Application Information

Students should submit an application to the UNCW Graduate School (not the Psychology Department).

Students will be admitted to the PhD program by recommendation of the Department of Psychology Admissions Committee based upon eligibility requirements and available resources.

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Priority Consideration: December 1
Applications Accepted Until: January 15

The deadline (every year) for priority consideration is December 1st (11:59 p.m. EST) although applications will continue to be accepted until January 15th. Applicants are thus strongly encouraged to submit their applications by December 1st.

Under most circumstances, students admitted to the program will have met the following requirements:

1. Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university or its equivalent from a foreign institution of higher education accredited university. Please note that we do not accept applications from individuals who already have a Master's degree in psychology.
2. Major of psychology or at least 21 hours of psychology with a GPA of at least 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) with evidence of a grade of at least a B in a course in statistics and a grade of at least a B in a course in psychology research methods.
3. GRE scores will not be considered for students seeking admission. Applicants should not submit any GRE scores.
4. Three letters of recommendation from professionals in a psychology-related field. At least two letters must be from faculty members.
5. Current curriculum vitae/resumé.
6. A 500-800 word statement of interest written in essay form that addresses the following:
   • Your experience and interests in clinical work and research.
   • Your potential match with specific faculty, and with our program's training model (i.e., the scientist-practitioner model) in terms of your interests and career/professional goals.
   • Option: diversity interests.
   • Any additional strengths that will make you an excellent candidate for the program.
7. Interview with the Department of Psychology faculty required to determine faculty research match.

The Council of University Directors of Clinical Psychology (CUDCP) has adopted procedural guidelines to help facilitate admission into doctoral clinical psychology programs. It includes expectations for both applicants and programs. Our program adheres to the CUDCP Resources for Prospective PhD Students guidelines.

For more information, please review the full CUDCP policy pertaining to graduate school offers and acceptances (PDF).

General Clinical cohorts are typically 3-4 students per year. We do not consider applicants who already have their Master's degree in Psychology, even if applicants are open to re-taking courses.