One of the advantages that Michigan has for prospective clinical psychology students like you is that there are so many programs to choose from. You can get a master’s degree or doctorate in clinical psychology. You can also study at a small or large school.
What’s more, Michigan offers a wide range of locations where you can get your degree. If you prefer, you can study in rural areas of Michigan, or, if the big city life is more your style, you can find programs in schools like Detroit.
Choosing a program can be a little overwhelming when there are so many options. So, we have done the hard work for you!
Clinical Psychology Graduate Programs in Michigan
Below is a list of popular schools offering clinical psychology graduate degree programs that can help prepare you for a future career in Michigan:
- University of Michigan
- Grand Canyon University
- Western Michigan University
- Butler University
- Central Michigan University
- Capella University
- Eastern Michigan University
University of Michigan
The University of Michigan is well-regarded for many things, from academics to athletics. The school offers many top-tier programs that are ranked nationally. For example, U of M ranks 25th among national universities and third among top public schools. Moreover, Michigan has well over 100 graduate programs that rank in the top 10 nationally.
U of M also has the advantage of being in Ann Arbor, a beautiful, diverse, and vibrant city. Ann Arbor consistently ranks as one of the most desirable cities to live in Michigan and the nation. Currently, Ann Arbor ranks second in the country for livability due in part to the higher education opportunities available at the University of Michigan.
Clinical Psychology Program Information
As a student in the University of Michigan’s Clinical Science doctoral program, you’ll be challenged to develop the necessary skills to provide assessments, treatments, and interventions for people with mental health needs.
This long-standing program has a track record of producing top-notch graduates. To join the alumni of this program, you must complete four years of coursework plus a one-year internship. While most students complete these requirements in five years, you can utilize a sixth year in the program to finish your credits if needed.
Some of the topics you might examine include:
- Cognitive and affective neuroscience
- Violence and trauma
- Risk and resilience
- Cross-cultural investigations of clinical problems
- Developmental psychopathology
Part of this program is dedicated to individual research that enables you to explore one of these areas (or another approved area of your choice) in much greater detail. This research component is done under the guidance of a faculty member and culminates with the completion and defense of a doctoral dissertation.
You can apply to this program online if it fits your educational goals well. The admissions process is highly competitive. However, this program does not have strict criteria for admissions. Instead, the admissions board considers your entire application package, including your undergraduate GPA, your level of research experience, and related factors.
Western Michigan University
Established as the Western State Normal School in 1903, Western Michigan University got its start as a teacher’s college. However, over the years, the school’s name and purpose changed. Today, it’s an independent public university that offers undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs on its main campus, seven satellite campuses, and online.
Whether you learn face-to-face or online, you will enjoy a high-quality education at Western Michigan. The university has won acclaim for its academic programs, including being named among the top 11 percent of universities in the United States. Likewise, Western Michigan has more than half a dozen graduate degree programs recognized as being in the top 100 in the nation.
Clinical Psychology Program Information
The Clinical Psychology Ph.D. program at Western Michigan requires you to complete 95 credits of studies. The bulk of these credits are in traditional academic work, including 750 hours of practicum experiences, a 2,000-hour internship, and advanced doctoral coursework.
Some of the topics you might explore in this program include:
- Behavioral pediatrics
- Anxiety disorders and PTSD
- Habit behaviors
- Emotion regulation and experiential avoidance
- Psychotherapy process and outcomes
Additionally, you must pass a comprehensive exam, complete a master’s thesis, and complete a doctoral dissertation before your degree is conferred.
This program follows the scientist-practitioner model, so the academic activities listed above will help you develop a theoretical understanding of clinical psychology as well as develop the practical tools you need to apply what you’ve learned in a clinical setting.
Your academic activities are also split between research and practice. On the one hand, you will get research training on campus at WMU’s clinic. On the other hand, you will get practical clinical experience by working at off-site agencies during the program’s internship component.
You must complete the following steps to apply to this program:
- Submit a Supplemental Application
- Submit GRE scores
- Submit a curriculum vitae
- Submit three letters of recommendation
- Submit official transcripts
- Provide a professional goals statement
- Provide a writing sample
Central Michigan University (CMU)
What began as a teacher’s college in 1892 in Mount Pleasant, Michigan, is now one of the largest universities in the state. Central Michigan has grown by leaps and bounds over the years and today offers more than 300 degrees and programs of study for students at all levels. Nearly 70 of these programs are offered by CMU’s online campus.
One of the hallmark features of CMU is its commitment to improving access to higher education. In addition to its main campus in Mount Pleasant and its online campus, CMU has more than two dozen distance learning centers throughout Michigan and the nation. No matter which CMU campus you attend, you’ll find a supportive staff, knowledgeable faculty, small class sizes, and many other features that enable you to be successful.
Clinical Psychology Program Information
Central Michigan’s doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology is a 95-credit residential program that takes five years to complete. This is a full-time program – part-time studies are not allowed, nor can you work outside the program.
Once admitted to this program, you will find that the curriculum takes a broad approach to teaching you about psychological science as well as clinical practice. You will explore the empirical bases of the science of psychology while also learning about the theoretical foundations of seminal psychological schools of thought and practice.
Some of the courses you might take include:
- Principles of Psychological Measurement
- Psychopathology
- Objective Personality Assessment
- Cognitive Psychology
- Physiological Foundations
This program also requires you to complete several practicum experiences. The graduation requirements include a year-long internship and a doctoral dissertation as well.
Along the way, you will conduct research under the guidance of a faculty mentor. This mentorship model enhances your learning and deepens your understanding of psychological theories, practices, research, and more.
To apply, you’re required to submit the following:
- A graduate school application and application fee
- Official transcripts
- Letters of recommendation
- A personal statement
Eastern Michigan University (EMU)
At Eastern Michigan University, you will find a beautiful 800-acre campus where you can enjoy plentiful outdoor activities. In fact, EMU’s campus has a network of trails where you can hike and ride bikes while enjoying the breathtaking scenery around you.
Of course, EMU isn’t just about the natural beauty of its campus. The school offers dozens of academic programs in its six colleges. Programs are available for undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral students. A variety of certifications and professional degrees are available as well. This includes the Ph.D. program in clinical psychology outlined below.
Clinical Psychology Program Information
The doctoral program in Clinical Psychology from Eastern Michigan University is a licensure-preparation track. This means that by completing the requirements for graduation, you will be eligible to apply for state licensure as a clinical psychologist in the state of Michigan.
The EMU curriculum includes coursework to prepare you for working in a clinical setting, such as:
- Clinical Organizational Management
- Social Psychology
- Research Design
- Cognitive Assessment
- Models and Methods of Service Delivery and Supervision
You will also take classes in evidence-based therapies, assessments, and biological bases of behavior, among others.
This full-time, on-campus, fully-APA-accredited program requires five to six years of studies. This includes a one-year internship during the program’s final two semesters. You must also complete practicum experiences throughout your tenure in the program as well as defend a dissertation. These activities help you hone your skills and develop a deeper level of understanding of crucial clinical psychology practices.
Applying to this program requires you to submit the following:
- An application for admission
- A 500-word personal statement
- A 500-word essay regarding your fit with the program’s goals
- A 500-word diversity essay
- Official transcripts from all colleges and universities you’ve attended
- Official GRE scores
- A writing sample
- A curriculum vitae or resume
- Three letters of recommendation
Clinical Psychology Work Opportunities in Michigan
As the demand for quality psychological services has increased, so too has the demand for highly qualified clinical psychologists. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) notes that the field of psychology is expected to grow at a six percent rate over the next ten years. And while this is just average growth, it still indicates the need for additional psychologists to meet demand.
In Michigan, job opportunities for licensed clinical psychologists exist from one end of the state to the other. In larger cities, jobs in residential settings might be more popular, given the higher number of inpatient treatment centers in big cities. Conversely, rural areas of Michigan might have a greater need for clinical psychologists in hospitals and other healthcare settings.
No matter the location in Michigan, well-trained clinical psychologists often go into private practice and work for themselves. This may include forays into the telehealth space, where you provide psychological services to clients via video or voice chat. Still other clinical psychologists work for non-profit mental health organizations, state mental hospitals, and community centers.
With the training you will receive in one of the programs outlined above, you will have many options for pursuing a clinical psychology career. Each track prepares you for licensure as a clinical psychologist. With this mix of classroom learning, research, and hands-on clinical experience, you will be ready to work with clients of all sorts upon graduation.
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