The clinical program adheres to the "scientist-practitioner" model. Research knowledge and experience are viewed as fundamental parts of student's education and critical to the role of a clinical psychologist. The fundamental principles of research (such as hypothesis formation and testing) guide the process of psychotherapy. Although there are many careers available to clinical psychologists, all require adequate research knowledge. Academic psychologists (university or medical school based) participate in research activities as an integral part of their job responsibilities. Private practitioners must be able to evaluate effectively the existing research literature and apply it to their activities as appropriate. In a service providing agency, common research activities of clinical psychologists include program evaluation and needs assessment.

Research knowledge includes expertise in research methodology, design, statistics, and the ability to carry out an independent study; familiarity with the research related to areas of study in the program, such as psychopathology, psychotherapy, and individual areas of interest; the ability to evaluate research literature; and the ability to use the existing research literature to inform clinical activities.
Knowledge of theory and technique gained in the classroom is applied to research conducted under faculty supervision. Mentoring is a crucial aspect of our professional training model. Consistent with this orientation, students are accepted into the clinical program under a faculty mentor based on similar research interests.

Students entering the program without a master's degree in psychology are expected to complete a thesis by the end of the second year in the program. Students entering the program with a master's degree in psychology that includes a research-based thesis may apply to the Transfer/Waiver Committee to have their thesis accepted as fulfilling the program's thesis requirement.

All students will complete a dissertation, usually during the 4th or 5th year. Research projects in addition to theses and dissertations are available, and students are encouraged to pursue as much research activity as they wish, given their individual career goals.

Please see the Clinical Faculty and Department Faculty listings for specific research interests and representative publications of our faculty.