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Undergraduate Program

Psychology is the scientific study of the mind, and as such, we investigate the minds of humans and other species. Through gaining a fundamental understanding of the human mind, other goals will also be achieved: the skill to critically assess quantitative evidence from experimental and correlational data, to learn to take difficult and previously unstudied problems of mind and society and bring them under experimental scrutiny, to learn to speak and write about questions of theoretical and social importance that involve the mind.

The Bachelor of Liberal Arts degree is designed for industry professionals with years of work experience who wish to complete their degrees part time, both on campus and online, without disruption to their employment. Our typical student is over 30, has previously completed one or two years of college, and works full time.

Graduate study in the Department of Psychology is organized into four areas: clinical science, developmental, social psychology, and cognition, brain, and behavior. These areas consist of faculty members whose combined interests span a coherent program of advanced study and research in some subfield of psychology. Students enrolled in the Ph.D. program may follow one of two tracks. The first is the Common Curriculum, which embraces social psychology, cognitive psychology, cognitive neuroscience, behavioral neuroscience, and perception. The second track is Clinical Science. Students may only be considered for Clinical Science during the graduate school application process.

Students enrolled in the Master of Liberal Arts program in Psychology will examine the science of psychology and gain an understanding of human behavior. Students explore core theories and the latest research, gaining insights into how human beings think, feel, behave, and navigate their social world.

  • Introduction

Harvard Griffin GSAS strives to provide students with timely, accurate, and clear information. If you need help understanding a specific policy, please contact the office that administers that policy.

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  • Credit for Completed Graduate Work
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  • English Language Proficiency
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  • Year of Graduate Study (G-Year)
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Questions about these requirements? See the contact info at the bottom of the page. 

The psychology PhD program has two tracks: the common curriculum for students in the developmental, social, and cognition, brain, and behavior (CBB) areas, and clinical psychology for students in the clinical area.

Departmental Requirements for the PhD in Psychology

Section i. common curriculum requirements.

All students in developmental, social, and CBB must complete the following requirements. Course requirements are completed by achieving a grade of B+ or better. Statistics and proseminar courses should be completed by the end of the second year. All other required courses should be completed by the end of the fourth year.

  • PSY 2010, Contemporary Topics in Psychological Research
  • PSY 1950, Intermediate Statistical Analysis in Psychology  
  • PSY 1952, Multivariate Analysis in Psychology 
  • two out of the following three survey courses: PSY 2020, Cognition, Brain, and Behavior Proseminar; PSY 2500, Proseminar in Social Psychology; or PSY 2170, Developmental Proseminar 
  • two elective courses from a list of courses approved by the Committee on Higher Degrees (CHD). 

Master of Arts (AM)

Students may be recommended for the non-terminal degree of master of arts upon completion of the relevant Harvard Griffin GSAS residence requirements, course requirements listed above, and first- and second-year projects described below under Section III.

Section II. Clinical Psychology Requirements

All clinical students must complete the following requirements. Course requirements are completed by achieving a grade of B+ or better:

  • PSY 2010, Contemporary Topics in Psychological Research 
  • PSY 3200, Research Seminar in Clinical Science (years 1–3) 
  • PSY 2040, Contemporary Topics in Psychopathology 
  • PSY 2050, History of Psychology 
  • Traditional Option: A six-hour  General Examination  covering in considerable depth the literature in the area of psychopathology and clinical psychology.
  • Major Area Paper Option: This can take the form of a comprehensive review paper, a meta-analysis, or an extended grant proposal. The topic of the MAP must be approved by the Clinical Area Faculty in advance. The MAP must be submitted by February 1 of the G3 year. 

Students must take the additional courses mandated by the American Psychological Association:

  • PSY 3900 Professional Ethics
  • PSY 2445 Psychological Treatment Research 
  • PSY 2070 Psychometric Theory and Methods
  • PSY 2430 Cultural and Individual Diversity
  • PSY 3250 Psychological Testing
  • PSY 2460 Diagnostic Interviewing
  • PSY 2420 Cognitive-Behavioral Treatment of Psychological Disorders.

Clinical students must also take one course in each of the following substantive areas: biological bases of behavior (e.g., PSY 1202 Modern Neuroanatomy; PSY 1702 The Emotional Mind); social bases of behavior (e.g., PSY 2500 Proseminar Social Psychology); PSY 3515 Graduate Seminar in Social Psychology); cognitive-affective bases of behavior (e.g., PSY 2400 Cognitive Psychology and Emotional Disorders); and individual differences (required course PSY 2040 Contemporary Topics in Psychopathology fulfills the individual differences requirement for Massachusetts licensure).

In accordance with American Psychological Association guidelines for the accreditation of clinical psychology programs, clinical students also receive consultation and supervision within the context of clinical practicum in psychological assessment and treatment beginning in their second semester of their first year and running through their third year (PSY 3050). Students also attend the twice-monthly clinical science “brown bag” speaker series.

Students are responsible for making sure that they take courses in all the relevant and required areas listed above. Students wishing to substitute one required course for another should seek advice from their advisor and from the director of clinical training prior to registering.

  • Students must complete a  one-year clinical internship . Students must complete all of the above requirements described in section II before beginning the internship. In addition, students must meet the course requirements and the practicum placement requirements of the APA and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts licensing board before beginning the internship.
  • Finally, students must meet or exceed the  standards for professional conduct and responsibility  that are described in the clinical program handbook. Failure to meet these standards can be grounds for termination from the clinical program, even if a student is in good academic standing.

Students may be recommended for the non-terminal degree of master of arts upon completion of the relevant Harvard Griffin GSAS residence requirements, course requirements listed above, and first- and second-year projects described below under Section III.

Section III: Requirements for All Students

First year project.

Students must complete a  first-year project . Students must write a satisfactory proposal for an original research project (not a review) that is approved by their faculty advisor(s) by the end of the fall semester of their first year. Students must complete the proposed project and submit a satisfactory written report to their faculty advisor by the end of the spring semester of the first year. 

Second Year Project

Students must complete a  second-year project . Students must write a satisfactory report of an original research project (not a review) that is approved by their faculty advisor(s) by the end of the spring semester of their second year. Students must also make a satisfactory oral presentation of this work to the department in May of the second year. 

Dissertation Prospectus 

By the end of the spring semester of their penultimate year, students must complete a  dissertation prospectus  for an original project that is meant to culminate in the dissertation. 

The prospectus committee will comprise three members, at least two of whom must be faculty members in the psychology department. The prospectus committee members are to be nominated by the student and their advisor and approved by the CHD. (Members who are tenured or tenure-track faculty members in the psychology department are automatically approved). The student must supply the CV of any proposed members who are not tenured or tenure-track faculty members in the psychology department. 

The department requires that the prospectus be approved by the end of the spring semester of the penultimate year. (Note that students who wish to apply for the guaranteed Dissertation Completion Fellowship must observe the Harvard Griffin GSAS deadline, which requires that the prospectus be approved by the prospectus committee by early February of the student’s penultimate year. Harvard Griffin GSAS also requires the submission of two draft chapters or one of three articles to the advisor before applying for a completion fellowship). 

Students whose prospectuses have not been approved by the prospectus committee by the end of the spring semester of the penultimate year will be considered to be making unsatisfactory progress and will have to petition the CHD for an extension.

Dissertation and Defense 

In the ultimate year, students must submit a PhD dissertation in one of two formats.

  • The  traditional format  is described in detail here. 
  • Three articles describing original empirical research that the dissertation committee deems “of publishable quality.”  The student must be the first author on each paper. At least one of the three papers must be under review, in press, or published in a peer-reviewed journal.
  • An introductory chapter that thoroughly reviews the literature relevant to the three papers 
  • A concluding chapter that describes what was learned from the three papers 

The dissertation must be submitted to the dissertation committee which will comprise the members of the prospectus committee and an additional outside examiner. The outside examiner must be approved by the CHD. The outside examiner is typically a tenured or tenure-track faculty member at Harvard University, though other qualified individuals may be approved by the CHD. The outside examiner should be someone whose primary expertise is in a topic area other than the one covered by the dissertation.

Once the dissertation committee approves the written dissertation, the student may schedule an oral defense of the dissertation. Immediately following the defense, the committee meets privately to make a final evaluation of the student’s candidacy for a PhD. If the committee agrees upon a positive evaluation, they sign the Dissertation Acceptance Certificate, which must be submitted to the Registrar’s Office along with the final dissertation by the deadline.

Teaching is not required, but many students teach to earn a living stipend beginning in the third year. Students are required to take both the fall and spring term iterations of PSY 3555 Instructional Styles in Psychology during their first year of teaching. 

Satisfactory Progress

Students who fail to achieve satisfactory grades in courses (UNSAT, B or lower, Incomplete), fail to make progress in research (e.g., not completing the Second-Year Project in a timely manner), fail to pass the general exam at the PhD level, or fail to receive satisfactory evaluations are subject to termination from the program. 

Contact Info 

Psychology Graduate Program Website

Graduate Office Department of Psychology William James Hall 210 33 Kirkland Street Cambridge, MA 02138 617-495-3810 [email protected]

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Explore the 10 Best Graduate Clinical Psychology Programs

Graduates with Ph.D. degrees in clinical psychology often work in academia.

African American psychiatrist conducting a therapy session for a couple.

(Getty Images) |

Clinical psychologists help treat mental illness.

With the rise in mental health awareness, clinical psychology has become an attractive career path for those who care about mental health issues. Clinical psychologists diagnose and treat mental health problems and often work in private practice or health care facilities. These are the Best Graduate Clinical Psychology Doctorate Programs , based on the results of peer assessment surveys sent by U.S. News to academics in the field in fall 2019.

harvard clinical psychology phd program

Scott Goldsmith | Aurora for USN&WR

  • 10 (tie). Harvard University

Location: Cambridge, Massachusetts

Peer reputation score (scale of 1-5) : 4.3

Key facts about the program: "The main emphasis of the program is research, especially on severe psychopathology," Harvard's website explains. "The program includes research, course work, and clinical practica, and usually takes five years to complete." Required courses for the program include classes in psychological testing, diagnostic interviewing and psychometric theory.

Learn more about Harvard University .

harvard clinical psychology phd program

Indiana University |

  • 10 (tie). Indiana University—Bloomington

Location: Bloomington, Indiana

Key facts about the program: This graduate program is very small and highly selective; it usually admits between three and five students per year. The curriculum of each student is tailored to the needs of that student, which means that students can define their own majors. "We have minimal course requirements, which enables our students to learn by doing," the program website states.

Learn more about Indiana University—Bloomington .

harvard clinical psychology phd program

Andy Colwell |

  • 10 (tie). Pennsylvania State University—University Park

Location: University Park, Pennsylvania

Key facts about the program: This clinical psychology Ph.D. program offers two tracks, one that focuses on adults and another that focuses on children. Doctoral students generally spend three to four years on coursework, and then spend a year apiece on producing a dissertation and completing a predoctoral internship. "The program includes courses in clinical psychology, neuroscience, personality, research design, psychopathology, psychotherapy, clinical assessment, and statistics," the Penn State website explains.

Learn more about Pennsylvania State University—University Park .

harvard clinical psychology phd program

Temple University photography |

  • 10 (tie). Temple University

Location: Philadelphia

Key facts about the program: "The overarching mission of the program is to train creative and accomplished clinical scientists who produce, consume, and disseminate psychological science and who function successfully in academic, research, and applied settings," the program website states. From the start of their Ph.D. program, Temple University clinical psychology graduate students gain research and clinical experience, and they receive education on mental, behavioral and emotional disorders, according to the university.

Learn more about Temple University .

harvard clinical psychology phd program

Photo by Glenn Asakawa | University of Colorado

  • 10 (tie). University of Colorado—Boulder

Location: Boulder, Colorado

Key facts about the program: The university's clinical psychology Ph.D. students are encouraged to work on interdisciplinary projects, according to the university website, which notes that the school has several interdisciplinary academic institutes that relate to clinical psychology. These include the Institute for Behavioral Genetics, the Institute of Behavioral Science and the Institute of Cognitive Science. The clinical psychology graduate program also operates several clinics, such as The Raimy Psychology Clinic, Sutherland Center for Bipolar Disorder, The Attention Behavior and Learning Clinic, and Brain Behavior Clinic.

Learn more about the University of Colorado—Boulder .

harvard clinical psychology phd program

Daryl Marshke | MichiganPhotography

  • 10 (tie). University of Michigan—Ann Arbor

Location: Ann Arbor, Michigan

Key facts about the program: Alumni of this program often find jobs at top-flight academic institutions. "Our recent graduates have obtained post-doctoral appointments at some of the most prestigious programs such as the University of Minnesota, UCLA, and the University of Pittsburgh Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic," the program website states. "Our graduates also hold tenure track positions at leading universities such as the University of Michigan, the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, Emory University, and NYU."

Learn more about the University of Michigan—Ann Arbor .

harvard clinical psychology phd program

The University of Texas at Austin |

  • 10 (tie). University of Texas—Austin

Location: Austin, Texas

Peer reputation score (scale of 1-5): 4.3

Key facts about the program: Doctoral students must complete four years of graduate-level coursework, a second-year research project and a clinical practicum sequence to gain hands-on experience interacting with patients. They also need to finish a one-year predoctoral internship at a specific treatment site and successfully defend a dissertation in order to qualify for a doctorate. It typically takes six years, particularly for students who want to compete for academic positions, to complete the program, according to university faculty.

Learn more about the University of Texas—Austin .

harvard clinical psychology phd program

Joe Angeles | WUSTL Photo

  • 10 (tie). Washington University in St. Louis

Location: St. Louis

Key facts about the program: This clinical science training program is accredited by the American Psychological Association and the Psychological Clinical Science Accreditation System, according to the program website. Students sometimes specialize in neuropsychology, clinical aging or health psychology. "Our students do not need to choose whether they will be scientists or practitioners; they must see these activities as being inherently intertwined, and they must be able to function in both roles," the program website states.

Learn more about Washington University in St. Louis .

University of Pennsylvania

University of Pennsylvania | University Communications

  • 8 (tie). University of Pennsylvania

Peer reputation score (scale of 1-5) : 4.4

Key facts about the program: This program is tailored to the needs of aspiring clinical researchers, according to the program website. "Clinical training (in assessment, diagnosis and psychotherapy) is seen as an integral part of the education of highly qualified, creative clinical scientists," the website states, adding that "the principal goal of Penn clinical students is to become expert psychological scientists, not simply expert clinicians, and the program is designed to support that goal."

Learn more about the University of Pennsylvania .

harvard clinical psychology phd program

University of Pittsburgh |

  • 8 (tie). University of Pittsburgh

Location: Pittsburgh

Key facts about the program: The mission of this program is to prepare future research scientists to conduct groundbreaking research on mental health issues and to advance understanding of those issues, according to the university. "Program faculty members include presidents of national organizations, journal editors, and members of federal grant review committees," the program website states. "Faculty research funding was several million dollars for the past year, which supports extensive laboratory facilities."

Learn more about the University of Pittsburgh .

harvard clinical psychology phd program

University Relations Department, University of Minnesota Crookston |

  • 5 (tie). University of Minnesota—Twin Cities

Location: Minneapolis

Peer reputation score (scale of 1-5) : 4.5

Key facts about the program: According to the university, the Clinical Science and Psychopathology Research program's faculty particularly excel in personality and behavioral genetic research, as well as research into psychological disorders. The program's faculty conduct psychological experiments and epidemiological studies. "Our program is designed to train students who wish to become academic clinical psychologists or research scientists, although of course graduates will also find themselves well-prepared for various careers as clinicians or more applied researchers," the university website states.

Learn more about the University of Minnesota—Twin Cities .

harvard clinical psychology phd program

Dennis Wise | University of Washington

  • 5 (tie). University of Washington

Location: Seattle

Key facts about the program: A goal of the Ph.D. program in clinical psychology is to prepare students to become excellent researchers who can discover new information about mental health conditions and potential treatments, according to the university website. "Our training program is primarily an apprenticeship for a career that will encompass making significant contributions to scientific clinical psychology," the university website states. "The program is not appropriate for those interested solely in clinical practice and not in research."

Learn more about the University of Washington .

harvard clinical psychology phd program

Bryce Richter | UW-Madison

  • 5 (tie). University of Wisconsin—Madison

Location: Madison, Wisconsin

Key facts about the program: Because this program involves mentorships between faculty and students, one of its admissions criteria is the alignment of student and faculty research interests, according to the university website. Most students selected for the program majored in psychology, but some have majors in other related academic disciplines. The university encourages prospective clinical psychology students to conduct research on the school's faculty in this field.

Learn more about the University of Wisconsin—Madison .

harvard clinical psychology phd program

Stony Brook University |

  • 3 (tie). Stony Brook University—SUNY

Location: Stony Brook, New York

Peer reputation score (scale of 1-5) : 4.6

Key facts about the program: This Ph.D. program in clinical psychology is most appropriate for students interested in either a research or academic career, according to the Stony Brook University website. The program historically placed a heavy emphasis on behavioral psychology, but it has evolved to embrace a broader array of psychological perspectives while still providing a strong foundation in behavioral psychology. The program is designed to teach students how to take an empirical approach to the practice of psychology, according to the university.

Learn more about Stony Brook University .

harvard clinical psychology phd program

Steve McConnell | UC Berkeley Public Affairs

  • 3 (tie). University of California—Berkeley

Location: Berkeley, California

Key facts about the program: Doctoral students are matched with a faculty mentor at the beginning of their first year, and that person oversees the student's research, according to the university. The psychology clinical science program involves a combination of research and "hands-on clinical experience," according to the program website. It includes a one-year clinical internship. Berkeley's program is a member of the Academy of Psychological Clinical Science, a coalition of doctoral programs that is focused on advancing clinical science.

Learn more about the University of California—Berkeley .

harvard clinical psychology phd program

Dan Sears UNC-Chapel Hill |

  • 2. University of North Carolina—Chapel Hill

Location: Chapel Hill, North Carolina

Peer reputation score (scale of 1-5) : 4.7

Key facts about the program: Students in this program have a choice between two tracks, one focused on adult mental health and the other on the mental well-being of children and families. "We emphasize training in clinically-informed research and evidence-based clinical work and recognize that students have varying career aspirations that may evolve over the course of graduate training," the program website states.

Learn more about the University of North Carolina—Chapel Hill .

Royce Hall on the campus of UCLA

  • 1. University of California—Los Angeles

Location: Los Angeles

Peer reputation score (scale of 1-5) : 4.8

Key facts about the program: This is a six-year, full-time-only Ph.D. program. UCLA's psychology department does not offer separate M.A. or Psy.D. programs. The Ph.D. course of study includes a full-time, one-year internship. The Ph.D. program's mission is to train influential experts in the field of clinical psychology.

Learn more about the University of California—Los Angeles .

Harvard University library and campus at night.

Learn more about top graduate schools.

Find out what you can do with a psychology degree , and check out all of the 2021 Best Graduate Schools rankings to find the right program for you. Stay up to date on education news by following U.S. News Education on Facebook ,  Twitter  and LinkedIn . 

harvard clinical psychology phd program

(Christa Renee | Getty Images)

Explore the highest-ranked clinical psychology doctoral programs.

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  • Academics /

Psychology Master’s Degree Program

Deepen your understanding of human behavior. Advance your career.

Online Courses

11 out of 12 total courses

On-Campus Experience

2 weekends or a 3-week summer course

$3,220 per course

Program Overview

Psychology is an in-demand field, and a master’s degree in psychology provides a solid foundation for a variety of different career paths. Job opportunities for psychologists are expected to grow, but those in certain specialties — such as substance abuse and family therapy — are even more sought after. And with many companies putting a greater emphasis on their employees mental wellbeing, professionals who have advanced psychology degrees are in greater demand.

Our well-rounded curriculum exposes you to a range of topics in psychology, cognitive science, and human development. Under the guidance of renowned faculty from Harvard and peer institutions, you’ll develop a greater understanding of how environmental and biological factors interact to determine cognitive, emotional, and psychological functioning.

Program Benefits

Customizable path, stackable certificates, & experiential learning

Instructors who are academics and professionals at the top of their fields

Personalized academic advising

Faculty research and internship opportunities

A faculty-supported thesis or applied research project

Harvard Alumni Association membership upon graduation

Customizable Course Curriculum

Our curriculum is flexible in pace and customizable by design. You can study part time, choosing courses that fit your schedule and align with your career goals. In the program, you’ll experience the convenience of online learning and the immersive benefits of learning in person.

As you work through the program’s core courses, you’ll deepen your knowledge of essential psychology concepts, tools, and strategies. You’ll then build on that foundation by selecting elective courses that enable you to focus on the areas that are most important to you — for example, neurobiology, racial equity, or mindfulness. And you’ll culminate the experience with either a capstone or thesis.

Along the way, you can choose to earn a graduate certificate in Topics in Human Behavior by selecting courses that stack toward both credentials.

11 Online Courses

  • Synchronous and asynchronous formats
  • Fall, spring, January, and summer options

You’ll complete 1 on-campus course, Engaging in Scholarly Conversation, at an accelerated or standard pace:

  • 2 weekends (1 in fall and 1 in spring)
  • A 3-week summer session

Capstone or Thesis Track

  • Thesis: features a 9-month independent research project with a faculty advisor
  • Capstone: includes exploring a topic and completing a project in a classroom community

The path to your degree begins before you apply to the program.

First, you’ll register for and complete 3 required courses, earning at least a B in each. These foundational courses are investments in your studies and count toward your degree, helping ensure success in the program.

Getting Started

We invite you to explore degree requirements, confirm your initial eligibility, and learn more about our unique “earn your way in” admissions process.

A Faculty of Psychology Experts

You’ll learn from Harvard faculty and industry leaders who will help you gain real-world perspectives. Our instructors are renowned experts in clinical psychology, neurobiology, psychopathology, and more. They bring a genuine passion for teaching, with students giving our faculty an average rating of 4.6 out of 5.

Shelley Carson

Associate of the Psychology Department, Harvard Faculty of Arts and Sciences

Bobbi Wegner

Adjunct Lecturer on Education, Harvard Graduate School of Education

Teaches Motivation, Groups and Culture

Adrienne Tierney

Research Advisor, Psychology Master’s Program, Harvard Extension School

Our Community at a Glance

Many of our students in the Psychology Master’s Degree Program are established professionals looking to make a career change (33%). Others are earning the degree for career advancement (23%) or as preparation for further advanced study (25%).

Download: Psychology Master's Degree Fact Sheet

Average Age

Course Taken Each Semester

Work Full Time

Would Recommend the Program

Professional Experience in the Field

Pursued for Career Change

Career Opportunities & Alumni Outcomes

Graduates of our Psychology Master’s Program work in the fields of mental health, research, healthcare, human resources, and education. Some alumni continue their educational journeys and work toward a PhD, including at Harvard Graduate School of Education, Harvard Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, or Harvard School of Public Health. They have also pursued further studies in other nationally ranked degree programs, including those at Johns Hopkins University, Columbia University, and Brown University.

Our alumni have gone on to work in a variety of roles, including:

  • Postdoctoral Fellow
  • Guidance Counselor
  • Clinical Psychologist
  • Academic Coordinator
  • Research Program Manager
  • Clinical Supervisor
  • HR Consultant

Career Advising and Mentorship

Whatever your career goals, we’re here to support you. Harvard’s Mignone Center for Career Success offers career advising, online tools, employment opportunities, career fairs — including the Ivy+ Just in Time Virtual Career Fair — and connections to Harvard alumni mentors.

Your Harvard University Degree

Upon successful completion of the required curriculum, you will earn your Harvard University degree — the Master of Liberal Arts (ALM) in Extension Studies, Field: Psychology.

Expand Your Connections: the Harvard Alumni Network

As a graduate of the master’s degree program in the psychology field, you’ll become a member of the worldwide Harvard Alumni Association (400,000+ members) and Harvard Extension Alumni Association (29,000+ members).

As an international student, I could not have imagined that it’s possible that there would be this kind of community.

Mariam in an entrepreneur who launched her startup through the Harvard Innovation Labs.

Tuition & Financial Aid

Affordability is core to our mission. When compared to our continuing education peers, it’s a fraction of the cost.

After admission, you may qualify for financial aid . Typically, eligible students receive grant funds to cover a portion of tuition costs each term, in addition to federal financial aid options.

Coffee Chat: All About Liberal Arts Programs at HES

Are you interested in learning more about liberal arts graduate degree programs at Harvard Extension School? Attendees joined us for an informational webinar where they had the opportunity to connect with program directors, academic advisors, and alumni.

How long does it take to complete the psychology graduate program?

Program length is ordinarily anywhere between 2 and 5 years. It depends on your preferred pace and the number of courses you want to take each semester.

For an accelerated journey, we offer year round study, where you can take courses in fall, January, spring, and summer.

While we don’t require you to register for a certain number of courses each semester, you cannot take longer than 5 years to complete the degree.

What can you do with a master’s degree in psychology?

A master’s degree in psychology can open doors to a range of psychology-related careers, such as a behavioral counselor, career advisor, or drug and alcohol specialist.

This type of degree can also enhance non-psychology careers, like those in the fields of advertising, human resources, and retail sales.

Understanding human behavior is an invaluable skill that spans industries and careers.

What is the difference between a master’s degree in psychology and clinical psychology?

Both types of master’s degrees provide a detailed look into human behavior.

However, a psychology master’s degree can be broader in scope and more widely applicable to a variety of careers, while a clinical psychology masters is more specialized for analyzing and treating a range of mental health disorders.

What skills do you need prior to applying for the psychology master’s degree program?

Harvard Extension School does not require any specific skills prior to applying, but in general, it’s helpful to have solid communication, critical thinking, and active listening skills if you are considering a psychology master’s degree.

Initial eligibility requirements can be found on our psychology degree requirements page .

Harvard Division of Continuing Education

The Division of Continuing Education (DCE) at Harvard University is dedicated to bringing rigorous academics and innovative teaching capabilities to those seeking to improve their lives through education. We make Harvard education accessible to lifelong learners from high school to retirement.

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Harvard University Master’s in Clinical Psychology

Clinical Psychology is a concentration offered under the clinical, counseling and applied psychology major at Harvard University. Here, you’ll find out more about the major master’s degree program in clinical psychology, including such details as the number of graduates, ethnicity of students, related majors and concentrations, and more.

If there’s something special you’re looking for, you can use one of the links below to find it:

  • Graduate Cost
  • Online Learning
  • Student Diversity

Featured Programs

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Become a champion of change and take your first step toward licensure as a clinical mental health counselor with this specialized and CACREP-accredited online clinical counseling master's from Southern New Hampshire University.

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MS in Psychology

Our Master of Science in Psychology program is designed to extend your knowledge and discipline in psychology, preparing you for a wide variety of professions and contexts.

How Much Does a Master’s in Clinical Psychology from Harvard Cost?

Harvard graduate tuition and fees.

During the 2019-2020 academic year, part-time graduate students at Harvard paid an average of $0 per credit hour. No discount was available for in-state students. The following table shows the average full-time tuition and fees for graduate student.

Does Harvard Offer an Online Master’s in Clinical Psychology?

Online degrees for the Harvard clinical psychology master’s degree program are not available at this time. To see if the school offers distance learning options in other areas, visit the Harvard Online Learning page.

Harvard Master’s Student Diversity for Clinical Psychology

Male-to-female ratio.

All of the students who received their Master’s in clinical psychology in 2019-2020 were women.

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Racial-Ethnic Diversity

None of the clinical psychology master’s degree recipients at Harvard in 2019-2020 were awarded to racial-ethnic minorities*.

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*The racial-ethnic minorities count is calculated by taking the total number of students and subtracting white students, international students, and students whose race/ethnicity was unknown. This number is then divided by the total number of students at the school to obtain the racial-ethnic minorities percentage.

  • National Center for Education Statistics
  • O*NET Online

More about our data sources and methodologies .

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harvard clinical psychology phd program

IMAGES

  1. Psychology at Harvard University: Courses, Requirements, & Fees

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  2. Harvard Psychology PhD acceptance rate

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  3. 5 Things to Know About Applying to PhD Programs in Clinical Psychology

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  4. How to Get Into a Clinical Psychology PhD Program || Review On Clinical Psychology PhD Programs

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  5. How Long Does it Take to Get PhD in Clinical Psychology

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  6. Clinical Psychology PhD Program Interview Tips| How to Prepare for Virtual PhD Interviews

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VIDEO

  1. Meet the Spring 2022 Resident IOP Fellows

  2. PhD in Psychology from Delhi University

  3. Should I Get My Clinical Psychology Phd Abroad

  4. MS in Psychology

  5. Structural Racism and Social Determinants of Psychosis

  6. WATCH THIS Before Applying to PsyD/PhD Programs

COMMENTS

  1. Clinical Psychology

    The Clinical Psychology Program adheres to a clinical science model of training, and is a member of the Academy of Psychological Clinical Science. ... Graduate School of Arts and Sciences may file an application at the Registrar's Office requesting that work done in a graduate program elsewhere be counted toward the academic residence ...

  2. Clinical Science

    Clinical Science. The Clinical Psychology Program adheres to a clinical science model of training, and is a member of the Academy of Psychological Clinical Science. We are committed to training clinical psychologists whose research advances scientific knowledge of psychopathology and its treatment, and who are capable of applying evidence-based ...

  3. Psychology

    The focus of the psychology program is on research. You can choose from four main areas depending on your interests or intended career path: experimental psychotherapy and clinical science; developmental psychology; social psychology; and cognitive, brain, and behavior. The clinical program is accredited by the American Psychological ...

  4. PDF What are the steps to a Clinical Psychology PhD?

    A few (brief) notes about Clinical Psychology PhD programs: Clinical psych are best for people who want to focus on research and clinical work; though skills can be applied to a range of fields (e.g, public health, policy, etc). If you are interested in only clinical work, PhDs may not be the best fit! Read more here about a Clinical Psych PhD ...

  5. PDF Clinical Psychology Handbook

    The purpose of this document is to outline and describe the philosophy and structure of Harvard University's Clinical Psychology Program and to provide students with information about the courses, research, and clinical training required to earn a Ph.D. degree in clinical psychology. The Department of Psychology provides a Graduate Student ...

  6. FAQ for Applicants

    The Harvard Psychology Department offers a research-oriented Ph.D. program in four areas: Experimental Psychopathology & Clinical Science, Developmental, Social, and Cognition, Brain, and Behavior (CBB). The Department does not offer a terminal master's degree in psychology, though students admitted to the Ph.D. program can earn a master's ...

  7. Admissions

    Questions about the application or required materials should be directed to the Harvard Griffin GSAS Admissions Office at [email protected] or 617-496-6100. Harvard Griffin GSAS does not discriminate against applicants or students on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry or any other protected classification.

  8. Psychology

    Graduate study in the Department of Psychology is organized into four areas: clinical science, developmental, social psychology, and cognition, brain, and behavior. These areas consist of faculty members whose combined interests span a coherent program of advanced study and research in some subfield of psychology.

  9. Psychology

    The psychology PhD program has two tracks: the common curriculum for students in the developmental, social, and cognition, brain, and behavior (CBB) areas, and clinical psychology for students in the clinical area. Departmental Requirements for the PhD in Psychology Section I. Common Curriculum Requirements Courses

  10. PRO-TiP

    Welcome to Harvard Psychology's PhD Resources and Online Tips Page (PRO-TiP)! We created this page to provide easy and open access to resources that help demystify the process of applying to graduate programs in Psychology. Below, you will find a series of informational videos in which members of our faculty provide insight into the structure ...

  11. Resources for Applicants

    PPREP (Prospective Ph.D. & RA Event in Psychology) - an informational event for individuals interested in pursuing research positions and/or doctorates in psychology. PRO-TiP (PhD Resources and Online Tips Page) - provides insight into what constitutes a strong application and address questions that frequently come up each year.

  12. Best Clinical Psychology Programs

    Harvard University. Cambridge, MA. #10 in Clinical Psychology (tie) Save. 4.3. Clinical psychologists diagnose and treat mental illness and psychological disorders. Graduates may find work in ...

  13. Academics

    Undergraduates Psychology is one of the most popular courses of study among undergraduates at Harvard. Click here for information about the undergraduate concentration in psychology, courses offered, and other information. Graduates The Graduate Program in Psychology currently has around 65 graduate students who are trained in four research programs: Cognition, Brain, & Behavior; Developmental ...

  14. Explore the 10 Best Graduate Clinical Psychology Programs

    3 (tie). Stony Brook University—SUNY. Location: Stony Brook, New York. Peer reputation score (scale of 1-5): 4.6. Key facts about the program: This Ph.D. program in clinical psychology is most ...

  15. Best Online Graduate Programs In Clinical Psychology [2024]

    Boston University. Boston, MA. 4 years. Online + Campus. Boston University's master of arts in psychology allows students to explore their interests in professional psychology and prepare for doctoral studies. The master's-level program does not qualify graduates for clinical licensure or practice.

  16. Psychology Master's Degree Program

    Graduates of our Psychology Master's Program work in the fields of mental health, research, healthcare, human resources, and education. Some alumni continue their educational journeys and work toward a PhD, including at Harvard Graduate School of Education, Harvard Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, or Harvard School of Public Health.

  17. Harvard University Master's in Clinical Psychology

    Harvard Master's Student Diversity for Clinical Psychology. 2 Master's Degrees Awarded. 100.0% Women. There were 2 master's degrees in clinical psychology awarded during the 2019-2020 academic year. Information about those students is shown below.

  18. Clinical Mental Health Counseling (M.S.)

    The Masters level Clinical Mental Health (CMH) Counseling program, which is approved by the Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), is designed to prepare diverse, knowledgeable and skilled counseling professionals to work in a variety of settings including: Private practice.

  19. Frequently Asked Questions

    The graduate program is designed to provide a broad base in psychology, while offering an opportunity for intensive research. In addition, supervised teaching is integral to the graduate career, and all students serve as teaching assistants for one semester each year. ... For more information on degrees in Clinical Psychology and the other ...