Clinical Psychology Degree - The University of Tulsa

Clinical Psychology Graduate Programs

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.

Student Admissions, Outcomes, and Other Data

The Clinical Psychology Program at TU is fully accredited by the American Psychological Association and has been continuously accredited since January, 1991.

Student Admissions, Outcomes, and Other Data (Sept. 2022)

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

  • Program Learning Outcomes

    Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology

    1. Achieve familiarity with foundational knowledge of psychology to include four of the following domains: biological bases of behavior, development across the lifespan, theories and principles of social psychology, cognitive psychology, emotions, or history of psychology as a science
    2. Acquire familiarity with empirically supported treatment modalities and assessment tools;
    3. Achieve knowledge of academic, ethical, and professional standards for psychologists as published by regulatory agencies;
    4. Acquire knowledge of individual and cultural diversity, and be prepared to adapt supervised clinical activities.
    5. Acquire skills that prepare them for doctoral study in clinical psychology or further training in related fields (e.g., counseling, social work).

    Doctor of Philosophy in Clinical Psychology

    1. Demonstrate advanced discipline specific knowledge concerning biological bases of behavior, psychological, social, and biological development across the lifespan, theories and principles of social psychology, cognitive psychology, emotions, and history of psychology as a science
    2. Acquire clinical skills pertaining to treatment and assessment based on scientific research;
    3. Obtain skills concerning research methods and data analysis to perform psychological research;
    4. Achieve knowledge of academic, ethical, and professional standards for psychologists, and demonstrate these standards in professional development and practice;
    5. Acquire knowledge of individual and cultural diversity, and be prepared to adapt their methods and practice to meet the needs of diverse populations.
  • Degree Options

    Clinical Psychology, M.A.

    Allows students to develop basic intervention, evaluation, and consultation skills and prepares them for entry-level clinical positions.

    Clinical Psychology, Ph.D.

    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.

  • Program Facts and Information

    The 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 must be submitted by the deadline on December 1:

    • A completed Graduate School application
    • Statement of Purpose (admission essay)
    • Three letters of recommendation from individuals who can comment on your academic potential.
    • Official or unofficial transcripts from all universities attended
    • GRE Score Results (optional)
    • Curriculum Vitae/Resume
    • Writing Sample (optional) – Examples: undergraduate thesis, manuscript submission, conference paper
    • $60 application fee
    • International students who studied at a university outside of the U.S. will also need to submit TOEFL or IELTS results. 
  • Mandatory Professional Licensure Disclosure

    U.S. Federal Regulations, 34 CFR § 668.50 (2016 Rules), in preparation for the adoption of 34 C.F.R. §668.43 (2019 Rules), and in compliance with the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (SARA) Manual version 19.2, The University of Tulsa provides the following disclosure related to the educational requirements for professional licensure and certification. To learn more.

  • Faculty Recruiting Students

    It is highly recommended that applicants to our program identify a faculty member that they would like to work with during their doctoral education. Below is a list of faculty who will be recruiting for students in the upcoming season (to start Fall 2023). Please visit the faculty pages for more information on each of the recruiting faculty. Please refrain from emailing faculty that are not listed on this page to inquire if they are recruiting students; if they are recruiting students; they will be listed on this page!

    Faculty recruiting for the upcoming admissions season:

    Dr. Cromer is interviewing students with interests in historical trauma and/or who are interested in the treatment of insomnia and nightmares in children. Competitive applicants will have prior experience working in a productive research lab and will have strong skills either data management or analysis, and good interpersonal skills. Prior experience working on grants or publications is a strong asset. Applicants from underrepresented backgrounds are encouraged to apply. Strong application essays will delineate areas of research or specific research questions that applicants would hope to pursue in my lab. More about my lab can be found at SPARTA Lab.

    Dr. Davis is looking for 1-2 students who are interested in the experience of trauma and treatment of PTSD, insomnia, and nightmares.  Dr. Davis’ lab also studies the prevalence, impact, and prevention of interpersonal violence in general and within the LGBTQIA+ population. Competitive applicants will have some background knowledge and research experience in trauma studies.  Students from various underrepresented backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

    Dr. Newman is searching for students (2023-2024) interested in Journalism and Trauma.  Competitive applicants will have experience in research (abstracts, papers presented at national meetings, publications), have excellent writing skills, and a strong background working with data. Students from various underrepresented backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

    Dr. Rhudy is interviewing students for the Fall 2023 incoming class. Dr. Rhudy’s research examines sociocultural and physiological mechanisms contributing to pain disparities in Native Americans. Students from various underrepresented backgrounds, particularly those interested in working with Native American populations, are encouraged to apply. Successful applicants will have research experience, particularly in the areas of pain, neuroscience, and/or psychophysiology, as well as strong writing and analytic/statistical skills. Ideally, candidates will also have prior experience with presenting at national/international conferences and/or publishing. Additional information about the laboratory can be found at PLAN Lab

    Dr. Aubuchon-Endsley is interviewing students for the 2023-2024 incoming cohort. Competitive applicants should have research experience with some exposure to clinical, health, or developmental psychology research preferred, as well as experience working with women and/or infants. Applicants should also have strong writing, statistical, and interpersonal/communication skills. Ideally, candidates will also have experience directly working with data, presenting posters and/or papers at conferences, or authorship or co-authorship on publications. Students from underrepresented backgrounds are encouraged to apply.