Pursuing a graduate program in Clinical Psychology opens the door to an array of opportunities for research and clinical work in the field of mental health. Texas, a vast state with a diverse population, is home to several reputable universities offering high-quality graduate programs in this field. These programs, many of which are accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA), primarily follow the scientist-practitioner model, emphasizing a balanced focus on both research and clinical practice.
These programs typically require applicants to hold at least a bachelor’s degree, with preference often given to those with a background in psychology or a related field. Some programs may also require a master’s degree. As part of the curriculum, students generally complete coursework covering a range of topics from cognitive and emotional processes to diagnostic techniques, therapeutic interventions, and ethical considerations in clinical psychology. In addition to classroom learning, students are expected to gain practical experience through clinical practicums and internships, and to contribute to the field through original research, often culminating in a doctoral dissertation.
When choosing a program, prospective students should consider various factors including the program’s accreditation, the expertise and research interests of the faculty, available research and clinical opportunities, the focus areas of the program, funding options, and the program’s track record for internship placement and post-graduation employment. It’s also beneficial to reach out to current students or alumni to gain a more personal perspective on the program. Now, let’s dive into the list of graduate programs in Clinical Psychology in Texas.
Masters in Clinical Psychology Programs in Texas
Here are some Masters in Clinical Psychology programs in Texas:
University of Houston-Clear Lake
Weblink: Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology
Description: The Master of Arts program in Clinical Psychology at the University of Houston-Clear Lake offers an opportunity to gain a broad-based education in clinical psychology. The curriculum is designed to fulfill requirements for licensure as a Licensed Psychological Associate (LPA) or Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Texas. In addition to coursework that covers foundational topics in psychology, psychopathology, assessment techniques, and therapeutic interventions, the program includes practicum experiences that provide hands-on, supervised training in clinical settings. The program is committed to developing professionals who are competent, ethical, and sensitive to diverse populations.
Sam Houston State University
Weblink: Clinical Psychology Master’s Program
Description: The Master’s in Clinical Psychology at Sam Houston State University is designed to provide students with a foundational understanding of psychological science, theory, and practice. It combines rigorous academic coursework with practical training, preparing students for doctoral study or a variety of careers in mental health and social service settings. Core coursework includes psychological assessment, psychopathology, therapeutic techniques, ethics, and research methods. The program also requires a master’s thesis, offering students the opportunity to engage in original research under the guidance of faculty. Graduates of this program may work in a variety of settings such as hospitals, mental health clinics, and government agencies, or they may pursue advanced doctoral training.
University of Texas at Tyler
Weblink: Master of Science in Clinical Psychology
Description: The Master’s in Clinical Psychology program at the University of Texas at Tyler provides comprehensive training in the fundamental aspects of clinical psychology. The curriculum is carefully designed to impart knowledge in areas such as advanced psychopathology, psychological assessment, research methods and statistics, and a variety of therapeutic modalities. In addition to classroom-based education, students have the opportunity to gain practical experience through a clinical practicum. This hands-on experience allows them to work under supervision in real-world clinical settings, applying learned concepts to practice. The program aims to prepare students for careers as master’s-level psychologists or licensed professional counselors, or for further doctoral study.
West Texas A&M University
Weblink: Clinical Psychology Master of Arts Program
Description: The Master’s in Psychology with an emphasis in Clinical Psychology at West Texas A&M University is a comprehensive program that blends academic rigor with practical experience. The curriculum focuses on a wide range of core areas, including cognitive and affective aspects of behavior, human development across the lifespan, psychopathology, and professional ethics. Students also learn about different therapeutic approaches and gain skills in psychological assessment. As part of the program, students are also required to undertake a research project, offering them the opportunity to contribute to the field of clinical psychology.
Texas A&M University-Central Texas
Weblink: Clinical Psychology Master of Science Program
Description: The Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program at Texas A&M University-Central Texas is designed for those aspiring to become professional counselors. The program offers a strong foundation in mental health counseling theories and techniques. Although it’s not strictly a Clinical Psychology program, it covers essential aspects like diagnostic tools, treatment planning, and therapeutic interventions. The curriculum provides a blend of academic and experiential learning, with students completing both classroom-based study and a supervised practicum and internship in a mental health setting. This program aims to prepare graduates for licensure and practice in a variety of counseling settings.
Angelo State University
Weblink: Applied Psychology Master of Science Program
Description: Angelo State University’s Master’s in Counseling Psychology provides students with a well-rounded education in counseling psychology. The curriculum covers a broad spectrum of topics including psychological testing, counseling theory and techniques, psychopathology, human development, multicultural counseling, and ethics in counseling. In addition to coursework, students gain hands-on experience through a required practicum where they provide counseling services under the supervision of licensed professionals. The program is designed to prepare students to provide counseling and mental health services in a variety of settings.
Tarleton State University
Weblink: Applied Psychology Master of Science Program
Description: The Master’s program in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Tarleton State University offers an in-depth education in counseling, with a special focus on the mental health needs of individuals, groups, and families. The curriculum covers diverse topics such as theories of counseling, crisis intervention and prevention, group counseling, multicultural counseling, research methods, and more. A significant component of the program is the practicum and internship experience, where students have the opportunity to apply their learning in real-world clinical settings. This program is designed to prepare students for licensure and a career in mental health counseling.
Doctorate of Clinical Psychology Programs in Texas
Here are detailed descriptions of Doctorate of Clinical Psychology programs in Texas:
University of Houston
Weblink: Clinical Psychology Ph.D. Program
Description of Program: The Ph.D. program in Clinical Psychology at the University of Houston follows the scientist-practitioner model, emphasizing a balanced training approach. This model aims to produce psychologists who can integrate research and clinical practice. The curriculum provides rigorous coursework in areas such as cognitive and affective aspects of behavior, human development, psychopathology, psychological assessment and interventions, research methods, and statistics. Alongside coursework, students are required to participate in research projects under faculty guidance and to complete practicums that provide hands-on clinical experience. Students are also expected to complete a master’s thesis and a doctoral dissertation as part of the program. This program is designed to prepare students for careers in research, teaching, and clinical practice.
University of Texas at Austin
Weblink: Clinical Psychology Ph.D. Program
Description of Program: The Clinical Psychology Ph.D. program at the University of Texas at Austin is committed to training students to be capable researchers and practitioners. The program, which follows a scientist-practitioner model, offers a comprehensive curriculum that covers a wide range of psychological theories, assessment techniques, therapeutic interventions, and research methodologies. In addition to didactic coursework, students are expected to engage in ongoing research projects and clinical practicum experiences. Moreover, students are required to complete a master’s thesis, comprehensive exams, and a doctoral dissertation as part of their degree. Graduates of this program are well-prepared to contribute to the field through research, clinical work, and academia.
Baylor University
Weblink: Clinical Psychology Psy.D. Program
Description of Program: The Psy.D. program in Clinical Psychology at Baylor University is grounded in the practitioner-scientist model. This approach places a stronger emphasis on clinical practice compared to traditional Ph.D. programs, while still maintaining a solid foundation in research methodology. Students are trained in evidence-based practices and are expected to develop strong skills in psychological assessment, diagnosis, and intervention. Additionally, they learn to apply empirical research to clinical decision-making and problem-solving. The program includes extensive practical experiences through supervised practicums, internships, and specialty rotations. Students are also required to complete a doctoral dissertation, albeit with a more applied emphasis than a traditional research dissertation. This program prepares students to be skilled practitioners who are knowledgeable about the latest research in the field and capable of applying it in their practice.
Texas Tech University
Weblink: Clinical Psychology Ph.D. Program
Description of Program: The Ph.D. program in Clinical Psychology at Texas Tech University follows the scientist-practitioner model. This model emphasizes balanced training in research methodologies and clinical practice. The program offers a comprehensive curriculum, covering areas such as psychopathology, psychological assessment, therapeutic interventions, and research methods and statistics. Along with rigorous coursework, students participate in active research teams and receive hands-on clinical experience through required practicum placements. Further, students are required to complete a master’s thesis, comprehensive examinations, and a doctoral dissertation, reflecting the program’s strong emphasis on developing research skills. The goal of the program is to produce well-rounded clinical psychologists who are prepared for careers in a variety of settings including academia, research institutions, and mental health service settings.
Texas A&M University
Weblink: Clinical Psychology Doctorate Program
Description of Program: The Ph.D. program in Clinical Psychology at Texas A&M University adheres to the scientist-practitioner model. It aims to develop psychologists who are capable of producing and applying scientific knowledge and skills. The curriculum covers a wide range of topics, including human behavior, research methods, assessment, intervention, diversity issues, and professional ethics. As part of their training, students are required to engage in research, culminating in a doctoral dissertation. They also gain practical experience in clinical service delivery through practicum placements in a variety of settings. The program is designed to equip students with the necessary skills for a range of careers in research, teaching, and practice in academic, health service, organizational, or community settings.
University of North Texas
Weblink: Clinical Psychology Ph.D. Program
Description of Program: The Ph.D. program in Clinical Psychology at the University of North Texas is based on the scientist-practitioner model, emphasizing cognitive-behavioral and family systems orientations. The program provides training in the fundamentals of psychological science, research methodologies, evidence-based assessment and intervention techniques, and professional ethics. In addition to coursework, students are expected to engage in research, contribute to scholarly literature, and gain clinical experience through several practicum placements. The goal of this program is to produce psychologists who are capable of integrating research and clinical practice, and who can effectively serve diverse populations in various clinical, academic, and research settings.
Sam Houston State University
Weblink: Clinical Psychology Doctoral Program
Description of Program: The Ph.D. program in Clinical Psychology at Sam Houston State University adheres to the scientist-practitioner model. This model underscores the integration of science and practice in the training of professional psychologists. The curriculum includes core coursework in psychological foundations, research methods, statistics, assessment, intervention, and professional ethics. Students are expected to engage in active research endeavors, culminating in a doctoral dissertation. They also complete supervised clinical practicums and an internship to gain hands-on experience. The program’s goal is to prepare students for a variety of roles in research, academia, and clinical practice.
The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center
Weblink: Clinical Psychology Ph.D. Program
Description of Program: The Ph.D. program in Clinical Psychology at The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center employs the scientist-practitioner model, emphasizing the integration of science and clinical practice. This program offers in-depth coursework in areas such as psychopathology, assessment, therapeutic interventions, research methods, and statistics. Students have the opportunity to engage in cutting-edge research under the guidance of faculty mentors. They also gain clinical experience through practicum placements in a variety of medical and mental health settings within the medical center and the larger community. The program is designed to prepare graduates for roles in academia, research, and clinical practice, particularly in medical and healthcare settings.
Texas boasts a diverse array of highly-regarded clinical psychology graduate programs, offering both master’s and doctoral degrees. Each program has its unique strengths, with a common emphasis on the scientist-practitioner model, integrating clinical practice and research training.
The programs cover a broad range of psychological theories, research methodologies, therapeutic interventions, and professional ethics, providing students with a comprehensive understanding of clinical psychology. Students have opportunities to engage in cutting-edge research, produce scholarly work, and gain hands-on clinical experience through practicums and internships.
Graduates of these programs are well-prepared to contribute to the field of psychology through research, clinical work, teaching, and service in various academic, healthcare, organizational, and community settings. As with any major decision, prospective students should carefully consider the program details, faculty interests, program culture, and funding options that best align with their career goals and personal preferences.
Pursuing a graduate degree in clinical psychology is a significant commitment, but with the right preparation, it can lead to a rewarding career in helping others.
Click here to get information about Psychology Masters programs offered in Texas.