Clinical Psychology FAQ

Frequently Asked Admission Questions

• How do I apply to the program?
• What kinds of experience and skills are you looking for in a successful application?
• Are students admitted in the Fall, Spring, or Summer? How many applications do you receive and how many students are admitted each year?
• Do I need to take the Psychology Subject portion of the GRE?
• When are classes offered?
• Can I work and attend the program?
• Is there an admission interview?
• Do students find their own practicum sites? Are placements all located in the Cleveland area?
• How much does it cost to complete the Clinical Psychology program at CSU?
• What financial aid is available to graduate students?
• Are graduate assistantships available?

• When will I hear from the program once I have completed my application?

   

  Q. How do I apply to the program?

  To apply to the CSU Clinical Psychology Program, begin your application through our Graduate Admissions page. In addition to the application, you must submit:

• Official transcripts
• Two letters of recommendation
• A personal statement

• A curriculum vitae (CV)

  Applications are reviewed immediately following the February 1 deadline. Highly qualified applicants are invited to interview on campus. Admission offers are typically extended between March and April.

   

  Q. What kinds of experience and skills are you looking for in a successful application?

• Competitive applicants demonstrate:
• Strong academic achievement
• Research interests, skills, and experience in psychology
• Familiarity with the clinical psychology profession

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills

  All application materials should highlight strengths in these areas.

  For letters of recommendation, we prefer two letters that address the applicant's academic abilities, work ethic, career goals, and interpersonal skills. Letters from faculty members who know the applicant well are ideal, though letters from research or clinical supervisors are also acceptable. Applicants may submit a third recommendation letter if it provides unique information not addressed in the first two letters.

   

  Q. When are students admitted, and how competitive is admission?

  The program follows a cohort model and admits students only for the Fall semester. Applications are submitted and reviewed during the preceding admission cycle.

  We typically receive approximately 100 applications each year and usually admit between 8 and 15 students.

   

  Q. Do I need to take the GRE or the Psychology Subject GRE?

  No. Neither the General GRE nor the Psychology Subject GRE is required for admission consideration.

   

  Q. I completed related graduate courses at another university. Will I be able to transfer these credits toward a Clinical Psychology degree at CSU?

  Students with previous graduate coursework may request a transfer-credit review after being admitted to the program. Applicants should submit relevant transcripts and course syllabus for evaluation.

  Transfer decisions follow CSU and Graduate College policies, including consideration of factors such as:

  Course grades

  Whether the course was applied toward another degree

  Time elapsed since course completion

  Please note that approved transfer credits do not reduce the program's expected two-year completion timeline.

   

  Q. When are classes offered?

  The Clinical Psychology specialization is a full-time, on-campus two-year program. Courses are offered during the Fall and Spring semesters, primarily during the daytime, with some required evening classes.

  During the second year, students typically spend two or three days per week at practicum placements at clinical and assessment sites throughout the Greater Cleveland area.

   

  Q. Can I work while enrolled in the program?

  Many students maintain part-time employment while enrolled. However, balancing the program's requirements with full-time employment is generally not feasible.

   

  Q. Is there an admissions interview?

  Yes. Applicants whose materials receive strong evaluations from the faculty are invited to interview with program faculty members.

   

  Q. How are practicum placements arranged?

  Practicum placements are coordinated and assigned by the program's practicum supervisor. Students are asked about their preferences regarding setting, location, and other relevant factors, which are considered during the placement process.

  Most practicum sites are located throughout the Greater Cleveland area. Reliable transportation is required for some placements.

   

  Q. What does the program cost?

  Current tuition and fee information can be found on the university's tuition and fees webpage https://csuohio.edu/bursar/current-academic-year-tuition-and-fees.

  Tuition rates for in-state and out-of-state graduate students are the same. International students are charged a different rate per credit hour.

  The program requires completion of 50 credit hours.

   

  Q. What financial aid is available to graduate students?

  Various federal loan programs are available to graduate students. Students must complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form to determine eligibility.

   

  Q. Are graduate assistantships available?

  Yes. Some students receive departmental teaching assistantships that require approximately 10 hours per week and include a stipend (no tuition).

  Students may also secure graduate assistantships elsewhere at the university, such as in the Academic Support Hub or McNair Program. These positions are often 20 hours per week and may include both tuition support and a stipend.

  Assistantship availability and funding levels vary from year to year. Applicants with questions are encouraged to contact the Program Director.

   

  Q. When will I hear about my application status?

  The application deadline is February 1.

  Interview invitations are typically sent in February. Admission offers are generally communicated by email beginning in March and continue until the incoming Fall cohort is filled.

   

Return to Top