The UMBC Clinical Psychology Program follows the scientist-practitioner model. Students learn empirically-supported principles of assessment and intervention, gain a solid foundation in research methods and data analysis, and develop competencies in scholarship, research, and clinical practice. The program seeks to infuse students with an appreciation of the reciprocal relations between research and practice, both in their personal development as clinical psychologists, and in the broader development of the field.
The UMBC Clinical Program is uniquely embedded within the Human Services Psychology (HSP) Program, which emphasizes an integrative, biopsychosocial perspective on community, mental health, and physical health. Students are expected to approach clinical problems with an awareness of biological, social, and community factors as well as behavioral and psychological ones, and to appreciate the complex interplay among them. The goal is to produce competent scientist-practitioners who maintain a holistic and integrated approach to the understanding, prevention, assessment, and treatment of mental and physical health problems, and who are prepared for careers that use clinical and research skills to address a wide range of human service needs. Consistent with the HSP model, students are encouraged (although not required) to combine their clinical training with another area of focus, specifically behavioral medicine, community psychology, and/or child clinical psychology.
Student Admissions, Outcomes, and Other Data
Research is a central component of the Clinical Program. Each student works closely with a primary faculty research mentor. Program faculty and students conduct research on a wide range of topics, with work ranging from basic laboratory studies to problems in applied clinical and community settings. Students are encouraged to present research at professional conferences and to publish their work in professional journals. Clinical Program students are required to complete an empirical doctoral dissertation that makes a unique contribution to knowledge in their area of specialization.
UMBC Clinical Psychology Program Flyer_2023
Clinical Psychology at UMBC is typically a five or six-year program, which includes a full-time one-year clinical internship. Pre-internship clinical training includes a minimum of two years (four academic semesters) of part-time placements in clinical settings. These clinical practica provide students with opportunities to apply the skills and knowledge that they have acquired in the classroom to real-world problems and diverse populations. Each student placed on practicum is assigned a faculty preceptor who serves as a liaison between the Clinical Program and the practicum agency and meets with students on a regular basis to discuss clinical training experiences, professional development, and integration of academic training with clinical experience.
For practicum placements, the department is able to draw upon the rich clinical training opportunities in the greater Baltimore area. Prominent examples include the University of Maryland Medical System, Johns Hopkins University Medical System, Mount Washington Pediatric Hospital, Baltimore Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Chase-Brexton Health Services, Springfield Hospital Center, and a variety of community-based organizations.
The required one-year full-time clinical internship is undertaken after the student has passed the Qualifying Examination and successfully defended their dissertation proposal. Students are eligible to receive the Ph.D. degree after successful completion of all program coursework, the doctoral dissertation, and an approved internship.
Our program aims are as follows:
- To produce graduates who possess a solid foundation of knowledge in core areas of scientific psychology consistent with the biopsychosocial framework of Human Services Psychology
- To produce graduates who possess the ability to design and conduct research studies that can provide independent contributions to knowledge in Human Services Psychology
- To produce graduates who possess a solid foundation of knowledge regarding clinical theory and empirically-supported clinical applications
- To produce graduates who can practice psychology according to ethical standards and with sensitivity to individual and cultural diversity
- To produce graduates who can conduct competent clinical assessments
- To produce graduates who can conduct competent clinical interventions
Program Costs
Historically, 100% of incoming students were offered financial support (since at least 2011). For more information on the student funding packages, visit our Funding Information / Opportunities page.
Graduate Tuition and Mandatory fees per credit for Fall 2024
| Maryland Resident (per credit) |
Non-Resident (per credit) |
|
| Tuition | $742.00 | $1,274.00 |
| Technology Fee | $18.00 | $18.00 |
| Athletics & Recreation Fee* | $37.00 | $37.00 |
| Transportation Fee* | $28.00 | $28.00 |
| Auxiliary Facilities Fee | $27.00 | $27.00 |
| Campus Engagement Fee* | $44.00 | $44.00 |
| Graduate Program Fee | $22.00 | $22.00 |
| Total Tuition and Mandatory Fees per credit | $918.00 | $1,450.00 |
Tuition rates for funded GAs use in-state rates (regardless of actual state of residence). Clinical students are strongly encouraged to declare Maryland as their state of residence before internship (the department cannot fund Clinical students on internship).
Mandatory Fees Explanation – UMBC Student Business Services
Monthly Payment Plan – UMBC Student Business Services
Graduate Student Financial Aid – UMBC Financial Aid Office
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For additional information please contact Dr. Sandra Barrueco (barrueco@umbc.edu), Director of the Clinical Psychology Ph.D. program |