The Clinical Psychology doctoral program at the University of Tennessee typically receives approximately 250 applications each year and typically selects five full-time students. All applications are reviewed by core clinical faculty members. We conduct interviews prior to admission to the clinical program. These interviews are typically conducted virtually (i.e., not in person).  Our interview day typically occurs on a Friday and is a day-long program of activities that includes an orientation, question-and-answer period, opportunities to meet the faculty and current graduate students, and a virtual tour of the department, clinic, and campus. The deadline for receipt of completed applications is December 1.

The core clinical faculty members meet following visiting day and select applicants to offer admission to the Clinical Program.  Students are selected for admission based on their research and clinical experiences and potential, letters of recommendation, written responses to essay questions, fit with the Tennessee Model and with potential mentor, GRE scores (if submitted), GPA, and impressions from personal interviews.  Our program has made the GRE General Test optional for admission to the class. Applicants may submit scores if they have them, and they will be considered by the admissions committee. Applications without GRE scores will be given equal consideration. As required by the American Psychological Association, an applicant who receives an offer has until April 15 to decide whether to accept, but we encourage applicants to let us know their decision as soon as they are able so we can make offers to those on our alternate list or let them know our cohort is full. 

Students are paired at admission with a mentor.  This allows them to immediately become involved in an active research program and to become quickly acclimated to the program.  Students are welcome to be part of the labs of other faculty members in addition to their mentor’s lab.  Students do not have difficulty switching to work with a different advisor, if they desire.

Application procedures and admission requirements. 

Applicants to the Clinical Psychology doctoral program are required to have a bachelor’s degree from a college or university accredited by the appropriate regional accrediting agency or international equivalent. The Graduate Council requires a minimum grade point average of 2.7 out of a possible 4.0, or alternatively a 3.0 during the senior year of undergraduate study. A master’s degree is not required for admission, but students who have earned a previous master’s degree are encouraged to apply. Current admissions requirements can be found on the UT Department of Psychology admissions website: https://psychology.utk.edu/graduate-students/admissions/