Clinical Psychology (PhD)

Requirements for admission include a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution and a record of achievement that shows a strong promise of success in the program’s coursework and research and clinical training activities. Applicants considering the program should be aware of the following additional requirements:

• Per TGS policy, a minimum GPA of 3.0 is required for those entering with a bachelor’s degree, while a minimum GPA of 3.5 is required for those entering with a master’s degree (i.e., the master’s degree GPA). Please note that competitive applicants entering with a bachelor’s degree typically have undergraduate GPAs in or above the 3.2–3.5 range. We also recommend an undergraduate GPA of at least 3.5 for psychology courses specifically.
• Competitive applicants who have submitted GRE scores typically have GRE Quantitative and Verbal scores at or above the 50th percentile. Although neither the GRE General Test nor the GRE Psychology Subject Test are required for admission, applicants may submit these scores for consideration by the admissions committee.
• Applicants should have completed a bachelor’s or master’s degree in psychology (or a closely related field), though applicants will be considered as long as they have completed at least 15 credits in psychology (preferably including courses in statistics and research methods). Students who did not major in psychology are strongly encouraged to submit scores for the optional GRE Psychology Subject Test with their application.

• Application Deadline: December 1st. Please note: Upon offer of admission, you will be asked to submit an enrollment deposit of $200.
• Online Application: Please create your online account and submit your application by following the general application instructions and pay (or waive) the non-refundable $60 application fee. Once this step has been completed, the online portal will allow you to upload your supplemental materials.

The following is a list of the supplemental materials that will accompany your application for the Clinical Psychology (PhD):

• Transcript(s): One from each college or university attended, including for any graduate coursework.
• Personal statement and writing sample:
  1. Please submit one personal statement (two to three pages in length) that accomplishes the following.
     • Articulates clearly, concisely, and in specific terms relevant academic, research, and psychology-related experiences and interests, as well as long-term career goals.
     • Highlights any additional strengths that make the applicant an excellent candidate for the program, as well as explain any areas of relative weakness in their application.
     • Explains the applicant’s reasons for applying to MSU’s PhD Program in Clinical Psychology and indicates up to three faculty members with whom they would like to work and be mentored.
  2. A writing sample that demonstrates the applicant’s ability to write in a scientific and scholarly manner. Writing samples authored by the applicant alone are preferred. Applicants who submit a co-authored writing sample are recommended to describe in their personal statement their specific contributions to that sample.
• Letters of recommendation: Three, preferably from faculty familiar with the applicant’s work.
• Resume: Curriculum vitae/resume.
• Standardized test scores: GRE General Test and Psychology Subject Test (both optional).
• Applicants with non-U.S. degrees, please visit the International Applicants page to review the US degree equivalency information.