Clinical Psychology
The Clinical Psychological Science concentration at the University of Kansas offers a Clinical Science approach to graduate training, and provides in-depth training in the application of scientific principles to all aspects of clinical psychology.
Philosophy
An accessible version of the following documents on this site will be made available upon request. Please contact Dr. Melisa Rempfer (mrempfer@ku.edu) or Katie Williams (kfwilliams@ku.edu) to request the document be made available in an accessible format.
2024 Admissions, Outcomes & Other Data (.pdf)
2024-2025 Clinical Psychology Student Handbook (.pdf)
APA Accreditation
We have been continuously accredited by the American Psychological Association since 1949, and in line with our clinical science training philosophy, the Program is a member of the Academy of Psychological Clinical Science. We aim to produce professional Clinical Scientists who demonstrate mastery of knowledge in the field of scientific psychology and who will have (1) the ability to generate new scientific knowledge and theory related to the field of psychology, and (2) can make independent contributions to the evolving base of skills and scientific knowledge required for effective clinical practice.
KU Medical Center & Clinical Health
The Clinical Science concentration has strong connections with the University of Kansas Medical Center, and offers a Major Area of Study in Clinical Health Psychology. We are a member of the Council of Clinical Health Psychology Training Programs, which defines Clinical Health Psychology as the application of scientific knowledge to understanding the interrelations among behavioral, emotional, cognitive, social, and biological components of health and disease. The distinct focus of Clinical Health Psychology within our program is on physical health problems, and more specifically emphasizes the prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation of illness and disability, the promotion and maintenance of health, and the improvement of the health care system.
Explore
We have a long and proud tradition of training leaders in the field of psychology. Our first class entered in 1946, a few years before KU participated at the original Boulder Conference that defined the Scientist-Practitioner training model. Although we have moved to a more focused clinical science approach, our history is strongly rooted in the Boulder Model. Training starts broadly with foundational courses and experiences in research, data analysis, psychological assessment, and theory and methods of psychotherapy, and narrows in subsequent years to allow for more specialization within student’s area of interest. Coursework and requirements are designed to be completed in 4-5 years, followed by a yearlong internship. Our students obtain excellent internships, and over the last 10 years, all of our graduates are employed, with many in university psychology departments, medical schools, and Veterans Administration hospitals. Our licensure rate is continuously over 90%.
Meet our Faculty and learn more about their research interests:
Meet our Graduate Students:
Meet our Department Staff:
The Department of Psychology Clinical Psychology concentration meets the educational requirements for licensure as a psychologist in the states of Kansas and Missouri. The NC-SARA Professional Licensure Directory provides resources for licensure and certification boards in other states & territories.
KU’s licensure programs strive to maintain accurate and up-to-date information about the educational requirements for licensure in U.S. states and territories. However, regulations are subject to change and varying interpretations. In addition to possible changes in educational requirements, licensure often includes additional requirements, such as specific examinations and additional training or practicum hours. It is highly recommended that students seek guidance from the appropriate licensing agency before beginning an academic program to ensure they know what is needed to obtain the license/certification/registration in the state in which they intend to practice and/or seek licensure.
Clinical health psychology is concerned with the contributions that psychologists can make to understanding health and illness, frequently in collaboration with other health professionals, including physicians, nurses among others. It involves the development of theory, research, and intervention directed toward prevention, treatment, and management of physical disease and disability, as well as the promotion of health.
Discover more about this program by visiting our Clinical Health page.
For general information and to apply to our program, please visit our department Graduate Program page.
Admissions Philosophy:
Because we believe that students' professional goals are best served if there is a reasonably close match between the student's interests and the areas of expertise available in our program, we typically recruit students to work with specific faculty members. To learn more about our faculty and their research interests, please visit our Clinical Faculty Directory.
Clinical Psychology Quicklinks
KU Psychological Clinic
APA Accreditation
Office of Program Consultation and Accreditation, American Psychological Association,
750 First Street NE, Washington, DC 20002-4242.
Phone: 202-336-5979
E-Mail: apaaccred@apa.org