Clinical Psychology is a popular sub-field within the broader field of psychology. Professionals in this field focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders. Some of the most common disorders that might be treated include learning disabilities, substance abuse, depression, anxiety, and eating disorders.
What is Clinical Psychology?
Clinical psychology is a combination of the empirically based science, the underlying theory and the clinical know-how for the goal of understanding, preventing, and relieving mentally driven distress or dysfunction. A second and equally important goal is the enhancement of mental well being and personal development. Practice of clinical psychology involves psychological assessment and psychotherapy, and the potential for research, teaching, consultation, forensic testimony, and program development and administration.
What are the Best Clinical Psychology Degree Programs?
According to the Princeton Review’s Gourman Report list of the best Clinical Psychology Graduate Programs, there are ten educational leaders in this field.
#1 – Yale University – Located in New Haven, Connecticut
#2 – University of Pennsylvania – Located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
#3 – University of Michigan – Located in Ann Arbor, Michigan
#4 – University of Minnesota – Twin Cities – Located in Minneapolis, Minnesota
#5 – University of California – Located in Berkeley, California
#6 – University of California – Located in Los Angeles, California
#7 – Indiana University – Located in Bloomington, Indiana
#8 – University of Oregon – Located in Eugene, Oregon
#9 – University of Colorado – Located in Boulder, Colorado
#10 – University of Washington – Located in Seattle, Washington
How Much Will a Graduate Degree in Clinical Psychology Cost?
The cost of a graduate degree in Clinical psychology varies greatly depending upon a number of important factors. These include the college or university attended, the specialty area the student chooses to pursue and the region of the country where the degree is being offered. One of the most impacting factors is the level of degree chosen. A master’s degree in this psychology costs much less than a doctoral degree. According to the American Psychological Association (APA) the median annual tuition for state residents enrolled in a public master’s degree program was $5,343 in 2008-2009, which was an increase from tuition data reported in 2007-2008 ($4,590). The annual tuition rates for nonresidents were approximately three times the resident amount, at $13,088. For students enrolled in doctoral programs, the APA stated that the median annual tuition for state residents enrolled in public doctoral departments was $7,104 in 2008-2009, which was an increase from tuition data reported in 2007-2008 ($6,819). Annual tuition rates for nonresidents were $16,966.
By choosing a program that has received national recognition, students pursuing a graduate degree in Clinical Psychology increase their chances of landing a position in the field. These are ten of the best programs in the country. For more information on the best Clinical Psychology graduate programs check out the Princeton Review’s “Gourman Report of Graduate Programs” (8th edition).
