Clinical Psychology — Admission Requirements

Please see the general statement of admission requirements for all graduate studies programs in the “Admissions” section of this publication, and the “Special Instructions for Applicants to Individual Programs” section at the back of this publication.

Students are admitted to the Clinical Psychology Program to work toward the PhD degree only; the program does not offer a terminal master’s degree. Applications are due in the Graduate Admissions Office of the University by December 1 for enrollment the following September. There are no spring semester admissions in the Clinical Psychology Program.

Students wishing to apply for admission to the program must complete the University of Massachusetts Boston Graduate Admission Application Form. Special attention should be paid to the personal statement, which should include all relevant background experience, academic interests, and professional goals. A copy of all application materials can be found at the back of this publication.

Students must also present the following:

• A minimum of 6 courses in psychology or a closely related social science field, including a course in statistics.

• Scores on the general aptitude (verbal, quantitative, and analytic) and advanced psychology sections of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE).

The Clinical Psychology Program is especially interested in receiving applications from individuals who have had background experience in some human service field, or have worked in a mental health setting, and who have had research experience. Highly qualified applicants who have a demonstrated commitment to a career serving the needs of urban populations will be given priority. In keeping with the mission of the University, and the particular emphases of the program, individuals from a variety of ethnic and minority backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply.

Another important criterion for admission is the fit between student research interests and the research interests of the faculty teaching in the program. During the admissions process, each student is matched with a research mentor, based on his or her research and clinical interests. The research mentor works closely with the student, helping to plan course work and select practicum opportunities, as well as guiding the student’s research training.

The admissions committee schedules interviews for all finalists, once applications have been reviewed. Interviews are considered an important part of the application process, and whenever possible are held on campus. The program expects to admit eight to ten students each year.