Eastern Michigan University

What you'll study

This doctoral programme follows a scientist–practitioner model, combining intensive research training with sequential clinical practicum and supervised applied experience. Core areas include assessment and diagnosis, evidence‑based psychotherapies, clinical practicum, psychopathology, personality theory, lifespan development, and ethics.

• Research methods and statistics — advanced quantitative and qualitative methods, multivariate statistics, psychometrics and research design.
• Clinical assessment and intervention — psychological testing, diagnostic interviewing, cognitive‑behavioural and psychodynamic interventions, couples and family approaches.
• Specialist topics — trauma, child and adolescent clinical work, neuropsychology or health psychology depending on faculty expertise and electives.
• Practicum and internship — sequential outpatient and community placements, school or hospital practicum experiences, and a full‑time professional internship in the later years.
• Dissertation — independent empirical research under faculty supervision, demonstrating original contribution to clinical or applied psychology.

Students typically progress through a structured curriculum in the early years, take qualifying examinations, complete an empirically based dissertation, and fulfil supervised clinical hours. Elective seminars and collaborative projects allow specialisation within applied psychology domains.

Entry requirements

Admission is competitive and seeks applicants with strong academic preparation, research potential and a clear statement of professional goals. Typical requirements include:

• A relevant graduate degree (master’s preferred) or a strong bachelor’s degree in psychology or a closely related field.
• Competitive academic record; transcripts demonstrating coursework in research methods, statistics, and core psychology subjects.
• Curriculum vitae, a personal statement outlining research interests and career aims, and three letters of recommendation from academic or professional referees.
• Research experience or evidence of research potential (e.g. publications, conference presentations, or substantial research projects) is strongly favoured.
• Interview with faculty as part of the selection process; some applicants may be asked for representative writing samples or GRE scores where required by the programme.
• For international applicants, proof of English language proficiency and teaching/research funding information where applicable.

Applicants should check the programme’s admission page for precise documentation requirements and any additional prerequisites such as background checks for practicum placements.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for a range of careers in clinical and applied psychology. Common paths include:

• Licensed clinical or counselling psychologist in private practice, hospitals, community mental health agencies, or student counselling centres (subject to meeting licensure and supervised practice requirements in the relevant jurisdiction).
• Academic roles in teaching and research at universities and colleges, including postdoctoral research positions.
• Clinical supervisors, programme directors and administrators in behavioural health systems, non‑profit organisations, or primary care settings.
• Applied research positions in healthcare, public policy, education, or industry settings that value expertise in assessment, intervention and programme evaluation.

The combination of rigorous research training and practicum experience supports career mobility between direct clinical work, supervision and research or policy roles.

Why study at Eastern Michigan University

Eastern Michigan University offers a doctoral environment with close faculty mentoring, small cohort sizes and access to a variety of practicum sites across metropolitan Detroit and the wider region. The programme emphasises multicultural competence and community engagement, providing opportunities to work with diverse populations across lifespan and clinical settings.

Students benefit from collaborative, interdisciplinary research opportunities, access to university research resources and clinical training facilities, and a balance of applied training with rigorous empirical methods. Prospective applicants should review faculty profiles to identify supervisors whose research interests align with their own and contact the programme for details about practicum arrangements and licensure preparation guidance.