PhD in Clinical Psychology
Shape the future of mental health research and care through Rowan University’s doctorate in clinical psychology—a five-year program rooted in the scientist-practitioner model.
Why choose Rowan's clinical psychology doctoral program?
In Rowan University’s Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in clinical psychology degree program, you’ll connect scientific research with real-world clinical practice. Following the scientist-practitioner model, you’ll conduct original research, analyze data and apply evidence-based interventions in healthcare settings. Faculty mentors will guide your work as you deepen your expertise in areas that prepare you to improve both mental and physical health outcomes, including health psychology, integrated care and clinical assessment.
Across four years of coursework and supervised practicums, you’ll gain hands-on experience at hospitals and medical centers throughout the region while engaging in diverse research opportunities across multiple areas of psychology. This breadth of study ensures you become a well-rounded clinical scientist capable of approaching mental health from many perspectives. In your fifth year, you’ll complete a full-time, APA-accredited clinical internship, putting your knowledge into practice and showcasing your readiness for licensure.
Key Considerations
Explore program length, degree requirements, cost and Application Deadlines that give you a clear picture of what to expect while earning your doctorate in clinical psychology.
Quick Facts
Years To Complete
Credits
Fall Entry Term
Studying clinical psychology at Rowan
Review course information, clinical training requirements, financial aid and how to apply to Rowan’s clinical psychology PhD program.
What You'll Learn
Rowan University’s PhD in clinical psychology degree is a full-time, 93-credit program that you can complete over five years—four years of coursework and research on campus followed by a one-year APA-accredited clinical internship. Classes are held primarily during the day, and you’re simultaneously admitted to both the Master of Arts in clinical mental health counseling and the PhD in clinical psychology degree programs to ensure a seamless academic progression. This structure allows you to build comprehensive knowledge and professional skills while developing the depth of experience needed to succeed as both a researcher and clinician.
You’ll progress through a carefully sequenced curriculum that blends scientific foundations, clinical competencies and health psychology. Coursework begins with core classes in areas like human development, the biological bases of behavior and multicultural perspectives, then advances to training in assessment and intervention techniques.
Through supervised practice, you’ll work directly with clients to assess needs and plan treatment. Alongside your clinical training, you’ll complete and defend both a master’s thesis and a doctoral dissertation, demonstrating your ability to design, analyze and present original research.
Clinical Psychology Key Courses
- Assessment I: Psychometrics and Cognitive Testing
- Biological Bases of Behavior
- Health Psychology
- Human Development
- Multicultural Perspectives
- Professional, Ethical and Legal Issues in Clinical Psychology
- Research Methods
- Social Issues in Health and Wellness
- Statistics for Clinical Psychology I: Univariate
APA Accreditation Status
For more information about American Psychological Association (APA) accreditation status, please refer to Implementing regulations Section C: IRs Related to the Standards of Accreditation (C-29 D. Initial Doctoral Program Accreditation & C-25 D. Accreditation Status and CoA Contact Information).
You can also direct questions related to the clinical psychology PhD program’s accredited status 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 / Email: apaaccred@apa.org
How You'll Learn
At Rowan, the clinical psychology PhD program emphasizes experiential learning. From your first year, you’ll engage in research labs, assist with faculty-led projects and develop clinical competencies through coursework and supervision. In your second year, you’ll begin practicum placements at clinical and medical sites across the region. Many students collaborate with Rowan’s partners, including Cooper Medical School and Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine, broadening their understanding of integrated care and behavioral health. Continuous faculty supervision supports your development as you grow into the role of a clinical scientist and practitioner.
After completing four years of coursework, research and in-person training, you’ll move into a one-year APA-accredited clinical internship. This capstone experience provides full-time immersion in professional practice, where you’ll refine your assessment, diagnosis and treatment skills under expert supervision. You’ll work with clients in clinical and healthcare settings, contribute to interdisciplinary teams, integrate scientific evidence into your therapeutic approach and prepare for independent practice.
Admission Requirements
Review the admission requirements below to start your journey toward becoming a clinical psychologist. After you complete your application, a representative from the Rowan University Office of Admissions will confirm your application status and notify you of any missing information. There may be additional actions or materials required for admission to the program.
- Completed application
- $65 nonrefundable application fee
- Bachelor’s degree (or its equivalent) from an accredited institution of higher learning
- Official transcripts from all colleges attended (regardless of number of credits earned)
- Current professional résumé or CV
- Three letters of recommendation on official letterhead, accompanied by the Rowan Global Letter of Recommendation Form
- Department Essay: A personal statement that includes professional objectives, research interests and any other information you would like to share with the admissions committee
- You should also indicate what faculty member(s) you are interested in conducting research with and how this interest fits into their career goals. You should indicate up to three faculty members with whom you would be interested in working to improve your chances of a match with the program.
- Interview
- Interviews are being held virtually, with a possible in-person visit post-offer.
Note: Neither the GRE General nor Subject Test is required for admissions. You should not include your scores in any part of your application, and any scores that are submitted will be removed from your application before being reviewed by program faculty. The GRE Psychology test may be submitted if you were not a psychology major and wish to demonstrate your foundational knowledge of the field.
Tuition and Aid
Earning a PhD in clinical psychology is a significant investment—Rowan University is committed to keeping graduate education accessible. Scholarships and financial aid options are available to help you pursue your professional goals with confidence.
Review graduate financial aid opportunities and pricing details.
Careers and Outcomes
Clinical psychologists use evidence-based methods to assess and diagnose mental, emotional and behavioral disorders, design and evaluate treatment plans and contribute to the development of new therapeutic approaches. Their rigorous training in research and assessment equips them to evaluate emerging treatment models, support patient-centered care and inform policies that improve access to and quality of mental health services. Whether conducting research in an academic setting, guiding clinical services for communities or shaping healthcare systems, Rowan graduates apply their expertise to improve lives and advance the field of psychology.
Upcoming virtual information sessions and events
Join one of Rowan’s virtual information sessions to learn more about the clinical psychology PhD program. You’ll explore the program’s structure, clinical training opportunities, career pathways and financial aid resources, while hearing directly from faculty mentors. These sessions also allow you to ask questions about admissions and connect with the Rowan representatives who will guide your doctoral journey.
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Related programs
Rowan offers a range of graduate and professional programs designed to expand your expertise in psychology and beyond. Continue exploring your options!
Ready to learn more about Rowan?
Start your doctoral journey in clinical psychology
The Doctor of Philosophy in clinical psychology degree program at Rowan University prepares scholar-practitioners like you to make a lasting impact in mental health. With us, you’ll gain the expertise and real-world experience to bridge science and compassionate care. Take the next step toward a rewarding career in research, academia or clinical practice.