Clinical Psychological Sciences Graduate Program

The clinical psychological sciences graduate program is a charter member of The Academy of Psychological Clinical Science, which is a coalition of doctoral training programs that produce and apply scientific knowledge to the assessment, understanding and advancement of human problems. Our program is committed to excellence in scientific training and uses clinical science as the foundation for designing, implementing and evaluating assessment and intervention procedures.

The program is designed to give you a broad background in psychology and expansive knowledge of clinical psychology through didactic courses and seminars. You will receive clinical experience in the Purdue Psychology Treatment and Research Clinics (PPTRC) as well as other clinical practice and courses. To gain research experience, you will join a research team and participate in a first-year project, master’s thesis, preliminary paper/examination and PhD dissertation.

Program Highlights

• The clinical psychological sciences program is defined by our dedication to training new clinical scientists who have the research and analytical skills to advance basic knowledge in clinical science.
• The program provides the skills to integrate basic knowledge with empirically supported clinical techniques to help you effectively assess and treat a wide range of behavioral and mental health problems.
• Program faculty are committed to a training process that ensures you develop effective skills to work effectively with members of the public who embody a diverse range of intersecting demographics, attitudes, beliefs and values.

Potential Careers

• Clinical positions focused on empirically-supported psychological assessments and psychological interventions for adults, adolescents and children
• Research and/or policy-focused positions in local, state, federal and private agencies/foundations
• Faculty positions in universities, colleges and medical centers

Clinical Training

Before beginning practical training, you are given a thorough grounding in behavior disorders, assessment and psychological interventions through coursework in your first two years.

In the third year, you will enroll in clinical psychology practica in our in-house Purdue Psychology Treatment and Research Clinics. Faculty supervisors emphasize competence in evidence-based interventions. In your practicum, you will see clients in both the Adult Services Clinic and the Child Behavior Management Clinic.

After successful completion of the in-house practicum sequence, you may seek advanced clinical opportunities in the community or around the state. These include training in school, hospital and community mental health settings.

The program does not promote one theoretical approach exclusively, although there is a strong cognitive-behavioral emphasis that reflects our value on evidence-based practice.

Licensing laws vary by state, and these may require courses or extensive supervised postdoctoral clinical experience that the program does not provide.

Program Philosophy

The clinical psychological sciences program at Purdue University employs a clinical scientist model of training. The program seeks to produce excellent researchers who generate new knowledge in clinical psychology as well as competent clinicians who can deliver empirically-based clinical services (i.e., assessment, diagnosis and treatment of mental disorders). These goals are achieved through a strong research apprenticeship model, high research requirements, didactic training and participation in clinical practica. Individuals seeking training primarily for careers in clinical practice will not find this program suitable.

The clinical psychological sciences program’s primary emphasis on research illuminates its four major training goals:

• Competence in conducting, reviewing and evaluating empirical research
• Development of knowledge in the bases of research and psychological theory
• Competence in the delivery of evidence-based professional psychological services
• Equipping you to contribute to the field through responsible and exemplary professional behavior as psychologists

The clinical psychological sciences program is accredited by the APA CoA (Commission on Accreditation, American Psychological Association) and by PCSAS (Psychological Clinical Science Accreditation System). Click here for a complete description of student admissions, outcomes and other data.

View Clinical Psychology Handbook View Graduate Program Handbook