Admissions and Funding
Admissions
We seek applicants who are passionate about applying psychological science to clinical problems. Successful applicants are prepared to engage deeply with research, mentorship, and scientific training. Clinical Psychological Science at UT Dallas values diverse academic backgrounds and conducts holistic admissions, with particular attention to scientific fit. We recognize that not all applicants have had equal access to research opportunities, and our process is designed to identify those with strong potential for scholarly excellence, regardless of whether they come from highly resourced institutions.
Wondering what we are looking for? We are committed to holistic review to best identify future leaders and believe in being transparent with applicants about the qualities that are necessary to be successful in our program.
Critical Thinking Skills
The ability to analyze and evaluate information
effectively is crucial for
addressing complex clinical problems. This includes demonstrating the capacity to synthesize information
from various sources and
apply it to real-world
scenarios.
Interpersonal Skills
Strong communication and relationship-building abilities are important for working with patients and colleagues. This includes the ability to listen actively, empathize, and
communicate effectively in both written and oral forms.
Analytical Thinking
The capacity to assess
situations and data critically is vital for research and clinical practice. This involves not only analyzing data but also interpreting results in a meaningful way that informs practice.
Teamwork
The ability to collaborate effectively is essential in both research and clinical settings. Applicants can demonstrate this through experiences such as group projects, volunteer activities, student organizations, or other collaborative efforts that contributed to a shared goal.
Open-mindedness
Openness to new ideas and perspectives is vital. It promotes growth and expands understanding. A non-defensive approach to constructive feedback treats it as a tool for improvement. Welcoming critique allows individuals to learn and refine practices. This attitude boosts engagement, encourages collaboration, and fosters a culture of shared insights. Ultimately, embracing this mindset
enriches idea exchange,
driving innovation and
respect.
Problem Solving Skills
The ability to identify issues and develop effective solutions is crucial in clinical settings. Applicants should highlight any relevant experiences where they successfully navigated challenges, demonstrating
their problem-solving
process. It is not necessary for applicants to have prior experience in clinical environments, and they are encouraged to focus on examples from academic projects, teamwork, or other contexts that showcase their problem-solving abilities.
Scientific Curiosity
A genuine passion for
psychological science and its applications is essential for success in the field. While research participation is one way to demonstrate this passion, we understand that access to such opportunities may be limited for some applicants. We encourage individuals from institutions with fewer research lab options to convey how their scientific curiosity is expressed through
independent study, self-
directed projects, or other experiences.
Emotional Regulation
Good emotional management skills are important for both
personal well-being and
professional interactions.
Applicants should
demonstrate their ability to cope with stress and
maintain professionalism in challenging situations. This can be shown through examples from academic or professional settings, such as handling group dynamics, managing deadlines, or navigating conflicts, while maintaining appropriate professional boundaries.
Evidence-based
Thinking
A commitment to using research and data to inform practice is essential in clinical science. Applicants should describe how they have engaged with evidence-based approaches through coursework, research, or decision-making contexts where data or research findings guided actions.
Cross-cultural
Communication
The ability to communicate clearly and respectfully across different backgrounds, perspectives, and settings is essential for collaborative research and applied science. Applicants should describe experiences that strengthened their capacity to connect ideas and findings with varied audiences, including research teams, mentors, peers, or community settings.
Program Fit and Research Alignment
Applicants should explain how their research interests align with potential faculty mentors and how the program’s training model supports their goals. We also value awareness of how sampling, setting, and context influence research relevance. Experiences that reflect thoughtful study design or attention to generalizability can demonstrate readiness to contribute to clinically meaningful science.
Independence and Self-
guided Inquiry
Applicants should
demonstrate initiative and the ability to pursue research or clinical questions independently. This includes showing a history of self- directed learning and the ability to work autonomously on projects.
Financial Support
Funded Interview Visits: The Department of Psychology will cover travel expenses for applicants invited to an on-site interview and visit at UT Dallas.
Competitive Stipends: Students receive monthly stipends that are aligned with NIH graduate salary benchmarks.
Tuition Coverage: Full-time tuition and fees are covered for students enrolled in at least 9 hours during the fall and spring semesters, and up to 6 hours in the summer, with tuition assessed at the Texas resident rate for assistantship holders.
Health Insurance: Students enrolled in the UTD Student Health Insurance Plan receive full coverage for individual health insurance premiums.
Research and Conference Support: The program provides up to $1,000 for conference attendance and up to $1,000 for dissertation-related expenses. Additional support may be available through the primary research mentor.
Funding Duration: Financial support can be renewed annually for up to five years, contingent on satisfactory academic progress. Students typically complete their program in six years, including a paid internship, which provides additional financial support during that period.
Additional Funding Opportunities: Students are encouraged to apply for external fellowships and research assistantships to further support their education.
