Clinical Psychology, Doctor of Philosophy

The program prepares broadly trained, competent, psychological professionals in a variety of psychodiagnostic and intervention procedures as well as in research. Students are required to demonstrate their ability to understand and interpret the research of others as well as to design and execute relevant research of their own. The program prepares students to function in the diverse professional, academic, and research roles performed by clinical psychologists. It does so by offering a broad exposure to the theoretical and empirical underpinnings of general psychology while also providing extensive training in strategies and techniques of assessment and intervention.

The program philosophy is based on the scientist/practitioner model of training involving a logical progression of coursework and fieldwork experiences toward the development of research and clinical competencies. In addition, the program abides by the ethical principles of the profession, shows respect for individual rights and dignity, is committed to service to its community, and demonstrates through its teaching and clinical training an appreciation of the importance of cultural diversity.

The Ph.D. program in Clinical Psychology offers two major areas of study: Adult, a specialty area focusing on education and training with adult clinical populations, and Child and Adolescent, which offers advanced training in child psychology. Students elect, at the point of application to the program, one of two major areas of study within the Clinical Psychology program in which they can pursue more concentrated training opportunities: (1) Adult; or (2) Child and Adolescent.

• General Requirements
• Child & Adolescent Area Requirements
• Adult Area Requirements
• Student Admissions, Outcomes, and Other Data (PDF)

Professional licensure and certification requirements often vary from state to state. St. John’s University has not determined requirements for individual states beyond New York. If you reside or plan to reside outside New York you are strongly encouraged to contact the appropriate state licensing agency in that state to seek information and guidance before beginning the program.

Department Faculty

Please see a list of our Psychology faculty.

Clinical faculty members include Elissa Brown, Andrea Bergman, Elizabeth Brondolo, William Chaplin, Beverly Greene, Rafael Javier, Wilson McDermut, Jeffrey Nevid, Tamara Del Vecchio and Raymond DiGiuseppe.

Additional Information

• Program Overview
• Objectives
• Admission Requirements
• Student Admissions, Outcomes, and Other Data (PDF)
• Financial Support
• Focus on Diversity in Training, Practice, and Research

Career Outcomes

The Ph.D program in Clinical Psychology at St. John’s University prepares students for professional careers in clinical psychology. Embodying the commitment to service to the economically and socially disadvantaged that is a key feature of the University’s Vincentian mission, the program prepares students to become working psychologists and researchers in community facilities and university and public service settings. Students in the program develop competencies in psychological assessment and diagnostic evaluation, psychological methods of treatment, research methods and design, methods of data analysis, and advancement of knowledge in the field, as well as sensitivity to the importance of issues of diversity in providing psychological services in a diverse society.

Professional licensure and certification requirements often vary from state to state. St. John’s University has not determined requirements for individual states beyond New York. If you reside or plan to reside outside New York you are strongly encouraged to contact the appropriate state licensing agency in that state to seek information and guidance before beginning the program.

Admission

Admissions to the Ph.D. program are for the Fall semester only. In addition to the entrance requirements listed, one or more interviews by the departmental admissions committee may be requested. Students accepted for admission with any course deficiencies must remove those deficiencies prior to matriculation in the program. Such deficiencies may be completed during the summer preceding matriculation by enrolling in appropriate undergraduate or 100-level courses. All doctoral students are required to maintain full-time status for the duration of the program.

The GRE is optional for the 2022-2023 admissions cycle.

Please note: Prior to beginning required supervised clinical hours at the University clinic and external clinical placement sites, students will be required to undergo and successfully pass a Criminal Background Check, at a cost of approximately $100. For more information, please consult the current Graduate Bulletin.

Visit

Applicants who are asked to interview will be invited to visit campus in February or March. 

A Final Word

Applying to a doctoral program requires a serious, thoughtful decision. We welcome your interest in the Clinical Psychology program.

For more information or to apply, please contact:

Graduate Admission Information

Office of Graduate Admission
8000 Utopia Parkway
Queens, NY 11439
718-990-1601
[email protected]

Tuition and Financial Aid

Costs for tuition and fees are listed online and in the Graduate Bulletin. Academic and financial advisement is available in the department and through the Office of Student Financial Services.