University of Utah

What you'll study

This master’s programme provides core training in psychological assessment, psychotherapy, research methods and professional issues. Typical modules and course topics include:

• Psychopathology and Diagnosis — diagnostic formulation, classification systems and case conceptualisation across the lifespan.
• Evidence-based Psychotherapies — cognitive‑behavioural therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, psychodynamic and integrative approaches with attention to application and outcomes.
• Psychological Assessment — psychometric principles, personality and cognitive testing, assessment report writing and feedback skills.
• Research Methods and Statistics — design, measurement, data analysis and critical appraisal of clinical research. Training emphasises both quantitative and applicable research skills.
• Ethics, Professional Issues and Multicultural Competence — ethical practice, cultural humility, working with diverse populations and legal issues in clinical practice.
• Practicum and Supervised Clinical Experience — hands-on client contact in training clinics, community agencies or partner health services with faculty supervision and case consultation.
• Capstone Project or Thesis — many students complete a practicum-based capstone or a thesis involving original research under faculty supervision.

Programme structure typically mixes core seminars, electives that allow topic specialisation (for example, child and adolescent issues, health psychology or neuropsychology fundamentals), and progressive clinical placements that increase in complexity and autonomy.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. Typical admissions considerations include:

• A completed undergraduate degree, often with substantial coursework in psychology or a closely related discipline.
• A competitive undergraduate GPA; exact thresholds vary, but successful applicants usually demonstrate strong academic performance in relevant coursework.
• Academic transcripts from all post‑secondary institutions attended.
• A statement of purpose outlining professional and research goals, clinical interests and reasons for choosing the programme.
• Letters of recommendation (commonly two or three) from academic or professional referees familiar with the applicant’s scholarly potential and suitability for clinical training.
• A current curriculum vitae or résumé detailing relevant experience such as research assistantships, practicum, volunteer or paid clinical work.
• Some programmes consider GRE scores if submitted, but they are not always required; check the department’s admissions guidance for the current policy.
• International applicants must demonstrate English proficiency through recognised tests unless exempted; they must also provide any required documentation for international study.

Relevant research or clinical experience strengthens applications, and faculty fit (alignment with supervisors’ research or clinical interests) is often an important factor in admissions decisions.

Career prospects

Graduates pursue a range of career paths in clinical and applied psychology. Common outcomes include:

• Positions as clinicians in community mental health agencies, school-based programmes, integrated primary care clinics or non-profit organisations (licensure requirements vary by role and jurisdiction and often require additional supervised hours or a doctoral degree for independent practice).
• Research or programme-evaluation roles in university labs, hospitals, policy organisations or private research firms, particularly for graduates who complete a thesis or strong research practicum.
• Preparation for doctoral programmes (PhD or PsyD) in clinical or counseling psychology; many students use the master’s to strengthen their research and practicum credentials for doctoral applications.
• Behavioural health positions within hospitals, Veterans Affairs services, rehabilitation centres and employee assistance programmes.
• Opportunities in related applied settings such as school counselling (with appropriate certification), forensic settings, or organisations specialising in substance use, trauma or neurorehabilitation.

The programme’s emphasis on supervised practicum and applied skills helps graduates move directly into entry-level applied roles or successfully apply to further clinical training programmes.

Why study at University of Utah

The University of Utah offers a robust environment for clinical and applied psychology training, combining strong research activity with practical clinical training. Students benefit from access to university-operated training clinics and affiliated health centres, which provide diverse practicum placements and opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration with departments such as psychiatry and neuroscience.

Faculty members are active in a range of clinical research areas, enabling students to engage in research projects or specialised practicum aligned with faculty expertise. The university’s close ties to regional healthcare systems and the Huntsman Mental Health Institute expand clinical training options and community placement opportunities.

Located in Salt Lake City, the university provides a setting with varied clinical populations and a supportive professional community, alongside easy access to outdoor recreation and a generally lower cost of living than many other major US metropolitan areas—factors that many students find enhance their graduate training experience.