Clinical Psychological Assessment

The Clinical Psychological Assessment program at Vanderbilt University offers comprehensive training designed to prepare students for careers in clinical assessment, research, and practice within the field of psychology. This program emphasizes the development of advanced skills in administering, scoring, and interpreting a wide range of psychological tests and assessments. Students gain a solid foundation in psychological theory, research methods, and ethical considerations pertinent to clinical evaluation. The curriculum integrates coursework in psychopathology, intervention strategies, and assessment techniques, ensuring graduates are well-equipped to conduct thorough psychological evaluations across diverse populations.

Throughout the program, students engage in practical training through supervised clinical practica, where they learn to apply assessment tools in real-world settings. This hands-on experience is complemented by coursework focused on psychopathology, neuropsychology, developmental psychology, and statistics, enabling students to understand the biological, psychological, and social factors influencing mental health. The program also encourages participation in research projects that contribute to the evidence base for psychological assessment practices, fostering critical thinking and scholarly inquiry.

Faculty members are distinguished experts in clinical assessment and psychopathology, providing mentorship and guidance to ensure students develop both theoretical knowledge and practical skills. Students are trained to utilize a variety of assessment instruments, including cognitive, neuropsychological, personality, and behavioral measures, tailored to assess a range of psychological conditions. Emphasis is placed on cultural competence, ethical practice, and the responsible use of assessment tools, preparing graduates for ethical decision-making in clinical settings.

Graduates of the Clinical Psychological Assessment program are prepared to work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, outpatient clinics, schools, and private practice. They often pursue licensure and certification in psychology, contributing to the diagnosis, treatment planning, and ongoing evaluation of mental health conditions. The program promotes a multidisciplinary approach, encouraging collaboration with other healthcare providers to ensure comprehensive care. By combining rigorous academic coursework, practical training, and research opportunities, Vanderbilt's program aims to produce skilled clinicians capable of advancing the field of psychological assessment and improving mental health outcomes for diverse populations.

Core Clinical Courses (required by all students):

• PSY-GS 301A: Biological Bases of Behavior
• PSY-GS 309: Statistics
• PSY-GS 312: Personality/Behavioral Assessment
• PSY-GS 317: Psychological Measurement
• PSY-GS 340: Psychopathology
• PSY-GS 343: Cognitive Assessment
• PSY-GS 353: Professional Ethics
• PSY-GS 361: Cognitive Development
• PSY-GS 363: Social Development

Elective course in clinical psychology may include:

• PSY-GS 336: Behavioral Pediatrics and Child Health Psychology
• PSY-GS 352: Seminar in Clinical Psychology: Cognitive Therapy for Depression and Related Disorders
• PSY-GS 366: Psychological Interventions with Children
• PSY-GS 396: Psychobiology of Stress and Coping
• PSY-GS 396: Special Topics Seminar in Clinical Psychological Assessment
• PSY-GS 396: Special Topics Seminar in Clinical Psychological Intervention
• PSY-GS 323: Practicum in Psychological Assessment

Clinical Practicum

Students will complete a clinical practicum during their second year of training, working alongside licensed psychologists in the community. Various clinical assessment experiences are available, allowing students to pursue areas of personal interest.

Final Comprehensive Exam

This written exam is taken after all of the coursework and practicum work is completed. This exam will cover all of the course work and practicum experiences that students have completed.

Requirements

Applications to the M.Ed. program in Clinical Psychological Assessment can be submitted online. The deadline for consideration in this program for the fall semester is December 31. 

Transcripts

Please scan and attach your unofficial transcript(s), or a copy of your official transcript(s), to your application. Note: Unofficial transcripts are accepted for the application. We understand that requesting official transcripts can be expensive, so we only require official, sealed transcripts if you are admitted and enroll at Peabody College.

Standardized Tests

Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores are required as part of the application process. Your application may be reviewed with unofficial/self-reported test scores. You will only need to submit official test scores if you are admitted and choose to enroll in the program.

Applicants whose native language is not English must also present the results of either the TOEFL or IELTS with the application, unless they have demonstrated competence while attending an American accredited institution. As with the GRE, your application may be reviewed with unofficial/self-reported test scores. You will only need to submit official test scores if you are admitted and choose to enroll in the program.

Interests and Goals Statement

A letter or statement of academic interests and professional goals is required. This is crucial in providing information about your personal background, intellectual interests, career goals, ability to take advantage of unique opportunities offered by the program, academic and research experiences, and relevant work or practical experience. Be as specific as you can regarding your interests and goals.

Reference Letters

You should submit at least three letters of recommendation from professors, research supervisors, or others who can assess your potential for advanced graduate work. Please ask your recommenders to be as specific as possible about issues directly relevant to advanced graduate study. Although there are forms for the letters of recommendation, references are invited to provide additional pages if necessary.. Each letter must have an original signature to be considered valid, unless it is sent by a college placement service. Letters should be sent directly to:

Vanderbilt University

Center for Data Management

PMB 407833

2301 Vanderbilt Place

Nashville TN 37240-7833

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

Scholarships

Every professional student applicant is considered for merit aid. There is no separate application to complete and students will be notified in their admissions letter if they have been awarded merit aid.

Peabody Honors Scholarship (PHS) 

The Peabody Honors Scholarship (PHS) is the most competitive and prestigious award a student can receive from Peabody College. It covers 75% of a student’s tuition for up to three years,depending on the requirements of the program, and provides exclusive access to specialized lectures and social events with faculty and academic deans. A recipient must be enrolled as a full-time student for each semester unless it is her/his final semester. A student must maintain a minimum 3.75 GPA in all coursework to retain the scholarship.

Dean's Tuition Scholarship (DTS) 

The Dean's Tuition Scholarship (DTS) is a competitive scholarship that recognizes high-achieving students who will greatly contribute to their program of study. This award covers 50% of a student’s tuition for up to three years, depending on the length of the program. Recipients may enroll as full or part time students. However, since there is a time limitation on the award, students will want to complete their program of study before the three year award expires. Continuous enrollment and good academic standing (minimum 3.0 GPA) are required for renewal of this award.

Scholastic Achievement Scholarship (SAS) 

The Scholastic Achievement Scholarship (SAS) is a competitive scholarship that recognizes high-achieving students who will greatly contribute to their program of study. This award covers 25% of a student’s tuition for up to three years,depending on the length of the program. Recipients may enroll as full or part time students. However, since there is a time limitation on the award, students will want to complete their program of study before the three year award expires. Continuous enrollment and good academic standing (minimum 3.0 GPA) are required for renewal of this award.

Iris Scholarship 

The Iris Scholarship is a competitive  one-year award only that recognizes academic achievement.  This award varies from $1,000 to $4,000 and is equally distributed between the fall and spring semesters of the first year only. A minimum GPA of 3.0 must be obtained in the fall semester for this award to continue in the spring semester. This award is not renewable.

Virginia Haynes Redfield Scholarship 

The Virginia Haynes Redfield Scholarship is a competitive one-year award onlythat recognizes academic achievement of underrepresented students.  This award varies from $1,000 to $4,000 and is equally distributed between the fall and spring semesters of the first year only. A minimum GPA of 3.0 must be obtained in the fall semester for this award to continue in the spring semester. This award is not renewable.