Clinical Psychology (Ph.D.)

Clinical Psychology (Ph.D.) | Graduate

We prepare students to pursue clinical science research and applied clinical work, and for careers as leading clinical practitioners, research scientists, administrators, and university and college faculty. Our doctoral students produce and advance clinical science in promoting mental health and well-being, particularly in historically underserved communities.

The APA-accredited Ph.D. program in Clinical Psychology at Howard’s Graduate School prepares students to pursue clinical work and research addressing social determinants of health in underserved communities. You may pursue the adult or child clinical track of the program. As a first-year student, you'll complete a clinical experience focused on clinical interviews and administration of cognitive/ achievement tests in a school setting. You'll apply psychotherapy skills in a second practicum experience in your second year. In the third and fourth years, externship placements will strengthen your psychophysiological and diagnostic assessments and the application of evidence-based treatments. You'll also benefit from Howard’s strong partnerships with top clinical training sites across the DC-Maryland-Virginia area, including the Veterans Affairs Medical Center, the National Institute of Health, and the National Children’s Medical Center, where you'll be exposed to behavioral, cognitive, familial, community, and mindfulness-based approaches to therapy. We also have international research programs in Africa and Asia. As a student in our Ph.D. program in Clinical Psychology, you'll be part of an active research culture at Howard and collaborate with faculty in research labs on projects across a range of knowledge domains that extend to neuropsychology, stress and coping, aging and cognition, developmental psychopathology, childhood violence and trauma, illness and social stigma, and cross-cultural investigations of other clinical problems. You'll have numerous opportunities to present your research findings at key meetings in D.C. 100% of our students are successfully matched at APA-accredited internships in their final year.

Program Snapshot

      ❱  72 credit hours 

      ❱  Full-time

      ❱  On-campus format

      ❱  Degree: Ph.D. 

Application Deadlines

Spring 2024 entry: 

      ❱  No spring entry

Fall 2024 entry: 

      ❱  Dec. 1, 2023 (final deadline)

Applicants should submit their applications as early as possible for earlier consideration of departmental funding opportunities. Applicants have until the final deadline to apply. However, applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis throughout the admissions cycle. 

Transfer credits accepted (reviewed by committee)

• Degree Classification: Graduate
• Related Degrees: Ph.D.

Application for Admission 

• Online PSYCAS application
• Statement of purpose/ Statement of academic interest (500-1,000 words)
• Critical writing sample 
• GRE scores not required
• Official transcripts sent to PSYCAS
• 3 letters of recommendation
• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university or the international equivalent 
• Resume or Curriculum Vitae
• Autobiographical statement (500-750 words)

GRE Required?

• No

GRE Preferred Minimums

• GRE Verbal Reasoning: N/A
• GRE Quantitative Reasoning: N/A
• GRE Analytical Writing: N/A

GPA Required Minimums

• Overall GPA minimum: 3.0
• Undergrad GPA minimum: 3.0

Reference Requirements

Evaluator type accepted:

• Professor (Required)
• Supervisor/Manager

Evaluator type not accepted:

• Clergy
• Friend
• Family Member
• Coworker
• Other

Personal Statement Guidance

Statement of purpose/statement of academic interest should highlight why you wish to pursue a degree in clinical psychology and address the following:

• Describe your academic and research interests, identifying specific faculty member(s) with whom you want to work.
• Describe your personal, professional, and educational goals related to the Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology.
• How will obtaining your Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology enhance you in your current position and/or future career?

Letter of Recommendation Guidance

Provide three (3) letters of recommendation from individuals who are familiar with your ability and/or potential for rigorous graduate study, clinical work, and/or research. Whenever possible, Howard University recommends seeking recommendations from faculty members in psychology or practicing professionals in psychology or other mental health disciplines. Letters of recommendation should be submitted through the PSYCAS system.

Critical Writing Sample Guidance

The writing sample can include (but is not limited to) a senior thesis, master's thesis, or publication. If the publication is submitted, you must specify your contribution to the publication in your research statement.