Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology
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Note: Faculty interested in admitting a student for Fall 2013 include: Drs. Eddington, Keane, Mendez, Nelson-Gray and Rodriguez.
Program Overview
The Clinical Psychology Program at UNCG is
based on the scientist-practitioner model. It aims to train skilled
scientists and competent clinicians who use 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.
Faculty Listing
The Clinical Psychology Area includes seven tenure track faculty members who maintain active research laboratories. Click here for faculty interests and contact information.
Clinical Area Contact Person: Dr. Susan Keane, (336) 256-0017,spkeane@uncg.edu
Student Admissions, Outcomes, and Other Data
updated September, 2012
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. What are the philosophy and goals of the clinical training program?
The Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology is based on the scientist-practitioner model. Consistent with this model, our overarching goal is to foster the development of students as Psychologists first, and secondarily as Clinical Psychologists. Other program goals include: To train students in the competent practice of psychology; To train students in the integration of science and practice; To produce professionals who engage in ethically responsible behavior and to foster and develop in our students a sense of professional identity and development. To reach these goals, we focus on a student’s competence in several domains: broad and general knowledge in psychology, designing and conducting research, providing evidence-based practice, engaging in responsible and ethical behavior, and knowledge of how culture impacts research questions, findings and clinical practice. Also emphasized in our training model is the idea that a complete and thorough understanding of abnormality and psychopathology cannot be achieved in the absence of knowing the normal variations in human behavior that occur across development and in different social contexts. Thus, students in our program receive broad training in other domains of psychology, including the developmental, social, and biological areas, to familiarize themselves with normal processes. Students in our program also learn about individual and cultural diversity through their courses, through their practicum training, and through their interactions with students and faculty from diverse backgrounds.
2. Is the clinical program accredited by the American Psychological Association and what are the implications of accreditation?
The Clinical Psychology program has been continuously accredited by the American Psychological Association since 1983. Our next site visit will be in 2014. In terms of a student's career development, graduation from an APA approved clinical program is often a prerequisite for certain pre-doctoral internship placements and/or job opportunities. This credential also eases the licensure process and entry into some professional organizations
Questions related to the program’s accreditation status should be directed to the Commission on Accreditation:
Office of Program Consultation and Accreditation
American Psychological Association
750 1st Street, NE
Washington, DC 20002
Phone: (202) 336-5979 / E-mail: apaaccred@apa.org
Web: www.apa.org/ed/accreditation/
3. What is the curriculum of the clinical program?
The Ph.D. curriculum provides a graduated and sequential training experience, which prepares students for careers consistent with the scientist-practitioner training model. The Ph.D. curriculum consists of eight clinical courses and seminars, six courses and seminars in other areas of psychology, two elective courses, three research tool courses such as statistics and research methods, 24 credits of research experiences (including thesis and dissertation credits), and 31 credits covering practicum and internship training. The program is typically completed in six years to seven years. During the first year, clinical students take courses in adult and child psychopathology, in child and adult therapy (including a focus on empirically validate treatments), and in graduate research methods and statistics. They begin their study in other areas of psychology as well and typically take two courses from five core areas in psychology that cover broad and general psychology training (behavioral, psychobiological, cognitive, developmental, and social), During the second year, clinical students typically take courses (combining theory and methodology) in personality and intellectual assessment and begin introductory practicum experiences in the UNCG Psychology Clinic. They also complete two additional core courses and an integrative seminar on history and systems; they also formally begin their Master’s thesis research. The Master's thesis should be completed during the first 2 or 2 1/2 years in the program. During the third year, clinical students take additional courses or seminars in basic psychology and/or advanced statistics and complete the Ethics and Multicultural Competence courses. By the end of the 3rd year, they complete 200 client contact hours of supervised practicum training in the UNCG Psychology Clinic. Students continue active research involvement and conduct independent doctoral research upon completion of the thesis requirement. The preliminary examination is taken by the fourth year. During the remaining time at UNCG, clinical students complete any remaining course work and seminars in clinical or in other areas of psychology, complete 350 additional clock hours of advanced practicum in the UNCG Psychology Clinic, and complete the a dissertation project. Students may apply by their pre-doctoral internship after they have an approved dissertation proposal. A 2,000 hour block-time APA-approved internship is required for the Ph.D. degree. All students earn a Master’s Degree as part of the requirements of the Ph.D. A sample plan of study is presented below.
SAMPLE PLAN OF STUDY
Master’s Degree Requirements for MA-PhD Clinical Students (60 credit hours)
A. Core area -6 courses totaling 16 credits
- Psy 643 (Developmental Psychology), Psy 647 (Advanced Social Psychology), Psy 650 (Physiology of Sensory and Behavioral Processes), Psy 652 (Cognitive Processes), PSY 661(Child Psychopathology)
- A grade of B or higher must be earned in each of these five courses as these courses constitute our comprehensive examination
- Psy 601 (Historical Perspectives on the Science of Psychology) – one credit integrative seminar
B. Clinical area - 6 courses totaling 18 credits
- PSY 622 (Theory and Methods of Psychotherapy), 623 (Theory and Methods of Personality Assessment), 626 (Theory and Methods of Behavioral Assessment and Therapy), 640 (Theory and Methods of Intellectual Assessment), 662 (Psychological Disorders in Adults), 724 (Ethical Responsibilities of Clinical Psychologists)
C. Research Tools - 3 courses plus thesis totaling 17 credits
- PSY 624 (3 credits) (Research Methods in Psychology)
- PSY 609 & PSY 610 (8 credits) (Statistical Methods in Psychology I and II)
- PSY 699 – thesis (6 credits)
D. Practicum training (PSY 642) - 3 courses totaling 9 credits
- 1 credits for spring semester, Year 1
- 4 credits for each semester in the fall and spring of Year 2
Credit Hour Requirements for PhD Degree for Clinical Students – 112 credit hours
A. Nonclinical area – 6 courses totaling 16 credits
Five core courses taken for the Master’s degree, plus History and Systems of Psychology
B. Clinical area 8 courses totaling 24 credits
In addition to the 6 clinical area courses taken for the Master’s degree:
- Psy 745 (Multicultural Issues in Clinical Psychology)
- Psy 735 J (Contemporary Problems in Clinical Psychology) – seminar format with changing topics
C. Research Tools - 6 courses plus thesis, independent doctoral research, and dissertation totaling 35 credits
In addition to the 3 courses and thesis hours taken for the Master’s degree:
- 2 semesters of pre-dissertation research (PSY 751 = Independent Doctoral Research) totaling 6 credits
- A minimum of 12 (maximum of 24) dissertation (PSY 799) credits
D. Elective Course / Seminars – must be approved in advance by the student’s doctoral committee –two courses totaling 6 credits
- Minimum of one course addressing research design/statistical issues;
- Minimum one course that is EITHER a non-clinical seminar Psy 735 C, D, or S (seminar in a basic area of psychology), a stat/ research course, or an approved course from another graduate department.
E. Clinical training - 7 courses plus internship totaling 31 credits
In addition to the 9 credits of PSY 642 for the Master’s degree:
- 8 additional credits (4 each semester) of practicum (PSY 642)
- 6 credits (3 each semester) for advanced practicum (PSY 762) plus 642 for 1 credit each semester
- 6 credits (3 each semester) for clinical internship year (PSY 763)
Example Schedule for the PhD degree for Clinical Students (112 credits)
First Year (27 Credits)
Fall term:
Psy 609 with lab = 4 credits
Psy 661 = 3 credits
Psy 662 = 3 credits
Basic core course 1 = 3 credits
Spring term:
Psy 610 with lab = 4 credits
Psy 624 = 3 credits
Psy 642 (Practicum) = 1 credit
Psy 622 = 3 credits
Psy 626 = 3 credits
Second Year (27 credits)
Fall term:
Psy 640 = 3 credits
Psy 642 = 4 credits
Psy 699 = 3 credits
Basic core course 2 = 3 credits
Spring term:
Psy 623 = 3 credits
Psy 642 = 4 credits
Psy 699 = 3 credits
Core course 3 = 3 credits
History and Systems = 1 credit
Third Year (26 credits):
Fall term:
Psy 751 = 3 credits
Psy 642 = 4 credits
Psy 724 = 3 credits (taught biannually) or seminar
Core course 4 = 3 credits
Spring term:
Psy 751 = 3 credits
Psy 642 = 4 credits
Psy 745 = 3 credits (taught biannually) or seminar
PSY 735J- 3 credits
Third or fourth year: Preliminary exam
Fourth Year (14 credits)
Two electives– 6 credits
Practicum (PSY 762) – 6 credits; PSY 642 (2 credits)
Fifth Year (12 credits) *
Dissertation -12 credits
Sixth year:
Internship Year
PSY 763 (6 credits)
4. 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 second semester of 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. By the end of 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 other demographic variables.
In the 4th year, students complete their advanced practicum training of 350 client contact hours. This training is typically completed in the UNCG Psychology Clinic. The skills learned during advanced practicum are designed to augment those achieved during earlier practicum years. After completing most course requirements and having an approved dissertation proposal, students seek a 2000 hour, block-time internship that is approved by the American Psychological Association. See http://www.apa.org/ed/accreditation/programs/internships-state.aspx. It is expected that students will complete their dissertation before leaving for internship.
Since 2002, the program has been awarded a Graduate Psychology Education Program (GPEP) Training grant. This grant provides opportunities for students to gain additional exposure working with underserved populations, including refugee and immigrant populations. Current placements include: Cone Family Practice, Cone In-Patient Behavioral Health Adult and Adolescent Units, Cone Pediatrics, the Teen-Mom Program, the Newcomer’s School, and Learning Together. The program also sponsors DREAM Camp, a summer day camp for children with Asperger’s Disorder and the Depression Treatment and Research Program, a specialized practicum and research program providing empirically-based assessment and treatment approaches for clients with mood disorders.
5. 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. Also in the first year students associate themselves with research laboratories. 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. All second year students make a presentation based on their thesis proposal or another first year project 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, is generally done during the third or fourth years, and the doctoral dissertation during the fourth or fifth years.
Students also have the opportunity to participate in non-required research throughout their training. Students are encouraged to co-author papers for publication and/or presentation at professional meetings. All students are encouraged to focus on problems of fundamental general importance. To this end, the Department supports students who want to develop research programs with both clinical and nonclinical faculty; many on-going collaborations among faculty exist to support students in this endeavor. All clinical students must demonstrate research competence prior to graduation.
6. What is the attrition rate among clinical students?
Attrition rates are presented in the table in the above section. We strive to admit students who have carefully evaluated their career goals and are a good fit for our program. Students leave the program for a variety of reasons, most commonly to pursue other degree programs (e.g. Developmental Psychology, Counseling Psychology, Public Policy) or career options. At times, students leave for personal reasons (e.g. to be closer to family). In rare situations, a student will either leave the program due to a personal problem that is interfering with their performance or will be asked to leave the program for not making adequate progress toward competence in coursework, clinical work and/or research.
7. What are the admission requirements?
Successful candidates typically exceed the following minimum criteria:
* Psychology (or equivalent) major
* Undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or better
* Undergraduate Psychology GPA of 3.0 or better
* GRE verbal and GRE quantitative sub-scores each above the 40th percentile
* Non-native English speakers must earn TOEFL scores above Graduate School minima (currently, 79 for internet-based test and 550 for paper-based test)
* Students applying with an MA degree must have a graduate GPA of 3.3 or better
Applicants who did not major in Psychology should have taken the following Psychology courses: Introductory Psychology, Statistics and Research Methods, Abnormal (or Clinical) Psychology, plus at least one additional course in Psychology. Applicants who did not major in Psychology are also strongly encouraged to submit a score from the Psychology subject GRE.
For the Clinical Program, applications are considered only once per year (during February and March) for admission in the following fall term. Application deadline: December 15th. 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 credentials which exceed the departmental minimum standards including, an undergraduate Psychology major, very good grades (e.g., 3.2 or above), solid GREs (e.g., above the 70th percentile) evidence of prior research and applied experience, strong letters of recommendation, a true interest in scientist-practitioner training, research interests that match those of current faculty mentors, and an interest to continue research after graduation.
Secondly, we interview the top 30 or so candidates (of the several hundred who apply each year), usually in person. We schedule these interviews in February or March. (Applicants should not initiate interviews - if you are in the top group, you will be contacted.) 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. Successful applicants are notified by April 1 of each year. The selection process is completed by April 15 of each year.
We usually take no more than one or two students each year who already have earned a Master's degree. Depending of the nature of the degree, up to one year's worth of prior graduate work will typically transfer. Students must be in residence 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 go on for a Ph.D. 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.
The clinical program follows and endorses the CUDCP admissions offers and acceptances policy as stated here. The full policy can be found at :http://www.cudcp.us/files/CUDCP%20grad%20offers%20policy_Revised2013.pdf
Summary of CUDCP Policy for Graduate School Offers and Acceptances
Information for Applicants
The Council of University Directors of Clinical Training ( www.cudcp.us ) has adopted the following guidelines for offers into doctoral clinical psychology programs. If you are applying to a CUDCP program, you should expect the following policies will apply:
1. In most CUDCP programs, a subset of applicants will be invited for an interview. Within a few weeks of the final interview dates, applicants will be notified regarding the status of their application. You may be offered admission, declined admission, placed on a wait list, or in some cases, a decision has not yet been reach ed regarding your application.
2. Training programs will notify students no longer being considered for admission as soon as possible. In some cases, this information is communicated by the university graduate school and can take several weeks to be proces sed . In some cases, you may be able to get updated information on the status of the application process (e.g., whether all interview invites have been extended; whether all offers have been extended), on a clinical program's website , or by contacting a pr ogram administrator . Beware of information posted on student - focused online forums that may be inaccurate or incomplete.
3. Offers of admission can be extended during a large time period. Most initial offers of admission are extended by April 1. Offers may be communicated by phone or email, but should be followed up by a written confirmation within 48 hours.
4. You should not be pressured, n or feel compelled to accept an offer of admission before April 15 ! This applies to offers of admission and to funding off ers that accompany admission. It is impermissible for programs to request a decision prior to April 15 or to indicate that funding will be available only if students make decisions earlier than this date. Violations of this policy should be reported to CUD CP immediately ( http://cudcp.us/contact.html ) and your identity will be protected . Of course, it is permissible for you to accept an offer as soon as you are certain of your decision (i.e., even before April 15 ). But the decision to do so should be based on you, and not due to pressure placed upon you by a training program.
5. Do not hold more than two offers for more than one week unless there is specific information (e.g. , a visit is scheduled, funding decision s) you are waiting to receive from the program. Difficulty making up one's mind is not considered an adequate excuse to limit the options available to other applicants. 6. Once you have accepted an offer of admission to a t raining p rogram, you should inform all programs in which you are still being consider ed. Be sure to inform programs either that you are declining outstanding offers of admission or you no longer wish to be considered for admission. For more information, please review the full CUDCP policy pertaining to graduate school offers and acceptances here:
http://www.cudcp.us/files/CUDCP%20grad%20offers%20policy_Revised2013.pdf
