University of New Haven

What you'll study

The programme combines core clinical science theory with applied skills training and supervised clinical experience. Typical modules cover clinical assessment and diagnosis, psychopathology, evidence-based psychotherapeutic approaches, psychometrics and clinical interviewing, research design and statistics, ethics and professional issues, and neurobiological foundations of behaviour. Students also take advanced seminars that explore specialised topics such as trauma-informed care, child and adolescent assessment, geriatric mental health, or integrated behavioural healthcare.

A central element of the degree is a practicum sequence and/or internship in community, hospital or specialised clinic settings located in the New Haven region and beyond. These placements provide hands-on assessment and intervention experience under faculty supervision, and are complemented by a capstone research project or thesis that applies clinical science methods to a real-world clinical question.

Entry requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, typically in psychology, health sciences, biology or a closely related field.
• A competitive undergraduate GPA; specific minimums are set by the programme and may vary.
• Evidence of relevant experience or interest in clinical work — this can include paid or volunteer roles in mental health, healthcare settings, research assistantships, or related community work.
• Personal statement describing professional goals and clinical interests, and letters of recommendation (usually two or three) from academic or professional referees.
• Some applicants may be asked to attend an interview. International applicants must meet English language proficiency requirements.

Career prospects

Graduates enter a range of clinical and research roles. Common pathways include positions as clinical practitioners in community mental health centres, hospitals, substance misuse services, and school or university counselling settings (often as part of a licensure track where applicable). Other graduates work as research coordinators or assistants in clinical trials, programme coordinators for behaviour health initiatives, or pursue doctoral training (PhD or PsyD) in clinical or counselling psychology.

The degree’s emphasis on assessment, evidence-based intervention and research methods also prepares graduates for roles in multidisciplinary teams, managed care organisations and settings that require outcome measurement and programme evaluation.

Why study at University of New Haven

• Applied focus with strong practicum and internship links in the greater New Haven area, allowing students to gain supervised clinical hours in diverse settings.
• Faculty with clinical and research experience who provide close mentorship; the university’s emphasis on hands-on learning supports integration of theory and practice.
• Interdisciplinary environment with opportunities to collaborate across health sciences, forensic and social service programmes, giving students exposure to a range of applied clinical contexts.
• Smaller cohort sizes that support personalised supervision and professional development, and strong local clinical networks that assist with placement and early career connections.