Clinical Psychology program at Montclair State University

Clinical Psychology (PhD)

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Clinical Psychology (PhD) – STEM Designated Degree Program

The mission of the PhD Program in Clinical Psychology at Montclair State University is to prepare students to become competent and highly skilled in the research and practice of clinical psychology, including the championing of equity, diversity, and inclusion. In emphasizing the integration of science and practice, the program adheres to a training approach consistent with the scientist-practitioner model, and strives for an accessible, equitable, and inclusive synthesis that is promotive of human rights, fairness, and dignity for all people. Students can seek advanced training in clinical child psychology or forensic psychology.

The PhD Program in Clinical Psychology is accredited, on contingency, by the American Psychological Association (APA), with an initial date of accreditation of April 5, 2020. The program is accredited, on contingency, through April 5, 2025. Questions related to the program’s accreditation 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

Along with the PhD in Clinical Psychology, the department also offers the following options for graduate study: Clinical Psychology with a concentration in Child/Adolescent Clinical PsychologyClinical Psychology with a concentration in Clinical Forensic Psychology, and a certificate in School Psychology.

Please refer to our programs of study page for a comprehensive list of all of the graduate programs offered within the university.

Admission Requirements
Admission to the program is competitive. We look for applicants who demonstrate a high level of preparedness for doctoral-level training. The program and its faculty are also committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, as Montclair State University is as a whole, including as reflected by its Notice of Non-Discrimination and Office for Social Justice and Diversity. The program faculty aspire to bring together cohorts of students that represent a wide variety of lives experiences and perspectives. Those from diverse multicultural backgrounds, or with interests in and a commitment to advancing the missions of diversity, equity, inclusion, fairness, dignity for all, social justice, and human rights, are strongly encouraged to apply.

Requirements for admission include a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution and a record of achievement that shows a strong promise of success in the program’s coursework and research and clinical training activities. Applicants considering the program should be aware of the following additional requirements:

  • Per TGS policy, a minimum GPA of 3.0 is required for those entering with a bachelor’s degree, while a minimum GPA of 3.5 is required for those entering with a master’s degree (i.e., the master’s degree GPA). Please note that competitive applicants entering with a bachelor’s degree typically have undergraduate GPAs in or above the 3.2–3.5 range. We also recommend an undergraduate GPA of at least 3.5 for psychology courses specifically.
  • Competitive applicants who have submitted GRE scores typically have GRE Quantitative and Verbal scores at or above the 50th percentile. Although neither the GRE General Test nor the GRE Psychology Subject Test are required for admission, applicants may submit these scores for consideration by the admissions committee.
  • Applicants should have completed a bachelor’s or master’s degree in psychology (or a closely related field), though applicants will be considered as long as they have completed at least 15 credits in psychology (preferably including courses in statistics and research methods). Students who did not major in psychology are strongly encouraged to submit scores for the optional GRE Psychology Subject Test with their application.
Application Checklist
In order to make applying for graduate school as seamless as possible for you, we have created an application checklist. This checklist can be a reference point for you during the application process to ensure that you have a comprehensive understanding of the steps needed to apply, as well as all of corresponding supplemental materials for your specific program of interest.
  • Application Deadline: December 1st. Please note: Upon offer of admission, you will be asked to submit an enrollment deposit of $200.
  • Online Application: Please create your online account and submit your application by following the general application instructions and pay (or waive) the non-refundable $60 application fee. Once this step has been completed, the online portal will allow you to upload your supplemental materials.

The following is a list of the supplemental materials that will accompany your application for the Clinical Psychology (PhD):

  • Transcript(s): One from each college or university attended, including for any graduate coursework.
  • Personal statement and writing sample:
    1. Please submit one personal statement (two to three pages in length) that accomplishes the following.
      • Articulates clearly, concisely, and in specific terms relevant academic, research, and psychology-related experiences and interests, as well as long-term career goals.
      • Highlights any additional strengths that make the applicant an excellent candidate for the program, as well as explain any areas of relative weakness in their application.
      • Explains the applicant’s reasons for applying to MSU’s PhD Program in Clinical Psychology and indicates up to three faculty members with whom they would like to work and be mentored.
    2. A writing sample that demonstrates the applicant’s ability to write in a scientific and scholarly manner. Writing samples authored by the applicant alone are preferred. Applicants who submit a co-authored writing sample are recommended to describe in their personal statement their specific contributions to that sample.
  • Letters of recommendation: Three, preferably from faculty familiar with the applicant’s work.
  • Resume: Curriculum vitae/resume.
  • Standardized test scores: GRE General Test and Psychology Subject Test (both optional).
  • Applicants with non-U.S. degrees, please visit the International Applicants page to review the US degree equivalency information.
Curriculum
Students must complete a total of 86 credits to earn the PhD in Clinical Psychology. This includes credits for required coursework, elective coursework, and supervised clinical training. Students must also complete a one-year, full-time internship in clinical psychology and successfully defend a second-year research project and dissertation. Students may also complete an optional emphasis in either clinical child psychology or forensic psychology, with four courses in those areas. Instead of the optional emphasis, students may choose to complete four elective courses of their choosing.

For more information, please visit the Clinical Psychology (PhD) program listing in the University Catalog.

Contact

If you have any general questions regarding the application process and requirements, please email or call us:
Office of Graduate Admissions
Email: graduate@montclair.edu
Telephone: 973-655-5147
Fax: 973-655-7869

If you have specific inquiries regarding your program of interest, please contact the Clinical Psychology (PhD) Program Coordinator:

Program Coordinator: Christopher M. King
Office: Dickson Hall 455
Email: gradclinical@montclair.edu
Telephone: 973‑655‑3325