columbia clinical psychology phd acceptance rate

Clinical Supervisors

Bridget Amatore, Ph.D.  

Neuropsychology Supervisor 

Jill Backfield, Ph.D.

Psychodynamic Psychotherapy Supervisor

Ron Balamuth, Ph.D.  Psychodynamic Psychotherapy Supervisor

  Massimo Ballestri, Ph.D.   Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) & Neuropsychology Supervisor

Hannah Barbash, Psy.D. Clinical Supervisor 

Janet Benton, Psy.D.  

Carla Bernstein, Psy.D. Clinical Supervisor 

Phillip (Phil) Blumberg, Ph.D.   Psychodynamic Psychotherapy Supervisor

Susan Bodnar, Ph.D.   Child and Adolescent Supervisor

  Jeffrey Cole, Ph.D.  

Neuropsychology Supervisor & Instructor: CCPX 6336.02 Advanced Practicum, Introduction to Neuropsychology)

Eric Dammann, Ph.D. 

Susan Davis, Ph.D.  Child & Adolescent Supervisor

Karen Dubiner  Psychodynamic Psychotherapy Supervisor

Nancy Eppler-Wolf, Ph.D.  Child & Adolescent Supervisor 

Gregory Hinrichsen 

Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT) & Instructor: CCPX 6336 Practicum Interpersonal Psychotherapy

Melissa Horowitz, Psy.D.   Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Supervisor

Bruce Hubbard, Ph.D.   Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Supervisor

Colleen Lang, Ph.D. Clinical Supervisor 

Lisa Litt, Ph.D.  

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Supervisor

Wendy Lubin, Psy.D.  

Psychodynamic Supervisor

Lyssett Martinez, Psy.D. 

John Matthews, Ph.D. Child & Adolescent Supervisor

Douglas Mennin, Ph.D.  Emotion Regulation Therapy (ERT) Supervisor Director of Clinical Training Instructor: CCPX 6336 Practicum Emotion Regulation Therapy)

Ernesto Mujica, Ph.D.  

Psychodynamic Psychotherapy Supervisor 

Nancy Nereo, Ph.D.   Psychodynamic Psychotherapy Supervisor

Stephanie Newman, Ph.D. Psychodynamic Psychotherapy Supervisor

Eva Papiasvili, Ph.D.   Psychodynamic Psychotherapy Supervisor

Marykathryn A. Pavol, Ph.D.   Neuropsychology Supervisor

  Billie Pivnick, Ph.D.  

Child & Adolescent Psychodynamic Supervisor 

Helen Quinones, Ph.D.  

Graham Reynolds, Ph.D. Clinical Supervisor

Vijayeta Sinh, Ph.D. Clinical Supervisor

  Jephta Tausig-Edwards, Ph.D. 

Robert Udewitz, Ph.D.  Clinical Supervisor

Rosa Vazquez, Ph.D. 

Carmen Vazquez, Ph.D.  Neuropsychology Supervisor

Elizabeth Watson, Ph.D.   Dialectical-Behavioral Therapy (DBT) Supervisor

Robert Watson, Ph.D.   Psychodynamic Psychotherapy Supervisor 

Scott Woodruff, Ph.D. Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Supervisor Instructor: CCPX 6336 Practicum CBT

Teachers College, Columbia University 328 Horace Mann

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Email: shulevitz@tc.columbia.edu

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Applying to Graduate Programs

• Applicant Qualifications, Admissions Criteria, and Acceptance Rates

What are the characteristics of successful applicants?  Each program has its own set of requirements and standards; some are publicly stated, some are not.  For instance, this department’s graduate program in experimental psychology provides a list of eligibility requirements , plus provides a FAQ with the average GPA and GRE scores of successful applicants .  On this page we provide a general idea of what graduate programs may be seeking, plus admissions statistics by area of specialization in psychology. 

Note: for the most definitive information on the characteristics of successful applicants, we recommend that you directly check with program websites, the programs themselves, and individuals at those programs (such as graduate coordinators, graduate program officers, graduate students, or faculty).

Graduate Programs Are Highly Competitive

Most mid- to top-tier graduate programs, and particularly those programs that provide funding to their graduate students, are highly selective.  For example, this department’s graduate program typically receives around 300-400 applicants annually, of which admission offers are commonly extended to around 20 (around half accept, depending on the year).  Successful applicants not only meet the eligibility requirements; they exceed those requirements in key ways.  These may include research experience, academic achievements, and more. 

Consequently, it is helpful for students to carefully research the characteristics of successful applicants, to work toward achieving similar qualifications at the baccalaureate or post baccalaureate level, and to clearly emphasize their strengths in their applications. 

It is important to emphasize that graduate admissions criteria substantially differ from those used at undergraduate and other levels.  It is not necessarily the case that applicants with the highest GPA and highest test scores have the greatest chance of being accepted.  Instead, more idiosyncratic factors such as “program fit” and compatible research interests may play a greater role.  Thus, students who are accustomed to judging their progress solely on grades need to adjust their thinking; this is a different playing field and the rules are different .

Basic Qualifications of Successful Applicants 

To score an interview – in other words, to be seriously considered – applicants are typically expected to have a record which includes the following characteristics: 1,2

Prerequisite undergraduate coursework completed

The courses that you are expected to have taken vary according to the graduate program you are applying to.  Some may have very specific requirements, others do not.  Some may prefer that the applicant have a well-rounded record including a diversity of rigorous courses both within and outside of psychology. 

The mean of successful applicants to PhD programs in psychology, on the 4.0 scale, is 3.6 overall and 3.7 in psychology courses; for Master’s programs it is 3.4 overall and 3.5 in psychology courses. 1   The GPA should be, at minimum , typically 3.0 or higher.

Good GRE scores

Minimum requirements (also known as “cutoffs”) vary depending on program .  Some programs, such as the one in this department, have dropped minimum scores.  However, GRE scores can be used to choose between two closely matched applicants.  The mean GRE scores of first-year graduate students in psychology, using the scale begun in late 2011, is 158 verbal and 149 quantitative for psychology PhD programs; it is 153 verbal and 146 quantitative for Master’s programs.  For the GRE Psychology subject test, the mean is 633 for PhD programs and 577 for Master’s programs. 1  Please note that some programs, such as the one in this department, do not require the subject test.

Research experience

Research experience is a must.  This can take a variety of different forms, but publications and presentations are typically the most valued evidence of research experience.  For further information about gaining research experience as an undergraduate, please visit our research opportunities page.

Practical or clinical experience

This may be important for those applying to programs with a clinical or public service component.  For example, the number of hours you have volunteered at an outpatient clinic could be valuable for a clinical psychology graduate application.  However, it should be noted that guides to clinical psychology programs typically emphasize research experience as even more important.

Extracurricular activities

Optional and varies; should be relevant to the graduate program.  May include membership in psychological organizations, any leadership activities you have participated in, science communication, or charitable works .

How Applicant Qualifications Are Weighted

Each of the aforementioned qualifications, plus other components of the application materials, can make or break an applicant’s chances of being invited for an interview and ultimately receiving an offer of admission.  There typically are at least two stages of review.  The first involves choosing applicants that will be invited to interview.  At that stage, selection criteria may include (please note that each program may weigh each aspect differently): 1,2

• GPA and GRE scores – many programs only interview those that are above a certain threshold.
• Letters of recommendation – many programs solicit three letters of recommendation. Although letters are subjective, in many programs these are given as much weight as GPA and GRE scores.
• Research experience – there needs to be evidence that the applicant has the potential to succeed in the primary occupation of graduate school, which is conducting research.
• Statement of purpose – this is taken as evidence of the applicant’s writing ability, their own stated research interests, their thoughts about program fit, and more.
• Coursework completed – transcripts are examined to determine whether the applicant has taken the necessary courses to qualify for the program, that they have the relevant background knowledge, and that they can handle academically rigorous coursework. 

After the interviews, the final selection criteria often includes the following (in order of importance). 1,2 It should be noted that the applicant’s interview performance, statement of purpose, and recommendation letters can heavily inform these criteria and ultimately final selection decisions.

• Publications or paper presentations – resulting from the applicant’s existing research activities
• Applicant’s skills and interests match the program – as indicated in the application essays and as revealed in interviews
• Match with faculty member that is interested in working with the applicant – particularly as evidenced by the faculty member’s interview with the applicant and shared research interests; moreover, the faculty member has to be accepting students that year
• Statement of purpose – how clear and focused was the applicant able to write the essay; writing skills as evident in the essay
• Prior research experience – more generally, how much prior research experience the applicant had, and what that experience was, etc.

Other criteria may also be considered depending on the program.  Finally, it should be noted that among the least important criteria for selection typically include: multilingual fluency, contribution to geographic diversity, and whether the applicant is related to another student that was or is in the program .

Admissions Statistics

Acceptance rates at graduate programs in psychology range between 32-78% for Master’s programs and 12-48% for PhD programs (non-clinical); for clinical programs generally, acceptance rates vary from 7-50%. 1  Data on the mean acceptance rates in different areas of psychology, compiled by the APA in 2010, are as follows: 1

Workshops and Downloadable Resources

• For in-person discussion of the process of applying to graduate programs in psychology, neuroscience, and related fields, please consider attending this department’s “Paths to PhDs” workshop and other related events (for dates and times, please check the undergraduate workshops calendar).
• Tips for Applying to Graduate Programs in Psychology (a brief summary) [ PDF ]

Further Resources

How-To Videos     

• Applying to Grad School Videos

Recommended Reading

• American Psychological Association (2007). Getting in: a step-by-step plan for gaining admission to graduate school in psychology .  Washington, DC: American Psychological Association.
• Keith-Spiegel, P., & Wiederman, M. W. (2000). The complete guide to graduate school admission: psychology, counseling, and related professions . Mahwah, NJ: Erlbaum.

APA Videos on Graduate Applications

• Preparing and applying for graduate school in psychology [12-part video series]
• Preparing and applying for graduate school in psychology [video slides in PDF format]
• Avoiding common mistakes that students make when applying from APA Division 2 [PPT]
• Choosing a graduate program from the Association for Psychological Science
• Smart shopping for psychology doctoral programs [PDF]

1  Norcross, J. C., & Hogan, T. P. (2016).  Preparing and applying for graduate school in psychology: 12 modules. American Psychological Association [video workshop].

2  american psychological association (2007).  getting in: a step-by-step plan for gaining admission to graduate school in psychology . , 3  american psychological association (2010).  graduate applications, acceptances, enrollments, and degrees awarded in master’s- and doctoral-level students in the u.s. and canadian graduate departments of psychology: 2008-2009., prepared by s. c. pan for ucsd psychology, graphic adapted with permission under the expat license..

• Finding and Choosing Graduate Programs of Interest
• Timelines for the Graduate Application Process
• Writing Statements of Purpose and Other Application Essays
• Requesting Letters of Recommendation
• Preparing for the Graduate Record Examination
• Graduate Admissions Interviews
• Applying to Clinical Psychology Programs
• Applying to Medical School and Professional Health Programs
• Accepting Graduate Admissions Offers

Applications for 2024 Columbia Summer Session programs are now open!

As admissions to our programs are highly competitive, we encourage you to apply as soon as possible. Learn more about the application process, deadlines, and requirements.

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• Acceptance Rate

Columbia Clinical Psychology Phd Acceptance Rate

Is columbia university good for psychology.

Teachers College, Columbia University / Department of Counseling and Clinical Psychology is located in New York, NY, in an urban setting. Columbia’s Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology spans four years, with two entry points per year. The first includes applicants who have earned a master’s degree, and the second includes those with a bachelor’s degree or equivalent.

Admissions at Columbia University are extremely selective. Even then, the university has the fourth-largest international student population in US. According to the Fall 2019 survey, Columbia University received 40,203 applications and admitted 2,214 students from 152 countries into its various undergraduate, graduate and non-degree programs.

In response to continued disruptions to standardized testing availability due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Columbia University is extending test-optional policy for one year, effective for first-year applicants to Columbia College or Columbia Engineering for the fall of 2022. Regular Decision Release Information: The joint notification date for the Ivy League this year will be Tuesday, April 6, at 7:00 p.m.

Grab hold of your psychology PhD acceptance dreams and make it a reality with a Columbia education. Start your journey toward a PhD in Psychology today. Columbia’s Psychology Department is committed to improving the lives of people in the areas of health, wellness, environment, justice, and human rights. The faculty ranks among the most accomplished in the world with over 170 active members, 40% of whom are elected fellows of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS).

The Graduate School Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology is an application-based program designed to select candidates who are highly qualified to achieve exceptional research and clinical training. We pride ourselves on the diversity of our student body, which now includes students from over 20 countries.

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Columbia Psychology PhD Acceptance Rate

At the doctoral level, the highest number of programs, applications, and acceptances were found in clinical psychology, but with an overall acceptance rate of  12% . Columbia University is one of the most competitive schools in the country to be accepted into. It is also home to some top of the line professors and offers amazing opportunities for aspiring students. A Psychology PhD at Columbia will allow you to positively influence our world through research, model new ideas, and change how people view behaviors.

Getting the right answer from the internet does not always bring up the right answer sometimes. This is largely because the internet is filled with lots of information that is not always from credible sources. Now, if you’ve been searching for information on Columbia Psychology PhD Acceptance Rate, then the article below brings you all you need to know and more.

Collegelearners provides information about Columbia Psychology PhD Acceptance Rate as well as information about Columbia University clinical psychology PhD requirements, NYU psychology PhD acceptance rate, Columbia psychology PhD stipend, teachers college clinical psychology acceptance rate, Columbia psychology masters acceptance rate, Columbia university graduate programs, Columbia University psychology masters, Columbia psychology acceptance rate. You can also find interesting related articles on Collegelearners.

is columbia university good for psychology

Teachers College, Columbia University / Department of Counseling and Clinical Psychology is located in New York, NY, in an urban setting. Columbia’s Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology spans four years, with two entry points per year. The first includes applicants who have earned a master’s degree, and the second includes those with a bachelor’s degree or equivalent.

Admissions at Columbia University are extremely selective. Even then, the university has the fourth-largest international student population in US. According to the Fall 2019 survey, Columbia University received 40,203 applications and admitted 2,214 students from 152 countries into its various undergraduate, graduate and non-degree programs. 

In response to continued disruptions to standardized testing availability due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Columbia University is extending test-optional policy for one year, effective for first-year applicants to Columbia College or Columbia Engineering for the fall of 2022. Regular Decision Release Information: The joint notification date for the Ivy League this year will be Tuesday, April 6, at 7:00 p.m.

Grab hold of your psychology PhD acceptance dreams and make it a reality with a Columbia education. Start your journey toward a PhD in Psychology today. Columbia’s Psychology Department is committed to improving the lives of people in the areas of health, wellness, environment, justice, and human rights.  The faculty ranks among the most accomplished in the world with over 170 active members, 40% of whom are elected fellows of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS).

The Graduate School Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology is an application-based program designed to select candidates who are highly qualified to achieve exceptional research and clinical training. We pride ourselves on the diversity of our student body, which now includes students from over 20 countries.

columbia university graduate programs Degrees & Awards

Degrees offered, earning your degree.

Acceptance Rate

1,586 Applied 580 Accepted 295 Enrolled 37%

Student Body

674 Total Graduate Students 20% International Breakout (representing other countries)

columbia PhD admissions statistics

Race/ethnicity, fall applications.

Spring Applications deadlnes for MS/PhD, PhD, EngScD is November 1.

Spring admission is not available for the following programs:  Applied Mathematics (Ph.D.), Applied Physics (Ph.D., M.S.), Materials Science  (Ph.D., M.S.), Medical Physics (M.S.), Certification of Professional Achievement in Data Science, Data Science (M.S.), Business Analytics (M.S.), Financial Engineering (M.S.), Industrial Engineering (Ph.D.), Management Science and Engineering (M.S.), Operations Research (Ph.D.), and Mechanical Engineering  (Ph.D., M.S.). For the Spring 2021 cycle, the following programs will be reviewing a select number of applications: Business Analytics (M.S.), Certification of Professional Achievement in Data Science, Data Science (M.S.), Financial Engineering (M.S.), and Mechanical Engineering (M.S.). All other MS, MS/PhD, PhD, and Eng.Sc.D. programs will be accepting Spring applications unless otherwise stated.

columbia university graduate programs

International Admissions at Columbia University

International students have slightly different requirements for admission at Columbia University. However, following only the institution’s instructions are not enough for non-US students. If you wish to pursue  higher education from the US , all requirements as per federal laws ought to be met properly. They need to provide the following documents to be eligible for admission at Columbia:

• Official transcripts
• English language proficiency proof
• Additional program-specific documents like recommendations, resume, etc.
• Evidence of financial support
• Copy of the biographical page of the passport
• Essay and/or  SOP for US
• Letters of recommendation to study in US

nYU psychology phD acceptance rate

Classified as “more selective,” New York University is an admission gamble with a 33 percent acceptance rate. Freshmen pursuing the Psychology B.A. need to be finishing a high school diploma or graduating with a GED. Following a college-prep curriculum with a 4 or 5 on the AP Psychology exam is preferred. First-year students often receive straight As with an average secondary GPA of 3.7. Admitted undergrads also reach a mean SAT score of 1410 or ACT score of 30. Transfers can provide up to 64 credits from regionally accredited colleges graded “C” or better with a minimum 2.5 GPA.

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Degree Requirements

The Clinical Psychology program is accredited by the American Psychological Association and by the Psychological Clinical Science Accreditation System, and is a member of the Academy of Psychological Clinical Science. The Clinical program follows a clinical science model of training. Central to this model is a commitment: 

• to using an empirical approach to understand, ameliorate, and prevent human problems in behavior, affect, cognition, and health;
• to promoting adaptive human functioning; and
• to disseminating and applying knowledge in ways consistent with scientific evidence.

The Clinical program prepares students for careers involving production, dissemination and support of clinical science research. Clinical faculty and students are active in research and scholarship that advances understanding of the symptoms, causes, course, treatment, and prevention of many of our nation’s most distressing and impairing mental/behavioral health issues (e.g., addictions, anxiety, developmental disorders, juvenile delinquency, mood instability and disorders, schizophrenia) in youth and adults. Students work primarily with core clinical faculty, but may also collaborate with researchers throughout the department and in other campus and community units (e.g., health psychology, Psychiatry, engineering, Thompson Center for Autism and Developmental Disabilities, Fulton State Hospital, Psychological Services Clinic).

Students also develop clinical skills in empirically supported approaches to assessment, prevention and intervention. The Clinical program maintains its own community-based outpatient clinic (the Psychological Services Clinic or PSC) as the primary practicum training site for students in the clinical program. The PSC is staffed by doctoral-level clinical psychologists and clinical graduate students, and it serves a broad range of clients through individual, couple, family, and group assessment and therapy services. The PSC also offers training in specialty services through it's Dialectical Behavior Therapy program, Strategies Targeting Alcohol Responsibility program, and MU Center for Evidence-Based Youth Mental Health. Additional clinical experiences are available through paid or volunteer positions at institutions such as Fulton State Hospital, University Hospitals and Clinics, and the Thompson Center. After completing high quality internships, typically at medical centers, VAs, or university research centers, graduates are employed in positions that involve research, teaching and service in universities, medical centers, clinics, hospitals and similar agencies.

• 83 total hours of coursework
• In addition to an psychopathology psychology course, four Distribution courses that cover the following content areas--affective, biological, cognitive, developmental, and social aspects of behavior--as well advanced integrative knowledge of at least two of these areas (15 hours)
• Training area courses (24 hours)
• Statistics (9 hours)
• Ethics and Professional Issues (1 hour)
• Completion of Masters
• Completion of comprehensive examination
• A written doctoral dissertation
• Oral examination on thesis research

Applicants are required to meet two sets of minimum qualifications for admission: the requirements of the PhD in Psychology program and the minimum requirements of the Graduate School . Because requirements vary, you must refer to a degree program’s graduate admission page to learn about specific admission criteria, application deadlines, eligibility and application process. Before official admissions to the University of Missouri, your application materials will be reviewed by both the Graduate School and the degree program to which you’ve applied.

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Admission to the clinical program.

Our primary goal is the training of clinical scientists. Therefore, we admit students who have a strong interest in conducting research and applying this knowledge to clinical problems. Applicants whose primary interest is applied training (i.e., primarily or only interested in seeing clients, but not in research) would not be a good match with our program.

The Clinical program adheres to a mentorship model whereby students are admitted who have research interests that are similar to the research interests of one or more of the Clinical faculty. Therefore, applicants are urged to provide detailed information regarding their research background and interests on their application. A formal interview, either in person or by telephone, is required for finalists.

Financial support is available to students in the form of teaching assistantships, research assistantships, and clerkships, which are paid clinical experiences through the University and community agencies.

Please see the Public Disclosure Data for statistics on application rates, student activities, internship placement, time to degree, completion rates, and program costs.

Program Accreditation

The Ph.D. program in Clinical Psychology is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of American Psychological Association and the Psychological Clinical Science Accreditation System and is a member of the Academy of Psychological Clinical Science.

Questions related to the program’s APA-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: [email protected]

www.apa.org/ed/accreditation

Questions related to the program’s PCSAS-accredited status should be directed to the Psychological Clinical Science Accreditation System:

Psychological Clinical Science Accreditation System

Alan G. Kraut, Executive Director

Psychological Clinical Science Accreditation System (PCSAS)

1800 Massachusetts Ave NW, Suite 402

Washington, DC 20036-1218 USA

(301) 455-8046

[email protected]

http://www.pcsas.org/

Additional Resources: 

Clinical Psychology Grad School Fact Sheet

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Program & Admission Details

The doctoral program in clinical psychology at the University of British Columbia is accredited by the Canadian Psychological Association.

If you are interested in learning more about our accreditation status, please contact the Director of Clinical Training, Dr. Sheila Woody , or the Accreditation Office at the Canadian Psychological Association.

Accreditation Office Canadian Psychological Association 141 Laurier Ave. West, Suite 702 Ottawa, ON K1P 5J3 [email protected] (613) 237-2144 x320 or 1-888-472-0657 x328 Initial accreditation: 1986-87 Next site visit due: 2027-28

As of 2012, CPA signed the First Street Accord which is a mutual recognition agreement on accreditation.

The program is designed to assist students acquire the knowledge base and skills set outlined in the objectives below:

Goal 1: Identify as a psychologist in the clinical science tradition.

• Identification with and appreciation for the discipline of psychology as a foundation for scientific inquiry and practice
• Knowledge of a broad domain of psychological theories and research
• Commitment to integration of science and practice as a means of furthering human welfare, including the full range of human diversity
• Knowledge of the history of psychological science, including both beneficial and harmful impacts of the research and underrepresented contributors to the discipline

Goal 2: Contribute to the knowledge base in domains that enhance clinical psychological science, including potential interdisciplinary collaboration.

• Knowledge of research methods and statistics
• Knowledge of theories and scientific bases of psychological tests and measurement
• Approach to research that acknowledges and incorporates human diversity and inclusion to the research process
• Ability to objectively evaluate research
• Competence in preparing research proposals
• Competence in independent research relevant to clinical psychological science
• Dissemination and communication of research findings to a broad audience

Goal 3: Develop competence in knowledge and skills required for functioning in academic and/or clinical settings including a lifelong commitment to clinical science.

• Knowledge in conceptual and empirical foundations of psychopathology, assessment and interventions
• Knowledge and skills in ethical and professional standards in academic and clinical settings
• Knowledge of historical and contemporary social issues related to diverse and marginalized populations
• Ability to use the evidence base in assessment, program evaluation, and development of treatment or action plans with diverse client groups
• Professional communication skills, including teaching and supervision
• Stance of cultural humility reflecting awareness of the influence of personal background on one's assumptions, values, and working relationships

Student Demographics

Students in the program have a range of backgrounds:

• Of the students currently enrolled in the program, 25% are male
• Current students range in age from 23 to 36 years, with an average of 29 years
• Although most were accepted shortly following undergraduate degrees in psychology, other students have entered the program with backgrounds and professional degrees in areas such as political science, economics, and biology
• Most students in the program describe themselves as Canadians of European descent, but about 50% report other ethnic backgrounds, most commonly Asian
• Students represent diversity in sexual orientation, nationality, family status, and disabilities
• 50% of the students in the program speak a language in addition to English, including French, Cantonese, Mandarin, and Spanish
• We encourage those traditionally underrepresented in academia and psychology to apply

Past Admissions

Among the 20 clinical students who received their PhD from our department from September 2018 to April 2023, the mean time to completion including the internship year, was 7.9 years (SD = 1.5). These figures do not include the time students were on leave from the program for medical or parental reasons.

Over the past five years, one doctoral student left the program before obtaining the Ph.D., and one master’s student left the program before obtaining the MA. Both these students decided to enroll in a different type of graduate program that better suited their needs. In addition, one student completed the MA but, on the recommendation of the clinical faculty, did not apply to our PhD program.

The Psychology Department commits to providing a base of $23,000 per year of financial support for MA students for two years ($23,000 for Ph.D. students for four years) through a combination of fellowships (internal or external), teaching assistantships, and research assistantships.

This support, plus attendance at a funded residency program, covers the typical student’s graduate education. On average during 2022-2023, clinical graduate students received $37,790 (SD = $15,514) in support.

Recruitment fellowships, the most common type of support offered to incoming graduate students, are $17,500 for one year. Teaching assistantships pay $11,578 for MA students and $12,032 for Ph.D. students for 12 hours/week over the course of two semesters; partial TA positions are available. First-year tuition costs are $5,787.

Estimated costs of graduate studies at the MA level include tuition and student fees (including a transit pass) and basic medical/dental insurance. Graduate students will also require a personal laptop, which must be purchased at their own expense. In addition, students incur personal living expenses, which vary by lifestyle choices.

Detailed information about the costs of attending UBC as a graduate student can be found on the Faculty of Graduate and Post Doctoral Studies website.

The clinical program receives approximately 315 applications each year and typically makes offers of admission to five to eight students each year. The program encourages applications from qualified students from a diverse range of backgrounds and refrains from systematically excluding students on the basis of personal factors not relevant to the probability of success in graduate school, including race, ethnic origin, gender identity or expression, age, sexual orientation, religion, or physical disability.

Admission to the Clinical program is highly competitive; preference is given to applicants who have demonstrated interest in the scientific basis of clinical psychology as well as practice.

All students must complete an empirically-based master’s thesis prior to being accepted into the Ph.D. program. Students who plan to terminate their studies at the master’s level are not accepted into the clinical training program, and the master’s program is not designed to prepare graduates for independent practice. Applicants with master’s degrees in non-clinical specialty areas and/or from other universities are not automatically admitted to the clinical Ph.D. program. Equivalence of degrees is determined on a case-by-case basis.

Being the recipient of a fellowship substantially increases an applicant’s chances of being admitted. Application deadlines for fellowships are between September and December of the preceding year. Agencies that should be considered by clinical applicants are SSHRC, CIHR, and NSERC as well as various provincial and specialty agencies (like the Cancer Society or Heart Foundation). Foreign students are eligible for university-based fellowships, and in some cases Commonwealth Fellowships or Government of Canada Awards; applications for the latter two must be made through the applicant’s native country.

In compliance with British Columbia’s Criminal Records Review Act, students in the Clinical program must pass a criminal records check before admission and every 5 years thereafter. The Criminal Records Review Act is designed to help protect children and vulnerable adults from abuse or exploitation. Offers of admission to the Clinical program are contingent upon applicants consenting to and passing the criminal records check, which covers offenses deemed relevant for those working with children and vulnerable adults. For information about which sections of the Criminal Code are designated as relevant offenses, consult the B.C. Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General . Applicants will receive detailed information about the criminal records check at the time of conditional admission.

Indigenous students who are thinking of applying to the Clinical Psychology program and have questions can contact Dr. Sheila Woody , the Director of Clinical Training.

Graduate Record Examinations (GRE)

Although the clinical program prefers that applicants include their general and psychology GRE scores with their application, we are not requiring them. We recognize there are pros and cons to the GRE. On the one hand, GRE scores can be a useful metric when considered alongside other information included with the application (e.g., personal statement, research accomplishments, recommendation letters, GPA, writing samples) For some applicants who did not have the opportunity or support to obtain high GPAs or attend 'prestigious' universities, the GRE can demonstrate that their application still deserves serious consideration. On the other hand, some applicants may have GRE scores that underestimate their abilities, and their records of accomplishment make their best case. We also recognize that there may be reasons why, for some students, taking the GRE is impossible or nearly so. For these reasons, while we recommend including GRE scores in your application, it is not officially required and you can apply without them.