This ranking highlights the top 10 doctoral programs in clinical psychology across the country. The following universities and colleges are home to some of the most respected psychology departments in the world. They employ nationally recognized faculty members. With a doctoral degree in clinical psychology, students are prepared to pursue careers as clinical psychologists. They are highly trained mental health professionals. They work with families or individual clients in need of psychiatric care. If you have earned a master’s degree in psychology and are considering this career path, the following list will help you on your journey to choosing the best graduate school and doctoral program in the field of clinical psychology.
Methodology
We understand that the process of selecting the right graduate school can be overwhelming and confusing, both for new students and those returning to further their education. For this reason, we decided to develop a specific set of criteria by which to rank institutions. To begin our list, we searched for the term “Doctorate in Clinical Psychology” degree using the College Navigator Tool at the National Center for Education Statistics. We gathered a list of 75 schools before finding the top 10 doctoral programs based on the following methodology.
Average Cost of Graduate Attendance
The average cost of graduate attendance is one of the most important factors prospective students look at when considering an institution for their doctoral degree. However, instead of simply choosing based on the cost of a program alone, it is vital to consider other factors that we will outline below. For the purpose of this list, we used data compiled from each university or college as well as information from the College Navigator Tool. We then assigned points according to the table below.
Points:
Under $15,000: 4 points
$15,001 to $20,000: 3 points
$20,001 to $25,000: 2 points
$25,000 or more: 1 point
College Ranking
Clinical psychology PhD rankings are important to consider. The status of each college, or how it ranks compared to other similar institutions that offer comparative degrees (such as clinical psychology rankings), is another important factor to consider. To help organize this list, we have assigned the following points based on criteria for:
- national and regional status
- the quality of its degrees
- whether an institution is considered a “good value”
- how it compares to other public schools
Points
U.S. News & World Report: Best National School, Best Graduate Psychology Program, Best Graduate Clinical Psychology Program Ranking:
Top 50: 5 points
Top 100: 3 points
Top 150: 2 point
Top 200: 1 point
U.S. News & World Report: Best Regional University, Best Value School, Top Public School Ranking:
Top 50: 3 points
Top 100: 2 points
Top 150: 1 point
Accreditation
Finally, we take a look at accreditation. Accreditation is an indication of the school’s institutional and academic quality. All of the schools on this list hold some type of regional or national accreditation. We awarded additional points based on whether the school has earned programmatic accreditation for a particular degree.
Points:
Psychological Clinical Science Accreditation System (PCSAS): 3 points
American Psychological Association (APA) accreditation: 3 points
Regional accreditation: 2 points
Here is the list of clinical psychology PhD programs.
Ranking Top 10 Doctoral Degree Programs in Clinical Psychology
10. Stony Brook University
Stony Brook, New York
Points: 29
Program Website
Stony Brook University was founded in 1957. It’s a public space- and sea-grant research university and part of the State University of New York System. The school’s doctoral program in clinical psychology trains the next generation of clinical researchers who identify and develop treatments for people with substance abuse and mental disorders. The five- to seven-year program emphasizes courses such as methods of intervention and psychopathology.
Students spend the majority of the program performing independent research that results in :
- a specialty paper
- research project
- dissertation
Graduates are qualified to earn a license in clinical psychology in every state.
Degree Options:
Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology
Average Program Cost: $13,007
U.S. News & World Report Ranking:
#4 (tie) in Clinical Psychology
#32 (tie) in Top Public Schools
#39 (tie) in Psychology
#80 (tie) in National Universities
#118 in Best Value Schools
Accreditations:
Psychological Clinical Science Accreditation System
American Psychological Association
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
9. Ohio State University
Columbus, Ohio
Points: 29
Program Website
Ohio State University was founded in 1870. Since then, it has grown into the third-largest university campus in the U.S. Ohio State’s Department of Psychology offers a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology that provides specialty training with tracks in adult clinical and health psychology. Students may complete the program in six years, including five years of on-campus programs and the final year in an internship.
Coursework includes the treatment, assessment, and prevention of psychological issues. Students receive clinical training at the Psychological Services Center, serving:
- families
- adults
- children
Graduates have gone on to pursue careers in research and academia.
Degree Options:
Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology
Average Program Cost: $12,424
U.S. News & World Report Ranking:
#17 (tie) in Top Public Schools
#24 (tie) in Psychology
#36 (tie) in Clinical Psychology
#56 (tie) in National Universities
#126 in Best Value Schools
Accreditations:
Psychological Clinical Science Accreditation System
American Psychological Association
Higher Learning Commission
8. University of Arizona
Tucson, Arizona
Points: 29
Program Website
The University of Arizona was founded in 1885 as the first university in the Arizona Territory. The School of Mind, Brain, and Behavior at UA offers a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology. Students can select an area of focus in:
- intervention research
- health psychology
- clinical neuropsychology
- psychophysiology
The program emphasizes generating, applying, and sharing scientific knowledge. It’s based on a clinical-science training model. The program requirements include an:
- assessment sequence
- an intervention sequence
- an externship
- a doctoral dissertation
Graduates are prepared to integrate practice and science in any career in the field.
Degree Options:
Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology
Average Program Cost: $10,900
U.S. News & World Report Ranking:
#31 (tie) in Clinical Psychology
#45 (tie) in Psychology
#46 (tie) in Top Public Schools
#97 in Best Value Schools
#106 (tie) in National Universities
Accreditations:
Psychological Clinical Science Accreditation System
American Psychological Association
Higher Learning Commission
7. Indiana University
Bloomington, Indiana
Points: 29
Program Website
Indiana University was established in 1820. It is the flagship university of the Indiana University System. It enrolls more than 40,000 students. It is the largest university in the system. The school’s Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences offers a doctoral degree in clinical science.
The program does not offer tracks or specializations because its training in dissemination, application, and research is tailored to each student’s specific needs. It also consists of minimal course requirements, enabling students to learn by doing rather than listening. The program is entirely research-oriented and not intended for students interested in a career as a service provider or practitioner.
Degree Options:
Ph.D. in Clinical Science
Average Program Cost: $10,563
U.S. News & World Report Ranking:
#16 (tie) in Clinical Psychology
#17 (tie) in Psychology
#38 (tie) in Top Public Schools
#89 (tie) in National Universities
#120 in Best Value Schools
Accreditations:
Psychological Clinical Science Accreditation System
American Psychological Association
Higher Learning Commission
6. University of Illinois
Champaign, Illinois
Points: 30
Program Website
The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign was founded in 1867 as a land-grant institution. It’s the flagship institution of the University of Illinois System. The clinical and community psychology program’s goal is educating scientifically oriented, scholarly professionals and researchers in a number of areas of study.
The program strongly emphasizes sensitivity to ethical issues as well as cultural, ethnic, gender, and other types of human diversity. Graduates of this program are prepared to enter the field of academic, clinical practice, or to continue making a contribution to the research of clinical psychology.
Degree Options:
Ph.D. in Clinical-Community Psychology
Average Program Cost: $16,910
U.S. News & World Report Ranking:
#7 in Psychology
#11 (tie) in Clinical Psychology
#13 (tie) in Top Public Schools
#46 (tie) in National Universities
#111 in Best Value Schools
Accreditations:
Psychological Clinical Science Accreditation System
American Psychological Association
Higher Learning Commission
5. University of Iowa
Iowa City, Iowa
Points: 30
Program Website
The University of Iowa was founded in 1847. It’s the oldest and second-largest university in the state. Its Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences offers a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology. This is a clinical science program that explores how psychological factors influence human health and relationships.
Students and faculty members have the opportunity to collaborate with colleagues from various departments within the College of Medicine, including:
- gynecology
- neuroscience obstetrics
- pediatrics
- internal medicine
- psychiatry
Graduates of the program pursue careers that are primarily research-focused.
Degree Options:
Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology
Average Program Cost: $9,267
U.S. News & World Report Ranking:
#25 (tie) in Clinical Psychology
#26 (tie) in Psychology
#38 (tie) in Top Public Schools
#88 in Best Value Schools
#89 (tie) in National Universities
Accreditations:
Psychological Clinical Science Accreditation System
American Psychological Association
Higher Learning Commission
4. Northwestern University
Evanston, Illinois
Points: 30
Program Website
Northwestern University is a large university with a comprehensive doctoral program that attracts more than $650 million in sponsored research each year. The school’s Ph.D. in Psychology program follows a scientist-practitioner model of training. It offers students the opportunity to choose from a range of emphasis-specific elective courses.
Students must complete 27 courses to graduate as well as:
- multiple projects
- a comprehensive qualifying exam
- a Ph.D. dissertation
The program only admits students when it can fully fund them for five years. This means that all students attend the program cost-free with a package that includes:
- 100 percent of tuition
- a monthly stipend
- health insurance
Degree Options:
Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology
Average Program Cost: University Paid
U.S. News & World Report Ranking:
#10 (tie) in National Universities
#15 in Best Value Schools
#16 (tie) in Clinical Psychology
#17 (tie) in Psychology
Accreditations:
Psychological Clinical Science Accreditation System
American Psychological Association
Higher Learning Commission
3. University of California – Los Angeles
Los Angeles, California
Points: 31
Program Website
The University of California, Los Angeles offers more than 330 degree programs to more than 13,000 graduate and 31,000 undergraduate students. The goal of the clinical psychology doctoral program is to train students to help clients work through difficulties in their lives while promoting mental health.
The program is dedicated to the culmination of science and practice. Students engage in empirically-supported clinical work. They also conduct meaningful research that addresses critical issues in society. The major emphasis areas throughout the program are:
- discovery
- innovation
- critical thinking
Graduates are prepared for careers in a number of settings, including:
- applied settings
- medical centers
- research centers
- academia
- private industry
Degree Options:
Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology
Average Program Cost: $16,847
U.S. News & World Report Ranking:
#1 in Top Public Schools
#1 in Clinical Psychology
#3 (tie) in Psychology
#19 (tie) in National Universities
#85 in Best Value Schools
Accreditations:
Psychological Clinical Science Accreditation System
American Psychological Association
Western Association of Schools and Colleges
2. University of California – Berkeley
Berkeley, California
Points: 32
Program Website
The University of California, Berkeley has one of the best schools for clinical psychology. It is a top-ranked public research university. It’s the flagship institution of the 10-member University of California System. The school’s doctoral program in clinical science integrates experiential learning opportunities with intensive research experiences.
While conducting research, graduate students complete a curriculum that includes both general psychological science areas, as well as specialized areas within the field. Students may complete the required coursework within four to six years in residence. They spend the fifth year of the program at a clinical internship site. A doctoral dissertation is also required for graduation.
Degree Options:
Ph.D. in Clinical Science
Average Program Cost: $19,111
U.S. News & World Report Ranking:
#1 (tie) in Psychology
#2 in Top Public Schools
#2 (tie) in Clinical Psychology
#22 (tie) in National Universities
#112 in Best Value Schools
Accreditations:
Psychological Clinical Science Accreditation System
American Psychological Association
Western Association of Schools and Colleges
1. University of North Carolina
Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Points: 33
Program Website
The University of North Carolina has one of the best clinical psychology schools. It was chartered in 1789. It is one of the oldest public universities in the country. It’s the flagship of the 17 campuses that make up the University of North Carolina System. UNC’s clinical science doctoral program is offered by the Department of Psychology and Neuroscience. The program emphasizes clinical work and hands-on research. Students have the opportunity to achieve excellence in:
- teaching
- the practice of clinical psychology
- scientific investigation
Students may choose from two tracks that are offered to better meet their career goals:
- child/family
- adult
However, the school is flexible in that it recognizes that students’ career aspirations may change over the course of graduate training.
Degree Options:
Clinical Psychology Graduate Program
Average Program Cost: $12,212
U.S. News & World Report Ranking:
#2 (tie) in Clinical Psychology
#5 (tie) in Top Public Schools
#8 in Best Value Schools
#13 (tie) in Psychology
#30 (tie) in National Universities
Accreditations:
Psychological Clinical Science Accreditation System
American Psychological Association
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Career Options for a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology Degree?
A career as a clinical psychologist typically requires a doctorate, although in some cases, a master’s degree may be sufficient, particularly for professionals who intend to work solely in counseling. Those who earn a doctoral degree, however, often have more choices of how and where they would like to work in the field. The following are some of the most common career options for graduates of doctoral programs in clinical psychology.
- Child Psychologist
- Behavioral Health Psychologist
- Clinical Social Worker
- Child Psychology College Professor
- Clinical Case Manager
- Mental Health Social Worker
- Medical Psychologist
- Counseling Psychologist
Graduates may also become:
- psychotherapists
- private psychologists
- neuropsychologists
They may choose to work in:
- schools
- rehabilitation centers
- special education programs
- facilities that help clients suffering from substance abuse
How Much Can You Earn in This Field?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), counseling, school, and clinical psychologists reported a mean annual wage of $87,450, or $42.04 per hour, in May 2019. The top 10 percent of this category of psychologists earned $132,670 per year. The bottom 10 percent earned $45,240. In addition, the top-paying industries for clinical, counseling, and school psychologists are as follows:
- Home healthcare services: $105,440 per year
- Specialty (except substance abuse and psychiatric hospitals): $93,710
- Management of companies and enterprises: $92,640
- Offices of other health practitioners: $95,960
- Local government, excluding hospitals and schools: $90,450
What is the Difference Between a Psy.D. and a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology?
Once potential clinical psychologists have decided to pursue a doctoral degree in clinical psychology, you will need to decide which degree best meets your needs: a Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) or a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.). Ph.D. programs focus more on research. It’s ideal for students interested in clinical practice and science and academia. A Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology opens up a number of career paths, from forensic psychology to patient care to teaching.
On the other hand, the Psy.D. is typically pursued by students interested solely in the straightforward, hands-on practice of psychology without dedicating professional time to academia or research. Students are prepared for practice in a variety of settings, focusing less on science and more on clinical practice. As a result, the Psy.D. degree requires fewer statistics and research courses and thus takes less time to earn.
Students pursuing careers as clinical psychologists will need to earn a doctoral degree in the form of either a Ph.D. or a Psy.D. If you are researching doctoral programs in clinical psychology, we hope that the above list assists you in narrowing down the options available so that you may reach your professional goals, possibly as a clinical psychologist.
OPD Staff