The department offers the Ph.D. degree in psychology in two programs: clinical psychology and experimental psychology, the latter subdivided into cognitive neuroscience, and developmental, social, and health psychology. The major goal of the doctoral programs in psychology is to prepare the student for a career in research in both academic and non-academic settings and in teaching.
The area of specialization in clinical psychology provides academic courses, practica, and internships which permit students to combine their teaching and research activities with a clinical career in the mental health field. Special areas of expertise among clinical faculty include psychological assessment, child clinical psychology, health psychology, neuropsychology, personality, psychopathology and diagnosis, psychotherapy, research methodologies, and substance abuse. Clinical training is facilitated by early placement of students at a variety of sites including medical centers, a federal corrections facility, community mental health centers, state and private psychiatric hospitals, and the department’s own psychological clinic. Our doctoral program is accredited by the American Psychological Association and by the Psychological Clinical Science Accreditation System.
Traditions of both experimental laboratory research and naturalistic study are utilized; emphases include theoretical and applied significance of research. Each student’s course of study is individually designed to fit that student’s particular needs and interests. Research experience in related behavioral sciences (for example, communication, marketing, behavioral sciences) is encouraged. During the first year of the doctoral program, students in all areas gain experience in the major content areas of psychology and in psychological statistics. Thereafter, the student and the advisor construct a program of study consistent with the academic interests and professional goals of the student. M.A. and M.S. degrees are awarded under Plan A only, as one component of doctoral training.
Options and specialties
Admission Requirements
The minimum departmental standards for admission to graduate work in psychology include an undergraduate overall average of B or better and three letters of recommendation. All admissions are on a competitive basis. For additional information concerning the program in psychology and such matters as financial support, contact the Director of Graduate Studies, Department of Psychology or see https://psychology.as.uky.edu/
Degree Requirements
Total credit hours: 36 hours of pre-qualifying residency required
Core requirements
The required courses for clinical students are:
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Research Design (PSY 616 )
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History and Systems (PSY 620 )
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Professional Issues in Clinical Psychology (PSY 780 )
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Broad Training in Social Psychology (PSY 780 ) or Social Proseminar
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Broad Training in Cognitive Psychology (PSY 780 ) or Cognitive Proseminar
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Broad Training in Physiological Psychology (PSY 780 ) or Physio Proseminar
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Broad Training in Developmental Psychology (PSY 780 ) or Developmental Proseminar
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Ethics (PSY 710 )
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Multicultural Psychology (PSY 710 or, with permission, EDP 616 )
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One additional advanced clinical seminar (PSY 710 ) emphasizing clinical science and integrative topical training (e.g. Dialectical Behavior Therapy; Child Psychopathology; PTSD, Personality)
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Practicum in Psychological Assessment & Intervention (PSY 637 and PSY 639 ). 2nd through 4th years - you must have a minimum of 3 semesters of advanced group supervision (3 credits per semester). Most students have at least 2 full years of PSY 637 training. The beginning supervision group and the summer groups do not contribute to this requirement. In addition, you must continue to register for one credit of PSY 637 for each semester in which you will have clinical contacts as part of the training program. PSY 639 is required in the summers for students involved in any type of clinical training.
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Practicum in Psychological Assessment & Intervention (SUMMER PSY 639 ) - 0 credit. You MUST be registered for this during the summer if you have any type of clinical contact (client, assessment, clinical research, or practicum).
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Master’s Thesis Research/Research Pre-quals (PSY 790 )
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Residency/Dissertation Credits (PSY 767 )
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Internship (PSY 708 )
General information on electives
https://psychology.as.uky.edu/psych-application-info
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