Clinical Psychology PhD

Degree Awarded: Doctor of Philosophy (PHD)
Minimum Required Credits: 72.0
Co-op Option: None
Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) code: 42.2799
Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) code: 19-3031, 19-3032, 19-3039

About the Program

The PhD program in Clinical Psychology is a scientist-practitioner program that is fully accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA). The program places equal emphasis on clinical research and the application of scientific principles. It encompasses five years of full-time study and provides graduate students with a strong foundation in relevant psychological theory, experience in the practice of psychological assessment and intervention and in conducting meaningful clinical research, and opportunities to develop teaching competencies.

In addition to broad clinical training, the program offers students the option to elect one of three major areas of study: Clinical Child Psychology, Forensic Psychology, and Health Psychology. Completion of a major area of study entails focused coursework, research, and clinical practicum experiences allowing students to develop specialized knowledge in a clinical area of their choosing.

The program begins annually in the fall; classes are scheduled for the fall and spring terms only. The program admits full-time students only and coursework is required in years one through four of the degree program. It is designed to be completed in five years, although students who enter with a master’s degree may be able to complete all requirements in shorter period of time. Students are expected to work in 12-month practicum placements in years two through four. A pre-doctoral internship is typically conducted in year five. Students who enter the program with a bachelor's degree earn a Master of Science (MS) degree while matriculating in the program. This typical occurs following the completion of two years of coursework and the successful defense of their master's thesis.

Following graduation, students are successful at securing postdoctoral fellowships and employment. Nearly all students seek licensure to practice psychology, and many seek board certification. Graduates of the program are employed in a multitude of settings, including academic medical centers and psychology departments, private practice, and government organizations, including Veterans Affairs Health Centers and both state and federal judicial systems (e.g., Department of Corrections).

Drexel’s clinical psychology PhD program offers many unique opportunities for students. First, via a mentor-based training model, students work alongside the faculty member of their choosing, completing cutting edge, clinically focused research. Second, the department houses a psychological services training clinic, where students provide intervention and assessment services to individuals across the lifespan from the surrounding community. Finally, Drexel offers an accelerated training model, in which students are in residence for four years prior to completing their fifth year of training as a full-time intern at training sites around the country.

Additional Information

For more information, please contact the College of Arts and Sciences

Admission Requirements

Admission to clinical psychology Ph.D. programs is highly competitive. Drexel’s strong international reputation and high quality training result in the receipt of a large volume of applications (500-600) every year for fewer than 10 places.

The most successful applicants have strong academic records, as evidenced by GRE scores, strength of undergraduate institution, and GPA (3.5 or greater is preferred).

In addition, we look for outstanding letters of recommendation (from doctoral-level academic, research-oriented psychologists, if possible), high-quality research experience, and a statement of purpose that convinces us an applicant is an excellent match for one or more of our research groups.

Degree Requirements

For students who enter with a bachelor's degree, program requirements are as follows:

For students who enter with a master's degree, program requirements are as follows:

Program Learning Outcomes