Clinical Psychology

The Department of Psychology at Western Michigan University uses the graduate online application process. If you have questions about the application process, contact Amber Hutson, the graduate training administrative assistant.

In preparation for applying, the following material will need to be gathered:

• All official transcripts from any college or university attended.
• The GRE is recommended, but not required for both the clinical psychology program.
• Minimum scores corresponding to the 50th percentile on the verbal and quantitative sections of the GRE.

• Personal Statement (submitted through online application)
• Professional Goals Statement limited to two pages (submitted through online application) including the following:
• Research and clinical experience
• Research and clinical interests
• Practicum experience
• Other relevant experiences
• Post graduation professional goals
• List of clinical program faculty to apply with and why
• Curriculum Vitae (submitted through online application)
• Three letters of recommendation (submitted through online application)
• Include a writing sample, maximum of 20 pages, unbound. (e.g., publication, portion of honor’s thesis, presentation, class paper).
• Supplemental Questions (submitted through online application)
• For international students, TOEL or IETLS scores.

Tips for international students.

International applicant information

* Applications will be reviewed only if all material is completely submitted by the application deadline.

The faculty seek qualified students for training in the Doctor of Philosophy program and especially encourage members of historically underrepresented groups including ethnic and racial minorities, and people with disabilities to apply.

Applicants with criminal convictions should be aware that felony convictions will likely make it difficult to complete the external agency training experiences (i.e., external practicum, internship) required for the Ph.D. If students are unable to obtain and complete these required experiences, their program of study will not be able to completed nor will they be able to graduate. In addition, be aware that students may not be eligible for renew their license by the State of Michigan Board of Psychology or the boards of other states.

The Michigan Board of Psychology has indicated on their Web page that applicants who have been convicted of a felony or misdemeanor will be reviewed on an individual basis and that they take into consideration the type of conviction, the age at the time of the incident and the time elapsed since the conviction. Thus, it is also possible that future employment would be limited.

• A bachelor's degree with at least 18 semester hours in psychology
• A minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale

Application materials for main campus programs are due by Dec. 1. 

• Given COVID considerations, applications for clinical psychology will be considered after this due date through April 1 and are encouraged.
• Admissions will be made until the cohort is at capacity.
• Priority review will be given to those who met the initial application deadline.   

How students are admitted?

Students are admitted by the psychology faculty. Many aspects of a student’s background are considered when admissions decisions are made including GRE scores, GPA, letters of reference, research and work experience, social and professional skills, and the extent to which the interests of the applicants match the program’s offerings and strengths.

What are the average GREs and average GPAs of students who are admitted the program?

We only require the verbal and quantitative sections of the GREs for the program that require the test. Programs like to see test scores in the top 50th percentile. The average GPA of admitted students (on a 4 point scale) was 3.65.

Is the psychology GRE subject test required for admission?

The subject test is not required for any program within the Department of Psychology. 

I took the GRE more than once. Will you take the best of all my scores?

Yes. We will take the best GRE score across all tests as long as they were sent to WMU.

How do letters of recommendations work and how are they submitted?

Applicants will provide contact information for the letter writer and the application system will send an email request to them directly; everything is requested and submitted online. Applicants do not need to wait until letters have been returned to WMU to submit their application,

Do I need to list a faculty member on the supplemental application?

Yes. Applications are reviewed by faculty based on who is applying with them. It is very important that applicants indicate at least one faculty on their supplemental application.

Will my graduate level credits transfer to WMU from another university?

Transferring courses from another university is discussed with the faculty advisor before they are submitted to the instructor and department for approval. We do not transfer in courses before applicants have been been admitted.

Should I visit WMU while applying?

If you would like to know more about the program and/or interact with faculty members prior to applying, then it is a good idea to visit WMU. However, it is not necessary. During the admissions process, we will contact you and invite you for an interview if you are being considered for admission. It is very important that you attend this interview, if you are invited.

When will I know if I have been accepted?

Letters notifying applicants of their status are sent by April 15.