Mission Statement

The mission of SMU’s Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology is to train psychologists whose professional activities are based on scientific knowledge and methods. The program integrates rigorous research training with state-of-the-art, evidence-based clinical training. Thus, our program emphasizes the development of conceptual and research skills as well as scientifically-based clinical practice skills. The overarching goal is for our graduates to use empirical methods to advance psychological knowledge and whose approach to clinical phenomena is consistent with scientific evidence.

Research Training

Research training is provided through a combination of coursework and lab activities. Coursework is designed to familiarize students with research in clinical psychology and methods used to study psychological phenomena. Lab activities include the completion of student-directed research projects (e.g., first-year project, thesis, dissertation), involvement in faculty research, participation on research teams, attendance at departmental colloquia, presentation of research at professional conferences, and publication of articles in professional journals. The program is designed to expose students to psychological research conducted in a variety of settings.

Clinical Training

Clinical training is closely integrated with research training. Coursework addresses theory and research on clinical disorders/problems, empirically supported assessment and treatment techniques, and methods for evaluating the effectiveness of clinical practice. Clinical practicum experiences provide students with training and supervision in the application of empirically supported assessment and treatment techniques. They also function to expose students to a variety of client/patient populations. Clinical training also takes place in many faculty research labs. That is, many SMU faculty members conduct research on clinical phenomena and evaluate the utility of specific assessment and treatment techniques. Thus, students often receive training in clinical practice skills (e.g., interviewing skills, training in the delivery of specific assessment or treatment techniques) as part of their involvement in faculty research.

APA Accreditation Status
Application Procedures
Applicant data
Program Information