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.

The Clinical Psychology Program requires the following for admission:

• A completed application for Graduate Admission at http://www.smcvt.edu/graduate/admission.  A paper application may be submitted for those who prefer not to apply online.  If that option is chosen, please follow the instructions below and submit all materials in one packet, including transcripts and references. 
   
• Official transcripts of all prior undergraduate and graduate work (have all transcripts sent to you in a sealed envelope to be included in your packet);
   
• 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 the program director may require that foreign academic credentials be evaluated by a third party.)

While a psychology concentration is preferred, at a minimum 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 250 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. Fill out the top section of the form and have the reference form returned to you in a sealed envelope, signed along the seal, and include these in your packet.) 

○  One letter of reference by a professor of your academic potential. 
 
○  And the other letter of reference resulting from work experiences in human services that demonstrates your effectiveness working with people in a helping capacity.  This letter must also include verification of 250 hours of work supplied by a clinical supervisor with a master’s degree or higher.

• 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 submitted and the file complete). 
   
• Application for admission to Saint Michael’s is not complete until all of the above information is received along with a non-refundable application fee.
   

You will be informed of the admission decision by letter. Admission decisions are made by the program director in consultation with faculty and staff in the program. Meeting minimum application requirements and following admission procedures does not guarantee acceptance into the program. In order to provide personalized and high quality graduate training in clinical psychology, it is necessary to limit the size of the program; therefore, the admission process is competitive. Applicants are notified of the admission decision after all requirements of the admission process have been satisfied, including the interview.

A letter of interest is needed with the application if a student wants to be considered for the graduate assistantship which is available to a first-year full-time graduate student. The letter is due by July 1st.

Graduate Assistantship

The Clinical Psychology Program offers one assistantship each year. Qualifications for the position are the following:

• Full-time admission into the Graduate Clinical Psychology Program for the fall semester

• Must be able to work independently

• Highly Skilled computer use

• Must not be employed elsewhere

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 507-508, or GPS 515-516, or GPS 525-526) and six credits of general core courses (such as: GPS 505, 510-511, 513, or 520). Students submit a Candidacy form indicating the various courses or areas of study that will constitute their 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 scheduled with the Director to discuss the student’s performance. 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.