Psychology PhD and PsyD programs in Missouri offer doctoral-level training for students seeking advanced expertise in psychological science and professional practice. These programs focus on clinical skills, research literacy, assessment methods, and ethical decision-making.
Universities in Missouri provide opportunities for both research-intensive PhD study and practice-focused PsyD education, allowing students to align training with career goals. Doctoral coursework is combined with supervised clinical training and original scholarly work through a dissertation or doctoral project. Graduates often pursue licensure and careers in hospitals, private practices, academic settings, and community agencies throughout Missouri and beyond.
In this article, we will discuss of some of the popular psychology doctoral programs in Missouri. Explore each one, compare and contrast them, and determine which is best suited for your future!
Psychology PhD and PsyD Programs in Missouri
Listed below are some of the popular schools offering psychology PhD and PsyD programs in Missouri:
- University of Missouri-Columbia
- University of Missouri-St. Louis
- Saint Louis University
- Missouri State University
- National University
- The Chicago School
- Walden University
To find out how we select colleges and universities, please click here.
University of Missouri-Columbia
Ph.D. in Psychology
If you want doctoral level training in psychology, you may apply to the PhD program in the Department of Psychological Sciences at the University of Missouri Columbia (MU). This program allows you to focus on one of the following training areas:
- Clinical Psychology
- Cognition and Neuroscience
- Developmental Psychology
- Quantitative Psychology
- Social/Personality Psychology
The program is designed to allow students to meet eligibility requirements for psychologist licensure within the state of Missouri.
As a student in this program, you will place strong emphasis on research. You will be assigned to a research lab and matched with a faculty mentor. A large part of your coursework will focus on theory, statistics, and empirical research topics. You are expected to complete original research during your training, and many students have published their work in well regarded academic journals or obtained independent research funding.
You will earn a Master of Arts MA in Psychology while progressing toward the PhD. You may not apply to this program only to earn the MA. You will complete MA requirements during your first 3 years, and after meeting those requirements, you may continue toward the PhD.
If you enter with a thesis based master’s degree from another institution, your thesis and coursework must be reviewed and approved by a 3 member committee. This committee includes your advisor, a department faculty member from outside your training area, and a faculty member from another department who holds the rank of assistant professor, associate professor, or full professor.
Clinical Psychology Track
In the Clinical Psychology area, your training focuses on supporting adaptive behavior and addressing concerns in behavior, emotion, thinking, and health. The Clinical Psychology PhD provides you with:
- Preparation in key psychology topics and research methods.
- In depth study in clinical psychology and methods guided by scientific evidence.
- Skills to conduct theoretical and applied research in clinical settings.
- A clinical science viewpoint that supports scientific progress in the field.
Cognition and Neuroscience Area
If you choose Cognition and Neuroscience, you typically complete the master’s degree by your 2nd or 3rd year, and you complete the PhD about 2 years after that. Along with department wide coursework, you take specialized seminars such as Perception, Mind Drugs and Behavior, Working Memory, Neuroimaging Methods, and Cognitive Aging.
Developmental Psychology Track
The Developmental Psychology area began in 1999 and includes faculty with expertise in cognitive and social development. You will study development topics from infancy through emerging adulthood. Starting in your 1st semester, you begin research with your primary advisor and take related supporting courses.
Your training includes strong preparation in statistics, research methods, and developmental theory. If admitted, you receive financial support through a tuition waiver and a monthly stipend funded by teaching assistantships, research assistantships, or fellowships for at least 5 years and often longer when needed.
Quantitative Psychology Track
If you select Quantitative Psychology, you learn to develop, evaluate, and use advanced research methods in psychology. You benefit from varied faculty interests and course options. Topics include modeling methods such as categorical methods, structural equation modeling, time series, state space models, and data management. You also study how to use these tools in clinical, social, cognitive, health, and developmental areas.
Social/Personality Psychology Track
In Social/Personality Psychology, training centers on building your research ability so you become an independent contributor to psychological science. You work closely with a primary faculty mentor to learn that mentor’s theory and research approaches. You are also encouraged to work with other faculty in this area and with faculty in other department training areas.
Teaching of Psychology Practicum
After you earn the MA, you take part in the Teaching of Psychology Practicum. You may teach an undergraduate course under supervision. You meet regularly with a teaching mentor and other graduate instructors to discuss teaching topics. This experience helps prepare you to teach effectively.
Supervised Practical Experience
Before completing the PhD, you must complete at least 1 year of supervised practical training. For Clinical Psychology students, this requirement is usually met through the internship.
Residency Requirement
To satisfy the university residency rule, you must complete either 2 semesters of at least 9 credit hours each or 3 semesters of at least 6 credit hours each within an 18 month period. All courses used for residency must be approved by your Doctoral Program Committee. Coursework completed off campus or through correspondence does not count toward residency.
Comprehensive Examination and Doctoral Candidacy
You must pass a comprehensive examination to become an official doctoral candidate. This exam is a major requirement and must be completed before you begin dissertation work. You may not take the exam until you have completed 2 years in residence, including up to 1 year of accepted transfer credit.
You must pass the exam at least 7 months before your final dissertation defense. Your advisor leads the exam committee, which commonly includes members of your Doctoral Program Committee. The comprehensive exam includes a written section and an oral section, and the process is set by your training area.
You may not start dissertation work until you have passed the comprehensive exam.
Application Process and Required Materials
To apply to the PhD program, you must submit all materials through the University of Missouri Graduate School online system. You must do the following:
- Upload unofficial transcripts from all post secondary institutions attended, with official copies required if admitted.
- Submit GRE scores as optional information, because scores are not required but may be included.
- Provide a personal statement of no more than 500 words describing career goals, interest in psychology, and prior research experience, along with the faculty you wish to work with and any research skills or achievements.
- Upload an academic or research writing sample such as a manuscript, conference presentation, grant proposal, or course paper that shows your ability to explain psychology concepts, analyze data, or interpret results.
- List at least 1 and no more than 3 faculty members you want to work with, placing your top choice first.
- Request three recommendation letters through the online system.
Faculty reviewers in your chosen training area evaluate applications. Some parts of the application including the personal statement, recommendation letters, resume or CV, and writing sample may also be reviewed by graduate students in that training area. However, only faculty reviewers have access to GPA and GRE information.
University of Missouri-St. Louis
Ph.D. Clinical Psychology
When you apply to the Ph.D. program in Clinical Psychology at the University of Missouri St. Louis, you will follow a training approach that prepares you as both a researcher and a clinician. The program is based on the view that doctoral level psychologists are unlikely to work only as therapists and will likely hold roles that include both scientific and applied duties.
You will complete a curriculum that provides demanding academic preparation so you can meet complex professional practice needs. You are expected to build strong research ability, develop solid clinical skills, and form a professional identity that connects science with applied work.
Your academic training begins with required courses in research methods and major psychology content areas. In the 1st year, you complete a 2 semester sequence in quantitative methods.
During your first 3 years, you will take courses in multicultural topics, applied research methods, social psychology, personality, developmental psychology, cognitive and behavioral processes, biological bases of behavior, and psychopathology. You will also complete elective coursework.
You will complete clinical training through practica at the university’s Community Psychological Service and a 1 year paid clinical clerkship in a community or university setting. You must complete at least 3 years of training at the Community Psychological Service. By the time you begin internship, you will have finished at least 1,500 hours of supervised clinical work. This preparation supports strong competitiveness for selective internship placements.
As part of your training, you will address multicultural topics through required courses and through applied clinical work in both campus and community settings. Faculty and students in the program have received training related to sexual orientation, and many participate in the university’s Safe Zone initiative.
Although the program is structured for completion in 5 years of full time study, you may take 6 years or more if you choose added research or clinical experiences. You must complete all degree requirements within 7 years.
To earn the Ph.D., you must complete the following requirements:
- Coursework You must complete at least 80 semester credit hours of graduate level coursework.
- Qualifying Examination After earning 24 credit hours or completing 2 years of study, you will take a written exam that covers major program content. This may be completed as a clinical specialty paper or as an oral exam.
- Clinical Training You will complete 3 years of clinical practice in the department’s community clinic. You must also complete a 1 year clerkship at 20 hours per week during your 3rd or 4th year. During your 5th year, you will complete a 1 year, full time internship in an American Psychological Association accredited program.
- Dissertation You must complete an oral defense of your dissertation proposal and later submit and defend the final dissertation.
Program graduates have obtained roles across many clinical psychology settings. Many have accepted post doctoral fellowships at university research centers and hospitals. Others work at universities, Veteran’s Administration Medical Centers, public or private hospitals, and other health care organizations.
To apply, you must submit the following items:
- Online application.
- Official transcripts showing completion of at least a bachelor’s degree and strong performance in psychology coursework.
- English proficiency scores for international applicants from an approved standardized test.
- Minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, including a 3.0 in psychology courses.
- Personal statement describing your career goals and your interest in clinical psychology.
- Curriculum vitae CV.
- .Writing sample
- Three letters of recommendation.
If admitted, you usually receive a graduate assistantship for your first 2 years. This assistantship may include responsibilities in teaching, research, advising, or administrative work, assigned based on your background and interests.
Saint Louis University
Ph.D. Clinical Psychology
The clinical psychology Ph.D. program at Saint Louis University follows the scientist practitioner training approach in clinical psychology. As part of the Saint Louis University Department of Psychology, students receive strong generalist preparation and develop advanced research skills. Faculty members represent varied backgrounds and provide focused clinical training options in clinical child psychology, clinical neuropsychology, health psychology, trauma psychology, and sports psychology.
U.S. News and World Report regularly places Saint Louis University’s clinical psychology graduate education program among leading programs in the United States.
The clinical psychology program at Saint Louis University is designed to deliver broad doctoral education and training in health service psychology. Faculty members emphasize education that combines science with practice, progresses in sequence, builds over time, increases in complexity, prepares students for further organized training, and reflects respect for individual and cultural diversity.
A total of 36 credits is required for the Saint Louis University master’s degree in clinical psychology. This includes 30 credits of departmental and clinical core coursework and 6 credits of thesis research. Each student must complete and defend a thesis. After finishing the master’s degree, doctoral students complete an additional 42 credits of coursework and 12 credits of dissertation research.
Ph.D. students complete a public presentation and oral defense of the dissertation after finishing the research project. Students must also complete an American Psychological Association approved internship in clinical psychology before the doctoral degree is awarded.
The primary area of study in the program is clinical psychology. While the program does not include formal pre doctoral specialization tracks, students may choose from several education and training options, including Clinical Neuropsychology, Clinical Child Psychology, Health Psychology, Psychology of Trauma, and Sports Psychology. Students interested in these areas work with their advisor to create an individualized curriculum and training plan.
Clinical Child Psychology Experience or Exposure
Students interested in clinical child psychology may take elective graduate courses in child assessment and psychopathology, child interventions, couples and family therapy, cognitive behavioral interventions, and psychopharmacology. External placements focused on pediatric, child, and adolescent assessment, consultation, and intervention are also available.
Clinical Neuropsychology Emphasis Experience or Exposure
Elective graduate coursework in clinical neuropsychology includes fundamentals of neuropsychology, neuropsychological assessment, memory and cognition, physiological psychology, and psychopharmacology. Supervised clinical training in neuropsychological assessment, consultation, and treatment is available through external placements.
Health Psychology Experience or Exposure
Students interested in health psychology are encouraged to take courses in clinical health psychology, cognitive behavior interventions, psychopharmacology, sports psychology, and addictions assessment and interventions. Additional health related courses are offered through Saint Louis University’s College for Public Health and Social Justice. External placements applying psychological services to support physical health and well being are available.
Trauma Psychology Experience or Exposure
Students planning to work in trauma related settings may complete elective coursework in trauma psychology, cognitive behavioral interventions, and addictions assessment and interventions. Additional trauma focused courses are available through the College for Public Health and Social Justice. Supervised clinical training with individuals affected by trauma is provided through the on campus Psychological Services Center within a trauma focused team.
Sports Psychology Experience or Exposure
Elective graduate courses in sports psychology, health psychology, and cognitive behavioral interventions are offered to students interested in sports and performance psychology. Students work with athletic teams and athletes throughout the community, including the Saint Louis University Department of Athletics, through research, practicum, and clinical training activities.
Fieldwork and Research Opportunities
Training in psychological assessment and intervention for children, adolescents, and adults is provided through the on campus Psychological Services Center.
Advanced clinical training options in neuropsychology, pediatric psychology, clinical child psychology, health psychology, and academic psychology are available through partnerships with medical centers, agencies, and practitioners in the Saint Louis area. Additional research, clinical, and academic opportunities are available through fellowships, grants, and contracts.
Admission Requirements
Most students enter the program with a bachelor’s degree and complete both the Master of Science degree and the Doctor of Philosophy degree in the clinical program.
All applicants apply directly to the Ph.D. program. Applicants who already hold a Master of Arts or Master of Science degree in psychology may request advanced standing upon enrollment.
Students admitted to the program typically present an average undergraduate GPA of 3.7 on a 4.0 scale. Admitted students generally also have relevant clinical and research experience. Applicants must have completed at least 21 psychology credits, including general psychology, abnormal psychology, and research or statistical methods. Applications must be submitted by December 1.
Application requirements include:
- Completed application form with no application fee.
- Official transcript or transcripts.
- Three letters of recommendation.
- Resume or CV.
- In-person Interview.
- Personal statement.
- Diversity statement.
Missouri State University
PsyD Degree
The APA-accredited Doctor of Psychology degree (PsyD) at Missouri State University is designed to educate and prepare clinical psychologists to respond to the mental health needs faced by communities today and in the future. The required curriculum includes 109 credit hours consisting of coursework, practicum training, professional seminars, and the completion of a dissertation and internship.
Coursework is completed over 4 years, while the dissertation and internship are completed during the final year. A notable aspect of the program is that in addition to the core 100 credit hours, students also complete 9 credit hours of electives. Elective emphasis areas include Diversity and Activism, Integrated Health, and Behavior Analysis. Each emphasis area supports preparation to address the needs of diverse communities served by clinical scientist psychologists.
The program includes 14 consecutive semesters, covering fall, spring, and summer. The first 4 years include on campus coursework and practicum experiences, while the 5th year focuses on dissertation completion and a pre doctoral internship.
The PsyD is a full time on campus program with in person classes during the first 4 years. During this period, students complete multiple practicum experiences and a comprehensive examination. In the 5th year, students complete the pre doctoral internship and the dissertation.
All students must successfully complete 14 credit hours of Practicum in Clinical Psychology and 9 credit hours of Internship in Clinical Psychology. The Missouri State University PsyD program partners with Burrell, a local non profit community mental health organization, to provide practicum placements at Burrell clinical sites. All students complete practicum training at Burrell sites during the 2nd year and at least 1 additional time during the 3rd or 4th year.
In addition, all students must complete and defend a dissertation project to finish the PsyD program at Missouri State University.
Graduates of the Missouri State University Doctor of Psychology program will be able to:
- Integrate and apply current and developing knowledge and methods in psychological science and professional practice.
- Design conduct evaluate and share research or scholarly work of sufficient quality to contribute to scientific psychological or professional knowledge.
- Follow APA Ethical Principles of Psychologists code of conduct, relevant laws, regulations, and professional standards, recognize ethical challenges, and apply ethical decision making methods to resolve concerns.
- Perform professional duties with awareness of individual and cultural diversity, including delivery of effective services to varied individuals and groups.
- Act in alignment with psychology values, professional identity, and personal and community well being.
- Build and sustain effective relationships, demonstrate interpersonal ability, and communicate in a clear organized and professional manner.
- Conduct evidence based assessment within Health Service Psychology, interpret results, and share findings with appropriate audiences.
- Deliver evidence based interventions within Health Service Psychology, assess outcomes, and adjust goals and methods based on results.
- Use supervision models and practices in direct or simulated training with psychology trainees or health professionals.
- Apply consultation and interprofessional skills in planned collaboration to solve problems, exchange knowledge, or support effective professional practice.
- Develop advanced expertise in a specialization area aligned with community needs and the expectations of Health Service Psychologists.
As a licensed Health Service Psychologist, you are qualified to deliver mental and behavioral health services. Clients may include individuals, couples, families, and groups. Most Health Service Psychologists work in the following settings:
- Community care
- Higher education
- Hospital administration
- Integrated health care and mental health treatment
- Research institutions
- School systems
Admission Requirements
- Applicants must hold a bachelor degree from a regionally accredited college or university, including:
- A cumulative GPA of 3.00 on a 4.00 scale across undergraduate and graduate coursework
- A psychology major or submission of GRE Psychology Advanced Subject Test scores.
- Submission of GRE Quantitative, Verbal, and Critical Thinking and Writing scores.
- A personal statement describing career goals and readiness for doctoral level psychology training.
- A diversity statement addressing diversity, equity, and inclusion in clinical psychology.
- At least three letters of recommendation, including 2 from college level instructors familiar with the applicant’s academic performance.
- A formal interview for selected applicants.
Applicants invited to continue in the process will complete an interview conducted through an asynchronous online format that includes a recorded video and a written essay. Invited applicants may also attend a virtual informational question and answer session with program faculty.
How Much Does a Licensed Psychologist Make in Missouri?
As of December 2025, the average annual salary for psychologists in Missouri is $182,945. However, this figure may vary based on factors such as the psychologist’s level of education, experience, specialty, and location within the state. Top earning licensed psychologists in Missouri earn well over $200,000 per year.
Contact Us
Privacy Policy