Here’s a rundown of some of the top clinical psychology programs, offering both PsyD and PhD degrees. While PsyD programs emphasize clinical practice, PhD programs typically focus more on research. When choosing a program, ensure it’s accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA) and/or the Psychological Clinical Science Accreditation System (PCSAS) for a solid educational foundation and professional credibility.
The APA accreditation assures a robust educational and scientific background essential for a successful psychology career. Moreover, entering the field of clinical psychology promises growth. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 6% increase in psychologist employment from 2022 to 2032, with clinical and counseling psychologist roles growing by 11%, outpacing the average growth rate for other occupations. This translates to around 12,800 new psychologist jobs annually until 2023, with a median salary of approximately $85,000 in 2022, surpassing the national average.
Now, let’s explore some standout accredited PsyD and PhD programs. These institutions provide comprehensive training, ample faculty support, real-world exposure, and competitive career opportunities, setting you on a path to make a meaningful impact in mental and emotional health care.
10 Best PsyD & PhD Clinical Psych Programs Important Factors to Consider
1) University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
UNC Chapel Hill’s PsyD program holds a longstanding accreditation from the APA, a status they’ve maintained since 1949. Additionally, they are accredited by the Psychological Clinical Science Accreditation System (PCSAS). The program prioritizes training in clinically-informed research and evidence-based clinical work, acknowledging that students’ needs and goals may evolve during their enrollment.
UNC Chapel Hill’s program is highly competitive, with just eight students accepted out of 681 applicants in 2023. Notably, the university ceased considering GRE scores in admissions decisions starting in 2020. Moreover, all incoming Clinical Psychology students receive full tuition remission, health insurance, and a nine-month stipend for the first five years of the program, a package Chapel Hill has provided for the past 50 years. For the 2022-2023 academic year, the stipend was $20,000, making Chapel Hill an attractive and competitive choice for aspiring clinicians.
2) Stony Brook University (SUNY)
Stony Brook’s Clinical Psych program, established in 1966, has consistently ranked highly on the US News and World Report rankings. The program aims to prepare students for both research and clinical work across various psychological perspectives. Stony Brook is particularly suitable for students interested in academic and research-related careers, with many graduates balancing research endeavors with clinical practice.
Accredited by both PCSAS and the APA, Stony Brook’s program offers comprehensive support. In the 2022-2023 academic year, out of 444 applicants, nine received offers, with six ultimately enrolling. All admitted students receive a full nine-month stipend (currently $17,502), full tuition remission, and health insurance. Additionally, summer funding opportunities, such as teaching assistantships and research grants, provide further financial support, averaging around $4,000 per student.
3) UC Berkeley
UC Berkeley stands out as one of the premier programs in the country, notable for its recently changed accreditation status. While the program is PCSAS accredited, its APA status is listed as “accredited – inactive,” signaling a departure from the traditional APA curriculum.
Berkeley’s decision reflects a commitment to training that prioritizes reducing the burden of mental illness, aligning with the program’s pedagogical philosophy. The rigorous curriculum is supported by a faculty advisor/mentor program, pairing students with mentors who guide them throughout their residency.
For the 2022-2023 academic year, Berkeley received 308 applications, admitting four students, all of whom received assistantships covering full tuition. The program offers robust financial assistance packages, emphasizing its commitment to supporting psychology doctoral students.
4) UCLA
The University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) stands as a pinnacle of excellence in the field of psychology. UCLA’s doctoral program offers a wide array of concentrations, including Clinical Psychology, Behavioral Neuroscience, Cognitive, Developmental, Health Psychology, Learning and Behavior, Quantitative, and Social Psychology.
With a highly competitive admissions process, UCLA admitted only 28 students out of 1,226 applicants in 2023. Funding opportunities are available through fellowships, training programs, and positions as teaching or research assistants. While the department endeavors to match students with funding upon admission, securing external funding is also encouraged. As a result, full funding may not be guaranteed for all students.
Moreover, UCLA boasts a chapter of Underrepresented Graduate Students in Psychology (UGSP), providing invaluable support and fostering a sense of community among students from diverse racial, ethnic, socioeconomic, and geographic backgrounds.
5) University of Minnesota, Twin Cities
Highly coveted among aspiring psychologists, the University of Minnesota boasts accreditation from both the APA and PCSAS. Following a trend set by Berkeley, the university is contemplating relinquishing its APA accreditation in the future.
At the University of Minnesota, students can opt for either the “adult” or “developmental” track, with the chosen focus not restricting practice with specific age groups. The 2022-2023 academic year saw 10 new enrollees.
The university offers a plethora of funding opportunities for students. All admitted students receive full tuition remission, healthcare coverage, and a nine-month stipend. Additionally, they are provided with a new laptop computer to support their research endeavors. Starting from 2022, students are also guaranteed summer funding through various avenues. Such robust funding packages significantly enhance the graduate student experience, and the University of Minnesota excels in this regard. Detailed information about assistantship opportunities can be found on their website.
6) University of Washington, Seattle (tie with Minnesota)
As per the University of Washington Graduate Study in Psychology website, offers are extended to U.S. or International applicants only when they can be funded with either a Teaching or a Research Assistantship for half time, which entails an expected workload of 20 hours per week. Occasionally, the program may also offer fellowships, which do not come with an expected workload. This financial security undoubtedly contributes to UW’s consistent performance and high rankings.
The department typically receives 800-1000 applications for the 20 funded positions available.
7) University of Pittsburgh (tie with UPenn)
If you’re not heading to UPenn, fret not; you can still bask in academic excellence in the western part of the state.
At Pitt, students are supported financially for up to six years, and possibly longer, depending on individual circumstances. This support encompasses a stipend covering living expenses, health insurance, public transportation, and tuition reimbursement. Being a Panther certainly has its perks!
8) Harvard University
Harvard’s financial aid package is as formidable as its reputation, which is no surprise given its prestigious standing. According to the program website:
“The financial aid package for Ph.D. students entering in 2023 will include tuition and health fees support for years one through four, or five if needed; stipend support in years one and two; a summer research grant equal to two months stipend at the end of years one through four; teaching fellowship support in years three and four guaranteed by the Psychology Department; and a dissertation completion grant consisting of tuition and stipend support in the appropriate year. Typically, students will not be allowed to teach while receiving a stipend in years one and two or during the dissertation completion year.”
The advantage of not being permitted to teach in the initial two years is that students can focus entirely on their coursework and intellectual and professional growth, a significant benefit for crimson-clad clinicians.
9) University of Wisconsin, Madison (tie with Minnesota)
UW Madison’s Psychology Ph.D. program stands out for its intense competition. With over 400 applicants vying for admission each year, the program admits fewer than 10 percent of them.
Although the program doesn’t explicitly promise full tuition remission and a stipend like some others, it highlights that students often secure NSF and NIH predoctoral fellowships to support their studies. Additionally, opportunities for teaching and research assistantships are available.
10) University of Pennsylvania
If you’re heading to UPenn, you’ll be nestled in the vibrant heart of Philadelphia. While living costs may be high, this Ivy League institution offers a substantial stipend of at least $40,500 per year, along with full tuition remission and summer funding prospects. Funding is assured for the expected duration of five years, covering the entirety of the program.
In terms of competitiveness, UPenn’s acceptance rates align with those of similarly ranked institutions. The program’s website notes, “Last year we received over 800 applications. We can accommodate about 8-10 new students per year.”
Conclusion
Choosing the right PsyD or Clinical Psychology Ph.D. program is a significant decision that can shape your future career as a psychologist. It’s essential to consider factors such as program accreditation, competitiveness, funding opportunities, and the overall fit with your academic and career goals.
Each program highlighted in this article offers unique strengths and opportunities for aspiring psychologists. Whether you’re drawn to UCLA’s renowned faculty and diverse concentration options, the University of Minnesota’s robust funding support, or the prestigious environment of Harvard University, there’s a program out there to suit your needs.
Ultimately, by carefully researching and evaluating each program, you can make an informed decision that sets you on the path to success in the field of clinical psychology.