university of alberta phd clinical psychology

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Clinical Psychology

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Thesis-based program

Program overview.

Helping students become expert psychologists and competent clinicians is the purpose of the Clinical Psychology (PhD Thesis) program. It aims to prepare students for research, academic and clinical careers in psychology and health care. As practitioners of an evidence-based science, faculty members guiding the program emphasize training in clinical science. The program, which highlights their commitment to empirical approaches to advancing knowledge, is accredited by the Canadian Psychological Association.

Completing this program

• Courses:  Students will take advanced topics in the practice of clinical psychology such as psychopharmacology, diversity issues in clinical psychology, clinical geropsychology, addictions, health psychology, eating disorders, consultation/supervision, program evaluation, and neuropsychology.
• Candidacy: Students must sit a written and oral doctoral candidacy examination in the third year of their program.
• Research Proposal: Students in the program must complete a doctoral thesis proposal for thesis research.
• Thesis : Students will complete a thesis based on a research project/question during their time in the program.

Research, academic, or clinical career in university, health, and mental health settings.

A PhD in clinical psychology is usually considered a final degree.

Students are required to prepare a thesis and successfully defend in an open oral defense.

9 courses, practica, and a full-time, competitive, paid internship. Internships may take place in settings across Canada.

Learn more about program requirements in the Academic Calendar

Classroom delivery

Time commitment.

Four to five years; six years maximum

A supervisor is required prior to the start of the program

See the Graduate Calendar for information on  fees and fee regulations,  and for information on  awards and financial assistance .

Virtual Tour

Explore the University of Calgary (UCalgary) from anywhere. Experience all that UCalgary has to offer for your graduate student journey without physically being on campus. Discover the buildings, student services and available programs all from your preferred device.

Supervisors

Learn about faculty available to supervise this degree.

A full list of supervisors accepting new students is posted on the Department of Psychology website in early Fall. Contact the program for more information.

Kathryn Birnie

Brandy Callahan

Tavis Campbell

Linda Carlson

Keith Dobson

Deinera Exner-Cortens

Susan Graham

David Hodgins

Sheri Madigan

Admission requirements

A minimum of 3.6 GPA on a 4.0 point system.

Please note that the PhD program is highly competitive. Successful applicants will typically have a GPA higher than this stated minimum.

Minimum education

A master's degree in Psychology or equivalent.

Work samples

A statement of research and professional interests (max. 500 words), including the specification of prospective research supervisors from among current program faculty.

A research proposal.

Reference letters

Two academic letters

Test scores

English language proficiency.

An applicant whose primary language is not English may fulfill the English language proficiency requirement in one of the following ways:

• Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL ibt)  score of 105.
• International English Language Testing System (IELTS)  score of 7.5 (minimum of 6.0 in each section)
• Pearson Test of English (PTE)   score of 75, or higher (Academic version).
• Canadian Academic English Language test (CAEL)  score of 70 (minimum 70 in each section)  
• Academic Communication Certificate (ACC)  score of A- in each course.
• Cambridge C1 Advanced or Cambridge C2 Proficiency  minimum score of 200.

For admission on September 1:

• Canadians and permanent residents: Nov. 15 application deadline
• International students: Nov. 15 application deadline

If you're not a Canadian or permanent resident, or if you have international credentials, make sure to learn about international requirements

Are you ready to apply?

Learn more about this program, department of psychology.

Psychology Graduate Program Faculty of Arts University of Calgary 2500 University Drive NW Calgary, AB, T2N 1N4

Contact the Graduate Program Advisor

Visit the departmental website

University of Calgary 2500 University Drive NW Calgary, AB, T2N 1N4

Visit the Faculty of Arts website

Related programs

If you're interested in this program, you might want to explore other UCalgary programs.

Thesis-based MSc

Community Health Sciences

Thesis-based MSc

Thesis-based PhD

Counselling Psychology

Course-based MC

Social Work

Course-based Cert

Thesis-based MSW

Course-based MSW

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Clinical Psychology

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Advance your knowledge of the causes, prevention, assessment and treatment of psychological problems, along with the promotion of health and wellness. Our program is accredited by the Canadian Psychological Association.

Degrees offered

• Master of Science (MSc) , thesis-based in Clinical Psychology View degree requirements »
• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)  in Clinical Psychology View degree requirements »

Please note that the Clinical Psychology Program only admits students who wish to pursue the Ph.D. degree. We do not offer a terminal M.Sc. degree.

Understanding graduate studies

Get important information about what you need to do before you begin your grad studies.

Ready to apply?

Ready to start your application? Get the information you need to apply today.

Start your application

Application Deadlines

For admission on September 1

Canadians and permanent residents

Nov. 15 application deadline

Important Things to Know about our Admissions Process. Learn more

Clinical Psychology Graduate Program Brochure. View Brochure Here

Our program is committed to enhancing and supporting diversity, equity and inclusion. Learn more

Master of Science (MSc), thesis-based

Thesis-based programs require that you pursue independent and original research culminating in a thesis. You will work under the supervision of a faculty member whose expertise matches your research area.

View program information

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

The aim of this doctoral program is to train research-minded students to become inspiring teachers and insightful professional scholars. In our vibrant department, you will get the access and attention you need from our faculty of internationally recognized scholars.

What is thesis-based study?

Pursue independent research guided by a supervisor who shares your research interests. If you want to advance your knowledge or expand your expertise in a specific field or research area, our thesis-based programs are for you.

What is a supervisor?

A supervisor is a faculty member who oversees your research and the development of your thesis.

Graduate contacts

Graduate program advisor.

Contact me for graduate program advising and any questions you have about our programs [email protected]  »

Psychology Graduate Program Director

Dr. Josh Bourdage

Clinical Graduate Program Director

Dr. Sheri Madigan

Clinic Director and Clinical Practicum Coordinator

Dr. Brae Anne McArthur  

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Clinical Psychology in Canada

Why Study Clinical Psychology in Canada

• Studying Clinical Psychology in Canada is a great choice, as there are 11 universities that offer PhD degrees on our portal.
• Over 323,000 international students choose Canada for their studies, which suggests you’ll enjoy a vibrant and culturally diverse learning experience and make friends from all over the world.
• We counted 34 affordable PhD degrees in Canada , allowing you to access quality higher education without breaking the bank. Moreover, there are 505 available scholarships you can apply to.

13  Clinical Psychology PhDs in Canada

Clinical Psychology The Counselling and Clinical Psychology graduate program at the University of Toronto is proud to offer a... University of Toronto Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Clinical Psychology The mission statement of the Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology at Queen's University’s is as follows:... Queen's University Kingston, Ontario, Canada

Clinical Psychology This Clinical Psychology program from University of Saskatchewan is accredited by both the Canadian... University of Saskatchewan Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada

Clinical Psychology Designed to create a strong foundation on which you will build throughout your career, Concordia University of... Concordia University of Edmonton Edmonton, Alberta, Canada

Psychiatry The Department of Psychiatry at University of Alberta offers outstanding opportunities for students... University of Alberta Edmonton, Alberta, Canada

Study in Canada

Canada is one of the most popular study destinations in the world due to its high focus on the quality of its universities and its emphasis on attracting international students who can later immigrate. Canadians are very welcoming to international students and they invest a lot into making sure students are safe, treated fairly, and enjoy their stay in the country. Study in one of the strongest economies in the world while enjoying a high living standard and a flexible study environment. Classes have smaller student groups ensuring everyone gets the attention they need, and encouraging group assignments and debates.

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Explore your Clinical Psychology degree

Study a degree in Clinical Psychology to diagnose and treat mental and emotional illnesses and help people live better lives.

Is Clinical Psychology the best for you?

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