PhD in Clinical Psychology

Clinical Psychology PhD Overview

Advance the science. Elevate the practice.

A PhD in Clinical Psychology is the terminal research degree for psychologists who want to shape the future of mental health—not just practice it. The California School of Professional Psychology (CSPP) offers APA-accredited doctoral degrees in psychology programs at two California campuses: Los Angeles and San Diego. With a focus on mental health and human behavior, our APA-accredited Clinical Psychology PhD programs will help you gain the knowledge and clinical skills needed to get where you want to be in the mental healthcare industry.

Grounded in the scholar-practitioner model, our Clinical Psych PhD program prepares you to conduct rigorous psychological research, perform comprehensive assessments, and deliver evidence-based clinical care.

Whether your goal is research, direct practice, or leadership in the mental healthcare field, Alliant’s Doctor of Philosophy degree in clinical psychology training gives you the science, skills, and credentials to get there.

Program Highlights

Setting the standard for professional psychology training.

APA-Accredited Excellence

All Alliant Clinical Psychology PhD degree programs are accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA) and taught by experienced faculty members —a benchmark of excellence that advances both your professional development and the field as a whole.

Research Opportunities

Our Clinical PhD programs offer rich, varied research opportunities in health service psychology, embedded within diverse California communities to deepen your development as a scholar and practitioner.

From Practicum to Profession

In Alliant’s Clinical Psychology PhD programs, you’ll complete supervised practicum placements and a doctoral internship. All programs are designed to prepare you for licensure and a successful career as a health service clinical psychologist upon graduation.

Tailored to Your Clinical Goals

Each campus offers unique emphases so you can tailor your doctorate in psychology to your goals. Depending on which campus you choose, emphasis areas include trauma-focused forensic psychology, health psychology, military and veteran psychology, multicultural and community-clinical psychology, and family/child and couple psychology.

Find Your Program, Find Your Place

With distinct APA-accredited programs in Los Angeles and San Diego—each with their own specializations, tracks, and community connections—Alliant allows you to find the program that fits you best.

If you’re looking for PhD and PsyD programs in California, please see the doctoral program pages for specifics on emphasis area offerings in the field of psychology.

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Admissions and Financial Aid Info

You’ll be assigned a dedicated admissions counselor to guide you at every step. They’ll keep you on track with application deadlines and requirements, and upon acceptance, work with you and Alliant’s Student Finance Office to explore grants, scholarships, and other financial aid options. We’re your partners and your foundation of support from day one.

Alliant Clinical Psychology PhD Admissions Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution
• Preparation in Psychology: One of the following three options must be completed prior to matriculation:
  • Earned a BA/BS in Psychology (a master’s degree will not fulfill this requirement)
  • 80th percentile scores or better on the GRE Psychology Test
  • Completion of the following four courses with a grade of “C” or better:
    • Statistics
    • Abnormal Psychology or Psychopathology
    • Experimental Psychology/Research Methods in Psychology
    • Physiological Psychology, Learning/Memory, Cognitive Psychology or Sensation/Perception
• Complete online application at apply.alliant.edu
• Essay (5-7 pages; contact an Admissions Counselor for details)
  • Resume
• Two Letters of Recommendation
• Faculty Interview
• Official transcripts from all degree granting institutions
• Transcripts that are relevant to the student’s qualifications for admission (i.e. pre-requisite courses)
• Transcripts that document units of credit earned at other institutions that have been accepted and applied by Alliant as transfer credits toward the completion of an educational program
• GPA Minimum 3.0 or GPA Exemption Petition

Alliant is committed to making your education accessible and affordable. Financing is available in the form of scholarships, grants, part-time employment, and loans funded through federal, state, Alliant, and private sources finance these programs.

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Faculty

CSPP faculty are leading experts who stay invested in your success both in the classroom and long after graduation. With an average of 11.8 years of appointed experience and over 2,290 contributions to peer-reviewed publications, our diverse PhD faculty bring deep expertise and mentorship to every stage of your journey—from coursework and research to practicums, dissertations, and licensure preparation.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the benefits of earning this degree?

CSPP’s state-of-the-art facilities and California’s diverse professional landscape give PhD graduates a powerful launchpad for impact in both private and public sectors.

• Your skills qualify you to work in hospitals and medical centers, community mental health clinics, private practice, and universities.
• You’ll be equipped to pursue careers in clinical work, research, teaching, or a combination of all three.

With a specialization, you can advance into leadership and higher-level positions across the psychology field.

What’s the difference between a PhD and PsyD in Clinical Psychology?

While both PsyD and PhD programs lead to licensure as a clinical psychologist, the difference lies in their focus. A PhD program often places greater emphasis on research-based practices and theoretical knowledge for individuals interested in academia, research, or a combination of both. A PsyD program emphasizes practical clinical skills and direct application of psychological principles for those interested in hands-on practice in a clinical setting. Check out our blog post for more details.
 

What is the typical duration of a PhD program in Clinical Psychology, and can it be completed on a part-time basis?

On average, it takes around 5 to 7 years for a PhD student to complete the clinical program. This timeframe, which can vary, includes both coursework and supervised practical experience, such as internships or clinical placements. While some programs may offer part-time options, it’s advisable to consult with your Alliant admissions counselor to understand the feasibility and implications of pursuing a PhD on a part-time basis.

As an international student, may I apply for the graduate program?

Review the admissions requirements, housing, tuition, and other information for international applicants.

What are the benefits of earning my degree in an APA-accredited program?

APA accreditation ensures that programs meet education and industry standards, follow best practices of licensed psychologists, and use industry experts to teach. For most psychologists, APA accreditation is also required for licensure by many states.

The CSPP clinical psychology PsyD programs offered on the Los Angeles, Sacramento, and San Diego campuses are individually accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of the American Psychological Association (APA).

Please direct program accredited status inquiries to the Commission on Accreditation:

Office of Program Consultation and Accreditation
American Psychological Association
750 1st Street, NE, Washington, DC 20002
Phone: (202) 336-5979
Email: apaaccred@apa.org
Web: https://www.apa.org/ed/accreditation

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Built Different. By Design.

“It’s time for us to really use our experiences as therapists, as psychologists, as professionals and say we have a responsibility to fix the world. We need to use our voice to be able to effect change.”

Mohamed Abdallah Elnakib | Doctor of Psychology, Alliant Class of 2022

Our “why” has always been about meeting the moment and transforming it into something better. CSPP has grown into the largest provider of licensed clinical psychologists in the U.S., educating just over 10% of the country’s clinical psychology practitioners annually. Alliant provides a strong foundation in psychology training while evolving to offer specializations that go beyond the traditional to meet today’s societal challenges. And our history of promoting multicultural practice and making quality mental health care accessible to diverse communities remains a pillar of CSPP that is needed now more than ever. Watch our “Legacy of Light” documentary to learn more.