Clinical Health Psychology FAQs

Is this an accredited program?
The clinical psychology program at East Carolina University is accredited by the American Psychological Association.

Who can I contact if I have more questions about the program?
(STAFF MEMBER)
Graduate Administrative Assistant
Department of Psychology
East Carolina University
Greenville, NC 27858
252-328-6800 (EMAIL)

What will this program train me to do?
Graduates of the Clinical Health concentration will:

  • be competent in the assessment of biopsychosocial factors affecting an individual’s overall health and well-being, including psychological, cognitive, behavioral, social, environmental, and biological/physical factors.
  • be skilled in developing and delivering psychological interventions to promote prevention and wellness and treat psychological conditions that affect mental health and illness.
  • be skilled in a broad range of psychological interventions and techniques, ranging from psychotherapy to targeted interventions such as stress-management, relaxation training, health promotion, and problem-solving therapy.
  • be skilled in collaboration, consultation, and teamwork, which are essential to working within a multidisciplinary team of health professionals.
  • be an expert in contemporary research in order to conduct and apply rigorous scientific methods to understanding health and illness and be able to select and evaluate clinical treatment strategies based on established scientific knowledge and empirical support.

What is the application deadline?
December 1st

When can I begin the program?
The Program begins in fall semesters only. New students are not admitted at any other time of the year.

Can other courses transfer from other programs?
It is possible. However, transfer course requests are considered by the program on case-by case basis.

Do I need a mentor for the program?
The program is based on a mentorship model. Applicants who share the research interest of our faculty will be assigned to those faculty for advising. Please visit our Faculty listing to view their research areas.

What are the areas of study in the Ph.D. program?
There are three concentrations in Health Psychology: Clinical Health; Pediatric School; Occupational Health. Each concentration has separate admissions processes.

How many students are admitted each year?
Approximately six students are admitted to the clinical program each year.

Can I take graduate courses in your department without being a graduate student at ECU?
Most classes with clinical training are not open to non Ph.D. students.

I don’t have any research experience. Can I still apply to your program?
Yes, but it is very hard for the admissions committee to assess an applicant’s ability to work in a scientific/practitioner oriented graduate program. You will need to address this issue thoroughly in your application.

How long will it take to earn a Ph.D. if I already have a masters?
While a limited number of clinical courses may be accepted from a prior institution, it is likely that it will take a minimum of 3-4 years to complete the degree.

Do I have to have a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology to apply to the Ph.D. program?
You must have a BA/BS in a related field. Psychology is preferred but not required.

Stipends, tuition, waivers, health insurance, etc.
All students in the Ph.D. program will receive a monthly stipend for 9 months, full tuition waiver and health insurance. However, University fees are the responsibility of the student.

Admissions requirements

Students are admitted only in the fall semester of each academic year and are expected to attend full-time. Applications with at least a bachelor’s degree may apply. Applicants should have had sufficient preparation in psychology at the undergraduate level. This typically includes the completion of the requirements for the undergraduate major in psychology at the time of application, though it is possible that some applicants will have sufficient course work in psychology and have completed a different major. All admissions for the clinical health concentration lead to earning the PhD. The clinical health concentration does not offer a terminal MA program, but students may earn an MA en route to the PhD.

Admission to the program is competitive and based on the following requirements:

  • Quality of the applicant’s academic record (official transcript)
  • Undergraduate preparation in psychology
  • Three letters of recommendation from former professors or supervisors.
  • Personal Statement

There are not strict cutoffs for acceptable grade point averages, but competitive applicants typically have GPAs above 3.5. Other accomplishments, particularly research and clinical experience, are desirable.

Students are offered funding in the form of teaching or research assistantships or paid clinical placements. Offers vary but typically carry a monthly stipend and waiver or all or portion of tuition. Specific information is not available until offers of admission are made.