical phenomena most commonly represent a broadly based behavioral perspective, other perspectives are given serious study as well. We prefer to admit students who will continue to use their research training in academic settings or elsewhere, as graduates. Our program espouses a mentorship model of training. That is, students are admitted to join the research team of a specific faculty member. Of course, opportunities for collaboration within and outside the clinical program are plentiful. Although it rarely occurs, students are free to switch to another research lab, if this switch is acceptable to the new faculty advisor.

3. Is the clinical program fully accredited by the American Psychological Association, and what are the implications of accreditation?

The clinical program is fully accredited by the American Psychological Association. Full approval is the highest level of accreditation possible and reflects: (a) that training in clinical psychology received at UNCG is compatible with other APA approved programs both in terms of training models and curriculum; and (b) that the institutional setting, faculty (both clinical and non-clinical), and facilities are adequate to meet and support the student's academic needs. In terms of a student's career development, graduation from an APA approved clinical program is often a prerequisite for certain block-time internship placements and/or job opportunities. This credential also eases the licensure process and entry into some professional organizations. The current level of accreditation will remain in effect for seven years, at which time a re- evaluation by APA is conducted. This site visit is scheduled for 2011. For further information or any questions about accreditation status please contact:

Office of Program Consultation and Accreditation
American Psychological Association
750 First Street NE
Washington, D. C 20002-4242
Tel: (202) 336-5979

4. What is the curriculum of the clinical program?

The Ph.D. curriculum for clinical students consists of eight clinical courses and seminars, six courses and seminars in other areas of psychology, three research tool courses such as statistics, practicum and internship training, and 24 credit hours of research including the thesis and dissertation. The program is planned so that it may be completed in six years - five years at UNCG plus one year of predoctoral internship.

During the first year, clinical students typically take courses in adult and child psychopathology, in theory and methods of psychotherapy, and in clinical research methods; two statistics courses; and two courses from three of four core areas in psychology (psychobiological, cognitive, developmental, social.) During the second year, clinical students typically take courses (combining theory and methodology) in personality and intellectual assessment, and in behavioral assessment and intervention; a clinical seminar; a course in professional ethics; introductory practicum experiences in the UNCG Psychology Clinic; as well as remaining core courses. The Master's thesis should be completed during the first 2 or 2-1/2 years. During the third year, clinical students take additional courses or seminars in basic psychology and a clinical seminar and conduct independent doctoral research. Students are expected to complete 200 client contact hours of supervised practicum training in the UNCG Psychology Clinic by the end of their third year. The preliminary examination is completed by the fourth year. During the remaining two or three years, clinical students complete any remaining course work and seminars in clinical or in other areas of psychology, complete 350 client contact hours of advanced practicum, complete the independent doctoral research project and a dissertation, and take a 2,000 hour block-time APA-approved internship.

5. What are practicum opportunities?

Clinical practicum and internship is required of all clinical students. In the first and second years, students enroll in assessment and intervention courses that include a methodological component. In these courses, basic clinical skills (e.g., interviewing, testing, cognitive therapy, systematic desensitization) are learned. Concurrently, in the first year, students participate in weekly clinical group supervision and observe more advanced students serving as therapists in the UNCG Psychology Clinic. In the second year, students carry a small caseload. In their third year, students complete 200 client contact hours of practicum training at the UNCG Psychology Clinic where they are supervised by clinical faculty. The client population at this facility is diverse, both in terms of presenting problems and demographic variables. In the 4th year, students complete their advanced practicum training of 350 client contact hours. Current practicum sites include: UNCG Psychology Clinic, the UNCG AD/HD Specialty Clinic, and an adult anxiety and depression specialty practicum. The skills learned during advanced practicum are designed to augment those achieved during earlier practicum years   In addition, through a Graduate Psychology Education Program training grant funded through the Department of Health and Human Services Health Resources and Services Administration, students provide services and receive training at a number of sites that provide specialty rotations in behavioral medicine, psychiatric inpatient consultation, pre-school intervention, and the interface of health and mental health. These placements allow students to work in multi-disciplinary teams with psychiatrists, primary health care providers, nurses, mentors, speech pathologists, and pre-school educators, and provide increased exposure to culturally and economically diverse populations. Our current placements include the Teen-Mom Mentoring Program, Cone Family Practice, Guilford County Child Health, Wake Forest Medical School Comprehensive Cancer Center, Nurse-Family Partnership, Bringing Out the Best, and the Center for Healthy Living, and Moses Cone Behavioral Health. In summer 2008, another practicum opportunity arose with the development of DREAM Camp, a summer camp program for children diagnosed with Asperger’s Disorder.

After completing most or all of the other Ph.D. requirements, clinical students seek 2,000 hour, block-time internships that are approved by the American Psychological Association. It is expected that students will complete their dissertation before leaving for internship.

6. How is research training conducted in the clinical program?

Research training in UNCG's clinical program begins during the first year through course work in clinical research methodology and in statistics. Students begin working with their research mentor and team from their first day in the program. Many students also conduct research as part of a departmental research assistantship responsibility. During the first year, students begin to develop a thesis research project through the clinical research methods course and under the direction of a faculty member. It is expected that second year students present their thesis idea (and data, if available) at the Graduate Research Conference, scheduled early in the fall term. The thesis is typically completed during the second or third year. An independent doctoral research project, which is usually pilot work for the dissertation or an additional research study, is generally completed during the third year, and the doctoral dissertation during the fourth and fifth years.  Of course, these timelines vary based on individual student progress in meeting degree and research requirements.

Students also have the opportunity to participate in non-required research throughout their training. Students are encouraged to prepare grants to fund their own research (e.g. NSF Fellowships, NRSA awards) author and co-author papers for publication and/or presentation at professional meetings. All students are encouraged to focus on problems of fundamental importance. To this end, the Department supports students who want to develop research programs with both clinical and nonclinical faculty. For example, a student may elect to do a thesis or a non-required research project in physiological, personality, developmental, or cognitive psychology. All clinical students, however, must demonstrate research skills prior to graduation.

7. What is the attrition rate among clinical students?

When a student is admitted to our program, our top priority is to provide him/her with exceptional training in clinical and research domains, in order to prepare them to successfully vie for pre-doctoral internships and post-doctoral research appointments, and to enter the field as a highly competent scientist/practitioner. Attrition, does however, occur for a variety of reasons including: personal or family decisions, change in career direction, and, on rare occasion, failure to make adequate academic or clinical progress. Over the past 7 years, our attrition rate is 13%. Please see our table in the FAST FACTS section below for more specific attrition information.

8. What are the admission requirements?

Applications are considered only once per year (during January, February and March) for admission in the following fall term. Application deadline: December 15th. For information on how to apply, see the doctoral program page. Applicants are evaluated in two stages. First, a faculty committee examines the applicant's previous grade point averages, Graduate Record Examination scores, undergraduate research and preclinical experiences, letters of recommendation, and the statements of purpose and research interests. We are seeking applicants who are bright, well prepared, motivated, socially skilled, and whose interests are compatible with our model of training. Normally, competitive candidates have an undergraduate Psychology major, good grades (e.g., 3.2 or above), solid GREs (e.g., 1200 total or above; good advanced score), evidence of prior research and applied experience, solid letters of recommendation, a sincere interest in scientist-practitioner training, research interests that match those of current faculty mentors, and an interest to continue research after graduation. Please see the table in the FAST FACTS section below for current statistics on our entering class.

Secondly, we require an in-person interview for our top 30 or so candidates (of the several hundred who apply each year). We schedule these interviews in February or early March. In the interviews, we evaluate the candidate's research interests, career goals, background, and social skills. From all of this input, we select about 10 persons for admission, and construct a short list of alternates, with plans for an incoming class of about six or seven clinical students.  The interviews also provide the applicant with an opportunity to learn more about the clinical program, faculty, and other students. Successful applicants are notified by April 1 of each year. The selection process is usually completed by April 15 of each year.
 
Because of the large number of applications received, it is not possible for us to schedule interviews or appointments with every applicant who contacts us. We are confident that our screening procedure identifies those applicants whom we believe have the best fit with out program goals and thus, the best likelihood of being successful and of benefiting from our training program. We therefore, request that applicants not initiate requests for interviews. Of course, applicants should feel free to contact faculty with whom they would like to work. E-mail is the preferred mode of contact for these inquiries.

We usually take no more than one or two students a year that already have a Master's degree, and these candidates rarely come from allied professions (e.g., Child Development). Usually about one year's worth of prior graduate work will transfer, and students generally must be here at least one year before formal admittance to the Ph.D. program. We do not admit part-time students. Professionals in the Greensboro area wishing to complete a doctoral degree in clinical psychology are welcome to apply, but they will be evaluated according to the same rigorous standards as other applicants and must be prepared to do full-time training. Except in extraordinary circumstances, we do not offer clinical retraining of persons with a Ph.D. in another area of psychology. Qualified persons may take specific graduate courses in the department (e.g., Psychological Disorders of Adults or of Children) without admission to the program. Interested students should contact the Graduate School for admission as a non-degree student. The assessment courses are open only to psychology graduate students. The intervention courses and practicum are open only to clinical psychology graduate students.

Questions regarding admission may be directed to: clinpsy@uncg.edu. Replies to inquiries should be expected in about one week.

9. What is it like to live in Greensboro?

Greensboro is a pleasant and clean city of about 250,000 with an increasingly diverse racial and ethnic population. The latest census information finds minority groups comprising about 45% of the city’s population.  There are many opportunities to enjoy music, arts, dining, nightlife, etc., especially in the downtown area, which offers multiple restaurants, bars, theatres, and clubs, as well as a first class single A baseball team. In addition to the downtown area, the Greensboro Coliseum hosts a variety of cultural and athletic events.  Greensboro is home to a number of college and universities and has a wonderful mix of students, young families and life-long residents. Geographically, Greensboro is centered between the beach and the mountains- both are within a 3 hour drive. Our mild climate, relatively low cost of living and close location to major cities such as Charlotte and Raleigh add to Greensboro’s charm. You can find more information about Greensboro here.

10. If I have other questions about the clinical program, who do I contact?

Clinical Area Contact Person:  Dr. Susan Keane, (336) 256-0017, spkeane@uncg.edu. Questions regarding admission may be directed to: clinpsy@uncg.edu. Replies to inquiries should be expected in about one week.

Fast Facts

Education/Training Outcomes and Information

Program Data – updated September 2009

Program Costs per year for full-time student in the 2009-2010 cohort:

In-state tuition $ 3,044.00 (full-time; 12 or more credits)
Out-of-State Tuition $14,524.00 (full-time 12 or more credits)
Student Fees - $ 1,644.00

Total costs:
$19,212.00 (full-time, Out-of-state)
$4,688.00 (full-time, In-state)

Adjustments to tuition:

Admitted students who are not residents of North Carolina typically receive an out-of state tuition waiver bringing their total program costs down to $4,688.00 (this figure includes in-state tuition and fees). In addition, each year, the clinical program is able to offer several competitive in-state waivers, making the annual program costs for those admitted students $1,644.00. For the 2009-2010 entering first year class, all out of state students received both in-state and out-of- state tuition waivers; all instate students received in-state tuition waivers. Thus, the annual program cost for all students entering in 2009-2010 was $1,628.00.

In-state tuition waivers are also available for returning students on a competitive basis. For the 2008-2009 academic year, all returning students who were in good standing were awarded in-state tuition waivers. For the 2009-10 academic year, we will learn of the availability of additional in-state waivers in October.  If awarded, these waivers will be applied retroactively and students would get reimbursed for any tuition costs paid for Fall semester.

Please see the Graduate School link for more specific details regarding tuition and fees.

(http://www.uncg.edu/grs/financial/estimatedcost.html).

Stipends:

Students in the first years of the program typically are awarded departmental TA/RA assistantships, requiring a 15-20 hr/week work commitment, split equally between TA and RA duties. The stipend for the 2009-20010 cohort is $11,000 for the academic year.  For the 2009-2010 class, a $2,000 summer research stipend accompanied this academic stipend.

When students receive their MA degree, they receive an automatic increase of $1,000; the standard academic stipend for the current post-MA students is $12,000 for the academic year. For 2009, all post-MA students received a one-time increase of $1,000, making the post-MA stipend $13,000.

Summer funding is available through grant support and competitive summer research assistantships offered by the Graduate School, or clinic assistantships. Post-MA students also may apply to teach an undergraduate Psychology course one or both summer sessions. These summer funds range from $1,000 to $6000. Twenty-seven students in the clinical program received some form of summer funding in 2008.

Several Graduate School Fellowships are also offered to students with exceptionally strong credentials and letters of support. For 2009-2010, four clinical students were awarded Greensboro Graduate Scholar Awards amounting to $2,000-3,000 each, In addition, two students in our second year class were awarded the prestigious Hayes Fellowship for the upcoming school year. This award offers a $22,000 stipend as well as full (in-state and out-of-state) tuition remission.

Students may also be supported on faculty sponsored research grants, training grants or student-awarded fellowships. Grant stipends are comparable to the above noted rates but also include a summer stipend, typically $3000. Graduate Psychology Education Program Training grant stipends are 12-month stipends, currently set at $20,700. For 2009-2010, we have four GPEP stipends.

Advanced Practicum students (year 4) are supported by clinic or other placement funds. Stipends for these placements are currently $12,000. No TA responsibilities are expected of students supported on grant, fellowship, or clinic support.. 

Health Insurance:

Basic Health Insurance ($390/term) is covered for all students receiving funding through the department (TA, RA, clinic or grant-support).

Statistics on the Clinical Area:

Admissions data:

Scores for admitted students:

Time to Completion:

Numbers of Years to Graduation :

Degree held prior to entry:

Internship Match Data:

For additional information concerning Clinical Psychology at UNCG, please e-mail Susan Phillips Keane, Ph.D. (mailto:spkeane@uncg.edu).