clinical psychology phd programs chicago

• English Language Programs
• Postdoctoral Affairs
• Training Grant Support
• Request Information

THE GRADUATE SCHOOL

• Academic Programs
• Explore Programs

Clinical Psychology

• MA Requirements
• PhD Requirements

Learn more about the program by visiting the Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences

See related Interdisciplinary Clusters and Certificates

Degree Types: MA, PhD

The PhD Program in Clinical Psychology within the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine is one of only a handful of programs in the United States based in an academic medical center and housed in a psychiatry department. This unique setting provides opportunities for translational research and practice that span molecular to social models of disease, and epidemiologic to clinical and neuroimaging methodologies.

This scientist-practitioner program effectively balances clinical and research training to produce graduates who are competent in the science and practice of clinical psychology. The PhD program also provides opportunities for major areas of study within clinical psychology, including Adult Clinical Psychology, Behavioral Medicine or Clinical Health Psychology, Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology, Clinical Neuropsychology, and Forensic Psychology. Training is provided through core and emphasis-specific curricula, intensive research mentoring, and exceptional clinical practica. Major milestones include a research qualifying paper and master's thesis, a clinical qualifying exam, an empirical dissertation with original research, and an APA-accredited clinical internship.

Our mentor-based program prepares students to be competitive for careers as clinical psychologists in academic health centers, children's hospitals, VA medical centers, and related medical facilities.

The Clinical Psychology Master of Arts (MA) Program within the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine is intended for students interested in pursuing a career in academic clinical psychology. The MA program is designed to provide a foundation in academic clinical psychology at the graduate level, while also allowing students to gain educational and research exposure to major areas of study within clinical psychology, including Adult Clinical Psychology, Behavioral Medicine or Clinical Health Psychology, Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology, Clinical Neuropsychology, and Forensic Psychology. 

The goals of the MA Program in Clinical Psychology are to:

• Develop foundational competencies in research design, analytics, and ethics within academic clinical psychology.
• Explore major areas of study within academic clinical psychology.
• Understand educational and career opportunities within academic clinical psychology.

Note: the MA Program in Clinical Psychology does not include clinical training and is not intended to prepare students for clinical practice. Given the academic and research focus of the MA Program, the degree will not lead to licensure for independent practice.  For those interested in master's level programs that prepare students for licensure and practice, please visit the  MA in Counseling website , the  MS in Marriage and Family Therapy website  and  The Family Institute website . 

The MA Program in Clinical Psychology was designed for a variety of students, including students who:

• Are not yet ready to apply to a PhD program, but are considering doing so in the future.
• Wish to improve their competitiveness for a PhD program.
• Are interested in exploring a career in academic clinical psychology.
• With interests in related fields for which a background in academic clinical psychology may be of value.

The MA Program is embedded in the Clinical Psychology PhD Program, with coursework and lab work completed alongside PhD students. Although students in the MA Program are welcome to apply to Northwestern's PhD Program in Clinical Psychology, the MA Program is not intended to be a "gateway" into the PhD Program in Clinical Psychology at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine.

Additional resources:

• Department Website
• Pro gram Handbook

Program Statistics

Visit Master's Program Statistics and PhD Program Statistics for statistics such as program admissions, enrollment, student demographics and more.

Program Contact

Contact Sarah Bratta Program Coordinator

Degree Requirements

The following requirements are in addition to, or further elaborate upon, those requirements outlined in  The Graduate School Policy Guide .

MA Degree Requirements

Total Units Required: 17

The MA program requires at least 17 units for graduation across five (5) quarters (15 months) of full-time enrollment; part-time and early graduation is not permitted. Students are required to take the Research Core, including Research Methods/Statistics (3 units), Advanced Research Methodology (1 unit), and Scientific and Professional Ethics in Psychology (1 unit). In addition to these required courses, students are expected to select between five to eight elective courses across the Summer I, Fall, Winter, Spring, and/or Summer II quarters. Elective courses can include Discipline Specific Knowledge and Profession Wide Competency courses, as well as courses in one or more Major Areas of Study. 

In addition to the Research Core and Elective courses, all MA students participate in the weekly Professional Development Seminar for the first four quarters of the MA Program. This Seminar orients students to the MA program, introduces students to various mentors and labs across Northwestern, explores career options in academic clinical psychology, refines interests in academic clinical psychology, and prepares students for the next steps in their careers (e.g., developing applications for PhD programs; preparing for interviews). 

Other MA Degree Requirements

• Research/Projects:  In addition to completion of the coursework requirements, students engage in a Research Lab Experience for at least 10 hours a week.
• Master's Thesis :   Optional (see below)
• Master’s Culminating Academic Experience:  Through the Research Lab Experience, the student will work with her or his research mentor to complete a Capstone Project. The Capstone Project is the culmination of the Research Lab Experience provided by the research mentor, providing the final evaluation of the student’s research competencies. Examples of capstone projects include: Substantial participation (i.e., authorship level) on one or more empirical studies submitted for publication in a peer-reviewed journal. First author submission of one or more peer-reviewed poster/oral presentations at regional, national, or international conferences. A comprehensive review paper that is submitted to and graded by the research mentor. A grant proposal (e.g., F31 style) that is submitted to and graded by the research mentor.  

Last Updated: September 12, 2023

PhD Degree Requirements

Total Units Required: 30

Other PhD Degree Requirements

• Examinations:  defense of a research paper and a clinical qualifying project serving as examination for admission to candidacy
• Research/Projects:  independent, empirical research study completed in fulfillment of the research qualifying paper
• PhD Dissertation:  original research following third year of coursework
• Final Evaluations:  oral defense of dissertation

Clinical Psychology PhD Program

Founded on a scientist-practitioner model, the overall goal of the Clinical Psychology PhD Program is to graduate academic psychologists who are competent, ethical and productive in the science and practice of clinical psychology. Our program emphasizes the integration of science and clinical practice.

Directors' Message Student Admissions, Outcomes & Other Data Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Social Justice

How to Apply

Learn more about the criteria for applying to the program as well as tuition and financial aid.

Our curriculum is structured to maximize clinical, research and ethical training for students.

Meet Our Team

Meet our current students and their faculty mentors. Each student works closely with a faculty member throughout their tenure at Northwestern. Browse the Faculty Mentor list to learn more about their research projects and see who is currently recruiting new students.

Current Students    Faculty Mentors

JD-PhD Program

Northwestern's joint JD-PhD program  is a collaboration between The Graduate School and Northwestern Law. It's designed for applicants who are interested in academic careers examining research topics that are enriched by having both JD and PhD degrees.

Visit the JD-PhD Website

Questions about the PhD program? Find out more.

Read the FAQ

How to Contact Us

To contact the PhD Program in Clinical Psychology, please email us at [email protected] .

Please DO NOT call the number below as it will go to our clinic; it is reserved for patients. Please DO NOT call any other numbers that you may find within the Feinberg School of Medicine. We will only respond to emails that are sent to the following email address: [email protected] . Please DO NOT  contact via phone or email the MD Admissions Office; they are not involved in the admissions process for the PhD program in Clinical Psychology. 

Follow Psychiatry on Twitter

• Support LUC
• Directories
• KRONOS Timecard
• Employee Self-Service
• Password Self-service
• Academic Affairs
• Advancement
• Admission: Adult B.A.
• Admission: Grad/Prof
• Admission: International
• Admission: Undergrad
• Alumni Email
• Alumni Relations
• Arrupe College
• Bursar's Office
• Campus Ministry
• Career Centers
• Center for Student Assistance and Advocacy
• Colleges and Schools
• Commencement
• Conference Services
• Continuing Education
• Course Evaluations IDEA
• Cuneo Mansion & Gardens
• Dining Services
• Diversity and Inclusion
• Emeriti Faculty Caucus
• Enterprise Learning Hub
• Executive and Professional Education
• Faculty Activity System
• Financial Aid
• Human Resources
• IBHE Institutional Complaint System
• Information Technology Services
• Institute of Environmental Sustainability
• Learning Portfolio
• Loyola Health App
• Loyola University Chicago Retiree Association (LUCRA)
• Madonna della Strada Chapel
• Media Relations
• Navigate Staff
• Office of First Year Experience
• Office of Institutional Effectiveness
• President's Office
• Rambler Buzz
• Registration and Records
• Residence Life
• Retreat & Ecology Campus
• Rome Center
• Security/Police
• Staff Council
• Student Achievement
• Student Consumer Information
• Student Development
• Study Abroad
• Summer Sessions
• University Policies
• Writing Center

Loyola University Chicago

Department of psychology, program information, financial assistance, program requirements.

• Statistics (two courses)
• Research Methods
• History and Systems of Psychology
• Biological Aspects of Behavior
• Social Aspects of Behavior
• Cognitive Aspects of Behavior
• Affective Aspects of Behavior
• Developmental Aspects of Behavior
• A course that integrates across at least two of the above (e.g., Social Development)
• Evidence-Based Practice in Clinical Psychology
• Intellectual and Personality Testing
• Introduction to the Profession of Clinical Psychology
• Psychopathology
• Practicum in Psychotherapy
• Ethics and Professional Practice
• Human Diversity
• One advanced therapy course
• One advanced assessment course
• Child Psychopathology
• Child Psychotherapy
• Child Assessment
• Family Therapy
• Trauma-Informed Interventions for Children and Adolescents
• Neuropsychological Assessment
• Health Psychology
• Psychopharmacology
• Adolescence
• Structural Equation Modeling

Supervised Clinical Experience

• Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center
• Alexian Brothers Neuroscience Institute
• DePaul University Family and Community Services
• Pediatric Development Center
• Frances Xavier Warde Schools
• Hines VA Hospital
• Jesse Brown VA Hospital
• NorthShore Hospital
• Loyola Medical Center
• Mount Sinai Hospital
• Rush University Medical Center
• Shriner's Hospitals for Children
• University of Chicago Medical Center
• University of Illinois Chicago
• A. I. duPont Hospital for Children
• Baylor College of Medicine
• Brown University Medical School
• Canvas Health
• Children's Hospital of Philadelphia
• Children's Mercy Hospital
• Harvard Medical School/Massachusetts General hospital
• Indiana University Medical School
• Indianapolis University School of Medicine
• Jesse Brown VA Hospital in Chicago
• Judge Baker's/Boston Children's Hospital
• Kaiser-Permanente in Los Angeles
• Lurie Children's Hospital in Chicago
• Nationwide Children's Hospital
• Northwestern University Medical School
• Lucile Packard Children's Hospital at Stanford
• Texas Child Study Center
• University of Minnesota Medical School
• University of Texas Health Science Center
• University of Washington Medical School
• USC/ Children's Hospital of Los Angeles
• University of Wisconsin, Madison - Psychiatry
• VA Medical Center, Minneapolis
• VA Medical Center Center, West Los Angeles

Examinations

Child-clinical subspecialty.

• In addition to the basic program course requirements, students in this track must take the following courses: Social Development, Cognitive Development, Child Psychopathology, Child Assessment, Child Psychotherapy.
• Students must complete a dissertation directly related to child, adolescent, or family issues. Also, at least one faculty member from the child track must serve on each student's Thesis and Dissertation Committees.
• Following the second year psychotherapy practicum, students must complete an advanced externship focusing primarily on work with children, adolescents, and/or families.
• Students are required to complete an internship where at least 33% of one's time is spent working with child, adolescent, or family clients

Neuropsychology Module

• In addition to the basic program course requirements, students in this track must take the following courses: Neuropsychology, Neuropsychological Assessment, and Psychopharmacology.
• Following the second year psychotherapy practicum, students must complete an advanced externship focusing primarily on clinical neuropsychological assessment of adults and/or children.
• Students are required to complete an internship where a significant portion of one's training is in the practice of clinical neuropsychology.

Student Committees

• Undergraduate
• Graduate/ Professional
• Adult Education

Clinical Psychology PhD/MA

The Division of Psychology within the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences offers a doctoral degree (PhD) in clinical psychology that has been continuously accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA) since 1972.

Our program has the advantage of our interdepartmental and interdisciplinary placement within Northwestern University to offer students a true balance of research and clinical training.”

Jason Washburn, PhD, ABPP Director of Graduate Studies

Founded on a scientist-practitioner model, the overall goal of the Clinical Psychology PhD Program is to graduate academic psychologists who are competent, ethical and productive in the science and practice of clinical psychology. Our program emphasizes the integration of science and clinical practice.

Program Length: 5-6 years

Program Size: 4-6 students per year

An MA program is embedded in the Clinical Psychology PhD Program, with coursework and lab work completed alongside PhD students. Although students in the MA program are welcome to apply to the PhD program, the MA program is not intended to be a "gateway" into the PhD program. 

Visit PhD Program Site   Apply Visit MA Program Site Give to the Program

Eligibility and Program Requirements

Your browser is unsupported

We recommend using the latest version of IE11, Edge, Chrome, Firefox or Safari.

College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

The UIC Department of Psychology offers an APA-accredited doctoral training program in clinical psychology. The mission of the division of clinical psychology is to educate innovative research-oriented scholars. Following the Boulder Model/scientist-practitioner approach to training, we emphasize the integration of research and clinical work to produce leading researchers who will advance theory, research, and application in the areas of assessment, treatment, and the prevention of psychopathology. Within this context, practicum training provides experiences that enable students to learn evidenced based assessment and treatment approaches, as well as strategies for the prevention of behavioral problems and the promotion of health. Our educational philosophy emphasizes a scientific and socially responsible approach to clinical psychology, including a sensitivity to ethical issues as well as gender, ethnic, and cultural diversity. Whereas we offer intensive and rich clinical training experiences to our doctoral students, we do not aim to train students for careers in private practice or full-time service delivery. Consistent with this philosophy, our program is also a member of the  Academy of Psychological Clinical Science .

Our program espouses a mentorship model of training emphasizing intensive individual attention. Opportunities exist for research, training, and collaboration in health psychology, prevention, statistics, psychology and law, addictive behaviors, adult and adolescent psychopathology, and school-family programming to promote children’s social, emotional, and academic learning. Also, there are opportunities for research on issues including psychotic disorders, autism, mood and anxiety disorders, treatment outcome, smoking cessation, and HIV/AIDS. Clinical faculty members and clinical affiliates utilize a range of exciting and state-of-the-art research methods, including psychophysiological assessment, ecological momentary assessment, fMRI, PET, eye movement studies, randomized clinical trials, and longitudinal designs, to name but a few. Participant research samples are also diverse in nature across studies, including nicotine dependent adolescents and adults, clinical samples, including those with major psychotic disorders, major depression, anxiety disorders, patients with HIV/AIDS, and preschool to high school students and teachers in urban and suburban schools.

The UIC Department of Psychology maintains an outpatient clinic called the  Office of Applied Psychological Services (OAPS) . OAPS functions as a training, research, and service facility; clinical students conduct diagnostic psychological assessment and individual or group therapy, under the supervision of licensed clinical psychologists. We espouse an evidence-based practice approach to the training of clinical scientists. As such, we provide clinical training opportunities in psychological treatments that have received ample empirical scrutiny and support. Subsequent to training at OAPS, clinical skills continue to be acquired through supervised practica in a wide variety of settings, both on and off campus.

We emphasize and value transdisciplinary approaches to the study of clinical science and actively promote collaborative approaches to research. As such, our students have access to a wide variety of research and clinical facilities both within and outside the Department of Psychology. These include UIC Center for Cognitive Medicine, the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL), UIC Institute for Juvenile Research, UIC Department of Psychiatry, UIC's affiliated programs on developmental disabilities. Rush University Medical Center, Jesse Brown VA Hospital, Edward Hines Jr. VA hospital, and University of Chicago Department of Psychiatry.   Additional facilities throughout the Chicago area include several community mental health centers, community organizations, other university-based hospitals and clinics, and private hospitals and clinics.

We select students who have the greatest potential for, and commitment to careers as research oriented scientist-practitioners. In addition to strong records of academic achievement, reflected in high undergraduate GPAs and GREs, we look for a record of research accomplishments and a demonstrated commitment to pursue careers in research settings. Further, we attempt to recruit an incoming class that is geographically and culturally diverse. In addition, we select students who have interests in the content areas that match the research themes represented among the Clinical faculty. We invite 10-20 of the most highly qualified applicants to a Department-wide Visitation Day which includes meetings with current students, prospective advisors, and other faculty. The program also includes presentations on faculty research as well as an overview of the curriculum, a tour of the clinic, and a lunch meeting with current students. The purpose of the interview event is for applicants to become clearly aware of our program's goals and expectations and for faculty to assess the likely promise of the applicants and their match to the program. The 'Student Characteristics' link (see left navigation bar under the Clinical Division) provides information regarding numbers of applications and GRE scores of current students.

The Clinical program has been APA accredited continuously since 1974.Questions regarding accreditation may be addressed to the Directors of Clinical Training, Margaret Wardle, PhD, ( [email protected] ).  Further questions regarding the accreditation status of the Clinical Psychology Area may be directed in writing to the Office of Program Consultation and Accreditation of the American Psychological Association, 750 First Street NE, Washington, DC 20002 or by telephone to (202) 336-5979. E-mail:  [email protected].   https://www.apa.org/ed/accreditation

Directors of Clinical Training Margaret Wardle, PhD, ( [email protected] ) Assistant Professor 312-413-5564

Academic Resources

• Academic Calendar
• Academic Catalog
• Academic Success
• BlueM@il (Email)
• Campus Connect
• DePaul Central
• Desire2Learn (D2L)

Campus Resources

• Campus Security
• Campus Maps

University Resources

• Technology Help Desk

Information For

• Alumni & Friends
• Current Students
• Faculty & Staff
• Undergraduate
• Combined Degree Program
• Degree Requirements
• Community Track
• Child Track

Admission Requirements

• Community Psychology (MA/PhD)
• Community Psychology (MS)
• Industrial-Organizational Psychology (MA/PhD)
• Psychological Science (MA/PhD)
• Research Psychology (MS)
• Community Development Certificate
• Class Search
• Student Resources
• Certificate Programs
• Admission & Aid
• Request Info
• Apply Online
• Visit Campus

College of Science and Health > Academics > Psychology > Graduate Programs > Clinical Psychology (MA/PhD)

Clinical Psychology (MA/PhD)

Be a leader and an advocate.

DePaul’s Clinical Psychology MA/PhD program emphasizes training in both scientific research and practice and has been recognized by the APA for training in diversity. You’ll gain a deep understanding of the societal and systemic forces that influence mental health and contribute to disparities in access to adequate health care for poor, urban and ethnically diverse populations. You’ll be prepared to work in the public sector, in an urban environment, with diverse ethnic and socio-economic populations, and with children, teens and families who have been traditionally underserved by psychology.

Applications are due December 1st. 

Choose from two areas of emphasis:

• The community track emphasizes training in prevention, program development, consultation, empowerment and health promotion.
• The child track focuses on developmental psychopathology and treatment of underserved youth in schools and community settings.

The Clinical Psychology MA/PhD is a combined degree. The MA is non-terminal, and the program admits only students intending to earn the PhD. Classes are offered on the Lincoln Park Campus, and this program can be completed in five or six years.

Get a closer look at what it’s like to be in the program. See our Student Admission, Outcomes and Other Data ,  Program Manual ,  Program Highlights ,  Faculty Diversity Manuscripts and Timeline . See our department's DEI website for more information.

Hone your skills at DePaul’s own clinic and in greater Chicago

You will receive extensive training while making an impact in the community. Through DePaul’s in-house clinic, you’ll have opportunities to provide mental health services to local families with diverse ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds. You’ll also gain advanced experience in a number of settings in the Chicago area, such as Howard Brown Health Center, Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center and John H. Stroger Jr. Hospital of Cook County.

Application Deadlines

Submit an online application, GRE scores, official transcripts, course history form, letters of recommendation and a personal statement.

Required Courses

To earn the master’s, you’ll take 20 courses and complete a practicum and thesis. You’ll then take three core PhD courses and three courses in your area of emphasis, complete two practica, an internship and a dissertation.

of Clinical Psychology graduates were employed, continuing their education or pursuing other goals within six months of graduation.

DePaul’s Clinical Psychology program has received three APA awards—two focused on overall excellence in training and one focused on diversity.

Learn with respected contributors and mentors

Professor Antonio Polo and his students conduct research that addresses youth depression and the needs of early adolescents. Their team works on a coping skills program called Act and Adapt that helps young students learn to handle stress, improve their mood and gain control. They partner with school districts to train and support counselors, social workers and psychologists to deliver this program at dozens of Chicago schools.

“DePaul provided me with opportunities to build my research and teaching portfolio while I was a graduate student in ways that absolutely set me apart when I went on the academic job market. As the director of a sliding-scale community mental health training clinic serving sexual and gender minority clients, I am frequently grateful for the ways my current role supports continued practice of the Vincentian values that were so central to my experience at DePaul.”

Liz (MA/PhD ’19)

Assistant professor & director, sexual and gender identities clinic, palo alto university.

Alumni Network

You’ll join a network of psychology alumni working in corporate and nonprofit settings and at colleges and universities around the country. You’ll also join a community of more than 201,000 DePaul alumni, the majority of whom live in the Chicago area.

DePaul’s APA-accredited clinical psychology doctoral program trains students in a scientist-practitioner model.

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 Education Directorate 750 1st Street, NE, Washington, DC 20002 Phone: (202) 336-5979 Email: [email protected] Web: https://www.apa.org/ed/accreditation

Scholarships

All entering students receive a full-tuition waiver and a stipend for the first five years of study.

Contact Information

For more information about applying, contact The Office of Graduate Admission for DePaul’s College of Science and Health at (773) 325-7315 or [email protected] .

Take the next step

We’ll send you information about the degree, admission requirements and upcoming info sessions. Let’s get started.