Psychology

The School of Psychological Science has one Ph.D. program, which includes research areas of study of 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 is new for 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. 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 graduate school has information about fee waivers here: https://gradschool.oregonstate.edu/admissions/graduate-application-fee-w... . 

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 Graduate School 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 clinical science approach is built with two primary goals: (1) A focus on science-driven exploration of knowledge. Our pursuit of new clinical insights follows scientific methods; and (2) complete integration of science and practical application. Science and real-world application should be unified rather than separated. In our clinical science educational programs, we strive for seamless merging of our training in science for both research and clinical application. Research guides every facet of clinical work, while hands-on clinical experience consistently feeds back into research. These tenets are the essence of our program.

Students must be admitted to and active in the program in order for the program to be accredited on contingency, and full accreditation cannot be granted until after students have graduated from the program.

We will begin accepting applications for the Psychological Clinical Science program in Fall 2023 to start in Fall 2024. We expect the program to achieve “accredited, on contingency” status by the time the first cohort graduates. In that case, per APA guidelines,  graduates who entered the program in Fall 2024 will be eligible for licensure.

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The Psychological Clinical Science option is a new offering at Oregon State University, and therefore is not yet accredited. There are many steps involved in becoming accredited, and the process begins by admitting students.

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. 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. Bridget Klest at Bridget.Klest@oregonstate.edu, 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.

We will support our graduates in pursuing the careers they are most passionate about and which will be most fulfilling for them. That may include careers in clinical practice, research, teaching, public health or policy, clinic leadership and administration, and industry. A particular strength of our faculty is our experience in diverse realms of practice. We have faculty who have worked in academic medicine, Veterans Administration hospitals, and schools, who provide services through their own private practice, who work and consult in industry, and of course who are in academia. Regardless of which career path students pursue, we expect all graduates to be well-trained in evidence-based clinical practice, equipped to generate, consume, and disseminate research findings, and informed regarding systems of mental health care, and committed to better reaching underserved populations.