Students earn a MA/MS degree as part of their milestone towards earning their doctoral degree in the Clinical Psychology PhD program. The MA/MS degree in Clinical Psychology is not intended to be a stand-alone or terminal degree program. Students seeking only a MA or MS degree are not admitted to the program.
The Ph.D. program in Clinical 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, a satisfactory score on the verbal and quantitative portions of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) 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: 30
Core requirements
General information on electives
https://psychology.as.uky.edu/psych-application-info