The PsyD in Health Service Psychology (Clinical Psychology/School Psychology) provides broad practitioner-scientist training with an emphasis on clinical practice. The aim of the program is to prepare students for careers as health professionals in clinical and school settings. The overarching model of the program is the provision of health services with particular emphasis on cognitive-behavioral psychology. Graduates from this program will be competent to function as licensed professional psychologists in a variety of roles across a variety of settings. The PsyD program is fully accredited by the American Psychological Association.
As a practitioner-scientist program, the PsyD program’s primary goal is to train practitioners, scholars, and applied researchers in the area of health service psychology. The program develops graduates who use scientific methods in the professional practice of psychology with the aim of improving health and behavioral health outcomes. The program emphasizes the importance of the scientific method as the primary basis to advance knowledge and inform practice. Graduates will be competent in evidence-based practice (assessment, intervention, and consultation). This model emphasizes the reciprocal relationship between psychological, biological, and social aspects of both personal and community health.
Admission
Admission to the PsyD program is limited and is offered only to the most qualified applicants. The typical minimum standards for admission include:
- Earned bachelor’s, master’s, or specialist degree in psychology, clinical psychology, school psychology, or a closely related discipline
- GPA or 3.3 or higher for those entering with an undergraduate degree only or GPA of 3.5 or higher for those entering with graduate credit or an earned graduate degree;
- A strong statement of interest in pursuing the PsyD
- Strong reference letters
- Evidence of research potential (publication, thesis, formal research project, participation in research).
Applying to the Health Service Psychology PsyD Program
Applying to the program requires submitting the documents described below. Applicants must complete a university Application for Admission and submit it and all required fees and documents to the university’s Admission Office. At the same time, applicants also must apply to the program. There is an application fee for university admissions, which is in addition to the program application fee. International students are advised to consult the relevant web pages and/or contact International Admissions in the Admissions Office as early as possible for information.
The PsyD program requires an application fee of $50 in addition to the university’s regular application fee. This fee is payable to the “University of Houston-Clear Lake PsyD program.”
The PsyD application includes the following components:
- A Curriculum Vitae
- A 2-page, single-spaced statement of purpose stating reasons for seeking this training and explaining how the training complements the applicant’s career goals. The statement of purpose document may include the following:
- Research and clinical/school psychology experience and interests
- Practicum experience
- Other relevant experiences (i.e., volunteering)
- Post-graduation professional goals
- A list of faculty in the PsyD program with whom the applicant would like to work with and why
- Three (3) recommendations. Each recommender must complete the recommendation form and submit a separate letter.
- Official transcripts from all colleges and universities previously attended (except University of Houston-Clear Lake transcripts, which will be generated internally). These transcripts must be sent directly to the university’s Office of Admissions.
- A $50.00 payment online or check or money order made payable to “UHCL PsyD program.”
Note: Admission to graduate status at the university is not equivalent to admission to the PsyD program. Admission to the university should not be confused with acceptance into the PsyD program. Applicants will be notified about admission into the PsyD directly by the program director. Applicants are admitted into a professional psychology program only by way of formal notification from the program director. For international applicants, admission to the university requires admission through both the academic program and the Office of International Admissions and Programs.
Timeframe for Program Application and the Admission Process
Applications are accepted once a year. Applicants have the responsibility to ensure that their applications, supporting transcripts, and recommendations are received by the application deadline of December 15. Review of applications will begin in January. After an initial review of the application materials, the admissions committee will invite applicants under active consideration to campus. Students will be notified of interviews by the end of January. Interviews will occur in late January or early February. Once interviews have been completed, the PsyD admissions committee will begin notifying applicants of admission decisions by early March. Acceptances must be finalized on or before April 15.
Review of Progress
Continuation in the PsyD program requires satisfactory academic performance and the acquisition of appropriate clinical and professional skills and personal attributes. Students admitted to the program will be evaluated annually for academic progress and appropriate professional behavior and development. An unsatisfactory evaluation may lead to probation or termination from the program. All students are required to adhere to the policies and procedures outlined in the Doctoral Student Handbook for the Doctorate in Psychology.
Grade Requirements
Only courses with a grade of “B-” or better will be applied toward the PsyD program requirements. Further grade requirements are outlined in the Doctoral Student Handbook for the Doctorate in Psychology.
