Application Process
The application deadline for our program is January 31st
Applicants to our Clinical Ph.D. Program must apply through the UTRGV Graduate College online application. We recommend that you familiarize yourself with the process by visiting their “How to Apply” page. A Master's degree is not required for admission into our doctoral program; however, students who hold Master's degrees are encouraged to apply.
Applicants to our program must have:
- Obtained a bachelor's degree from a college or university accredited by the appropriate regional accrediting agency or foreign equivalent.
- Completed a minimum of 18 credit hours of psychology. Although a variety of psychology courses are acceptable, applicants will ideally have completed courses in Statistics, Research Methods, Abnormal Psychology, Personality, and Biological/Physiological Psychology.
- Achieved a minimum grade point average of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) for undergraduate coursework. Applicants who have completed graduate courses must also have a GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
Required submission materials:
- Official transcripts.
- Current resume/vita.
- A 1-2 page personal statement that addresses their professional goals, why they are interested in pursuing a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology, and what interests them about our program in particular. Applicants should clearly identify up to three program faculty that they are interested in working with, rank ordered by preference, and should explain why they are interested in working with those faculty.
- A writing sample that best demonstrates their scholarly writing skills in psychology or a related field. This can be a class paper, thesis, conference paper, published article, or other written scholarly paper.
- Three letters of recommendation submitted by former professors, or employers, familiar with the applicant's professional or educational capabilities. At least two of these letters must come from faculty who have taught you in a class and/or have mentored you in research.
Access a recording of our virtual open house here: UTRGV PhD in Clinical Psychology Virtual Open House
NOTE: International applicants and domestic applicants who attended foreign universities may need to fulfill additional application requirements. Please see the Graduate College site for more information.
The Board of Regents of the UT-System schools requires that all international students be billed medical insurance every semester. The Clinical Psychology Ph.D. Program does not cover the cost of medical insurance. Waivers may be requested if you have proof of your own insurance that is equal to or exceeds the minimum requirements, and that will cover you while in the U.S. (Mexican citizens may have medical insurance waived because of the proximity to the border.) If you have additional questions regarding this requirement, contact the International Admissions and Student Services Office.
Applications must be submitted via the UTRGV Graduate College Graduate College online application portal. Do not submit any material by postal mail unless requested to do so.
Selected applicants will undergo an on-campus interview. Applicants who are unable to attend an on-campus interview may be offered a phone/video interview. This is at the discretion of the faculty and only for candidates who have extenuating circumstances that prevent them from attending an on-campus interview.
If you have any questions about the program, please email the Director of Clinical Training, Dr. Arthur Cantos (arthur.cantos@utrgv.edu).