PhD in Clinical Psychology

Sam Houston State University (SHSU) is renowned for its commitment to academic excellence and a vibrant campus life. With a diverse range of undergraduate and graduate programs, the university caters to the intellectual and professional aspirations of a broad student body. At SHSU, students benefit from a dynamic learning environment and innovative teaching methods. The university places a strong emphasis on research, offering students opportunities to engage in meaningful projects that contribute to their fields of study. Beyond academics, SHSU fosters a sense of community through various extracurricular activities, encouraging students to develop leadership skills and form lasting connections. With a rich history and a forward-looking approach to education, Sam Houston State University continues to be a hub of knowledge, learning, and personal growth in the heart of Texas.

The Clinical Psychology Ph.D. program seeks to train professionals with a broad knowledge of scientific psychology who will be skilled clinicians. The program’s educational philosophy is to produce scientist/practitioners who possess expertise in both research and clinical practice. The department believes that experience in applied settings produces scientists who are sensitive to pragmatic issues and who are on the cutting edge of research questions essential to practitioners in the field. Conversely, clinicians who have been trained as scientists understand emerging research results and assimilate them into their daily practice. The program uses a flexible mentor model in which students are accepted to work with a particular member of the faculty for their degree-required research, but also are encouraged to seek out research opportunities with other members of the Department faculty. All students are required to complete a dissertation and to be enrolled full-time. The demands of the program’s training are not amenable to part-time or weekend course schedules.