Psychology - Clinical
PhD
Application Deadlines
Fall:December 1
Contact Information: 
1097 KMBL
801-422-4560
rachelle.gunderson@byu.edu
Website
Program Requirements: 

The clinical psychology training program at Brigham Young University leads to the PhD degree and is fully accredited by the Commission on Accreditation. (Information on accreditation can be obtained from the Commission on Accreditation, 202-336-5979, or the Office of Program Consultation and Accreditation, American Psychological Association, 750 First Street, NE Washington, DC 20002-4242, or at www.apa.org/ed/accreditation/.) This program is designed to be completed in five years, including a one-year, full-time internship at an approved agency. Candidates with varied backgrounds who have strong academic and clinical promise are encouraged to apply.

The philosophy of the clinical training program adheres to the scientist-practitioner model. Training focuses on academic and research competence as well as theory and practicum experience necessary to develop strong clinical skills.

The program at Brigham Young University is eclectic in its theoretical approach, drawing from a wide range of theories and orientations in an attempt to give broad exposure to a diversity of traditional and innovative, empirically-supported approaches. Cognitive-behavioral and behavioral approaches are well-represented, in addition to interpersonal (including psychodynamic and objects relations), family systems, emotion-focused, mindfulness-based and compassion-focused orientations. All students receive a basic core of training in adult clinical psychology. They may also elect to complete a Major Area of Study in (1) Clinical Child, Adolescent, and Family Psychology, (2) Clinical Neuropsychology, or (3) Clinical Health Psychology.
 

Requirements for Degree.

  • The program requires the development of broad competencies described in the Clinical Psychology PhD Program Handbook and the Practicum Handbook. Thus, the program is not merely a series of courses and experiences. In addition to the requirements listed below, the student must demonstrate competence to advance through the various phases of the degree program, including the year-long predoctoral internship and clearance for graduation. 
  • Credit hours (100 minimum; B grade or better in each class).
  • Research requirements: 6 hours of graduate data analysis (Psych 501, 502); 3 hours of research methods (Psych 504); 18 hours of dissertation (Psych 799R).
  • General core courses: 3 hours of biological bases of behavior (Psych 585); 6 hours of social-cultural bases of behavior (Psych 550, 645); 3 hours of cognitive-affective bases of behavior (Psych 575); 3 hours of human development (Psych 520); 3 hours of history and systems (Psych 510).
  • Clinical core courses: 3 hours of ethics and professional issues (Psych 609); 6 hours of assessment (Psych 622, 623); 9 hours of psychotherapy (Psych 651, 652, and one of the following: 653, 654, 656; 3 hours of psychopathology (Psych 611).
  • Clinical practica: 20 hours of clinic practica (Psych 741R); 2 hours of externships/clerkships (Psych 688R); 3 hours of case conferences (Psych 740R); 3 hours of pre-doctoral internship (Psych 745, 746, 747, and 748).
  • Major Areas of Study: a sequence of elective courses may be taken in the following Major Areas of Study: Clinical Child, Adolescent, and Family Psychology; Clinical Neuropsychology; Clinical Health Psychology.
  • Master's thesis (Psych 699R; 6 hours).
  • Dissertation (including a manuscript in a form suitable for submission for publication appended to the dissertation).
  • Internship: One-year pre-doctoral internship in a setting approved by the clinical director. 
  • Examinations: (a) comprehensive examinations in first, second, and third years; (b) oral defense of master's thesis; (c) oral defense of dissertation prospectus; and (d) oral defense of dissertation.

For additional information about the program, please contact Rachelle Gunderson, Graduate Program Manager, at Rachelle.Gunderson@byu.edu or (801) 422-4050.

Admission Requirements: 

Required Tests

GRE General Test is Required for Fall 2021 Admission
GRE Psychology Subject Test is Not Required

Admission Requirements:

  • Bachelor's Degree: Psychology degree preferred, but not required
  • Prerequisite undergraduate courses: General Psychology, Abnormal Psychology, Psychological Statistics, Research Design, Personality, and Learning or Cognition. Deficiencies can be completed after admission to the program and prior to the beginning of Fall Semester.
  • Application: Personal Information, Statement of Intent, Transcripts, 3 Letters of Recommendation, Resume/Vita, Automated Video Interview

Additional Requirements

  • Please indicate in the application a faculty mentor whose research program is most closely aligned with your career goals. You will have the ability to specify up to three potential faculty mentors in the application.
  • Virtual interviews with finalists will be held in January
  • Finalists will be invited to an optional Open House campus visit following virtual interviews. Admission decisions will not be contingent upon attending Open House. 
  • A background check will be required after the start of the program before a student is permitted to see clients.
Program Outcomes: 


Professional and Ethical Practice

Engage in psychological practice with attitudes and behaviors that are ethical, driven by science and the welfare of affected individuals, respectful and tolerant of diversity, and critically self-evaluative.

Critical Thinking and Effective Communication

Students will demonstrate intellectual sophistication that exemplifies critical thought, analytical reasoning, a strong basis in psychological knowledge, and effective communication skills.

Psychology Fundamentals

Be able to demonstrate a strong foundation in the broader field of psychological knowledge.

Clinical Skills and Area Competencies

Be able to demonstrate broad knowledge and clinical skill in the areas of psychopathology, psychological evaluation, and psychological intervention.

Research Skills and Analysis

Use research skills, including statistical skills, research methodology, framing of psychological questions, and critical analysis, to evaluate published research.

Mental Health Research and Education

Be able to conduct research, education, and mental health service delivery.

Professional Development

Students will continue the development of their professional skills and contribution to society by gaining licensure, securing employment, and participating in professional organizations.