Admission Requirements and Procedure

In evaluating students for admission to the program, we require both an academic background showing distinction in psychology, and personal attributes indicative of a likelihood of success as a professional psychologist.  Caring, commitment, empathy and integrity, while difficult to measure and evaluate, are essential characteristics we look for in our students. Students from the social sciences and humanities, who have the requisite course work in psychology, are encouraged to apply.

• A completed application;
• Official transcripts of all prior undergraduate and graduate work;
• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited American college or university, or its foreign university equivalent, with a concentration in psychology or related discipline. (Please note that program directors may require that foreign academic credentials be evaluated by a third party.)
  
  For those lacking a psychology concentration, the following psychology courses are required:
  • General Psychology
  • Developmental Psychology (or Child Psychology)
  • Abnormal Psychology
  • Statistics and Research Methods (year-long, 6-credit course)
    Physiological Psychology and Social Psychology are not required but are highly recommended;
• A 3.0 GPA on undergraduate course work and a minimum of 3.25 GPA on any post-graduate courses taken. (Please note that program directors may require that foreign academic credentials be evaluated by a third party.);
• A minimum of 300 hours of supervised work experience in mental health or closely related human services position (paid or volunteer);
• Two reference forms with accompanying letters that address your academic and professional potential. (Please use the Reference Forms provided in the application and read the instructions on the form for proper handling.)
   
  • One that addresses your academic potential by a professor in your most recent academic experience. 
     
  • And the other resulting from work experiences in the human services that demonstrate the individual is effective in working with others in a helping capacity.  This letter must also include verification of 300 hours of work supplied by a clinical supervisor with at least a master’s degree.
• International applicants and applicants for whom English is not a native language should consult the International Applicants page and complete the international applicant section of the Graduate Admission Application.  
• A 4-5 page (double-spaced) autobiographical essay describing how you became interested in a career in professional psychology, including those pivotal experiences as a student, intern, patient, or observer of the mental health system. This essay serves not only as a writing sample, but also to convey who you are as a person and how you see our program as compatible with your personal and professional goals.
   
• An interview (all application materials must be in and file complete). 
• Application for admission to Saint Michael’s is not complete until all above information is received along with a non-refundable application fee of $35.00. You will be informed of the admission decision by letter. 

Graduate Teaching Assistantship

The Clinical Psychology Program offers two half-time graduate teaching assistantships a year. Responsibilities include assisting in the teaching of a General Psychology course by leading discussion sections, holding office hours, and other administrative duties. Qualifications for the position are:

• Admission into the Graduate Program for the fall semester
• Psychology major or its equivalent
• Undergraduate G.P.A. of 3.5
• Prior experience in tutoring undergraduates or assisting in the instruction of college-level courses

Apply by including a letter of interest with your application for admission describing your prior teaching experience that you believe qualifies you for the assistant position by July 1.

Candidacy

A student should apply for Candidacy after completing a minimum of twelve credit hours and a maximum of thirty credit hours in the GPS program, including at least one year-long clinical course sequence (such as: GPS 525-526, or GPS 515-516, or GPS 507-508) and six credits of general core courses (such as: GPS 505, 510-511, 513, or 520). This is done by submitting a Candidacy form indicating the various courses or areas of study that will constitute your degree program. This evaluation will emphasize both the academic and personal characteristics consistent with the requirements of a professional psychologist. In the event that deficiencies are identified, students will be notified in writing, and a meeting will be set with the Director to discuss the faculty’s decision. Whenever possible, a plan will be developed with the student to address the difficulties. However, in some cases students may be asked to leave the program at this juncture.