Frequently Asked Questions
GENERAL FAQs
Q. Do you offer a terminal master’s degree?
We do not offer a master’s degree program. The program is a doctoral program leading to a Ph.D.
Q. Do you accept part-time students to your doctoral program?
No. The clinical psychology Ph.D. program is a full-time, year-round program.
Q. Do you offer any online and/or night courses? Is it possible to complete the program while working full-time?
Our program is a full-time, in person program that is based on a 4-5 year predoctoral scientist-practitioner program followed by a 1-year predoctoral internship (typically completed out of the Louisville area depending on the match, with nation-wide applications). We do not offer weekend or online classes and classes are not typically offered in the evenings. Our students are fully funded, with tuition remission and are not permitted to work outside of the program funded positions.
Q. How long does it typically take to earn a PhD in psychology?
The program typically takes 5 to 6 years to complete, including the required pre-doctoral internship year.
At a minimum, the program must require that each student successfully complete:
1. a minimum of 3 full-time academic years of graduate study on campus (or the equivalent thereof) plus an internship prior to receiving the doctoral degree;
2. at least 2 of the 3 academic training years (or the equivalent thereof) within the program from which the doctoral degree is granted;
3. at least 1 year of which must be in full-time residence (or the equivalent thereof) at that same program.
Q. What type of prior experience is required for admission to your Ph.D. program in clinical psychology?
Our program is a research-based, scientist practitioner focused program and students are admitted based on a mentorship model. Prior research experience is the norm for competitive applicants and typically the experience is in the area that is consistent with the research lab of the potential mentor who is identified as part of the application process. Some of our successful applicants may have accrued this experience as strong undergraduate students, some through additional post-baccalaureate experiences.
Q. Is a psychology undergraduate major required for program admission?
No, but relevant coursework and research experiences are the norm for competitive applicants.
Q. What can I do to increase my chances of getting accepted?
Many factors are taken into consideration when accepting clinical doctoral students. Applicants typically have competitive GPA and research experience. Competitive applicants typically demonstrate dedication to the field of psychology by completing an undergraduate honors thesis, working in a research lab, or volunteering. Any experiences that demonstrate application of course knowledge to real world situations are encouraged. Fit with program model and mentor match are also important considerations.
Q. Can you answer questions about how to develop a strong application to your program? / Can I make an appointment with a staff member to ask questions about the program and/or the application process?
We receive a high volume of program inquiries and cannot respond to individual inquiries or accommodate appointments. If after reviewing these frequently asked questions and resources provided at the links, you have questions concerning the program and/or the application process, please email them to maggie.leahy@louisville.edu . If you are interested in a certain faculty member’s current research, we strongly encourage you to email the faculty member directly.
Q. Where can I find out more information about clinical psychology PhD programs?
There are several online resources available to guide potential applicants in their application process. Please see the list of resources below for more information (contains links to online materials).
- The Council of University Directors of Clinical Psychology (CUDCP) Fact Sheet
- Mitch’s Uncensored Advice for Applying to Graduate School in Clinical Psychology PDF
- American Psychological Association (APA) Applying to Graduate School
PROGAM APPLICATION-RELATED FAQs
Q. How do I check to see if all of my application materials have been received / if my application is complete?
You may check your application submission status via the Graduate School's online application system HERE. Any questions regarding materials submitted to the Graduate School should be directed to gradadm@louisville.edu.
As for the supplemental materials that you submitted to our department- if you sent them, they have been received and added to your application file. If we are missing any part of your application, we will contact you directly.
Q. Do I need to identify a research mentor to apply to the program?
Yes. We are a scientist-practitioner program and the program is structured according to a mentor model in which students work primarily with one mentor. Students are admitted to the program in tandem with admission to a faculty mentor research lab. You should identify at least 1 faculty member with whom you are interested in working with on your applicant data sheet.
Q. How can I find out which faculty are recruiting students for the 2024-25 academic year application cycle?
Faculty recruitment information for the current application cycle may be found on our Program Admissions page.
Q. I have attended multiple undergraduate institutions. My transcript from one of these institutions contains all of the transfer credits from the other institutions. Do I still need to have transcripts sent from each institution that I attended?
Yes, transcripts from ALL attended institutions are required for admission.
Q. I entered contact information in the Graduate School online application for those writing me letters of recommendation. Why have they not been contacted yet?
Recommenders will not receive a request to submit their letters until your application fee has been paid in full.
Q. Where should my transcripts be sent?
You should submit official copies of all transcripts to Graduate Admissions (Houchens Building Room 105, University of Louisville, Louisville KY 40292). DO NOT send any transcripts to the Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences. Any transcripts sent to the department will be considered unofficial.
Q. When will applicants be contacted with admissions decisions?
Typically, students will receive offers of admission before April 1. Assistantships and fellowships are also normally offered before April 1. Applicants are under no obligation to respond to offers of admission or financial support prior to the decision date of April 15. Additional admissions and financial offers may be made after the April 15th decision date if one or more slots opens up.
Q. Are GRE scores required for the upcoming admissions cycle?
The GRE is not accepted for the Clinical Psychology Doctoral Program's current admissions cycle.
Q. When will applicants be contacted for interview invitations?
Interview invitations are extended as soon as possible. Typically, we contact applicants with invitations when we return from the winter break in the first week or two of January.
Q. When will interviews be held?
Interview dates change each year. However, they are typically held sometime in the last two weeks of January. Interviews for admission in the upcoming cycle will be held virtually.
Q. Are application fee waivers available?
Students can apply for a limited number of Department fee waivers. Click the following link for more information and the application: https://redcap.link/UofLPBSfeewaiver2024 Fee waiver applications are due November 1st and you will hear by November 15 if you have been selected for a waiver (Graduate School applications are due December 1).