Clinical psychology course work includes formal course work in the core areas of psychology, research methods, personality and psychopathology, principles of psychological assessment and intervention and professional issues in clinical psychology. The program trains students to do what psychologists actually do in today’s society: ethically apply knowledge of psychological theory, assessment, research methodology and clinical skill to complex clinical problems.
Our programs are based upon the scientist-practitioner model: we define psychological practice as the application of the theory, methods and results of scientific psychology to clinical problems. Licensing laws of states vary widely, and students should consult the licensing body in the state in which they intend to practice to determine opportunities and requirements for licensure at the master’s level.
Program Objectives
MASTER OF ARTS IN CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY
The master’s program shares four training objectives of the doctoral program:
- Provide a generalist model of training in the discipline of psychology;
- Develop fundamental clinical skills based on scientific research;
- Promote high academic, ethical, and professional standards in all aspects of professional development and practice;
- Prepare students to adapt their methods and practice to meet the needs of diverse populations.
Master’s level psychologists who graduate from our program are not prepared for independent practice or licensure. As such, the program’s fifth objective is to (5) prepare students for doctoral study in clinical psychology or further training in related fields (e.g., counseling, social work).
DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY IN CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY
The goal of the program is to train professionally competent clinical psychologists with a broad background in the field of psychology who can apply psychological theory, assessment, research methodology, and clinical skill to complex clinical problems. To elaborate this goal, our program has five broad training objectives:
- Provide a generalist model of training in the discipline of psychology;
- Develop fundamental clinical skills based on scientific research;
- Develop fundamental skills for psychological research;
- Promote high academic, ethical, and professional standards in all aspects of professional development and practice;
- Prepare students to adapt their methods and practice to meet the needs of diverse populations.
Degree Options
Allows students to develop basic intervention, evaluation, and consultation skills and prepares them for entry-level clinical positions.
Graduate students at The University of Tulsa have the opportunity to pursue multiple degrees and reduce the total number of credit hours required for the programs than if they were taken separately. Consult the College of Law or the Graduate School for requirements.
Prepares graduates to become scientist practitioners of clinical psychology, and develop a broad range of skills for the identification, evaluation, and resolution of human problems.
Doctoral Curriculum Requirements
The doctoral program requires 90 credit hours of graduate work beyond the baccalaureate. The program requires completion of at least three full-time academic years of study and a pre-doctoral internship. All three years of academic study must be completed in residence at the University of Tulsa. Specialized issues in clinical psychology are addressed in topical seminars. Students must pass a comprehensive examination for the Ph.D. consisting of a general written and a clinical oral portion. Although a master’s thesis is not required, students must demonstrate research competence through completion of the pre-candidacy project, the proposal for the dissertation, and the doctoral dissertation. Students must pass a final oral examination on the dissertation. Flexibility exists in the choice of electives and practicum training experiences, allowing students to tailor the program to meet their individual needs.
Clinical Psychology Graduate Program Facts
9The Clinical Psychology Program at TU is fully accredited by the American Psychological Association and has been continuously accredited since January, 1991.
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 Street, NE, Washington, DC 20002
Phone: (202) 336-5979 / E-mail: apaaccred@apa.org
Web: www.apa.org/ed/accreditation
Diversity Statement
The University of Tulsa (TU) Clinical Psychology Program values the inclusion and engagement of students of all backgrounds, identities, orientations, abilities, and heritages. The Program is dedicated to the support of students, academically and individually, and seeks to foster an environment where diverse identities and perspectives have value, voice and impact. The Program is committed to promoting diversity within all functions of the department, including but not limited to, research, teaching, service and student recruitment. Specific diversity initiatives include:
- Recruitment of diverse students and faculty members.
- A focus on research with populations from diverse backgrounds.
- Infusion of diversity considerations into each level of curriculum and clinical experiences.
- An in-house training clinic that provides free therapy and assessment services to underserved populations of all ages.
- Commitment to mentoring students from a wide range of underrepresented and marginalized groups.
In addition to the initiatives of the Clinical Program, The University of Tulsa is committed to cultivating a community that reflects the fundamental values and goals of diversity, equity, and inclusion. The Clinical Program will work with, and seeks ways to further, the existing diversity and inclusion initiatives at the University. More details about the University’s initiatives can be found on the website of TU’s Office of Diversity and Engagement, some of which include:
Application Requirements
To be considered for graduate admission, the following items must be submitted to the Graduate School:
- A completed Graduate School application
- Statement of Purpose (admission essay)
- 3 letters of recommendation from individuals who can comment on your academic potential.
- Official or unofficial transcripts from all universities attended
- GRE General Test results
- Curriculum Vitae/Resume
- Writing Sample (optional) – Examples: undergraduate thesis, manuscript submission, conference paper
- $55 application fee
- International students who studied at a university outside of the U.S. will also need to submit TOEFL or IELTS results
