Psychology, Clinical Science - The Graduate School

Program Overview

A member of the Academy of Psychological Clinical Science, Binghamton University’s doctoral program in clinical psychology combines coursework, research training and practical clinical skills in a rigorous curriculum that allows for independence, responsibility and self-determination in areas of specialization. As active clinical scientists, students are expected to contribute new knowledge to the field and hone their skills in a variety of settings, from academic to direct-service provision.

Our program is highly competitive and students should be self-motivated with strong attention to detail. Although interviews have traditionally been conducted in person, we anticipate that interviews for the Fall 2022 admissions cycle will be held virtually.

Students may be admitted with a tuition scholarship and stipends for serving as research or teaching assistants. In many cases, teaching assistantships include health insurance and a tuition scholarship. Students that remain in good standing are eligible for up to 5 years of funding.

Interested students are encouraged to read the Graduate Clinical Guide (pdf, 241kb) for a better understanding of what the program entails. Student’s professional goals should match those of the training program.

Degrees Offered

PhD in Clinical Psychology

Internships, Research Opportunities and More

Students will collaborate closely with distinguished professors to develop a unique course of study that reflects the student’s personal interests as well as those of the faculty mentor. Students are likely to specialize in a number of different areas such as psychopathology (e.g., anxiety, depression, dissociation) and personality disorders (e.g., schizotypy, psychopathy); marital/relationship problems; trauma; psychotherapy methods; autism spectrum disorders; consciousness studies; and health psychology. Our students are generally very successful in acquiring competitive and highly regarded internship placements at VA centers, medical schools, training hospitals, the military, autism centers, and counseling centers.

There are many opportunities for students to practice skills in the field. The Psychological Clinic on campus is a training facility where doctoral students receive supervised practical experience. The clinic offers psychotherapy, behavioral therapy and assessment services for adults, children, couples, families and groups presenting with a broad range of concerns. Some faculty supervisors conduct specialized clinical research and demonstration projects with a specific type of clinical disorder or therapeutic intervention. Doctoral students can also train in local community health agencies.

After You Graduate

Our graduates are prepared for a multitude of careers and roles as active clinical scientists: Most find employment in academic positions and settings where they conduct research, do evidence-based clinical work, combine research with clinical interventions, and disseminate knowledge in publications, presentations, workshops, consultation, and supervision. These settings include colleges, universities, and medical schools; hospitals; Veterans Administration (VA) centers; counseling centers; and outpatient and inpatient treatment settings. Many students elect to participate in advanced postdoctoral training to further qualify them for careers of their choice as clinical scientists.

Binghamton graduates are not expected to pursue careers devoted solely to the practice of clinical psychology as private or independent practitioners. Anyone committed to such a career track would be well advised to apply elsewhere.

Admissions Requirements

To be eligible for graduate study, you must:

Provide a complete set of your undergraduate (and, if applicable, graduate) transcripts showing one of the following:
- You have earned a bachelor's degree (or its equivalent) from a nationally or regionally accredited college or university
- You are within one academic year of earning a bachelor’s degree (or its equivalent) from a nationally or regionally accredited college or university
- You are eligible to apply as part of a memorandum of understanding between your current institution and Binghamton University
Have earned, at minimum, one of the following:
- A 3.0 GPA over your entire undergraduate career
- A 3.0 GPA during your last 60 semester credits or 90 quarter credits of your undergraduate degree, with most courses graded regularly (not as "pass/fail")
- A 3.0 GPA in a graduate degree, with most courses graded regularly (not as "pass/fail")
- In consideration of the different grading scales used around the world, each academic department evaluates international transcripts to determine on a case-by-case basis whether they demonstrate one of the above requirements.

To apply, you must submit the following materials. For general guidelines for these materials, see the Admission Requirements website.

Online graduate degree application with graduate degree application fee
Transcripts from each college or university that you have attended
- An undergraduate degree in psychology is desirable, but a degree in another field does not preclude admission.
Personal statement of 2 to 3 pages describing your reasons for pursuing graduate study, your career aspirations, your special interests within your field, and any unusual features of your background that might need explanation or be of interest to the graduate admissions committee
Résumé or curriculum vitae
Three letters of recommendation
GRE scores are not required

International students must also submit the following materials. For more information about these materials, see the International Students section of the Admission Requirements website.

International Student Financial Statement (ISFS) form
Supporting financial documentation (such as bank statements, scholarship or sponsor letters, etc.)
Proof of English proficiency (such as official TOEFL/IELTS/PTE Academic/Duolingo* scores)
- *In response to the global COVID-19 pandemic, the Graduate School at Binghamton University has temporarily approved the use of the Duolingo English Test as proof of English proficiency through the 2023 application cycle.

This information is subject to change. While we make every effort to update these program pages, we recommend that you contact the department with questions about program-specific requirements.