phd clinical psychology programs georgia

Return to: 3500 Department of Psychology    

The Department of Psychology offers courses of study leading primarily to the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree. Doctoral-level study then provides students the opportunity to acquire the additional knowledge and skills necessary for professional careers in teaching, research, clinical service, and consultation.

The doctoral-level education of advanced graduate students focuses upon specialized coursework and supervised experiences in the department’s five program areas. The program areas are Clinical Psychology, Community Psychology, Clinical/Community Psychology, Clinical/Neuropsychology, Developmental Psychology, Concentration in Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience, and Cognitive Sciences Psychology. The areas of specialization within the programs are defined by the interests and expertise of the faculty and, thus, will change within a scholarly context that encourages diversity, growth, and change.

The facilities of the department permit work in cognition, development, behavioral neuroscience, neuropsychology, learning, infant behavior, sensation and perception, motivation, aging, social psychology, assessment, individual psychotherapy, group and family therapy, behavior therapy, and community psychology. Students may work with both human and nonhuman populations. Human populations include all age ranges and a variety of ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds. Nonhuman populations include several rodent and primate species.

The graduate program in clinical psychology is accredited by the American Psychological Association.

Applicants may obtain additional information about the Department of Psychology by contacting the Director of Graduate Studies at the addresses above.

Policy on Non-Degree Admission

Students may take no more than six hours of coursework in non-degree status without petitioning the department for an exception to this policy. Students enrolled in non-degree status in a psychology graduate course may not at the same time be applicants to a degree program and may not apply for admission to a graduate degree program in the department for one year following the semester in which the non-degree course was taken. Applications for non-degree admission may be obtained from the College of Arts and Sciences. Application deadlines for non-degree status are the same as the general deadlines for the College of Arts and Sciences and can be found in the section of the catalog entitled “Admission Policies.”

Admission Deadlines

Applications for all programs are considered for the fall semester only. The Application for Graduate Study, $50 application fee, and all supporting materials (transcripts, GRE scores, letters, and supplemental form) must be postmarked by the posted deadline for admission the following fall.

Additional Admission Requirements

In addition to the general requirements of the College of Arts and Sciences, the Department of Psychology has the following requirements:

• Applicants are expected to have a background in psychology, although an undergraduate major is not required. A minimum of four courses is required: psychological statistics, a course in research methods in psychology, plus two or more content courses in psychology at the junior or senior level. It is recommended that applicants to the clinical program take abnormal psychology as one of the content courses.
• The applicant must submit scores that are well above average on the general test of the Graduate Record Examination.
• A student in possession of a graduate degree or coursework who is admitted to graduate study may be accorded advanced standing after an evaluation of previous graduate work. The evaluation ordinarily will be conducted during the first semester of enrollment. If the student’s previous graduate work did not include courses equivalent to the required core courses and a thesis, these will be required. Students given full credit for master’s work elsewhere will have one year in which to complete all work stipulated as conditions of admission or transfer of credit.
• Each student must fill out the Supplementary Form for Graduate Study in Psychology.

Degree Requirements

A minimum of 95 post baccalaureate hours, the majority of which must be taken at Georgia State University, are required for the Doctor of Philosophy degree. Credit for up to 30 hours is possible for students with master’s degrees from other institutions with the approval of the departmental Graduate Program Committee and the Office of Graduate Services of the College of Arts and Sciences. Upon petition, 6 hours of work may be taken at other institutions. Students meeting particular program area requirements frequently find it necessary to take more than the minimum of 95 hours of credit.

Additional requirements include:

• A master’s degree based on a written thesis.
• A minimum of one year’s full-time residence.
• Sixty-two credit hours of coursework beyond the master’s degree.
• At least nine hours of PSYC 9980 Readings for General Examination.
• A minimum of twenty hours of PSYC 9999 Doctoral Dissertation Research.
• A general examination, which consists of both written and oral parts, to be taken after the student has completed the coursework required by the program.
• A dissertation.
• A dissertation defense.
• Clinical and Community Psychology students: additional hours of clinical/practical training (PSYC 9950A, 9950B, 9950C, 9950D, 9950E, 9950M, 9960C, 9970C).
• Clinical Psychology students: one year of internship at a site approved by the American Psychological Association.
• Graduate assistants are required to enroll for a minimum of 18 credit hours each semester. These credit hours will consist of courses required for the prescribed program of study, as well as additional hours of general exam readings (PSYC 9980), thesis/dissertation research (PSYC 8999 and 9999), pedagogy courses, if applicable (PSYC 9900T, 9960A, and 9960B), and advanced readings/research (PSYC 9910 and 9920).

Concentration Requirements

• Psychology, Ph.D., Clinical Psychology Concentration    
• Psychology, Ph.D., Clinical/Community Psychology Concentration    
• Psychology, Ph.D., Clinical/Neuropsychology Concentration    
• Psychology, Ph.D., Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience Concentration    
• Psychology, Ph.D., Cognitive Sciences Psychology Concentration    
• Psychology, Ph.D., Community Psychology Concentration    
• Psychology, Ph.D., Developmental Psychology Concentration    

College of Behavioral and Social Sciences

• Psy.D. Program

The GRE (both general and subject) will be OPTIONAL for applicants applying for Fall 2024 admission. You may still provide GRE scores, but they are not required.

Format : In person on the Statesboro Campus Credit Hours : 114-124 Entry Term : Fall

Course Sequence

The curriculum covers the breadth of scientific psychology; the scientific, methodological, and theoretical foundations of clinical practice; diagnosing or defining problems through psychological assessment; formulating intervention strategies; and understanding diversity and multicultural issues. In the first year, students take didactic courses concurrently with experiential skill-building courses. The psychological assessment sequence is also offered in the first year. In the second year, students begin the Practicum experience. The third and fourth years include practica focused on rural practice (3rd year) and professional development (4th year). Other clinical courses are interspersed among years one through four. You may view the typical course sequence for an individual entering the program with a Bachelor’s degree on the Files and Links page.

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Student Admissions, Outcomes, and Other Data

The Psy.D program originated from a longstanding and dire need for licensed psychologists in rural, underserved areas of the United States, most specifically in the rural South. The mission is consistent with Georgia Southern University’s commitment to serve the needs of the southeastern region of the country. The program has an ongoing mission to increase awareness of diversity, especially related to rural and underserved populations. The first cohort was accepted in 2007 and the first student graduated in December 2012. The Psy.D. program at Georgia Southern is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of the American Psychological Association*.

APA Accreditation

The Psy.D. Program at Georgia Southern University is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of the American Psychological Association. Questions related to the program’s accredited status should be directed to the Commission on Accreditation:

*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 St., NE, Washington, DC 20002 Phone: (202) 336-5979 / E-mail: [email protected] Web: www.apa.org/ed/accreditation

Georgia Southern psychology faculty are dedicated to preparing students for clinical psychology work, focusing especially on clinical practice in rural settings. We work closely with students, give feedback regularly, and pride ourselves on giving students a “small school” experience in a 20,000-student university.

The doctorate program in Clinical Psychology at Georgia Southern University is a full time, day program offering a course of study leading to the Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) degree. The program’s curriculum prepares graduates for the practice of Psychology with a special focus on practice in rural areas. Coursework and training prepare students for licensure as psychologists, with an emphasis on educating emerging psychologists for the underserved areas in the state of Georgia and adjacent regions in the Southeast.

The program trains students according to the practitioner-scholar model. Students are taught to become generalists effective in the delivery of psychotherapy, psychological assessment, and psychological consultation services in rural areas. Consistent with the framework of a generalist approach, the curriculum, beginning with foundational courses, strives to create and maintain a dynamic and integrative program, emphasizing behavioral, cognitive, existential, family systems, humanistic, and psychodynamic approaches to service. View the Psy.D. Goals, Objectives, and Competencies, more information about practical training experiences, the clinical qualifying exam, and the dissertation on the Files and Links page.

The program is designed to foster the academic, professional and personal development of each student. This process is aimed at helping students cultivate balance within their personal and professional growth. In addition to academic requirements, students are encouraged to take initiative and responsibility for personal and professional growth through independent readings, interaction with fellow students and faculty, attendance at colloquia, and additional elective research and practica opportunities. Students are encouraged to seek experiences that enhance personal growth and awareness through self-exploration. To this end, all students are required to complete a minimum of 10 sessions of personal psychotherapy (individual, group, or family) with a licensed therapist during their time in the program. The sessions need not be continuous, with the same therapist, nor with the same style of therapy for the entire time. All psychotherapy issues are confidential and not shared with program faculty.

The Psy.D. is a professional degree, and focuses on the development of applied practice skills. Because the program is an integral part of the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences in a regional university, doctoral students engage in all aspects of scholarly inquiry, including quantitative research and professional membership in state, regional, and national organizations.

The Psy.D. program aspires to provide quality graduate training to students in the field of clinical psychology. The program espouses goals, objectives, and competencies related to the practice of psychology, especially in rural communities. The goals, objectives, and competencies were derived from the program’s faculty, university mission, and community needs of southeastern Georgia, but are influenced by the policies and guidelines put forth by the American Psychological Association (APA). Students are expected to achieve all goals, objectives, and competencies.  Click here for the program’s competencies and discipline-specific knowledge.

Admissions Process

Student selection/admissions criteria.

Given the ongoing demand for doctoral level training in professional psychology and the limited number of students that we will admit per year, admission to the Psy.D. program is expected to be quite competitive. The Psy.D. program enrolls eight students each year.

To earn a Psy.D. at Georgia Southern University, students must satisfactorily complete a minimum of 114 credits of coursework (a minimum of one year, 12 continuous months of full-time coursework must be done in residency at Georgia Southern), three years of practicum, pass the Clinical Qualifying Examination (written and oral components), complete a dissertation, and complete a 12-month (2000-hour) clinical internship. The dissertation proposal and CQE must be defended before the student may apply for internship. The standard timeline for completion of the Psy.D. is 5 years (including the 12-month internship).

Although academic background, intellectual potential, and professional experience and skills will be key selection criteria, we intend to recruit students who are committed to providing service with predominantly rural and underserved populations. Therefore, students should carefully consider their interest in rural and underserved populations before applying to the program. Applicants will only be considered for admission to the Psy.D. program (i.e., students will not be admitted for a terminal masters degree in clinical psychology).

Undergraduate Prerequisites. To be admitted to the Psy.D. program an applicant need not have an undergraduate degree in psychology. However, the student must have earned a minimum grade of B in the following courses: Psychological Statistics, Research Design, Abnormal Psychology. In addition, students must have taken at least two of the following courses: Personality, Social Psychology, Developmental Psychology, Learning and/or Cognition, Health Psychology, Tests and Measurement, Theories of Psychotherapy, and/or Psychology of Substance Abuse. Additional coursework in psychology and in related disciplines is likely to strengthen a candidate’s application.

Transfer of graduate courses from other institutions. Students may receive credit for graduate courses taken at a regionally accredited institution during the last five years. A maximum of 18 hours of graduate level coursework is allowed. All decisions on exempted courses lie with the Clinical Training Committee, and require any student desiring course transfer to provide documentation (e.g., syllabi, tests, grades) from the previous course.

Credit will not be given for clinical courses, with the exception of Assessment I: Psychometric Theory (PSYC 7231) and Assessment II: Intellectual Assessment (PSYC 7234).

Students wishing to be exempted from these courses must demonstrate proficiency as determined by the clinical committee. Students wishing to transfer these courses must demonstrate proficiency as determined by the Clinical Training Committee. Course equivalencies will be determined on a case by case basis. Any course deficiencies will need to be completed with attention to course sequences and prerequisites before a degree can be awarded.

Part-time Admission. The Psy.D. program is designed to be a full-time program completed in five years. However, we realize some students may desire to do a portion of the program part-time. Students may be admitted to the program with part-time status. The following criteria must be met:

• Students must apply via the same admission procedures as full-time students;
• Students can only begin the program in the Fall semester; and
• Students must be admitted with a minimum of 18 hours of course credit in non-clinical courses (i.e., they must enter the program with the maximum amount of transfer credit).

Once admitted, part-time students must:

• Enroll in a minimum of 6 credit hours of coursework each semester;
• Be enrolled in the program every semester, unless a Leave of Absence is granted;
• Enroll in necessary co-requisite courses when they are required;
• Enroll in Foundations of Psychotherapy I, II, and Group Psychotherapy (PSYC 7232, 7433, and 7235) in consecutive semesters;
• Switch to full-time enrollment (minimum 9 credit hours per semester) for at least one full year to meet the residency requirement; and
• Complete the Psy.D. program within the 8-year time limit allowed for all students.

More information regarding admission to the Psy.D program .

Thresa Yancey, Ph.D. (Director of Clinical Training) [email protected] 912-478-5704

• Applications will be evaluated once per year for Fall admissions. The deadline for applications is December 15.
• Applicants will submit an application online .
• An admissions committee, consisting of the clinical psychology faculty, will review and rank order applications based on the student selection/admissions criteria.
• Grade Point Average (GPA): A minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.30 is required for consideration. The average undergraduate GPA of successful applicants for the Fall 2023 class was 3.70 (on a 4.0 scale).
• A minimum grade of B in the following undergraduate courses: Psychological Statistics, Research Design, Abnormal Psychology
• Record of having taken at least two of the following courses: Personality, Social Psychology, Developmental Psychology, Learning and/or Cognition, Health Psychology, Tests and Measurement, Theories of Psychotherapy, Psychology of Substance Abuse.
• Three letters of recommendation from former professors or appropriate employers/advisors.
• A written statement of professional goals. Please describe why you want to pursue doctoral training in clinical psychology. Also, describe how Georgia Southern University’s program is a good fit. Finally, please list three (3) Statesboro campus psychology faculty whose research interests are a match to your own. Of these three, please include at least one clinical faculty member and one faculty member who is not clinical.  This statement should be 500 words or less in length.
• A current Curriculum Vitae or Resume.
• Optional: Submission of a writing sample of past work provides an opportunity to showcase your writing skills, tone, and style. The sample should be no longer than two double-spaced pages. Consider submitting an excerpt or passage from a research paper or writing assignment for class, a manuscript, or other relevant works.
• An interview is required. Interviews for Fall 2024 admission will be held on February 16 & 17, 2024. All interview activities will be via video conferencing or other remote means. Applicants selected for interview will be notified by the program in mid-January.

The PsyD program seeks a diverse applicant pool. We welcome applications from under-represented ethnic minorities, women, applicants with disabilities, first-generation college graduates, and non-traditional students.

• How long is the PsyD program?

The program takes 5 years to complete, minimum. The first 4 years are on campus and the 5th year is the pre-doctoral internship.

• How many students are admitted each year?

The PsyD program enrolls 8 new students each year. We are unable to enroll more than 8 students per year.

• Do I need a Masters degree before attending the PsyD?

No, you can attend the PsyD after earning a BA/BS.

• If I have a Masters degree, do I still need to submit GRE scores? Are there minimum scores required for the GRE? How much do GRE scores count for admission?

We do not have a minimum GRE score, so we review all complete applications regardless of GRE scores. Our average GRE score for those admitted in the past 5 years is available on our website. GRE scores are only one part of the application, and we examine the entire application when making admission decisions. NOTE: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and difficulties with testing, the GRE (both general and subject) will be OPTIONAL for applicants applying for Fall 2023 admission. You may still provide GRE scores, but you are not required to.

• What days/times are classes held? Are classes in person or online?

The program is a full time day program with all courses meeting in person. Courses are only held on the Statesboro campus. Students in the first year generally have classes 4 or 5 days a week. In the 2nd year, students are in practicum approximately 12 hours per week, with courses and practicum duties varied throughout the week. In the 3rd-4th years, courses are generally in blocks (each course only meets once a week) and are on 2 or 3 days per week, with 2 days per week at the practicum site (16 hours per week). The 5th year is an internship (full time) applied for via APPIC match. 

• Are there Graduate Assistantships (GAs) available for PsyD students?

Yes! There are 4 GAs available in the Psychology Department for incoming students each year. The other incoming students can apply for GAs in various departments on campus. All GAs (regardless of whether they are in the Psychology Department or in other departments) include a stipend and a full tuition waiver (including out of state tuition) in exchange for 20 hours of work per week. Students are still responsible for university fees.

• My GPA is not quite 3.30. Can I still apply?

We cannot consider any application from a student who has less than a 3.30 GPA. For applicants whose undergraduate GPA is less than 3.30, a Masters degree GPA can be used to meet this application criterion (as long as the Masters GPA is 3.30 or higher).

• What types of clinical training experiences are available for students?

Our students have the opportunity to gain clinical experience in a number of settings. We currently have students placed in Veterans Affairs (VA) facilities, military base hospitals/outpatient clinics, Regional Centers, inpatient hospital settings, community mental health centers, college counseling centers, and private practices.

• Can I transfer any classes from other graduate programs?

Yes, we do allow for limited transfer credits to apply toward degree requirements. If an applicant is granted admission, they may then petition to transfer the courses below. The decision is made by reviewing course materials. The most recent instructor for the course will review the syllabus, etc. to determine if the course is equivalent to the course here at GS. Only the following courses may be considered for transfer: Psychometric Theory, Intellectual Assessment, Developmental Psychology, Statistics, Research Design, Affective & Cognitive Psychology, Physiological Psychology, Social Psychology, and History & Systems.

• Which faculty are taking new students this year?

In general, any faculty member will be willing to mentor the research of an incoming student. We do not accept students to work in any particular faculty member’s lab or under their direction for research. All students are admitted without regard for specific match to one faculty member’s research interests. That said, all clinical faculty (and many of the experimental faculty) take new students into their labs each year. We have not had a problem with students finding research mentors.

Licensure Information

As part of the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (NC-SARA), Georgia Southern University is required to notify all prospective and currently enrolled students whether they would be eligible for licensure and/or certification in their home state upon completing their Georgia Southern degree program.

The College of Behavioral and Social Sciences Department of Psychology anticipates that graduates of this program may seek state licensure as a Psychologist, Clinical Psychologist, Registered Psychologist, Psychological Examiner, Licensed Psychologist, Applied Psychologist, or Psychological Assistant.

The Department of Psychology has determined that the required classes and educational activities of this academic program, which is accredited by the APA, will fulfill the educational requirement for licensure in all states. Each state/province has unique requirements to attain licensure, but all require a doctoral degree in the field and record of taking the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP – passing scores vary by jurisdiction). Some jurisdictions have other requirements, such as state jurisprudence exams, and most require supervised clinical practice after the doctoral degree is awarded (postdoctoral training). In addition, some states require a degree from an APA-accredited program. The PsyD program at Georgia Southern University is accredited by the APA. Questions related to the program’s accredited status should be directed to the Commission on Accreditation:

Office of Program Consultation and Accreditation American Psychological Association 750 1st St., NE, Washington, DC 20002 Phone: (202) 336-5979 / E-mail:  [email protected]  / Web:  www.apa.org/ed/accreditation

Please see the first link below for information for each jurisdiction. In addition, more resources are available at the following websites:

• Licensure Information for Each Jurisdiction
• http://www.asppb.net/?page=BdContactNewPG
• https://www.asppb.net/page/CandHandbook
• https://www.apa.org/gradpsych/2004/01/get-licensed.aspx

Please let me know if you have any questions concerning this communication. Thank you.

C. T. Yancey, Ph.D. Director of Clinical Training, PsyD Program [email protected] [email protected] 912-478-5704

Files for Most Recent Cohort

• PsyD Program Student Handbook (2023)
• Clinical Qualifying Exams Manual (2023)
• Dissertation Manual (2023-2024)
• Course Sequence (2023)
• Practicum Manual (2023-2024)
• Profession-Wide and Program Competencies and Discipline-Specific Knowledge
• Proposed Timeline
• Presentation/Publication Policy
• Symposium/Professional Development Training Policy
• Program Sanctioned Hours
• Documentation of Personal Therapy Form
• Program Attendance Policy

Files for Previous Cohorts

• PsyD Program Student Handbook (2022)
• Dissertation Manual (2022-2023)
• Course Sequence (2022)
• Practicum Manual (2022-2023)
• Program Sanctioned Hours (2022)
• PsyD Program Student Handbook (2021)
• Clinical Qualifying Exams Manual (2021)
• Dissertation Manual (2021-2022)
• Course Sequence (2021)
• Practicum Manual (2019)
• Proposed Timeline (2021)
• Presentation/Publication Policy (2021)
• Symposium/Professional Development Training Policy (2021)
• Program Sanctioned Hours (2021)
• Documentation of Personal Therapy Form (2021)
• Clinical Qualifying Exams Manual (2020)
• Student Handbook (2019)
• Clinical Qualifying Exams Manual (2019)

Apply to Graduate School Instructions Student Health Insurance Program (SHIP) Guidelines and Checklist Institutional Review Board – Research Compliance Degree Forms Graduation Checklist (COGS) College Affordability Guide

Last updated: 5/22/2023

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• PsyD vs PhD

Georgia Psychology Doctorate Programs

For budding psychologists in the state of Georgia, there are several educational institutions where they can earn the Psy.D. degree (Doctor of Psychology) that will let them sit for a state licensing exam and begin practicing as professional psychologists.

Let’s take a look at what Georgia Psy.D. students should know about their options.

What’s On This Page

Quick facts.

• Georgia PsyD Programs
• Other Georgia Doctorate Programs
• Georgia Psychologist Requirements
• Georgia Doctorate Salary Outlook
• In-state tuition for students at Georgia State University is roughly $10,858 per year.
• Emory University sports a 25% acceptance rate among qualified applicants.
• Doctoral students at Argosy University must participate in a 2,000-hour internship at an APPIC associated facility in order to earn their degree.
• The annual tuition at the University of Georgia is $14,956.
• Emory University is lauded as having the 18th rated graduate PsyD program in the entire nation.

List of PsyD Programs In Georgia

The following list of schools have programs available for a PysD in Psychology. Let’s take a look at vital statistics about both programs.

SEE ALSO:   5+ Best Online PsyD Programs

Georgia Southern University

The Jack N. Averitt College of Graduate Studies at Georgia Southern began offering a clinical psychology Psy.D. after educational and healthcare leaders grew increasingly concerned about the lack of licensed psychologists in the underserved rural areas of Georgia and the entire American South. Since the first cohort was accepted into the program in 2007, only 39 graduates have completed the program, which speaks to its selectivity and prestige. Nearly all (96%) of graduates since the start of the program have earned professional licensure.

• Institution type: Public
• Main campus: Statesboro
• Annual tuition:  $9,954 in-state; $39,777 out-of-state
• Degrees offered:  Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology
• Accreditation: APA

Mercer University

Mercer University’s Atlanta campus is the home of the university’s Psy.D. program, offered within the Cecil B. Day Graduate and Professional Campus. Mercer’s program received preliminary APA accreditation, signaling that it’s in rare air when it comes to Psy.D. programs. In the two years for which data is available (the program started enrolling students in 2012), 22 students have earned their Psy.D. at Mercer, and every graduate has earned professional licensure.

• Institution type: Private, not-for-profit
• Main campus: Atlanta
• Annual tuition: $28,476
• Degrees offered : Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology
• Accreditation: APA, preliminary

Other Psychology Doctorates in Georgia

While it’s usually the fastest route, a Psy.D. is not technically the only path to becoming a psychologist in Georgia. Several schools offer excellent Ph.D. programs in psychology in our state.

University of Georgia

UGA is among the oldest public universities in the United States, and its psychology Ph.D. program has been accredited by the American Psychological Association since 1966. The long history of the psychology doctoral programs offered through the Franklin College of Arts and Sciences’ psychology department include a clinical psychology Ph.D., as well as doctoral degrees in industrial-organizational psychology, a field that boasts an average national wage of nearly $100,000, and behavior and brain sciences, including development, neuroscience and health psychology. Between 2009 and 2019, 96% of clinical psychology Ph.D. graduates earned professional licensure .

• Main campus: Athens
• Annual tuition: $8,878 in-state; $25,186 out-of-state
• Degrees offered:  PhD. in Clinical Psychology, Ph.D. in Industrial-Organizational Psychology; Ph.D. in Behavior and Brain Sciences

Emory University

Housed within the College of Arts and Sciences, Emory University’s psychology department offers a total of three psychology Ph.D. degrees, including clinical , cognition and development, and neuroscience and animal behavior. The program has been APA-accredited since 1963, and over the past 10 years, 30 graduates have completed their clinical doctorates. In that time, 67% of graduates have gone on to earn professional licensure, and while tuition for the program is the highest among psychology doctoral programs listed here, all students accepted into the program over the past 10 years have received fellowships or other awards that included tuition waivers.

• Annual tuition: $64,200
• Degrees offered: Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology; also, Ph.D. in Cognition and Development and Ph.D. in Neuroscience and Animal Behavior

Georgia Southern’s doctoral psychology department confers only one type of degree, a Ph.D. in Psychology, but several concentration areas are available, including clinical, cognitive, community, developmental and neuropsychology. The clinical Ph.D. at Georgia Southern first earned APA accreditation in 1973, and the program typically confers 10-12 clinical Ph.D. degrees every year. About 67% of clinical psychology graduates earned professional licensure over the past decade.

• Annual tuition: $5,840 in-state; $16,172 out-of-state
• Degrees offered: Ph.D. in Psychology

How To Become A Practicing Psychologist In Georgia

Completing a challenging-but-rewarding academic program isn’t the only thing required to become a psychologist in Georgia. Let’s take a look at the steps needed to begin practicing as a professional psychologist.

• Earn a bachelor’s degree in an applicable field — ideally psychology. While it’s not always necessary to earn a bachelor’s in psychology, it’s a big help in establishing a foundation, and it will make a student seem like a better candidate to admissions officers. Other possible fields include biology, statistics and other science-related areas. Some Psy.D. programs require students to earn a master’s degree before applying, but this varies from school to school, so be sure to find out what’s expected at the schools that draw your interest.
• Earn a doctoral degree. In this case, a Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.). It’s important to note that a person with a Ph.D. could potentially also become a licensed psychologist, but they may lack the internship and practicum hours in psychology field work that are baked into most Psy.D. programs.
• Meet state requirements. In our state, the Georgia State Board of Examiners of Psychologists processes licensure applications and investigates complaints issued against licensed professionals in the state. In addition to a doctoral degree, the board requires at least 1,500 hours of supervised postdoctoral work and the passage of three examinations, the National Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology , the state jurisprudence examination and an oral exam conducted by board members.
• Remain licensed, and keep up with requirements. Once an individual has earned their license , they must ensure their licensure remains valid by complying with all renewal processes and applicable fees.

Georgia Clinical Psychologist Salary and Job Outlook

According to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics , clinical, counseling and school psychologists in Georgia are among the most well-compensated in the nation, earning an average annual wage of $90,760, one of the highest in the South. Not only is the typical psychologist wage in Georgia among the best in the region, it’s nearly double the average wage of $49,620 for all jobs in the state.

While the typical American job is expected to see about 5% growth over the next decade, psychologist jobs are projected to grow much more rapidly. That includes right here in Georgia, where these jobs will expand by 17%, the 10th-highest growth rate in the nation for clinical, counseling and school psychologists.

SEE MORE:  Georgia Clinical Psychologist Salary Outlook

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How to Get a PhD in Psychology (10 Steps)

A PhD in Psychology is the ultimate degree—a symbol of your commitment to the discipline and a representation of your knowledge and skills. Held by top-tier researchers, instructors in higher education, and clinical practitioners alike, a clinical psychology PhD may help you and the people and organizations you might one day serve. 1

While the benefits of a PhD in Psychology may be clear to you, how to go about earning this doctorate degree might feel confusing—until now.

Here’s how to get a PhD in Psychology, what to expect in a doctoral degree program, and what you might gain from obtaining one.

Start Your Journey

Step 1: Understand the PhD Path

A PhD, or Doctor of Philosophy, in Psychology is one of two of the highest degrees in the field of psychology. (The other is a PsyD , or Doctor of Psychology, a doctorate degree created in the 1970s to prepare students specifically for the rigors of working in clinical settings.) 2 A clinical psychology PhD may enable you to work in a variety of environments and a range of roles.

As such, earning this degree is an involved, immersive, and often exciting process that’s composed of: 3

• Statistics and methods
• Assessments 
• Clinical treatments

Coursework in a PhD program now frequently integrates discussions on psychology and technology , examining how digital advancements are transforming therapeutic methods and research techniques.

• Research – Research makes up the majority of the work you’ll do as a PhD student. Typically under the guidance of your mentor/dissertation advisor, you’ll delve into a topic of your choosing within the field. Examples of clinical psychology research topics include examining the effects of social media on teen suicide rates or the influence of childhood trauma on adult substance use disorder. Along the way, you’ll refine specific research skills: collecting and analyzing data, working with subjects/participating, and demonstrating your results.
• Clinical practicum and internships – Earning a PhD in Psychology also entails hands-on training in clinical practicums and/or internships. Generally speaking, you’ll perform an unpaid practicum for two years, followed by a one-year paid, clinical internship. 5 Precisely how you will fulfill this will depend on the program you choose, the opportunities within your community, and your concentration. A few examples include observing a clinical psychologist at a private practice, working with students at a university center, or conducting intakes at a substance abuse facility.
• Dissertation – Your dissertation is among the most important elements of your PhD program and the key to completing your degree. It serves several purposes: it illustrates your fluency in conducting research, demonstrates the knowledge you’ve gained in your PhD program, and adds an original contribution to existing psychology literature. 6

Step 2: Research Potential Programs

Finding the right PhD in Psychology program is paramount to your success. Researching potential programs is also one of the more thrilling aspects of pursuing a doctorate, but it needs to be approached strategically and mindfully. To that end, search for programs that, like the doctoral programs in psychology at Alliant International University, have received accreditation by the American Psychological Association (APA). 7

Accreditation essentially serves as a seal of approval and demonstrates to future employers, the general public, and licensing boards that you have the scientific knowledge required to work in the world of psychology.

Additionally, you may want to zero in on programs that:

• Feature faculty members who are at the top of their field and whose research interests reflect your own 8
• Offer the area of specialization you want to focus on, whether it’s clinical health psychology, multicultural community-clinical psychology, or family/child and couple psychology
• Promote work-life balance through online instruction, or a hybrid of online and in-person instruction and training
• Have a high attrition rate

Further, if you do opt for a program that demands in-person attendance and training, be sure that it’s geographically feasible for you. The cost of living in the area should also be factored into your decision. Lastly, if you’re an undergrad or just finishing up your master’s, consider asking the professors you trust and admire for program recommendations. 9

Step 3: Prepare Your Application

Application and admission requirements vary by institution. That said, most programs ask for: 10

• A completed application (along with the application fee)
• Official transcripts from your bachelor’s and/or master’s program with required credits
• CV or resume
• Letters of recommendation

Depending on the program you’ve selected, you may also need to submit GRE scores. Importantly, nearly all programs require a personal statement—a topic we’ll look at in more depth below. While a PhD equips you for high-level research and academic positions, you might wonder if you can be a clinical psychologist with a master's . Although possible, a PhD significantly broadens your professional scope.

Step 4: Gain Relevant Experience

Not only will obtaining relevant experience help strengthen your application package but it will also help you gain invaluable insights into the industry. It might also assist you in choosing a specialization, such as working one-on-one with trauma survivors or dedicating your professional life to neuropsychology research.

Fortunately, there are dozens of ways to get the type of experience that will help your application stand out from the competition: 11

• Research assistantships
• Volunteering at a mental health clinic
• Shadowing a clinical psychologist or substance abuse counselor
• Working for a crisis hotline

Keep in mind that some PhD in Psychology programs require a minimum amount of relevant experience before you can apply. In fact, the Association for Psychological Science (APS) asserts that doctoral applicants usually accrue two to three years of research experience before applying to graduate school. 12 All of this emphasizes the importance of conducting thorough research on your schools of interest.

Step 5: Submit Strong Letters of Recommendation

Letters of recommendation are a crucial component of your doctoral application. In fact, some state that your letters of recommendation are more important to the decision process than grades. 13

Usually, they’re written by former professors and/or former employers or psychology professionals you’ve interned for or shadowed.

Be sure to request letters of recommendation from those with whom you have a visible track record. In addition, request letters well ahead of your application deadline, even as much as a year in advance of when you think you’ll start applying for your doctoral program.

Talk to Our Advisors

Step 6: Craft a Compelling Personal Statement

Almost every doctorate in psychology program requires a personal statement. As one of the most critical elements of your application (some indicate that it’s more important than your GRE scores and GPA), it should describe, in detail, your: 14

• Interest in the particular program you’re applying to and why
• Academic and research objectives
• Research and field experience and how they align with the particular program
• Intended area of specialization

Experts consulted by the APA also advise against using three things in your personal statement: humor, hyperbole, and “hard luck,” such as describing the obstacles you’ve overcome.

Step 7: Ace the Interview

Happen to receive an interview offer? Congratulations—your application clearly stood out!

The interview process may start with what’s known as a pre-interview, or a brief conversation to evaluate your fit with the program and department. 15 This may be followed by an on-campus interview that asks basic questions, such as the impact you hope your PhD project has and why you believe you’re the right candidate, as well as more precise questions prompted by your specific experience. 16

One of the best ways to make a solid, lasting impression is to create a bulleted list of your research interests. Practicing answers to the questions you anticipate ahead of time can also help ensure a smoother dialogue. And remember: you’ll be interviewing for the program, too.

Step 8: Consider Funding Options

The financial assistance you may receive will likely be an enormous determining factor in the program you choose. As discussed, funding may arrive in the form of:

• Grants 
• Scholarships
• Tuition remission
• Employer tuition reimbursement

Alliant International University, for example, has several forms of funding options available to doctoral candidates—those listed above, as well as fellowship assistantships .

Step 9: Plan Your Coursework and Dissertation

Once you’re accepted into a program, you should select your area of specialization, plot out your coursework, and choose your dissertation topic.

The APA notes that doctoral candidates should ideally land on a dissertation topic within the first year or two of their program. 17 Why? Because it will give your program enhanced focus and a guiding theme.

To jumpstart your thinking:

• Consult with instructors who are active in cutting-edge psychology research 
• Assess your topic’s viability and manageability (and if it will serve as an original contribution to existing research)
• Pinpoint the problems and questions you foresee and how you will approach them

Above all, be sure to choose a topic that will sustain your interest and excitement throughout the duration of your program. Earning a PhD in Psychology is a time-intensive commitment. Four to six years is about how long it takes to get a psychology PhD, but it varies by person based on how they balance their personal schedules with coursework, research, and clinical training.

Step 10: Engage in Professional Development Opportunities

One of the biggest benefits of obtaining a PhD in Psychology? The connections you may be able to make, such as through your internship and clinical practicum, as well as psychology conferences and seminars.

Yet, some of the strongest relationships you build might be right inside your program. And this brings us to our final piece of advice: consider choosing a program that features a warm and supportive faculty and a diverse collection of students who will motivate you throughout your academic journey—and beyond.

Your Path Begins Here

At Alliant International University, our PhD in Clinical Psychology program features a faculty that will challenge you in the best possible way alongside a nurturing, engaging learning environment.

Enrich your knowledge and prepare to make a lasting difference in the field of psychology. Apply today and start your journey.

Sources: 

• “What Can You Do with a Doctorate in Psychology?” Psychology.org | Psychology’s Comprehensive Online Resource, March 18, 2024. https://www.psychology.org/resources/jobs-with-a-doctorate-in-psycholog… ;
• Cherry, Kendra. “PsyD vs. Phd in Psychology: Which Is Right for You?” Verywell Mind, October 27, 2023. https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-a-psyd-2795135.  
• “Psychology Doctorate Phd Defined: Explore Academic, Internship and Research Requirements for a Psychology Phd.” Psychologist, March 24, 2021. https://www.psychologist-license.com/types-of-psychologists/psychologist-doctorate-phd/.  
• “Daily Activities of a Clinical Psychology Phd Student.” Simply Mental Health, November 13, 2022. https://simplymentalhealth.ca/2022/11/13/daily-activities-of-a-clinical-psychology-phd-student/.  
• “Internships and Practicums.” Psychology.org | Psychology’s Comprehensive Online Resource, April 10, 2024. https://www.psychology.org/resources/internships-and-practicums/.  
• Herbert, Robyn S, Spencer C Evans, Jessy Guler, and Michael C Roberts. “Predictors of Dissertation Publication in Clinical and Counseling Psychology.” Training and education in professional psychology, November 2022. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9635593 .
•  “APA-Accredited Programs.” American Psychological Association. Accessed April 21, 2024. https://accreditation.apa.org/accredited-programs#.  
• “Choosing a Graduate Program.” Association for Psychological Science - APS. Accessed April 21, 2024. https://www.psychologicalscience.org/members/apssc/undergraduate_update/summer-2011/choosing-a-graduate-program.  
• “Clinch Your Graduate School Acceptance.” American Psychological Association. Accessed April 21, 2024. https://www.apa.org/gradpsych/2007/11/cover-acceptance.  
• “Best Doctorate in Psychology Degree Programs of 2024.” Intelligent, April 3, 2024. https://www.intelligent.com/best-doctorate-in-psychology-programs/.  
• 14 ways to get clinical psychology work experience | indeed.com UK. Accessed April 18, 2024. https://uk.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/clinical-psychology-work-experience.  
• “Rockin’ Recommendations.” American Psychological Association. Accessed April 21, 2024. https://www.apa.org/gradpsych/features/2009/recommendation.  
• “Preparing Your Personal Statement for Graduate School Applications.” American Psychological Association. Accessed April 21, 2024. https://www.apa.org/ed/precollege/psn/2016/09/graduate-school-applications.  
• To ace your interview for doctoral psychology admission. Accessed April 22, 2024. https://mitch.web.unc.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/4922/2021/12/PsiChiI… ;
• Top 10 common Phd interview questions and answers. Accessed April 21, 2024. https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/interviewing/common-phd-interview-questions.  
• “Starting the Dissertation.” American Psychological Association. Accessed April 21, 2024. https://www.apa.org/gradpsych/2005/01/starting.&nbsp ;

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• School of Humanities and Social Sciences
• Academic Programs
• Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology

Program Requirements for Clinical Psychology

Academic eligibility requirements.

For admission to the Graduate School at Penn State , an applicant must hold either: (1) a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution or (2) a tertiary (postsecondary) degree that is deemed comparable to a four-year bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution. This degree must be from an officially recognized degree-granting institution in the country in which it operates.

Admission decisions are based on the complete application portfolio. Admission to the Clinical Psychology program is granted jointly by The Graduate School of Penn State University and Penn State Behrend's School of Humanities and Social Sciences .

In addition to the general requirements for admission to the Graduate School , the following is required by the Clinical Psychology program: 

Students must have a cumulative grade-point average of 3.0 or above (on a 4.0 scale) in the last 60 credits of course work. The undergraduate work must include a statistics course and a psychology research methods course with grades of B or higher.

The applicant must have completed at least 18 credits in psychology as part of their four-year bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.

Supporting Materials

• Before you apply, be sure to have official transcripts from all institutions attended. In the application, skip any questions that don’t apply, such as junior/senior GPA, GMAT/GRE scores, etc.
• A copy of an official transcript from each institution attended except Penn State
• Three professional letters of recommendation, at least two of which should be academic
• Include any and all job experience, research experience, and/or clinical or clinically-related experience 
• Include any and all skills that would assist you in completing a rigorous graduate program
• The writing sample should demonstrate your ability to write in a scientific manner (i.e., command of APA style, reference to and synthesis of scholarly sources) and your overall writing ability.
• Why have you chosen to pursue a Clinical Psychology degree at Penn State Behrend?
• How will these studies help you achieve your personal and professional goals?
• How will your participation contribute to Penn State Behrend's Clinical Psychology program?
• Indicate your current or most recent work, internship, and/or clinical experiences.
• You also can address any concerns that you have regarding GRE scores, undergraduate GPA, or the like.
• GRE scores are not required for admission, but students who do not submit GRE scores will not be eligible for most graduate assistantships and/or scholarships.
• A personal interview is required.

Clinical Psychology Application Deadlines

The deadline to apply for admission to the fall semester is April 30.

• The Admissions Review Committee will begin reviewing completed applications in mid-February. A second round of applications will be reviewed beyond April 30, if space is available in the program.
• Domestic applicants can apply now for Fall 2025. A complete application should be ready for review by April 30. 
• International applicants should have a complete application ready for review by mid-February. 
• All application requirements, including references, are due by the deadline.
• Once your application is accessible, Graduate Admissions will begin assembling your application portfolio and will send a confirmation email.
• View semester dates and student action guidelines on Penn State's academic calendar .
• Early application is encouraged, especially for anyone who is hoping to be considered for merit-based awards. Decisions are made on a rolling basis beginning in February. Only completed applications received by April 30 will be considered for the subsequent fall semester.

Admissions Timeline

• Submit completed application and application fee, including all components listed below, through the application portal. Please note: Your application will not be reviewed by the program faculty until it is complete, including your letters of recommendation.
• The Program Coordinator will review your application to verify you have met the minimum application requirements. They will then determine, based on the strength of your application, whether you will be interviewed.
• A core faculty member will interview selected applicants via Zoom. Interviews typically last 20-30 minutes; applicants should come prepared with any questions they might have. If the interviewing faculty member feels more information is needed after an interview, or believes a specific faculty may want to discuss the program further with an applicant (e.g., an applicant with an addictions focus may benefit from a second interview with a faculty member in that research area), a second interview may be required. Request for a second interview does not automatically indicate that the first interview was subpar.
• Interviewing faculty member(s) will share their impressions with the Program Coordinator, who will make a final decision in admittance.
• Given the rolling admissions nature of our application process, applicants who have been offered acceptance must decide about their standing in the program within two weeks of their offer. The Program Coordinator may allow extensions on a case-by-case basis.
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• RSVP for Graduate Events or Request Information

Nevada Today

Clinical psychology graduate program ranked 70th in the country, rankings provided by u.s. news & world report put the university of nevada, reno program in the top 100 in the u.s..

The clinical psychology program offers students opportunities for training in a clinical setting through the Psychological Services Center.

The U.S. News & World Report recently released rankings for the best graduate school programs in the country, and the University of Nevada, Reno’s Clinical Psychology Doctoral Program ranked 70th out of over 200 programs in the nation.

“We are very pleased with the recognition by U.S. News & World Report of our excellent program. We are also pleased that the program is continuing an impressive upward trajectory with the recent hiring of several top clinical scientists,” said Michael Crognale, chair of the Department of Psychology.

“I’m so proud of our faculty, who work hard to ensure that our students have access to a top-tier education,” said Louisa Hope-Weeks, dean of the College of Science.

Related Program

• Doctoral Degree in Clinical Psychology

The clinical psychology program provides students with training opportunities through the University’s Psychological Services Center. Graduate students work, under faculty supervision, to help patients with science-backed psychological support. The Psychological Services Center offers low-cost mental health treatment for a variety of backgrounds and needs and offers services in Spanish. The clinical psychology program has been accredited by the American Psychological Association since 1972.

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How to Apply to Our Graduate Programs

The department offers two graduate degrees: the Ph.D. in Psychology, with tracks in  Clinical Psychology ,  Industrial-Organizational Psychology  and  Behavioral and Brain Sciences  (concentrations in: Developmental, Health Psychology, Neuroscience, Social-Personality, and Vision Sciences); and the M.A. in  Industrial-Organizational Psychology , or I/O Professional Master’s Program. 

This webpage provides instruction for applying to the Ph.D. in Psychology.   Applicants to the MA in Industrial-Organizational Psychology at Gwinnett should visit the  IOMP website  for admissions and application information.

Our doctoral programs have different application deadlines.   All required materials must be received by your intended program’s deadline in order for your application to receive full consideration. Applicants are admitted for the fall semester only. Deadlines are for consideration for admission for the following fall.

Clinical  deadline:  NOVEMBER 15  

Industrial-Organizational  deadline:  DECEMBER 1

Behavioral and Brain Sciences  deadline:  DECEMBER 1

How to Apply

Applicants to the Ph.D. in Psychology must submit all of the following items in order to receive full consideration:

• Select Athens Campus and  Doctoral Degree Level. Select  PhD, Psychology (PHD_PSCH) . Select an intended area of emphasis -- Industrial-Organizational Psychology, Behavioral and Brain Sciences, or Clinical Psychology. 
• Transcripts  (unofficial) from each institution of higher education attended. 
• Required for applications to the Industrial-Organizational program.  
• Optional for applications to the Clinical and Behavioral and Brain Sciences programs. 
• Use institution code 5813 when submitting official scores.    
• Three letters of recommendation . List the names and e-mail addresses of three references within the Graduate School application. References will receive a link to access a secure page where they can submit recommendations electronically.
• Curriculum Vitae. A summary of educational background and relevant experience.  
• Statement of Purpose . Submit a 500-1000 word statement that addresses your academic and professional goals, your perceived fit with the program and faculty of interest, and describes the experiences that have prepared you for graduate study (including, as relevant for your area of interest: research, teaching or mentoring, experience with diversity and inclusion, clinically relevant experience).
• Optional items  — copy of thesis, paper presentations, publications or other evidence of scholarly or professional work — may be uploaded in the application portal.  
• Psychology Department supplemental application. Please use the appropriate link below to complete the supplemental application for your program. This short survey asks about educational background, prospective faculty mentors of interest, and other relevant information.

Behavioral and Brain Sciences Supplemental Application

Clinical Supplemental Application   

Industrial-Organizational Supplemental Application

International applicants  are usually required to take the TOEFL or IELTS and may have additional application requirements from the Graduate School. Please visit this Graduate School page for information. 

Application fee waivers  are available to applicants participating in certain programs. See  this Graduate School page  for more information.

Click here for more  Graduate School admissions information.

Please contact the Graduate Coordinator's Office at  [email protected]  with any questions regarding the doctoral program or the admissions process.

We appreciate your financial support. Your gift is important to us and helps support critical opportunities for students and faculty alike, including lectures, travel support, and any number of educational events that augment the classroom experience.  Click here to learn more about giving .

Every dollar given has a direct impact upon our students and faculty.