Graduate Psychology FAQ's

The School of Psychological Science has one Ph.D. program, which includes research areas of study: Psychological Clinical Science (clinical psychology), Engineering Psychology, Health Psychology, and the Psychological Science of Teaching and Learning. 

Yes, our Psychological Clinical Science (clinical psychology) program opened to students in Fall 2024.

OSU does not have an option to earn a master's degree on its own. Students admitted to the Psychology Ph.D. program earn a Master of Science in Psychology on their way to the Ph.D. 

The Psychology Ph.D. program’s general focus is on the application of quantitative, experimental psychological research methods, theories, and principles to solving practical problems. All students take foundational coursework in research methods and statistics, and choose among core coursework in social, cognitive, neuroscience, and developmental psychology. Psychological Clinical Science students also take core coursework in clinical science. Students individualize their programs of study with elective courses in psychology and other disciplines. However, like most Psychology Ph.D. programs, to make time for hands-on lab experience, the primary way students specialize is not by taking many additional courses. Rather, through an apprenticeship model, faculty and Ph.D. students focus their work through one or more research areas of study. Please see About our Program.

There is a list of Ph.D Mentors, their research interests, and information on their ability to accept new students here.

The School of Psychological Science does not have our own process for granting fee waivers. OSU’s Office of Graduate Education has information about fee waivers.

You will communicate these interests within your application. It is not necessary to email faculty members, and your application will be given full consideration regardless of whether you do so. Some applicants contact specific faculty members to confirm they are available to mentor new students (if this is not already listed on the program or faculty member’s website), or that they are continuing the line of research that drew the applicant’s interest.

We recommend listing as potential mentors only faculty members with whom you envision a strong research match (i.e., your research interests align closely with theirs). Most applicants list between one and three potential mentors. Listing too many can appear as though the applicant does not have a clear direction. On balance, it is not advantageous to list multiple potential mentors if the applicant is only interested in mentoring from one faculty member.

Consistent with OSU Office of Graduate Education requirements students are admitted using a holistic review process that recognizes multiple pathways to success.

Although GPA is one indicator, the admissions committee uses a holistic approach based on all available materials in the application.

The application and further details on required materials when applying can be found here In brief, you will complete the application including unofficial transcripts, names of letter of recommendation writers, your personal statement, and resume/curriculum vitae (“CV”).

GRE scores are not required.

We typically invite students who are offered admission to visit Oregon State in-person if they choose to do so (this is optional). We know that it can be helpful to see the area and campus to make sure it is a good fit for you school and life wise. And we love to show off beautiful Oregon!

The Psychological Clinical Science program follows the clinical science model of training which seeks to integrate clinical research and application in an iterative, bidirectional process across all aspects of training. This philosophy encompasses the idea that evidence-based clinical practice integrates cutting edge research advancements and simultaneously that research must be informed and improved by real world clinical application.

The Psychological Clinical Science option is a new offering at Oregon State University as of 2024, and therefore is not yet accredited. There are many steps involved in becoming accredited, and the process begins by admitting students. It is our intention to achieve accreditation under the Psychological Clinical Science Accreditation System (PCSAS) and we have taken appropriate steps towards this accreditation (application is under review). The philosophy of PCSAS accreditation is well-aligned with the mission and vision of our program, which aims to train clinical scientists. 

Regarding American Psychological Association (APA) accreditation, students must be admitted to and active in the program in order for the program to become accredited on contingency, and full accreditation cannot be granted until after students have graduated from the program. Our APA accreditation application is underway. 

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The program is carefully designed such that successful completion of this program will include the pre-doctoral training and clinical hours that you need to apply for a license in psychology in most jurisdictions. Many states require post-doctoral professional experience. We are unable to confirm the specific licensure and certification requirements of each state, territory, or foreign entity in which professional credentialing may be possible, as licensure is controlled by individual governmental bodies in all 50 US states.

You are welcome to contact Dr. Cara Keifer at [email protected], Associate Director of Clinical Training, with questions in this regard and we will do our best to assist you in your career planning. In addition, you may wish to consult the Association of State Boards of Professional Psychology (ASPPB) webpage for more information about licensing requirements.

Graduates of the Clinical Science program will be well-suited for careers in diverse settings including academia, medical centers, industry, public policy, and clinical leadership, engaging in research, advocacy, dissemination and/or clinical practice. The Psychology Ph.D. is a research degree. The Psychology Ph.D with Clinical Science option integrates psychological and clinical science. It is not a professional degree designed to train psychologists solely for clinical practice. Students anticipated to be most successful in this program are those with a strong preparation in and interest in continuing to conduct research throughout their careers. Therefore, students who are interested in a career primarily focused on clinical practice without a substantial research component are unlikely to be a good fit for this program.