Graduate Admissions Questions

When is the program's application deadline?

All application materials must be postmarked to the Office of Graduate Admission by December 1st.  back to top^

Can I set up an informational interview?

We have many applicants every year, and, unfortunately, we cannot accommodate requests for individual informational interviews.  However, we have scheduled online Information Sessions.  Please also explore our website as we have posted a great deal of information about our program! back to top^

What is the difference between a Ph.D. and a Psy.D. program?

Our program leads students to a Ph.D. in clinical psychology.  Ours is a Boulder-model program that equally emphasizes both research and clinical aspects of psychology to produce competent scientist-practitioners.  Most Ph.D. programs incorporate elements of research and clinical training in their curricula.  In contrast, Psy.D. programs typically train students in a practitioner model and focus on clinical aspects of training. back to top^

How long will this program take?

Our program involves three years of full-time study, one year of full-time internship, and a dissertation.  Full-time students may be able to finish all program requirements within five years. back to top^

What qualifications are you looking for in an applicant?

We do not believe that there is a "typical" Ph.D. student, and so we cannot describe a "typical" successful applicant.  However, we have outlined some general guidelines on the Admissions Requirements Page. back to top^

Do you have a minimum GRE/GPA score?

As noted in the question above, we cannot describe a "typical" candidate, and this extends to both GRE and GPA scores.  These scores are examined in the context of a candidate's entire application.  We have found that students with a combined GRE verbal and quantitative score of less than 1200 or a psychology GPA of less than 3.5 are less likely to be admitted, but this is not always the case, especially in the presence of extenuating or compensating factors.  Please feel free to discuss any perceived discrepancies between your scores and your abilities in your personal statement. back to top^

Is an interview required? Is a telephone interview acceptable?

A select group of applicants will be contacted in mid to late January to attend an Interview Weekend to be held in early February.  The interview is an important part of the application process, and selected candidates should make every effort to attend.  However, if scheduling conflicts or expense will prevent you from making a trip to Suffolk, a phone interview may be arranged.  A telephone interview will not negatively impact an application. back to top^

Where do I send my application paperwork?

All application paperwork should be sent directly to the Office of Graduate Admission. back to top^

What courses can I transfer in?

Once a student has been accepted into the program, he or she may file a petition to transfer credit with the Director of Undergraduate and Graduate Studies.  Transfer requests are evaluated on an individual basis and credit is ordinarily given only for courses whose content is similar to those offered within our own program.  Please see here for the Request for Transfer of Graduate Credit form. back to top^

Is graduate housing available?

Suffolk does not provide housing for its graduate students.  Any student interested in obtaining assistance in locating housing in the Boston area can contact our Office of Off-Campus Housing at (617) 573-8647.  Additionally, graduate students may choose to apply for Resident Assistant (RA) position in one of our undergradauate dorms.  RAs fulfill many duties in the areas of student development, programming, and administration, and they receive housing free of charge as compensation. back to top^

Can you tell me why I wasn't accepted into the program?

Our department receives 300+ applications each year.  Unfortunately, the overwhelming volume of applications keep us from providing individualized feedback to applicants. back to top^

Is it possible to take a graduate level psychology course if I'm not a student in the clinical psychology Ph.D. program?

Prospective non-matriculated students interested in taking a graduate level course in the Psychology Department should contact the faculty member teaching the course via email for consent.  Course offerings can be found here.  When permission is obtained, the graduate Continuing and Professional Studies (CAPS) application should be submitted along with the email from the faculty member.  The application is posted on the University's website and can be found here. back to top^

What kind of funding/financial aid can I expect from Suffolk?

Three forms of aid are available to Psychology Ph.D. and Respecialization students and include grants, employment, and loans.  Details about the aid are located on our funding page found here. back to top^

After the first three years of full-time study, what can I expect to pay for tuition?

Students who have completed all course and practicum work and who are engaged in predoctoral internship should register for PSYCH 801, Doctoral Internship. Students who have completed all course work and are engaged in doctoral dissertation work (or dissertation work + advanced practicum, PSYCH 777), should register for PSYCH 000, Advanced Dissertation Residency. These advanced student courses are intended for those students working full time on their dissertations or internship training. Students at this level will receive no fellowship aid. Tuition for PSYCH 000 and PSYCH 801 is presently set at the cost of one credit hour per semester. These students will have full access to privileges, services, and facilities and will retain full-time status. Cost per credit can be found at the registrar's office, or on the Budget Office website located here. back to top^