One of the advantages of living and studying in Georgia is the low cost of living. The state ranks ninth in the nation for overall cost of living and 18th in the nation for housing affordability. That means earning a clinical psychology degree and working as a clinical psychologist in Georgia allows you to keep more of your hard-earned money in your pocket.
Of course, you need the proper education before you can practice as a clinical psychologist. There are plenty of options for completing a graduate program in psychology in Georgia.
Georgia has you covered whether you want to study at a public or private school, a rural or urban school, or a small or large school.
Clinical Psychology Graduate Programs in Georgia
Below is a list of some of the popular schools offering clinical psychology graduate programs in Georgia:
- Georgia State University
- Grand Canyon University
- Georgia Southern University
- Capella University
- University of Georgia
- Augusta University
- Emory University
- Mercer University
- Southern New Hampshire University
Georgia State University
With six Atlanta-area campuses and over 52,000 students, Georgia State University is a very large school with a wide reach across the Peach State. Georgia State offers dozens of academic programs at the bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels. This includes the Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology discussed below.
One of the unique features of Georgia State is its extremely diverse student body. The school is home to a large contingent of minority students and ranks first among schools for the number of African-American graduates.
Georgia State also welcomes thousands of international students from more than 100 countries. Studying in such a diverse setting is extremely helpful for preparing you to work with clients from all walks of life.
Clinical Psychology Graduate Program Information
Georgia State’s Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology is aligned with the American Psychological Association’s (APA) requirements for clinical training. Furthermore, this program prepares you for licensure as a clinical psychologist in most states and prepares you for certification from the American Board of Professional Psychologists (ABPP).
This full-time residential program typically takes about six to seven years to complete. During your time in the program, you will concentrate your studies in one of three areas: General Clinical Psychology, Clinical Neuropsychology, or Clinical Community Psychology.
Though the courses you take will vary somewhat from one specialization to the next, you can expect to take courses in:
- Research Methods in Psychology
- Developmental Methods
- History of Psychology
- Social Psychology
- Psychopharmacology
In addition to coursework, you will complete a master’s thesis, a doctoral dissertation, and a minimum of one year of internship experiences. A general exam is also required, which is administered in written and oral forms after the completion of the required coursework for this degree.
You must provide the following materials with your admission application:
- A $50 application fee
- A statement of purpose
- A resume or curriculum vitae
- Three letters of recommendation
- Transcripts from each college or university attended
- A writing sample
You must also have a background in psychology. A bachelor’s degree in psychology is not necessary, but the completion of several psychology courses at the undergraduate level is needed.
Georgia Southern University
Founded in 1906, Georgia Southern University (GSU) was originally established as an agricultural teaching school. Over time, though, GSU has grown into a comprehensive public four-year university with more than 27,000 students.
In fact, there are nearly 150 different programs of study for undergraduate and graduate students, including those at the doctoral level. Psychology is one of the most popular majors at GSU, and as such, there are a number of graduate programs available.
Like many other schools in Georgia, GSU welcomes students from all over the nation and the world. The contributions of students from diverse perspectives foster an enriching learning environment in which you can learn how to utilize your unique skills to help people from varying walks of life.
What’s more, GSU is recognized as a military-friendly institution and an environmentally-friendly school as well.
Clinical Psychology Graduate Program Information
The Doctor of Clinical Psychology program at Georgia Southern culminates in a PsyD. Unlike a Ph.D., which is often geared towards research and academic applications, a PsyD program focuses on the practical application of professional tools and techniques in a clinical setting.
This APA-accredited program follows the practitioner-scholar model of instruction. This means you will gain crucial clinical psychology skills for practice while also gaining a deep understanding of the history, systems, and techniques of psychology. This program also specifically prepares you for working with underserved communities in the rural south.
Throughout the program, you will take courses exploring diverse psychology topics. These include:
- Existential Psychology
- Psychodynamic Theory
- Behavioral Psychology
- Family Systems
- Cognitive Psychology
This program also requires that you complete and defend a doctoral dissertation. You must also pass a qualifying examination. Furthermore, practicum and internship components are required to graduate. The internship is a full year experience with 2,000 hours required to complete.
A unique feature of this program is that you’re required to complete ten or more sessions of personal psychotherapy. This requirement aids in exploring any blind spots you might have that could impact the way you practice. It also helps you further develop your clinical psychology skills.
You can apply to this program online. Admissions requirements are as follows:
- You must have a bachelor’s degree from a regionally-accredited school with a 3.30 GPA or higher.
- Applicants must have a grade of B or higher in Abnormal Psychology, Psychological Statistics, and Research Design at the undergraduate level.
- You must have at least two of the following courses on your undergraduate transcripts:
- Social Psychology
- Developmental Psychology
- Personality Psychology
- Tests and Measurements
- Psychology of Substance Abuse
- Learning and/or Cognition
- Theories of Psychotherapy
- Health Psychology
- Submit three letters of recommendation
- Provide a written statement of your professional goals
- Provide a resume or curriculum vitae
Applicants that make it to the final round of consideration will be invited to participate in a mandatory on-campus interview.
University of Georgia
The University of Georgia (UGA) is one of the most recognizable school systems in the nation. Part of the reason for this is the university’s top-tier athletics programs. But more than that, it’s because the school has been around for so long.
UGA was founded in 1785 in the aftermath of the Civil War. As such, it is the oldest public university in Georgia and one of the oldest universities in the United States.
UGA has grown and changed immensely over the more than 235 years of its existence. The university now has 18 schools and colleges that offer hundreds of degree programs.
The student body has also grown, with current enrollment at more than 30,000. UGA isn’t just known for being a large school with many programs of study – it’s also well respected for its academics.
Clinical Psychology Graduate Program Information
The University of Georgia’s Clinical Doctoral Program was developed according to the clinical science model. This model espouses that training should have an empirical basis, so much of the program’s curriculum focuses on the science of psychology as well as its clinical applications.
To give you a broad-based experience, you will participate in many different types of learning. This includes coursework, teaching opportunities, and psychological research. You will also take part in clinical practicum and internship activities that provide you with real-world experience applying what you have learned in the program.
You will have the chance to conduct research in a variety of settings at the University of Georgia. This includes:
- The Institute of Gerontology
- The Biomedical and Translational Sciences Institute
- The Bio-Imaging Research Center
- The Owens Institute for Behavioral Research
Furthermore, you will gain clinical experience by working at UGA’s Psychology Clinic. The clinic provides you the chance to work in one-on-one and group settings with clients. There are also facilities for observing and assessing clients of all ages, including children, adolescents, adults, and the elderly.
To apply, you must fill out an online application and submit a $75 application fee. Likewise, you must supply the following materials in support of your application:
- Unofficial transcripts from all colleges and universities attended
- Three letters of recommendation
- A curriculum vitae
- A statement of purpose
- The Psychology Department supplemental application
You can also include copies of publications, a master’s thesis, paper presentations, or other documents that highlight your participation in scholarly or professional psychology work.
Augusta University
Augusta University (AU) got its start in 1828 when the Georgia State Assembly approved the formation of a medical school, the Medical College of Georgia. The college had just seven faculty members at that point, but in the years since, Augusta University has grown in size and the scope of the programs it offers.
AU is a small school with fewer than 10,000 students. The small school environment means you will have smaller class sizes and more individualized instruction from your teachers.
Most students on campus are undergraduates, but there are more than 2,000 graduate students as well. With more than 150 programs of study, AU offers you plentiful pathways to get the education you need to fulfill your career goals.
Clinical Psychology Graduate Program Information
The Master of Science in Psychology from Augusta University offers three specialization areas, including one in clinical psychology. This 60-credit track requires about three years of full-time study to complete. The program is based on the cohort model, so you will continue through the program with the same set of classmates.
In addition to traditional graduate-level coursework, you must also complete a 600-hour clinical internship. This component is required as part of your preparation for licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Georgia.
You also have the opportunity to tailor your studies to your unique needs. For example, you get individual mentoring from a faculty member who helps guide you through your studies. You can also choose whether to complete a thesis or not, depending on your future goals.
Additionally, AU’s program gives you the choice of dozens of internship placements so you can practice your clinical psychology skills in settings that best prepare you for your future career.
This program has a 91 percent employment rate among its graduates, so the tools you gain during your studies are very likely to lead to a job upon graduation.
You can start the application process online. To be eligible, you must meet the following requirements:
- Hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university
- Have a minimum 3.0 GPA for all undergraduate coursework
- Submit official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended
- Submit a personal statement
- Provide three letters of recommendation
- Participate in a personal interview if you are in the final round of applicants
Additionally, you should have undergraduate coursework in the following areas: statistics, psychological research methods, general psychology, and abnormal psychology.
What are the Clinical Psychology Work Opportunities in Georgia?
As a master’s-level or doctoral-level clinical psychologist, you can expect good job prospects in all corners of the state. Large cities like Atlanta have a constant need for qualified clinical psychologists simply due to the size of the population. These opportunities come in many forms.
For example, you might provide contract clinical psychology services to local law enforcement or correctional agencies. In that capacity, you might conduct psychological evaluations for inmates, provide training for law enforcement officers, or provide counseling services to officers that have been involved in a shooting.
As another example, you might establish a private practice and offer one-on-one counseling services to specific types of clients. You might specialize in providing services to children or adolescents, people with eating disorders, or couples and families, to name a few options.
There are many opportunities for work in rural areas, too. The less-populated areas of Georgia are historically underserved and in need of clinical psychology services. On the one hand, you could move to a rural area and start a private practice. On the other hand, you might offer telehealth services in which you “meet” with clients in a virtual setting.
These are just a few examples of the employment opportunities that might await you in Georgia. With an education from one of the programs outlined above, you will be ready to meet the challenges of working in this field head-on and with confidence!
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