Last Updated on December 17, 2022

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The purpose of the doctoral program is to graduate license-eligible clinical psychologists with state-of-the-art knowledge relating to the psychological practice of assessment, therapy, research and program development and evaluation.

A primary program objective is the preparation of clinical psychologists who will be effective in supervising and managing therapists in multidisciplinary mental health care delivery systems in a diverse society.

The curriculum is designed to qualify all students for state licensure in Michigan. The doctoral program is a full-time, full residency program that is designed to be completed in five years, although most students complete the program in six years. No part time students will be accepted.  

Accredited by the Commission on Accreditation* (next site visit expected in 2027).

*Questions related to the program’s accredited status should be directed to the Commission on Accreditation:

Office of Program Consultation and Accreditation American Psychological Association
750 1st Street NE
Washington, DC 20002-4242
202.336.5979
[email protected]
Website 

• News and Highlights
• Faculty Potentially Accepting Students for Fall 2022Expand dropdown
• Program Information
• Admission Information for Ph.D. Program
• International Applicants

Doctoral Program Forms

• Doctoral Program Forms
• Qualifying Paper Forms
• Dissertation Form

Master’s in Psychology – Clinical Behavioral

Changing Lives with Behavioral Science

The Clinical Behavioral MS program prepares students for the professional practice of psychology in diverse areas of practice. The curriculum is person-centered, evidence-based and designed to support a broad scope of practice. The program uses behavioral science as its foundation for instruction in assessment, clinical case formulation, and treatment. The program values viewing the struggles individuals face in context. As such, the curriculum challenges students to understand clinical presentations in terms of how an individual’s history and current life circumstances influence present functioning. This contextual understanding of the person is used to inform the selection and tailored application of evidence-based behavioral therapies to help clients achieve their goals.  

The first year of the program focuses on coursework in behavioral science, applied behavior analysis, psychological assessment, and evidence-based cognitive-behavioral therapies. The second year of the program focuses on advanced topics and involves a supervised practicum experience in the community.

The program prepares students for licensure and clinical practice at the master’s level as a Limited License Psychologist (LLP) in the state of Michigan and certification in behavior analysis (BCBA). Many program graduates have also furthered their education in doctoral programs around the country. It is the one of the only programs in the United States with coursework leading to eligibility for both the LLP and BCBA credentials.

Program Admission

Admission to the program is based on the following criteria

1) Academic ability as measured by Verbal, Quantitative, and Analytical Writing scores on the GRE. In keeping with other Ph.D. programs in the State and with national criteria, admission typically includes a minimum score around the 50th percentile on the Verbal and Quantitative sections and a Writing section minimum score of 4.0. However, successful applicants may present much higher scores given the highly competitive nature of clinical doctoral programs. Applicants are not required to take the GRE Advanced Psychology Test.

2) Achievement in undergraduate or graduate work. Admission typically includes a minimum standard of a 3.5 on a 4.0 scale undergraduate GPA. Again, successful applicants typically present with higher GPAs. Students may be admitted with either a bachelor’s or a master’s degree. Transfer credits will be determined on a case-by-case basis upon matriculation.

3) Academic background in psychology. Applicants must have completed a minimum of 20 undergraduate semester hours in psychology, including a course in statistics and a laboratory course in research methods/experimental psychology.

4) Personal qualities that predict success in graduate study and in professional placement after graduation. To evaluate these, each applicant must submit three letters of recommendation. Personal qualities will also be evaluated in the context of an interview for those who pass the initial file review and are invited to the interview day(s).

5) Fit between applicant and faculty interests. A personal statement is required, describing the applicant’s interests. We will be particularly interested in students who have had research and/or clinical experiences that are a good fit with faculty areas of expertise.

Steps for Admission

Interested applicants will submit a PSYCAS Application. All admission requirements must be met by the deadline for your application to be reviewed by the department.

Required Documents:

Personal statement (instructions available within PSYCAS) – 500 words
Essay related to fit with the program (instructions available within PSYCAS) – 500 words.
Diversity essay (instructions available within PSYCAS) – 75 words.
Writing sample (typically a research paper).
Curriculum vitae or resume.
Official transcripts of all education beyond high school. Required for every institution granting credit. Transcripts must be submitted directly to PSYCAS. Transcripts sent to EMU will not be accepted as official, and the application will not be considered complete. (Applicants should allow 2-6 weeks for PSYCAS to process transcripts.). For additional information regarding transcript submission, please see the PSYCAS website.
Official GRE results, including Verbal, Quantitative, and Writing scores and, if taken, the Advanced Psychology Exam score. GRE scores are not required for the Fall 2022 Admissions Cycle due to the Covid-19 crisis. However, if you have taken the GRE and would like your scores to be considered part of your application, you may submit official GRE scores.
Three letters of recommendation.
Questions and concerns should be directed to:
Doctoral Program Associate

Community Behavioral Health Clinic, 1075 N. Huron River Dr. Ypsilanti, MI 48197, [email protected], 734.487.4987

Completed applications, including Graduate Record Exam (GRE) scores, letters of recommendation, and transcripts, must be received by December 1 for consideration. If the 1st falls on a weekend, materials will be accepted the next business day only. Applicants will be notified by February 15 if an interview is warranted. In accordance with APA guidelines, acceptance notices will be made by April 1.

Eastern Michigan University and the Psychology Department reserve the right to change any statement in this program concerning, but not limited to, rules, policies, tuition, fees, curricula, and courses.

Department Information

Psychology | Natalie Dove, Ph.D., Department Head | 341 Science Complex, 734.487.1155, [email protected]

Advisor Information

Michelle Byrd, Ph.D., Director of Clinical Training, 301E Science Complex, 734.487.4919, [email protected]

Objectives

The purpose of the doctoral program is to graduate fully licensable clinical psychologists with state-of-the-art knowledge relating to the psychological practice of assessment, therapy, and research within a scientist practitioner model training. A primary program objective is the preparation of clinical psychologists who will be effective in supervising and managing therapists in multidisciplinary mental health care delivery systems in a diverse society. To meet these objectives, the program emphasizes fundamental scientist-practitioner skills such as practical clinical skills in assessment and treatment, and scholarly skills in designing, conducting, analyzing and disseminating research that contributes to the field of psychology. Students will also be able to focus their training on one or more of five areas of emphasis (adult, applied behavior analysis, assessment, developmental psychopathology, or health). To meet these objectives, students will be provided with opportunities to:

Practice assessment and treatment skills in a highly supervised environment.
Work with and be supervised by faculty with expertise in a variety of assessment and treatment modalities.
Use state-of-the-art equipment and technology employed in the field today.
Propose and conduct research.
Participate in a collegial atmosphere that is open to diverse opinions and viewpoints and prepares students to analyze the current literature critically
Curriculum Design
The doctoral program is a full-time, full-residency program that is designed to be completed in five years but typically students complete within six years. No part-time students will be accepted. The curriculum is designed to meet or exceed state and national guidelines for licensing and accreditation.

APA Accreditation

The program is currently APA accredited with the next site visit expected in 2027. Questions related to the program’s accredited status should be directed to the Commission on Accreditation:

Office of Program Consultation and Accreditation
American Psychological Association

750 1st Street NE
Washington, DC 20002
Phone: (202) 336-5979 / E-mail: [email protected]
Web: www.apa.org/ed/accreditation

Integration of M.S. and Ph.D. Curricula

The doctoral program builds on our current M.S. programs, which offer two different clinical approaches. The Clinical Behavioral (CB) M.S. program provides training in state-of-the-art behavioral assessment and empirically validated treatment techniques, encompassing applied behavior analysis, behavior therapy, cognitive-behavior therapy, and third-wave behavior therapy. The General Clinical (GC) M.S. program provides a multitheoretical view of psychological disorders that emphasizes assessment, diagnosis, and treatment from various perspectives. A unique feature of our doctoral program is the opportunity for students to acquire specialization in applied behavior analysis and behavior therapy and assessment, or to sample from a menu of courses from multitheoretical orientations.

Competent M.S. and Ph.D. clinicians must learn complex specialized assessment and treatment strategies. Our two M.S. programs concentrate on training effective therapists. Well-prepared Ph.D. clinicians need this skill-based training, as well as broad knowledge of the empirical, theoretical and philosophical underpinnings of the profession. Our doctoral program includes a series of Ph.D. seminars that serve as links between concurrently taught M.S. level courses, the Ph.D. knowledge base, and pre-practicum training. For each two-credit course, students are required to spend two hours per week in scholarly discussions relevant to treatment, assessment and clinical practice. Practicum work for the seminars will require three to five hours per week of client contact at the on-site clinic and two to three hours monthly in group and individual supervision. After mastering M.S.-level skills, Ph.D. students learn to train and supervise masters-level clinicians. Training also focuses on developing expertise in one or more of the following areas of emphasis: adult, applied behavior analysis, assessment, developmental psychopathology, and health.

Doctoral Fellowship
To help ensure the success of our students in the program, every student accepted will be eligible for a full-time doctoral fellowship for the first three to four years of the program. Students will be assigned to a faculty mentor in their area of research interest. Students will spend 10 to 12 hours per week with that faculty member, assisting with research and teaching activities. Fellows may be asked to help with class preparations, as well as assist in data collection, preparation, and analysis. The faculty members will serve as mentors to their students, training and guide them in developing their own research plans for master’s thesis and dissertation work. Students may request a specific faculty person as their mentor and may request a change in mentor as they matriculate through the program. Every effort will be made to accommodate student requests within reason. Additionally, students complete hours in the psychology clinic during their first year and for the remainder of their fellowship hours (not to exceed an average of 20 hours per week). Doctoral fellowships include a tuition fee waiver (for up to 90 credits) and a stipend ($16,500 per year). Students are responsible for the registration fee (approximately $50 per semester). As part of the doctoral fellowship, students can teach two undergraduate courses their last year of fellowship.

Master of Science in Clinical Psychology (Pre-Doctorate):
Students in the Clinical Psychology Ph.D. program are allowed to apply for the pre-doctoral Master of Science in Clinical Psychology en route to the Ph.D.

The ability of doctoral students to apply for their pre-doctoral master’s is essential for Michigan licensure, which is required for many predoctoral practicum placements, Specifically, once a student has received a master’s degree, they can apply for a Temporary Limited License as a Psychologist (TLLP) in Michigan. External practicum placements (two are required as part of the doctoral program) in hospital settings (i.e. UM, Henry Ford, Beaumont, etc.) and some other settings require students to have their TLLP prior to completing their up to twelve months for two to three years of external practicum training,

The Pre-Doctoral Master of Science in Clinical Psychology program of study includes courses required for the doctoral program (see below). Additionally, students complete a pre-master’s practicum (at our Psychology Clinic where a TLLP is not necessary) and master’s thesis project as part of this Program of Study. Students admitted to the doctoral program do not apply, get admitted, or graduate from the Psychology – Clinical Behavioral [M.S.] or Psychology – General Clinical [M.S.] programs since both class and thesis requirements are different from those in the doctoral program.

Only students admitted to the Doctor of Philosophy in Clinical Psychology program are eligible for the Pre-Doctoral MS degree. A student can choose to apply for this MS degree, or simply continue on in the Ph.D. program without receiving the MS degree en route.

To earn the pre-doctorate Master of Science degree, students must complete 45 credit hours from the following:

Assessment (8-hour minimum): ​PSY 762 Electives: PSY 619/641, PSY 710, PSY 763, PSY 770, PSY 771

Treatment (8-hour minimum): PSY 751/731 and (PSY 627/671 or PSY 720/791) Electives: PSY 625/661, PSY 630/621, PSY 672, PSY 721, PSY 722, PSY 752

Individual Differences (6-hour minimum): PSY 640, PSY 743, PSY 888 Electives: PSY 623/651, PSY 646, PSY 744

Research: PSY 600, PSY 601, PSY 605, and PSY 690

Professional Practice: PSY 670

Doctoral Seminars: PSY 881 and PSY 882

Degree Requirements: 90 hours
The Clinical Doctoral program requires the completion of 90 graduate credit hours. The master’s degree is earned en route to the doctoral degree. Students in the doctoral program must complete a master’s thesis. Students may choose courses that are required for Board Certification in Behavior Analysis (BCBA). Students must obtain a B or better in all courses.

Core Required Courses: 63 hours
PSY 600 – Psychological Statistics I 3 hrs
PSY 601 – Psychological Statistics II 3 hrs
PSY 605 – Research Design 3 hrs
PSY 635 – Cognitive and Affective Processes of Behavior 3 hrs
PSY 637 – Social Psychology 3 hrs
PSY 640 – Developmental Psychology 3 hrs
PSY 670 – Scientific and Professional Ethics 3 hrs
PSY 683 – Field Practicum with Seminar 2 hrs each
PSY 684 – Field Practicum with Seminar 2 hrs each
PSY 690 – Thesis 1 hr
PSY 703 – Clinical Organizational Management 3 hrs
PSY 743 – Psychopathology 3 hrs
PSY 751 – Interpersonal Processes in Psychotherapy 3 hrs
and PSY 731 – Prepracticum in Interpersonal Processes in Psychotherapy 1 hr

PSY 762 – Cognitive Assessment 4 hrs
PSY 777 – Advanced History and Systems of Psychology 3 hrs
PSY 807 – Methods of Teaching in Psychology 2 hrs
PSY 881 – Doctoral Seminar I: Assessment and Diagnosis 2 hrs
PSY 882 – Doctoral Seminar II: Assessment and Treatment 2 hrs
PSY 885 – Models and Methods of Service Delivery and Supervision 2 hrs
PSY 888 – Diversity Issues in Clinical Populations 3 hrs
PSY 894 – Doctoral Clinical Internship 1 hr (Minimum two credit hours required)
A minimum of 6 credit hours are required from the following:

PSY 896 – Dissertation 1 hr
PSY 897 – Dissertation 2 hrs
PSY 898 – Dissertation 4 hrs
Individual Differences: 3-4 hours
One course or course combination from the following:

PSY 623 – Concepts and Principles of Behavior Analysis 3 hrs
and PSY 651 – Prepracticum in Concepts and Principles of Behavior Analysis 1 hr

PSY 646 – Personality: Theory and Research 3 hrs
PSY 744 – Child and Adolescent Psychopathology 3 hrs
Evidence-Based Therapy: 4 hours
One course combination from the following:

PSY 627 – Behavioral and Other Evidence- Based Psychotherapies 3 hrs
and PSY 671 – Prepracticum in Behavioral and Other Evidence-Based Psychotherapies 1 hr

PSY 720 – Evidence-Based Therapies for Children and Adolescents 3 hrs
and PSY 791 – Prepracticum in Evidence-Based Therapies for Children and Adolescents 1 hr

Biological Bases of Behavior: 3 hours
One course from the following:

PSY 629 – Physiological Psychology 3 hrs
PSY 633 – Cognitive Neuroscience 3 hrs
Assessment: 4 hours
One course or course combination from the following:

PSY 619 – Behavioral Assessment 3 hrs
and PSY 641 – Prepracticum in Behavioral Assessment 1 hr

PSY 710 – Neuropsychological Assessment 4 hrs
PSY 763 – Advanced Child Assessment 4 hrs
PSY 770 – Self-Report Assessment of Personality 4 hrs
PSY 771 – Performance-Based Assessment of Personality 4 hrs
Additional Assessment or Treatment Courses: 3-4 hours
One additional assessment or treatment course is required; students are to choose a course or course combination from the following:

Treatment Electives:

PSY 625 – Clinical Behavior Analysis 3 hrs
and PSY 661 – Prepracticum in Clinical Behavior Analysis 1 hr

PSY 630 – Behavioral Medicine 3 hrs
and PSY 621 – Prepracticum in Behavioral Medicine 1 hr

PSY 672 – Modern Behavior Therapies: Theory, Research and Practice 3 hrs
PSY 721 – Treatment of Anxiety Disorders 3 hrs
PSY 722 – Assessment and Treatment of Personality Disorders 3 hrs
PSY 752 – Evidence-Based Psychodynamic Therapy 3 hrs
Assessment Electives:

PSY 619 – Behavioral Assessment 3 hrs
and PSY 641 – Prepracticum in Behavioral Assessment 1 hr

PSY 710 – Neuropsychological Assessment 4 hrs
PSY 763 – Advanced Child Assessment 4 hrs
PSY 770 – Self-Report Assessment of Personality 4 hrs
PSY 771 – Performance-Based Assessment of Personality 4 hrs
Elective Courses: 4 hours
PSY 610 – Clinical Neuropsychology 3 hrs
PSY 611 – Treatment Course Prepracticum 1 hr
PSY 620 – Theoretical Foundations of Behavioral Science 3 hrs
PSY 705 – Clinical Ecological Psychology 3 hrs
PSY 723 – Psychopharmacology 3 hrs
PSY 788 – Advanced Clinical Practicum I 1 hr
PSY 801 – Program Evaluation in Clinical Psychology 3 hrs
Area of Emphasis
Students must complete at least one area of emphasis including a restriction of an elective needed to fulfill that area of specialization. No single class can count in two areas of emphasis

Adult Clinical
PSY 627 – Behavioral and Other Evidence- Based Psychotherapies 3 hrs
and PSY 671 – Prepracticum in Behavioral and Other Evidence-Based Psychotherapies 1 hr

Two Treatment Course Electives 6 hrs
Prepracticum for treatment electives 2 hrs
Applied Behavior Analysis
PSY 619 – Behavioral Assessment 3 hrs
and PSY 641 – Prepracticum in Behavioral Assessment 1 hr

PSY 620 – Theoretical Foundations of Behavioral Science 3 hrs
PSY 623 – Concepts and Principles of Behavior Analysis 3 hrs
and PSY 651 – Prepracticum in Concepts and Principles of Behavior Analysis 1 hr

PSY 625 – Clinical Behavior Analysis 3 hrs
and PSY 661 – Prepracticum in Clinical Behavior Analysis 1 hr

Assessment
PSY 610 – Clinical Neuropsychology 3 hrs
PSY 710 – Neuropsychological Assessment 4 hrs
PSY 723 – Psychopharmacology 3 hrs
PSY 770 – Self-Report Assessment of Personality 4 hrs
Developmental Psychopathology
PSY 720 – Evidence-Based Therapies for Children and Adolescents 3 hrs
and PSY 791 – Prepracticum in Evidence-Based Therapies for Children and Adolescents 1 hr

PSY 744 – Child and Adolescent Psychopathology 3 hrs
PSY 763 – Advanced Child Assessment 4 hrs
Health
PSY 630 – Behavioral Medicine 3 hrs
and PSY 621 – Prepracticum in Behavioral Medicine 1 hr

PSY 723 – Psychopharmacology 3 hrs
Only one course combination from the following:

PSY 610 – Clinical Neuropsychology 3 hrs
and PSY 710 – Neuropsychological Assessment 4 hrs

PSY 619 – Behavioral Assessment 3 hrs
and PSY 641 – Prepracticum in Behavioral Assessment 1 hr

Other Program Requirements
Master’s Prepracticum: 200-300 hours (onsite; taken in conjunction with master’s courses).
Doctoral Prepracticum: 120-150 hours the first year (onsite; approximately five hours per week for one year; students answer phones, do intakes, and do some clerical work. The doctoral pre-practicum is part of 20 hours per week doctoral assistantship).
Internal Practicum: 500 hours for one year and 150-200 per year for next two years (onsite); starting Summer of the first year, doctoral students begin to see 1-2 clients at the clinic along with telephone duty. Fall and Winter of the second year, students see 5-6 clients.
External Practicum: up to twelve months for two to three years is conducted offsite (externship). Ph.D. students typically complete 20 hours per week.
Qualifying paper
M.S. clinical supervision and undergraduate teaching (in third and fourth years of the program); advanced students prepare two educational workshops for first-year students for summer.
Clinical Predoctoral Internship (2,000 hours).

Western Michigan University Clinical Psychology

The clinical psychology doctoral program in the Department of Psychology at Western Michigan University is designed to provide broad clinical training utilizing a scientist-practitioner model. Graduates from this program are competent to function in a variety of professional roles including research, practice and college teaching. The balance of research and practice is obtained in part by practicum and research training within an on-site clinic, as well as practical experience in community agencies and research activities within faculty members’ independent laboratories. The program is accredited by the American Psychological Association.

The curriculum requirements are structured according to the scientist-practitioner model as well. The orientation of the program is decidedly behavioral with an emphasis on empirical research and empirically supported practice. All students are exposed to the broad content areas of the field.

A master of arts degree is earned in the process of earning a Ph.D.; however, all students will be permitted to complete the requirements for the doctorate only insofar as their performance merits continuance in the program. The program is planned as a six year curriculum with the sixth year comprising the doctoral internship. Students entering the program with prior graduate training may accelerate their training if faculty approve the adequacy of specific program requirements.

The Ph.D. program requires successful completion of 95 credit hours of academic work including practica, internship, advanced doctoral coursework, a comprehensive examination, a thesis and a dissertation. Ph.D. students must finish a 750-hour pre-masters practicum, many of which are completed at the internal Psychology Clinic, a 500-hour post-masters practicum and a 2000-hour pre-doctoral internship in a healthcare setting.

OUR PHILOSOPHY

The clinical psychology program is dedicated to preparing competent intervention oriented clinical psychologists. Our training program has a behavioral orientation and operates according to the scientist-practitioner model. Doctoral-level graduates are prepared to function in professional roles that involve teaching, research, administration and direct clinical service. Recent graduates have typically taken academic faculty positions, faculty and post-doctoral positions at university based medical centers, and private practice positions. Students work closely with faculty and other clinical psychologists throughout their training.

The clinical psychology faculty is committed to making the educational experience a positive one for everyone involved. Every effort is made to meet the legitimate needs of students, including those with special requirements.

FACTS

• The program has been accredited by the American Psychological Association since 1991.
• The next visit by the American Psychological Association will be in 2027.
• The program is structured around the scientist-practitioner model.
• Clinical and research interests in:
  • Anxiety disorders/PTSD
  • Behavior health in primary care
  • Behavioral medicine
  • Behavioral pediatrics
  • Child injury and maltreatment
  • Depression
  • Emotion regulation/experiential avoidance
  • Habit behavior
  • Interpersonal victimization
  • Multimedia-based treatment
  • Psychotherapy process and outcomes
  • Sexual deviations and dysfunctions

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

When applying to the clinical psychology training program, include the following information:

• Psychology department and University admissions applications.
• Supplemental Application.
• GRE information.

• Vita.
• A professional goals statement limited to two pages (single or double-spaced) and including the following:
  • Research and clinical experience
  • Research and clinical interests
  • Practicum experience
  • Other relevant experiences
  • Post graduation professional goals
  • List of clinical program faculty to apply with and why
• Include a writing sample, maximum of 20 pages, unbound. (e.g., publication, portion of honor’s thesis, presentation, class paper).
• Applicants with criminal convictions should be aware that felony convictions will likely make it difficult to complete the external agency training experiences (i.e., external practicum, internship) required for the Ph.D. If students are unable to obtain and complete these required experiences, their program of study will not be able to completed nor will they be able to graduate. In addition, be aware that students may not be eligible for renew their license by the State of Michigan Board of Psychology or the boards of other states. The Michigan Board of Psychology has indicated on their Web page that applicants who have been convicted of a felony or misdemeanor will be reviewed on an individual basis and that they take into consideration the type of conviction, the age at the time of the incident and the time elapsed since the conviction. Thus, it is also possible that future employment would be limited.

Application will be reviewed only if all material is completely submitted by the application deadline.

The faculty seek qualified students for training in the Doctor of Philosophy program and especially encourage members of historically underrepresented groups including ethnic and racial minorities, and people with disabilities to apply.

FINANCIAL SUPPORT

All admitted students receive a commitment of financial support in the form of an assistantship for the first year of the program and every effort will be made to maintain this level of funding for three years. Funding typically takes the form of teaching, research or clinical assistantships. Students are also encouraged to apply for the following programs: Graduate College fellowships, and Thurgood Marshall Awards or King/Chavez/Parks Fellowships for members of underrepresented groups.

AFTER GRADUATION

Clinical psychology graduates may find careers in:

• Academic faculty positions
• Clinical faculty positions at medical schools and veterans administration medical centers
• Private practice

Graduate Programs

The Department of Psychology at Western Michigan University has a strong behavioral orientation which influences the department’s programs.

MASTER OF ARTS

The master’s program is designed primarily for the student with a bachelor’s degree in psychology or related discipline to prepare the individual to assume a professional role in business and industry, a variety of mental health services, or to pursue doctoral training.

• Behavior Analysis
• Industrial Organizational Behavior Management Psychology

DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY

The Doctor of Philosophy in psychology provides intensive training in behavior analysis and clinical psychology. The Ph.D. is a research degree for persons intending to assume leadership roles in teaching, research and service in a variety of professional and academic institutions.

• Behavior Analysis
• Clinical Psychology
• Industrial Organizational Behavior Management psychology

DEPARTMENT REQUIREMENTS

Departmental requirements include:

• A preferred undergraduate major with at least 18 semester hours in psychology (15 for I/O).
• A minimum GPA of 3.0 (4.0 scale).
• Minimum scores corresponding to the 50th percentile on the verbal and quantitative sections of the GRE. Each program has different requirements:
  • Behavior Analysis: The GRE is recommended, but not required for the master’s program permanently and the doctoral program for the 2021-22 admissions cycle only.
  • Clinical Psychology: The GRE is recommended, but not required for the doctoral program.
  • Industrial Organizational Behavior Management: The GRE is required for both the master’s and doctoral program.
• International students must send TOEFL scores.

Meeting or exceeding these criteria qualifies the applicant for review but does not guarantee admission to the department or any of its programs.

APPLYING TO GRADUATE SCHOOL

The psychology graduate programs are designed to provide professional preparation in psychology for persons interested in assuming positions in a range of settings including academic institutions, research, human resource and performance management, mental health service delivery or community service settings. Each of these graduate programs has a pervasive natural science orientation and a strong emphasis in behavior analysis theory, an approach that focuses on the interaction between behavior and the social and physical environment as a primary influence on the acquisition, shaping and maintenance of complex behavior.

Core principles

Each graduate program requires training in a set of core principles that involve behavioral and cognitive-behavioral theory, research methods, systems management, and legal and ethical issues. Building on these core principles, each graduate program focuses on specialized applications and unique techniques for specific applications and settings (e.g., mental health problems, autism, developmental disabilities, performance management in business and school settings, safety and health related behaviors). The programs encourage student involvement in instructional programming, the delivery of service in community agencies and the conduct of laboratory and community-based research.

Committed faculty

Department faculty are committed to quality education for undergraduate and graduate students and engage in continuous assessment activities designed to constantly improve the quality of its instructional programs. The goals of the department are intended to be coordinated with, and be supportive of, the professional and academic mission of Western Michigan University. Program activities are coordinated with various community agencies, providing continual interaction between the department and community settings.

Demonstrating competence

The granting of a graduate degree in psychology by Western Michigan University is not considered a basic right for all students admitted to the program; the degree must be earned by the student. It is incumbent upon each student to demonstrate competence within each required aspect of the curriculum as they acquire the skills to assume a role as a professional psychologist. This challenge goes well beyond passing courses, and the act of matriculating in a program is considered evidence of an agreement to accept this challenge. It is the student’s responsibility to demonstrate mastery of each competence required in the student’s area of specialty.

CAREERS

You can prepare yourself for a variety of career paths with your undergraduate degree in psychology and well-planned use of electives.

It is important to understand your goals to determine your career choices. Do you want to make a lot of money? Do you want to work with people or gain more education?

Expose yourself to what is available at WMU to help you investigate your career options. Use your time to explore options so that you can plan steps toward a career and set goals for yourself.