Doctor of Philosophy in Clinical Psychology

The PhD in Clinical Psychology is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of the American Psychological Association. It is one of the few clinical programs that combine a psychoanalytic emphasis with adherence to the scientist-practitioner model.

It also recognizes the importance of understanding the roles of culture and context in mediating healthy psychological development, psychopathology, and psychotherapeutic change.
While introducing students to full range of evidence-based practice, we provide a foundation in psychodynamic theory and practice, whose core tenets we identify as 1) recognition of the importance of context and development for psychological trajectories, 2) acknowledgment of intrapsychic influences on behavior which may lay outside awareness, 3) appreciation of the fact that individuals attempt to manage difficult emotions through complex means, and 4) respect for the impact of relational factors on the amelioration of distress, including the therapist's and client's reactions to each other. It is expected that graduates will implement these skills in a variety of settings.

Consistent with The New School for Social Research's institutional goals, we value progressive social thought, critical analysis, pluralism, diversity, and interdisciplinary dialogue and recognize the importance of pursuing and maintaining integration between scholarship and real-world concerns.

Students begin their studies toward the PhD by obtaining an MA in General Psychology, which includes courses in cognition, social psychology, developmental psychology, neuroscience, psychopathology, and research methods and statistics, as well as three electives. For these electives, students may take the three-course module in Substance Abuse Counseling and Mental Health. In the middle of the second year of the MA, students with a GPA of 3.50 or higher, who are also pursuing research with faculty guidance, may apply for admission to the Clinical Psychology doctoral program. The Clinical program admits approximately 15 students per year. Successful completion of the MA in General Psychology does not guarantee admission to the PhD program.

Students with MA degrees in psychology from other universities may be eligible for Advanced Standing status in the New School for Social Research MA program. Accepted students are informed of whether or not they will be admitted with Advanced Standing status prior to beginning the MA program. Once accepted, eligible students may apply to enter the Clinical Psychology PhD after at least one semester of study here at the MA level, depending on how many of their credits transfer and assuming they have successfully completed requisite courses to meet eligibility for doctoral application. Students in this situation should consult the Advanced Standing section in the department handbook for additional information.
Graduate degree applicants must hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited U.S. college or university or the equivalent degree from a foreign college or university. Applicants who will have completed their bachelor's degree by the time of enrollment may apply for admission. PhD applicants in Economics, Philosophy, Politics, and Sociology must hold a master's degree from an accredited U.S. college or university or the equivalent degree from a foreign college or university.
Submit Required Essays
Please describe the academic and intellectual interests, progress, and achievements that have contributed to your decision to apply for graduate study. You should include a thoughtful description of your tentative plan of study or area of inquiry at The New School for Social Research as you now envision it, the kind of research questions you intend to pursue, and what you hope or expect to do after you've completed the degree. (500750-word limit)
Submit Your R'sum or CV
Submit a one to two-page r'sum/curriculum vitae summarizing your academic qualifications, relevant work experience, published writing, volunteer/community work, professional networking, public speaking, and/or any other relevant experiences that may relate to your field of study, including dates and positions held. Please also note any special language or computer skills that you have.
Submit Two Letters of Recommendation
Two letters of recommendation from professional and/or academic references are required. Recommendations must be submitted by recommenders directly via the online application portal. Instructions are included in the online application.
Submit College Transcripts
Applicants must upload an unofficial transcript, mark sheet, or academic record for each institution (even if you didnt receive a degree) in the Academic History section of the online application.

All uploaded transcripts must be accompanied by a key, a legend, or the back copy of the transcript. Non-English transcripts must be accompanied by an English translation. Records from non-U.S. institutions must have grades or marks and contain a copy of diploma if the degree has been conferred. Make sure your name appears on the transcript/record. Scanned documents must be clear and legible.
Minimum required scores are:

TOEFL iBT 100
IELTS 7.5