The clinical psychology program is accepting applications for admission for the 2025-2026 academic year. The application deadline is December 1, 2024. GRE scores will not be considered and interviews will be conducted over Zoom. All students have been funded through fellowships and teaching/research assistantships with tuition remission and a stipend of $2200 to $2500 per month, for 10 or 12 months depending on the source of the fellowship or assistantship.

Drs. Benuto, Bridgett, Kwon, Lancaster and Weierich are planning to review applications for Fall 2025 admission. Dr. O’Donohue is currently on leave and is not available for correspondence. Dr. Fisher will not be admitting a student for Fall 2025 admission.

Program Overview

The clinical psychology program at the University of Nevada, Reno has been accredited by the American Psychological Association since 1972 and is a charter member of the Academy of Clinical Science.

The program uses a clinical science model, which means that training in the research and science of clinical psychology is a centerpiece of our program. Prospective students are matched with research mentors from the beginning of their first year in the program. To facilitate hands-on research experience, a grant proposal and a research paper (empirical, chapter, or review) constitute our students’ comprehensive exams. This is followed by a master’s (or master’s-equivalent) project and a dissertation. These program requirements were carefully designed to provide students with the strong foundational skills they need to become independent clinical scientists.

While the program focuses on developing clinical scientists, we also include a strong focus on clinical training. A relatively unique aspect of our program is that clinical supervision is done directly by a subset of the clinical faculty during the first three years at our in-house Psychological Services Center. Strong clinical training is essential for students to gain perspective of the needs in the field and to advance the discipline of clinical science. The clinical training we offer at the PSC is informed by research and focuses primarily on behavioral and cognitive-behavioral models, with some opportunities for mindfulness-based intervention and training. In addition to in-house training, students provide services at partnering agencies in the Reno community. These community placements span from inpatient to outpatient settings, and have included opportunities to practice psychological assessment, CBT, DBT, and ACT. This array of clinical experiences, alongside rigorous clinical science, positions our student to be highly competitive for internship.

How would you know that our program is a good fit for you? We emphasize the development of collegiality. The relationship between faculty and students is friendly and respectful. The program is small and intimate, and students are regarded as junior colleagues. We foster a science-focused environment. Faculty are interested in developing students who are critical thinkers, skilled clinicians, and creators of new knowledge, dealing with fundamental issues in psychology and its application. The program emphasizes the importance of theory and philosophy and the link to clinical intervention more than most programs. We encourage students to think critically about the mechanisms of change when researching and implementing psychotherapy. Applicants who are a good fit for our program include those who wish to work closely with faculty in both a research and clinical training capacity, and who have a genuine desire to hone their skills as clinical scientists and integrate psychological science into their clinical practice. We encourage any student with these interests to apply to our program, and we particularly welcome applicants who express diversity in all its forms.

Additional information:

• Student admission, outcomes and other data
• Information about applicants
• Psychological Services Center website detailing in-house clinical training opportunities

Admissions Policy

Admissions is a complex process to which we cannot apply a straightforward formula. Here are the factors we consider:

• Minimum standards for admission are a 3.0 (out of 4.0 possible) GPA as an undergraduate.
• We WILL NOT consider GRE scores in admissions decisions. We are committed to an admissions process that is equitable.
• Three letters are required. Typically these letters come from professors in the student's department, demonstrating that the applicant has experience working in a research environment.
• If the student is applying from a master's program, the student is expected not only to have a high GPA but also a history of engaging in scholarly activities (conference presentations, research or publications).
• A personal statement that describes career interests, fit with a particular faculty member and also our training model.
• TOEFL 550-paper based (PB) or 79-internet based (iBT) or IELTS-composite score of 7 (no subject area below 6). (FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS ONLY)

Commitment to Diversity

The Clinical Psychology Program at the University of Nevada, Reno is strongly committed to promoting diversity with respect to culture, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, age, among other dimensions. The University is committed to maintaining a diverse student population and minority students are especially encouraged to apply for the doctoral program.

The program is committed to foster an atmosphere that promotes open dialogue about cultural issues, to prepare students to be sensitive to issues of diversity and individual differences in all work, and to produce culturally competent practitioners and researchers.

To this end, the Clinical Psychology program is dedicated to the active recruitment of a diverse group of students and faculty. It supports the University's core values encouraging diversity and equal educational and employment opportunities throughout our community.

These values are articulated in the University's Non-Discrimination Policy and by the Office of Diversity.

Disabilities

The program is committed to ensuring that students with disabilities have equal access to participate in, contribute to, and benefit from all aspects of the program. Students with special needs are encouraged to work with their advisor and the DCT to develop a plan that provides appropriate assistance. We have an excellent Disability Resource Center (DRC) that can provide assistance.

Housing Options

Students can opt to live on or off-campus. Students find off-campus housing throughout the greater Reno area, but most live in the Midtown and Northwest sections of the city. For students interested in living in graduate housing on campus, please visit Ponderosa Village website.

How to Apply

Your complete application must be received by Dec. 1. To be considered for admission to the University of Nevada, Reno Clinical Psychology Program, interested applicants must meet the requirements:

• The Graduate School

Graduate School Admissions Requirements

• Completed application for Graduate School Admission
• Nonrefundable application fee
• Official transcripts from all universities and/or colleges attended
• GRE Scores are not considered.
• Transcripts are mailed directly to the Grad School at:

Graduate School
Mail Stop 0326
University of Nevada, Reno
Reno, NV 89557
USA

Additional Program Admission Requirements

• Three letters of recommendation
• A brief statement of purpose
• A curriculum vitae (CV)

From among all the applicants, about 20 will be invited to a virtual interview (on Zoom) usually in early to mid-February. Six to seven students are admitted each year, all with funding. Members of all racial, cultural, and diverse groups are encouraged to apply.