Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Clinical Psychology

The clinical psychology doctoral training program at Saint Louis University adheres to the scientist-practitioner model of training in clinical psychology. As part of the SLU Department of Psychology, our students receive strong generalist training and develop extensive skills in research. Our diverse faculty members offer specialized clinical training opportunities in clinical child psychology, trauma psychology, clinical neuropsychology, health psychology, and sports psychology. The U.S.  News & World Report consistently ranks Saint Louis University's clinical psychology graduate education program among the top programs in the United States. Our program’s major area of study is adult clinical psychology. Consistent with the APA taxonomy, you may elect one of the following areas of emphasis, experience or exposure: clinical neuropsychology, clinical child psychology, health psychology, trauma psychology or sports psychology. Students interested in pursuing one of these areas work with their advisor to establish an individualized curriculum and training plan. Relevant research may be conducted in any of these areas; Clinical Child Psychology (Experience or Exposure), Clinical Neuropsychology (Emphasis, Experience or Exposure), Health Psychology (Experience or Exposure), Trauma Psychology (Experience or Exposure), and Sports Psychology (Experience or Exposure). The clinical psychology program at Saint Louis University is designed to provide broad and general doctoral education and training in health service psychology. Our faculty members are committed to training and education that evidences the integration of science and practice, that is sequential, cumulative, graded in complexity, designed to prepare students for further organized training and that indicates respect for and understanding of individual and cultural diversity. Upon completing the master's degree, doctoral students complete an additional 42 credits of coursework and 12 credits of dissertation research. 

Career Path 

Graduate career path includes Licensed Clinical Psychologist,Counseling Psychologist, Neuropsychologist, Health Psychologist, Rehabilitation Psychologist, Forensic Psychologist, Child & Adolescent Psychologist, Geriatric Psychologist, University Professor (Clinical Psychology), Teaching Assistant Supervisor, Trauma & Resilience Researcher, Curriculum Developer (Psychology/Clinical Programs), Scientific Journal Editor (Psychology Focus), Research Director (Clinical Psychology), Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Principal Investigator (Clinical Psychology Research), Cognitive Behavioral Research Scientist, Psychopathology Research Scientist, Clinical Neuroscience Researcher, Health Outcomes Researcher, Clinical Director (Hospital/Clinic), Integrated Care Specialist, Behavioral Health Program Director,Evidence-Based Practice Specialist, Public Health Psychologist, Clinical Trials Director (Mental Health Focus).