How many semester credit hours are in the program?
Students typically take ten credit hours per semester, and four to six each summer. Students are required to earn a minimum of 60 graduate credit hours. With the many program requirements (e.g., coursework, practicum, research apprenticeship, funding, etc.) full-time residence is essential throughout the entire course of study, which is typically four years. back to top
I have a masters in psychology or a similar discipline. Can I still apply? Will my credits transfer?
The doctoral program in clinical psychology welcomes applications from individuals with an existing masters degree. A student may be exempted from a required course if they have passed an analogous course. It is up to the instructor to decide whether the student should enroll in the course or be exempted. The number of credits which can be waived is limited to twelve. It is important to note that the average time to completion for those entering with masters degrees is no different from those entering with a bachelors degree. back to top
How long will it take to complete the program?
The number of years to complete program requirements varies by individual. The mean number of years to completion is 6.6 (median=6). Further information regarding graduation outcomes can be found under Student Admissions, Outcome, and Other Data. back to top
What practicum experience is available?
The Psychological Services Center (PSC) serves as the primary training site for the APA accredited doctoral program in clinical psychology. The PSC provides a number of psychological services to the general public, including individual psychotherapy and psychological assessment for adult and child clients. In addition, we offer a number of positions at off-campus practicum sites. Off-campus practicum sites available to our students in recent years include the Maine Child Psychology, a group practice specializing in early childhood developmental, cognitive, and adaptive assessments; Eastern Maine Medical Center, Maine Rehabilitation Neuropsychology Service (Bangor); Penobscot Job Corps (Bangor); Health Psych Maine, a group practice specializing in chronic pain (Waterville); school district assessment (Dover-Foxcroft); and Way to Optimal Weight (WOW) obesity program through Eastern Maine Medical Center. back to top
Do clinical students earn a masters degree prior to a Ph.D? Is a masters thesis required?
Yes. There is no separate masters program, but students earn a “non-terminal” masters on the way to earning the doctoral degree. No thesis is required. The degree award is based on successful completion of the required courses and the doctoral comprehensive examinations. To be admitted to Ph.D. candidacy, students must successfully complete the doctoral comprehensive examination in clinical psychology. The comprehensive examination is typically taken at the end of the 2nd year. The exam covers four content areas within clinical psychology and a fifth content area related to the student’s research specialization. back to top
Applications
When is the deadline for application materials?
The deadline for application materials is December 1st. back to top
Does the clinical psychology program hold interviews?
Faculty members interview applicants who could be good matches for their research labs. Typically, these interviews are by telephone or via teleconference (e.g., ZOOM). Applicants who appear to be a particularly good fit with a prospective mentor are invited to program-wide interviews, which are also held virtually. back to top
What are the admission requirements? On what criteria are applications accepted?
In line with the program’s commitment to attract and recruit diverse students, faculty conduct a holistic review of every graduate student application. In a typical year, the program receives over 100 applications. We make an initial selection of promising applicants based on a composite of research and clinical interests reflected in the Personal Statement, letters of reference, undergraduate Grade Point Average. To ensure adequate preparation for entering our strongly research-oriented program, we favor applicants with successful undergraduate coursework and research experience. back to top
Is there a minimum GPA required?
No. In line with our holistic approach to admission, a low GPA can, in some cases, be offset by other strengths in the application such as research experience and letters of recommendation. Applications are rarely rejected purely based on low grades or scores alone. As part of our ongoing efforts to increase diversity in our program, we encourage minority-group students to apply.back to top
Do you require the General or Psychology GRE?
No. GRE scores are not required and will not be accepted. Please do not include your GRE scores on your CV or supplementary materials back to top
My undergraduate degree is not in psychology. Can I still apply?
The doctoral program welcomes applications from a variety of disciplines; an undergraduate specialization in psychology is not required. However, the program looks favorably upon undergraduate coursework in science, mathematics, and psychology as preparation for our program. back to top
The Psychology Department Application asks me to list someone I’d like to work with. Can I list more than one? Is this a mentor?
The doctoral program in clinical psychology is a mentor-based training program in which students identify and work closely with a faculty member who serves as an advisor. Applicants should look carefully through the faculty list and identify one or two faculty members whom they wish to work with. The following faculty members anticipate accepting students for the fall 2023 first year class: Drs. Blossom. Erdley, Goodhines, Hecker, and MacAulay. back to top
Funding
What are the available sources of funding? How many positions are funded annually?
The Department makes every effort to secure funding for its graduate students in the form of graduate assistantships, grants, and contracts. All students currently in the first four years of the program are funded. This funding includes tuition remission for 24 credits or below, 50% of the healthcare premium, and a $20,000 stipend for 9 months (as of the 2022-2023 academic year). Such funding, when available, typically applies to no more than four years of graduate training (students on internship are usually paid a salary for that year by the host institution). back to top
What is tuition?
Information regarding tuition and fees may be found at the Bursar’s Office: Tuition and Fees. Other costs (e.g., housing and other living costs, books and supplies, and health care coverage) are not included in this estimate. More information regarding costs can be found at Office of Student Financial Aid. back to top
Where can I find more information on financial aid?
More information on student financial aid, including types or aid, how to apply, and loans, can be found at Office of Student Financial Aid. back to top
