Clinical Psychology Graduate Programs in Georgia

<h2 id="section---GeorgiaSouthernUniversity"> Georgia Southern University</h2> <p>Georgia State University, located in Statesboro, offers an APA-accredited five-year doctoral program earning a Doctor in Clinical Psychology degree (Psy.D.). An option to complete this program part-time is available but an applicant can expect to have at least one year spent in full-time to meet necessary residency requirements. Some of the courses prospective students can expect to take are Psychotherapy Skills, Research Design, Developmental Assessment, and Psychopathology. In addition to the completion of the required 114 credits of course work, and three years of practicum, prospective students will need to fulfill a year-long internship. </p> <h2 id="section---UniversityOfGeorgia"> University of Georgia</h2> <p>The doctoral program of Clinical Psychology at the University of Georgia in Athens provides students with an award-winning program. Students can immerse themselves in rigorous coursework with a minimum of 90 graduate credit hours and 9 graduate hours in clinical/internship experience. A graduate student will also earn their M.S. degree over a period of 90 credit hours. If you already have a master's degree you may be omitted from taking certain courses. This program is designed so that students can apply the clinical science model and take an empirical perspective on clinical psychology. </p> <h2 id="section---EmoryUniversity"> Emory University</h2> <p>Emory University, located in Atlanta, offers graduate candidates a full-time, research-based opportunity to earn their Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology. The primary focus for students enrolled in Emory University's Clinical Psychology program is to train competent psychologists in research, theory, and practice. The program length is between 5 and 6 years, and a student must complete a 12-month internship in their last year. While in attendance, the coursework focuses on cognitive, developmental, and social psychology along with biological bases of behavior. </p> <h2 id="section---GeorgiaStateUniversity"> Georgia State University</h2> <p>Also located in Atlanta, Georgia State University offers a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology. Prospective students do not need to have a master's degree prior to enrolling because they will receive one while pursuing their Ph.D. A student must complete 62-graduate credit hours of coursework including the thesis and dissertation. The minimum amount of graduate credit hours for clinical experience is 31 and Georgia State University provides its own psychology clinic for students to utilize their skills working with adults, children, and special cases during their required practicum. </p> <h2 id="section---AugustaUniversity"> Augusta University</h2> <p>In the heart of Augusta is Augusta University where prospective students can earn a Master of Science in Psychology with a concentration in Clinical/ Counseling. This master's program offers both thesis and non-thesis track. If a student wishes to pursue either track, they must complete a minimum of 18 graduate credit hours and 1 to 9 graduate hours of internship experience at the end of their program. Both tracks offer courses that focus on research, assessment, professional, and therapy foundations along with social, learned and biological behavior. The program will prepare students to work in a variety of careers including counseling services, crisis worker, case manager, and research assistant; to name a few. </p> <p /> <table border="1"><tr><th> School Name </th><th> Programs Offered </th><th> Average Graduate Tuition (2018-2019)*</th></tr> <tr><td> Georgia Southern University </td><td> Psy.D in Clinical Psychology </td><td> In-State- $6,636; <br /> Out of State- $26,518</td></tr> <tr><td> University of Georgia </td><td> Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology </td><td> In-State- $8,704; <br /> Out of State- $24,692</td></tr> <tr><td> Emory University </td><td> Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology </td><td> $41,800</td></tr> <tr><td> Georgia State University </td><td> Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology </td><td> In-State- $7,020; <br /> Out of State- $22,518</td></tr> <tr><td> Augusta University </td><td> M.S. in Psychology with a Concentration in <br /> Clinical Psychology </td><td> In-State- $5,144; <br /> Out of State- $17,544</td></tr> </table><p><i>Source: *NCES</i> </p> <h2 id="section---HowToEarnAGraduateDegreeInClinicalPsychology"> How to Earn a Graduate Degree in Clinical Psychology</h2> <p>Clinical psychology is host to numerous career opportunities. To further your education into a graduate-level degree a student must hold a baccalaureate degree in psychology and usually have a 3.0 GPA in core psychology courses. Colleges and universities will offer different levels of degree programs but whether a student wishes to seek a master's or doctoral-level degree, they can expect their program to focus on core foundations such as psychotherapy, psychopathology, child/family/adult intervention, ethics, and research; to name a few. </p> <h3 id="section---ResearchMethods"> Research Methods</h3> <p>Research is a core class in clinical psychology programs as it will help students develop and apply theory to the design in psychology. Some of what a student can learn are variable control, hypothesis testing, statistical analysis, and data collection. Research courses help to identify, implement, and disseminate results in scientific research. </p> <h3 id="section---CognitivePsychology"> Cognitive Psychology</h3> <p>The study of cognitive psychology works towards the purpose of examining the mental processes of individuals. Some topics that can be covered are language, memory, problem finding/ solving, and the formation of a concept. Students can learn critical thinking skills and how to weigh the evidence when explaining evaluations. </p> <h3 id="section---BehavioralPsychology"> Behavioral Psychology</h3> <p>Included in biological behavioral foundations, behavioral psychology courses focus on the foundation of behavior which bases off forebrain structures. Some factors can include sensory, motor, and chemical structures. Students should learn to apply analysis and evaluate individuals based on theory. </p> <h3 id="section---EthicalOrProfessionalFoundations"> Ethical or Professional Foundations</h3> <p>As a Psychologist you will need to learn how to handle ethical and professional dilemmas, this course addresses issues a student may see as they pursue their career. Some issues can include licensing, professionalism, and specializations within the field. Students may be expected to demonstrate competency within the discipline of psychology. </p> <p>Whether you wish to work as a licensed counselor or a crisis worker, you can expect to spend a minimum of 5 years working through a master's degree, to finishing a doctoral program. While you immerse yourself in core studies such as psychotherapy, cognitive assessments, ethics, or behavioral psychology you can anticipate a 12- month internship following the end of your courses.</p>