Earning your doctoral degree in psychology provides you with many job opportunities and a shot at earning a top salary in the field. It is a worthy educational goal that can “result a high level of personal and professional satisfaction. UCLA’s Clinical Psychology program is one of the largest, most selective, and most highly regarded in the country and aims to produce future faculty, researchers, and leaders in clinical science, who influence research, policy development, and practice.

In the United States, a Master’s degree is not required for admission to most PhD programs. It is possible and not unusual to be admitted to a PhD program straight out of undergrad.

Collegelearners affords you unrestricted access to a litany of valuable information on Palo Alto University clinical psychology, fully funded PhD programs in psychology in California, how much does it cost to get a PhD in clinical psychology, and so much more. Be sure to visit our catalog for more information on related topics.

phD psychology california

Students aspiring to become licensed clinical psychologists may choose one of two types of Doctorate in Clinical Psychology​ Programs: a Doctor of Psychology PsyD in Clinical Psychology or a Doctor of Philosophy PhD in Clinical Psychology. Earning a doctoral degree is a requisite for licensure and practice in clinical settings – so if you want to continue on this career path Clinical Psychology PhD Programs are right for you.

uCLA clinical psychology phD application

Admission requirements for both of these Doctorate in Clinical Psychology programs typically include a master’s degree in psychology or a closely related field, though some programs may admit students who hold a bachelor’s degree. In either case, foundational psychology coursework must be completed prior to doctoral program admission.

Both programs could take 5-7 years post-college to complete and then may require an internship and supervised practice before taking licensing exams.

What is PsyD Clinical Psychology?

Clinical psychology is the limb of psychology concerned with the assessment and treatment of mental illness, abnormal behavior and psychiatric problems. This field integrates the science of psychology with the management of complex human problems, making it a potentially exciting career choice for people who are looking for a challenging yet rewarding field.

Choosing a Clinical Psychology Doctorate Degree Program: Online or On-Campus

Students will want to consider which Clinical Psychology program format will work with their lifestyle – an online clinical psychology degree program may be convenient while many students choose a local campus-based program. You will want to look at the curriculum and consider specializations that might be relevant or the research experience of the faculty. Browse our directory and consider your options to find the Ph.D. or Psy.D. program that is the best fit for your goals and interest. Look for programs that are APA accredited.

PsyD in Clinical Psychology vs PhD Clinical Psychology

Students will want to consider their career goals before deciding on the type of clinical psychology doctorate degree to pursue. There are two types of clinical psychology doctorate programs that are accredited by the American Psychological Association: the PhD in Clinical Psychology and the PsyD in Clinical Psychology.

Both Psy.D. and Ph.D. degree programs in clinical psychology involve lecture-based courses, clinical practical experience and a dissertation project. While PsyD Clinical Psychology programs commonly emphasize clinical practice; Clinical Psychology PhD Programs are frequently more research-oriented. Nonetheless, students in both PsyD and PhD programs usually engage in clinical practica and internships.

Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology PsyD Programs

The Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) in Clinical Psychology is a practice-based graduate degree program that introduces students to a number of advanced clinical topics in the field. PsyD Clinical Psychology curriculum usually involves coursework specific to the field and practical clinical experience in medical centers. Students take seminar style courses to expand their knowledge base and may study topics such as:

• Behavioral neuroscience
• Cognitive behavior therapy
• Neuropsychological assessment
• Group psychotherapy
• Psychotherapy for children
• Mental illness
• Clinical skills
• Assessment and Intervention

Clinical Psychology PhD Programs in California

The Doctor of Philosophy PhD Clinical Psychology Programs are research-based graduate degree programs that introduce students to a wide range of advanced theoretical topics in the field. PhD in Clinical Psychology program curriculum emphasizes the scientific study of psychology, including related theories and methodologies and prepare students for a career in clinical psychology. Students in a clinical psychology Ph.D. program may study topics such as:

• Clinical research methods
• Theoretical aspects of clinical psychology
• Clinical psychology and statistics
• Psychodynamic psychology
• Psychopharmacology

Potential Career Paths in Clinical Psychology

There are different potential career paths for graduates, depending on which degree they have achieved. For instance, graduates of PsyD Clinical Psychology degree programs may work in a variety of settings, such as hospitals or community health centers. They may be qualified to pursue clinical-based careers; namely:

• Neuropsychology
• Forensic psychology
• Health psychology

Clinical Psychology PhD Programs

Graduates of a Clinical Psychology Ph.D. program may be qualified for a variety of potential clinical and academic careers. Most graduates pursue scholarly or researched-based careers; namely:

• College psychology professor
• Psychology statistician
• Substance abuse therapist
• Pediatric psychologist

california clinical psychology phD programs

Career	Degree
Clinical Psychologist	PsyD Clinical Psychology
Industrial Psychologist	PsyD Clinical Psychology
Private Practice Clinical Psychologist	Clinical Psychology PsyD
Military Clinical Psychologist	PsyD in Clinical Psychology
School Clinical Psychologist	PsyD Clinical Psychology
Clinical Psychology College Professor	PhD Clinical Psychology
Health Psychologist	PhD in Clinical Psychology
Trauma Psychology	Clinical Psych PhD
Clinical Scientist	PhD in Clinical Psychology
Psychological Profiling	PhD Clinical Psychology

Choose a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology Program in California

If you would like to prepare yourself with for multiple potential careers in clinical psychology, GradSchools.com can help graduate students find programs that aligns with your goals; start reviewing your choices for PsyD Clinical Psychology and PhD Programs in Clinical Psychology Programs today!

Sources: onetonline.org/link/summary/19-3031.02 | bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/psychologists.htm | bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/postsecondary-teachers.htm | apa.org

uC berkeley clinical psychology phD

University of California (Berkeley)

2115 Milvia Street, Berkley, California 94704, (510) 642-3589, berkley.edu

The University of California was founded in 1868, while the Berkley campus was enacted near the San Francisco Bay. U.C. Berkeley is considered a premier university that occupies a 1,232-acre campus, and contains 36,204 students (i.e. 25,951 undergraduates and 10,253 graduate students). During the 2012/2013 year, 7,774 bachelor degrees, 2,198 master degrees, and 1,304 doctorates were issued to students. The most popular degrees are: electrical engineering & computer sciences, economics, political science, business administration, and psychology. Moreover, the Berkley campus produces more Ph.D.’s than any other U.S. university. Approximately 64% of undergraduates receive some form of financial aid. In addition, UC Berkley boasts 30 men’s and women’s intercollegiate squads.

Clinical Psychology Graduate Program

A clinical psychology degree is only offered at the graduate levels (master and doctorate). The goal of this program is to help students successfully enter the mental health field. The academic year is divided into two semesters (late August to in mid-May). Summer is usually a time for research, special studies, and/or for additional clinical experiences. Normally students take 12-15 units of credit (total) each semester. It typically takes between 3 and 6 years to complete the program, which includes a thesis/dissertation (research paper) and internship. The tuition cost/fees for this program is: $37,940 (in-state) and $53,042 (out-of-state), per year.

Admission Requirements

• Graduate Record Exam (GRE) scores (Verbal 162, Quantitative 158, and Analytical Writing 5)
• GPA (3.5 to 4.0)
• Statement of Purpose
• Research experience
• Outstanding letters of recommendation
• Transcript
• Application & Application fee
• CV/Resume

Course Curriculum

Credits range from 1 credit to 6 credits, per course.

Some of the courses that you may take, while in your clinical psychology graduate program:

• History and Systems
• Biological Aspects of Behavior
• Cognitive and Affective Aspects of Behavior
• Social Aspects of Behavior
• Human Development
• Individual Differences in Behaviors.

phD clinical psychology programs in southern california

University of Southern California (Los Angeles)

3550 Trousdale Parkway, Los Angeles, California 90089, (213) 740-2543, usc.edu

University of Southern California – Los Angeles is a private, research-based educational institution that was founded in 1880. Its main campus is located in downtown Los Angeles, California (UCLA). It is often called USC, and it is one of California’s oldest universities. It boasts the largest number of international students, and in 2011, it was named one of the Top 10 Dream Colleges in the United States. Approximately 21,642 graduate and professional students attended USC during the 2012-2013 academic years. The most popular majors are: business, law, social work, psychology, and medicine. The majority of undergraduate and graduate students receive financial aid.

Clinical Psychology Graduate Program

USC only offers a doctorate level (Ph.D.) clinical psychology degree. The goal of this program is to help students learn the tools and skills needed to become successfully college instructors, researchers, and/or clinical psychologists. The academic year is divided into two semesters (fall and spring). Most students take between 12 and 16 units of credit each semester. It typically takes between 3 and 6 years to complete the program, which includes a thesis/dissertation (research paper), and internship. The tuition cost/fees for this program is: $43,722 (in-state) and $59,883 (out-of-state), per year.

Admission Requirements

• Graduate Record Exam scores
• Research and/or counseling experience
• Three excellent letters of recommendation
• GPA (3.0 or higher)
• Personal Statement
• A B.A. or B.S. (in any field)
• Transcript
• Application & Application fee
• CV/Resume

Course Curriculum

Course credits range from 1 credit to 6 credits, per class.

Some of the courses that you may take, while in your clinical psychology graduate program:

• Elementary Statistics
• Research Methods
• Biological Foundations (i.e. Comparative Psychology, Behavioral Neuroscience, Sensation and Perception, Learning and Memory, Cognitive Psychology, or Motivation and Emotion)
• Developmental, Social, and Personality Foundations (i.e. Developmental Psychology, Social Psychology, Abnormal Psychology, Personality)
• Cognitive Foundations (i.e. Learning, Memory, and Intelligence).

San Diego State University

5500 Campanile Drive, San Diego, California 92182, (619) 594-5358, sdsu.edu

Clinical Psychology Graduate Program

A clinical psychology degree is only offered at doctoral level (Ph.D.). The goal of this program is to teach students how to take the skills they have acquired, and the tools they have been offered, and successfully apply them to their careers. The academic year is divided into two semesters (fall and spring). Typically students take between 9 and 12 units of credit each semester, and it normally takes between 3 and 6 years to complete the program, which includes a dissertation (research paper), and internship. The tuition cost/fees for this program is: $20, 540 (in-state) and $27,236 (out-of-state), per year. Graduate students can borrow up to $8,500, per year, in financial aid. The school also offers a variety of scholarships.

Admission Requirements

• Graduate Record Exam scores
• GPA (3.0 or higher)
• A B.A. or B.S. (in any field)
• Transcript
• Application & Application fee

Course Curriculum

Course credits range from 1 to 3 credits, per class, although some are 4 credits.

Some of the courses that you may take, while in your clinical psychology graduate program:

• Experimental Design
• Clinical Interventions II
• Assessment II
• Independent Study
• Clinical Practicum
• Doctoral Research