Frequently asked questions

What are you looking for in applicants?
 

We seek intelligent, hard-working students who will become able colleagues.

  • Although they are not perfect measures, your grade point average and Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores do help us predict how you will do in our courses.
  • Your personal essay and letters of recommendation help us determine whether there is a good fit between your interests and experience and what our program has to offer.

Because I have been out of school for a number of years it will be difficult to get letters of recommendation from my professors. May I get letters from my boss or other people who know me well?
 

We are primarily interested in letters of recommendation that can tell us about your academic skills and your ability to succeed in a doctoral program.

  • Generally, the most helpful letters come from faculty members who know you well, and for that reason, we strongly recommend that at least two of your letters come from University faculty.
  • If you are working in a setting that is relevant to the program (for instance, working for a psychologist), a letter from your employer may be helpful. However, letters from friends or relatives should be avoided.

Can I apply to the program with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology?
 

Yes. In that case, you'll complete a Masters degree in Clinical Psychology at Sam Houston during your first two years with us.

 

Can I apply to the program with a Bachelor of Arts, even if I wasn't a Psychology major?

 

Yes.

  • You will still need to have a strong undergraduate background in psychology.
  • At a minimum, you must have completed 18 hours of study in undergraduate psychology, including courses in statistics and research methods.

What if I already have a MA or other graduate credits?

 

Some students enter our program with a masters degree from other universities. Based on a review of their graduate transcripts and other appropriate materials (such as course syllabi), we determine which graduate courses you will need to take at SHSU.

What if my Masters is not in clinical psychology?

 

Students who join us with a Master of Arts degree in Clinical Psychology are able to complete our program more quickly, but students with degrees in other areas are welcome to apply. Students who do not have a background in clinical psychology will need to complete Masters-level course-work (e.g., Psychopathology, Psychotherapy, Psychological Testing, Clinical Practicum) both as a prerequisite for our doctoral courses and in order to be license-eligible upon graduation. Students with degrees outside of Psychology will need to demonstrate that they have had the appropriate undergraduate coursework in psychology and will need to complete the master of arts in clinical psychology.

I will be in Huntsville soon. Can I make an appointment to interview?

 

We discourage this.

  • We receive a large number of applications and can only interview the most promising applicants.
  • Applicants we are considering will be invited to an interview weekend where they can meet the faculty, students, and visit the campus.
  • If you have any questions about the program or your application, please email, phone, or write us.

Sonya Ramirez
Clinical Psychology Doctoral Program Secretary
Psychological Services Center
(936) 294-1210
1-866-BEARKAT ask for extension 1210
sdr001@shsu.edu

How many students do you plan to accept?

 

We want each entering class to consist of from 7-10 students.

How long will it take me to complete the program?

 

5 to 6 years, including a year-long pre-doctoral internship.

Is the program APA-accredited?
 

Yes

What does pre-doctoral internship entail?
 
  • A year-long internship of full-time clinical work will be completed during your final year.

Please click here for student statistics on internship.

  • Pre-doctoral internship acceptance is competitive and you will need to apply a year in advance.
  • It is likely that you will have to relocate to another part of the country for your internship.

Will this program train me to become an FBI profiler?
 

No.

Can I attend the program part-time?

 

No.

  • Most of the courses meet during the day.
  • Students in practica meet at various times.
  • Students are expected to be actively involved with research.
  • Students must be enrolled full-time.
  • Summer work is required.

Does the program offer degrees through distance learning?

 

No.

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