Psychology (Clinical) PhD

Overview

The Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology with an emphasis in Clinical Psychology is designed to develop a range of profession-wide competencies relevant to entry-level practice of health service psychology, as well as development of knowledge and advancement of psychological science through research activities. Our program trains evidence-based approaches to assessment and therapy of clinical problems across the lifespan, emphasizing cognitive and behavioral theoretical orientations. We offer generalist training with concentrations in Adult Clinical and Child Clinical. The Clinical Psychology program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of the American Psychological Association. Graduates are well prepared to conduct research, assessment, therapy, training, and supervision in academic, research, health service, clinical, and community settings. Students completing the doctoral degree program with an emphasis in Clinical Psychology will be eligible for licensure as a psychologist in the state of Mississippi. Students who intend to seek licensure in another state should verify that this program of study meets the desired state’s licensure requirements. For assistance with out-of-state licensure questions, please complete the Professional Licensure Form.

Admission Requirements

In addition to the requirements detailed in Admission Requirements and Procedures , applicants must submit the following documents:

1. Official GRE scores
2. Statement of Purpose - Applicants should pay particular attention to the instructions for writing the personal statement found in the online application. 
3. CV/Résumé
4. Three Letters of Recommendation

New students are admitted only for the fall semester. Applications received by December 1 each year will receive a full review for the following fall cohort. A student may be invited to come to campus for a personal interview as part of the application process. 

The School of Psychology values diversity; members of underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply.

Program Requirements and Academic Policies

In addition to the requirements detailed in General Degree Requirements  and General Academic Information , students must pass a criminal background check and maintain professional liability insurance for each semester enrolled in practicum/externship/internship.

Course Requirements (93 hours)

• PSY 607 - Ethics and Current Issues in Psychology 3 hrs.
• PSY 613 - Cultural Bases of Behavior 3 hrs.
• PSY 624 - Advanced Behavioral Neuroscience 3 hrs.

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• PSY 640 - Behavioral and Emotional Assessment of Children 3 hrs. or
• PSY 740 - Objective Personality Assessment 3 hrs.

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• PSY 641 - Adult Cognitive Assessment 3 hrs.
• PSY 661 - Research Evaluation in the Behavioral Sciences 3 hrs.

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• PSY 662 - Quantitative Methods I 3 hrs. or
• REF 762 - Quantitative Analysis II 3 hrs.

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• PSY 663 - Quantitative Methods II 3 hrs. or
• REF 830 - Multivariate Analysis 3 hrs.

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• PSY 679 - Advanced Developmental Psychology 3 hrs.
• PSY 698 - Thesis 1-6 hrs. (3 hrs. required)
• PSY 701 - Seminar in Teaching of Psychology 1 hr.
• PSY 716 - The Psychology of Cognition and Emotion 3 hrs.
• PSY 718 - History of Modern Psychology 3 hrs.
• PSY 734 - Child Behavior Therapy 3 hrs.
• PSY 736 - Introduction to Clinical Skills 3 hrs.
• PSY 742 - Empirically Supported Therapy for Adults 3 hrs.
• PSY 750 - Advanced Social Psychology 3 hrs.
• PSY 768 - Psychometric Theory 3 hrs.
• PSY 777 - Psychological Disorders of Childhood 3 hrs.
• PSY 780 - Advanced Psychopathology 3 hrs.
• PSY 782 - Clinical Psychology Practicum 1-3 hrs. (minimum of 8 semesters and 23 hrs.)
• PSY 881 - Internship in Clinical Psychology 1-3 hrs. (3 hrs. required)
• PSY 898 - Dissertation 1-12 hrs. (9 hrs. required)