Academics

Clinical Psychology

PhD • Doctoral

Clinical psychology student speaking with young child

The PhD Program in Clinical Psychology prepares doctoral students to become competent and highly skilled in the research and practice of clinical psychology, including in line with the profession-wide competency of individual and cultural diversity.

In emphasizing the integration of science and practice, this STEM-Designated Degree Program adheres to a training approach consistent with the scientist–practitioner model. Students can pursue areas of emphasis in clinical child psychology or forensic psychology.

Placement and Training

  • Students complete a minimum of six semesters of practicum (externship) before a full-year, full-time predoctoral internship
  • Practica and internship experiences are designed for students to apply didactic and theoretical training and build their profession-wide competencies in research; ethical and legal standards; individual and cultural diversity; professional values, attitudes, and behaviors; communication and interpersonal skills; assessment; intervention; supervision; and consultation and interprofessional/interdisciplinary skills
  • The Associate Director of Clinical Training coordinates students’ field placement experiences
  • Approved clinical supervisors provide specific and detailed evaluations of students’ clinical work

Fully accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA)’s Commission on Accreditation (CoA).

See the curriculum.

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Accreditation

The PhD Program in Clinical Psychology is fully accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA)’s Commission on Accreditation (CoA). Questions related to the program’s accreditation status should be directed to the Commission on Accreditation:

Office of Program Consultation and Accreditation
American Psychological Association
750 1st Street, NE, Washington, DC 20002
Phone: 202-336-5979 / E-mail: apaaccred@apa.org
Web: www.apa.org/ed/accreditation

Center for Clinical Services

The Center for Clinical Services is where your classroom learning comes to life. As a student in our PhD, master’s or certification programs, you’ll gain hands-on experience providing meaningful support to individuals, families and communities throughout New Jersey and the New York metropolitan area.

Working under the supervision of licensed psychologists and expert faculty, you’ll develop the clinical and research skills that set you apart as a future professional. From counseling and family therapy to workplace support and psychoeducational evaluations, you’ll engage with a wide range of clients and needs — preparing you to work confidently in diverse professional settings.

The Center gives you the opportunity to serve diverse populations while preparing for your professional future. Here, your training not only advances your expertise but also strengthens the well-being of the communities we serve.


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Admission Requirements

Admission is competitive. You must show strong preparation for doctoral-level training. The program and faculty aspires to bring together cohorts of students that represent a wide variety of lived experiences and perspectives. Applicants from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

  • Applicants with non-U.S. degrees: Please visit the international applicants page to review U.S. degree equivalency information.
  • A U.S. bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
  • A record of achievement showing promise for success in coursework, research, and clinical training
  • GPA
    • Minimum 3.0 if entering with a bachelor’s degree
    • Minimum 3.5 master’s GPA if entering with a master’s degree
    • Competitive applicants with a bachelor’s degree usually have:
      • Overall GPA: 3.2–3.5+
      • Psychology courses GPA: 3.5+
  • GRE
    • Not required (General or Psychology Subject Test)
    • Optional scores may be submitted
    • Competitive applicants typically score 50th percentile or higher on Quantitative and Verbal
  • Psychology background
    • Preferred: Bachelor’s or master’s degree in psychology (or related field)
    • Minimum: At least 15 psychology credits, including statistics and research methods if possible
    • If you did not major in psychology: strongly encouraged to submit GRE Psychology Subject Test scores

Application Checklist

  • Application Deadline: December 1st. For Fall admission only
  • Deposit Required: An enrollment deposit is required upon admission and will be applied to your first semester’s tuition.
  • Online Application: Submit application and $60 non-refundable fee (or waiver if applicable).
  • Transcript: One from each college attended.
  • Essay/Personal Statement: Submit one personal statement (two to three pages in length) that:
    • Articulates clearly, concisely, and in specific terms relevant academic, research, and psychology-related experiences and interests, as well as long-term career goals.
    • Highlights any additional strengths that make the you an excellent candidate for the program, as well as explain any areas of relative weakness in your application.
    • Explains the your reasons for applying to Montclair’s PhD Program in Clinical Psychology and indicates up to three faculty members with whom you would like to work and be mentored.
  • Writing Sample: Provide a sample that demonstrates your ability to write in a scientific and scholarly manner. Writing samples authored alone are preferred. Applicants who submit a co-authored writing sample are recommended to describe in their personal statement their specific contributions to that sample.
  • Letters of recommendation: Three, preferably from faculty familiar with your work.
  • Resume/CV: Required
  • Standardized test scores: GRE General Test and Psychology Subject Test (both optional).

Related Programs

The Department of Psychology offers two doctoral programs, three master’s degree programs with concentration options, one combined bachelor’s/master’s program, and two certification programs.



Questions? We’re Here to Help.

Office of Graduate Admissions

Get guidance on every step of the application process, from admission requirements and deadlines to transcripts, test scores and next steps toward enrollment. The Office of Graduate Admissions provides the information and resources needed to put forward a strong application.

Program Coordinator: Christopher M. King

Get detailed information about the program itself—from curriculum and faculty expertise to research, internships and career outcomes. The program coordinator can explain how the program connects to your academic and professional goals.

Next Steps

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