Clinical Psychology

The Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology at the University of Georgia offers an in-depth training program designed to prepare students for careers as mental health professionals, researchers, and scholars in the field of psychology. This comprehensive programme combines rigorous coursework, practical clinical training, and research opportunities, enabling students to develop advanced knowledge and skills necessary for assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of a wide range of psychological disorders. The curriculum emphasizes evidence-based practices, ethical considerations, and cultural competence, ensuring graduates are well-equipped to serve diverse populations effectively. Students will engage in supervised field placements, gaining hands-on experience working with clients under the mentorship of experienced faculty members. The programme fosters critical thinking, research literacy, and professional development, encouraging students to contribute to ongoing advancements in clinical psychology. Graduates of this programme are prepared to pursue licensure and certification requirements, or to continue their education at the doctoral level. The University of Georgia's esteemed faculty bring expertise across multiple areas of clinical psychology, and the institution provides state-of-the-art facilities and resources to support student learning. Graduates leave with a solid foundation for a successful career in healthcare, academic research, or governmental and non-governmental organizations dedicated to mental health. The programme's collaborative environment, combined with extensive community engagement and interdisciplinary approaches, ensures that students are well-prepared to meet the mental health needs of individuals and communities regionally and nationally. With a focus on innovation, integrity, and compassion, the Clinical Psychology master's programme at the University of Georgia is dedicated to developing competent, ethical, and empathetic practitioners ready to make a meaningful difference in people's lives.

The Clinical Psychology Program is based on the clinical science model, and as such, takes an empirical perspective on the science and practice of clinical psychology. Mentored research activities, course work in basic and clinical psychology, teaching, and clinical practica represent the training experiences available in this model. The critical role of empiricism as a unifying perspective for research experiences and clinical activities is viewed as an important aspect of the program. This integration is achieved by the student typically being involved in course work, research activities, and clinical practicum during each semester of residency on campus. Students work closely with selected faculty members within the context of one-to-one interactions with research faculty or small practicum teams in the clinical setting. Within this "learning by doing" approach, students are continuously involved in active research projects as well as actual supervised clinical practice.

The Clinical Program's commitment to a clinical science training model is reflected in the research productivity of our graduate students. In recent years, graduate students have published an average of eight publications, and presented an average of 16 conference presentations, prior to completing their terminal internship placements.

• UGA Graduate School application and application fee 
• Official GRE scores. Use institution code 5813.  
• Transcripts from each institution of higher education attended. Please see the Graduate School's instructions for submitting transcripts.
• Three letters of recommendation. List the names and e-mail addresses of three references within the Graduate School application. References will receive a link to access a secure page where they can submit recommendations electronically.
• Required Supplemental Application  For Industrial-Organizational and Behavioral and Brain Sciences applicants only. Clinical applicants are not required to submit this form. Industrial-Organizational Program Applicants must also complete this faculty preference survey.
• Curriculum Vitae  
• Statement of Purpose. Behavioral and Brain Sciences and Industrial-Organizational applicants should follow their prospective program’s guidelines within the Supplemental Application when writing the Statement of Purpose.  Clinical applicants should follow the guidelines below.  
• NEW FOR FALL 2018:  Clinical applicants will be required to submit GRE Psychology Subject Test scores.  No subject test is required for fall 2017 applicants.  
• International applicants are usually required to take the TOEFL or IELTS and may have additional application requirements from the Graduate School. 

The Supplemental Application (if required), Statement of Purpose, and Curriculum Vitae may either be submitted through the Graduate School’s online application—combine the completed Supplemental Application with your Statement of Purpose to upload—or may be e-mailed to the Psychology Department at gradpsyc@uga.edu. 

Statement of Purpose Guidelines for Clinical Program Applicants

Submit a statement of fewer than 1000 words that specifically addresses all of the following points:

1. Research:  a. Type of project(s), e.g., thesis or other independent project, assistant to faculty; b. Purpose of project(s); c. Responsibilities; d. Supervision
2. Clinical:  Description should include, but not necessarily be limited to, the following: a. Type of experience, e.g., volunteer, paid mental health worker; b. Population, e.g., hospitalized individuals with schizophrenia; c. Responsibilities; d. Supervision (by whom, what kind, how much, how often)
3. Teaching:  a. Responsibilities; b. Supervision
4. Interests:  a. Describe issues/problems and clinical populations on which you would like to focus your research and clinical training; b. Indicate members of the University of Georgia Clinical Psychology faculty with whom you think you have compatible or complementary interests.
5. Goals:  Describe the career to which you aspire after earning your Ph.D. (e.g., research, teaching, clinical practice) and why you would choose this career.
6. Other:  Briefly describe any special skills or abilities not listed above, e.g., computer programming.

Scholarships

• ​Departmental Assistantships
• Research Assistantships
• Presidential Graduate Fellows Program
• Graduate School Assistantships
• Dissertation Completion Award

The University of Georgia offers a comprehensive program in Clinical Psychology designed to prepare students for careers in mental health research, assessment, and intervention. The program emphasizes evidence-based practices, integrating theoretical knowledge with practical application in clinical settings. Students are trained in a wide range of psychological assessment techniques, psychotherapy methods, and research methodologies, enabling them to work effectively with diverse populations facing various mental health challenges. The curriculum typically includes coursework in psychopathology, cognitive-behavioral therapy, developmental psychology, ethics in psychology, and advanced assessment strategies. In addition to classroom instruction, students engage in supervised practicum experiences at affiliated clinics and hospitals, providing hands-on training and fostering professional competence. The program also encourages participation in research projects, preparing students for scholarly pursuits or academic careers in clinical psychology. Graduates of the program are equipped to pursue licensure as clinical psychologists, allowing them to diagnose and treat mental health disorders independently. The University of Georgia features a distinguished faculty of scholars and clinicians who are actively involved in research examining psychological disorders, treatment outcomes, and health disparities. Beyond academic coursework, students benefit from seminars, workshops, and collaborations with community organizations, enhancing their practical skills and understanding of real-world psychological issues. The program aims to foster a compassionate and culturally competent approach to clinical work, reflecting the university’s commitment to diversity and inclusion. Upon completion, students are often prepared to enter doctoral programs, pursue post-doctoral training, or work in hospitals, clinics, schools, or private practice settings. The Clinical Psychology program at the University of Georgia is accredited and recognized for its rigorous training standards and its contribution to mental health research and practice.