Miami University

What you'll study

This PhD follows the scientist–practitioner model and combines advanced coursework, supervised clinical training, and dissertation research. Core areas include psychopathology, psychological assessment, intervention and psychotherapy, lifespan development, and advanced research methods and statistics. Students also take seminars in specialised topics such as cognitive–behavioural therapies, family systems, multicultural and diversity issues in clinical practice, and health psychology.

Practical training is integrated throughout the programme. Typical training components include:

• Sequence of assessment and intervention practicum placements in the university clinic and community agencies.
• Advanced coursework in quantitative methods, psychometrics and experimental design to support independent research.
• Supervised clinical practica advancing to a full-time internship year that meets state and professional accreditation requirements for clinical training.
• A substantive doctoral dissertation under the supervision of a faculty mentor, focused on empirical work that contributes to clinical science or applied practice.

Students customise their training with elective seminars and cross-disciplinary courses (for example, in education, public health, neuroscience or social work) and can pursue specialised training pathways depending on faculty expertise and practicum availability.

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a relevant bachelor's or master's degree with substantial preparation in psychology. Competitive candidates typically demonstrate a strong academic record, relevant coursework (including research methods and statistics), and direct research experience. Prior clinical or counselling practicum experience is advantageous but not always required.

Typical application materials include:

• Transcripts from all post‑secondary institutions attended.
• A statement of purpose describing research interests, professional goals and fit with programme faculty.
• Curriculum vitae or résumé documenting research, clinical and professional experience.
• Letters of recommendation, preferably including at least one from a research supervisor.
• Examples of research (e.g. honours thesis, manuscripts) if available.

Some programmes and applicants may provide standardised test scores where required or optional; applicants should consult the department for the current testing policy. International applicants must meet English language proficiency requirements. Admission is competitive and also depends on faculty availability to supervise the applicant’s proposed research.

Career prospects

Graduates of this programme typically pursue careers that blend clinical practice and research. Common career outcomes include:

• Licensed clinical psychologist in hospitals, community mental health centres, private practice and specialised clinics.
• Academic positions in universities and colleges, conducting research and teaching undergraduate and graduate students.
• Research scientist or evaluator in healthcare systems, government agencies, non‑profit organisations and industry settings.
• Clinical supervisors, programme directors, or policy advisors in applied mental health services.

The programme prepares students for state licensure where they undertake the supervised clinical hours, internship and examinations required by licensing boards. Graduates who remain in research-focused roles may also obtain postdoctoral fellowships in specialised areas such as clinical neuropsychology, child and adolescent mental health, or integrated behavioural health.

Why study at Miami University

Miami University offers an environment with close faculty mentorship, a strong emphasis on rigorous empirical training, and ample opportunities for supervised clinical experience through an on‑campus training clinic and community placements. Small cohort sizes support individualised supervision and collaborative research teams. Faculty research spans clinical intervention, assessment, developmental psychopathology, health psychology and applied behavioural science, allowing students to find mentors aligned with diverse interests.

Students benefit from funded graduate assistantships and teaching opportunities, interdisciplinary collaboration across departments, and a campus committed to both high-quality training and applied impact. The programme’s balance of clinical practicum, advanced methodological training and dissertation mentorship is designed to prepare graduates for the dual demands of clinical work and scholarly research.