Clinical Psychology Ph.D. Program Admissions

To be eligible for admission, applicants must meet the following academic and experiential criteria:

Academic Qualifications:

• A bachelor’s degree with a major in psychology or a closely related field.
• Completion of at least 18 undergraduate credits in psychology, which must include:
  • An introductory psychology course.
  • A statistics or research methods course.
  • 15 additional credits in areas such as developmental, experimental, social, abnormal, cognitive, biological, or personality psychology.

Research and Clinical Experience:

• Demonstrated engagement in research through lab work, presentations, or publications is strongly preferred.
• Relevant clinical experience, such as internships, volunteer work, or employment in mental health settings, is highly desirable.

Applicants must submit the following materials through the BCM Online Application Portal by Dec. 31, 2025:

1. Academic Transcripts:

• Upload unofficial transcript(s) from all Colleges, Universities, and Training Programs/Schools attended.
• Official transcripts are also required. Please have your institution(s) send your electronic official transcript(s) directly to ClinPsychPhDApplications@bcm.edu.

2. References:

• We require evaluations from three (3) academic or professional references who can attest to your qualifications, research potential, and clinical readiness. 

3. Personal Statement:

• Provide a written narrative outlining your research interests, clinical goals, and alignment with the program’s mission. The statement may be up to 5000 characters (approximately 1000 words). The statement should be original and not generated by AI tools. 

4. Curriculum Vitae (CV) or Resume:

• Upload a detailed CV or resume highlighting your academic achievements, research experience, clinical exposure, and any relevant professional activities.

5. Graduate Record Examination (GRE):

• GRE General Test: Optional but encouraged.
• GRE Psychology Subject Test: Optional but encouraged for non-psychology majors or those with limited psychology coursework.
• Applicants who want their GRE scores considered in their application should 1) self-report scores in the Online Application Portal, and 2) have official test scores sent directly to Baylor College of Medicine via the ETS portal. Baylor College of Medicine’s code is 6052.

Applications are evaluated holistically across the following domains:

1. Academic Performance:

• Undergraduate (and graduate, if applicable) GPA and rigor of coursework.
• If submitted, GRE scores will complement academic records.

2. Research Potential:

• Evidence of research engagement, such as presentations, publications, or substantive roles in research projects.

3. Clinical Aptitude:

• Relevant experience in mental health services or volunteer work.
• Understanding of clinical psychology principles, as demonstrated in application materials.

4. Professionalism and Communication:

• Clarity and coherence in the personal statement.
• Strong evaluations and letters of recommendation that highlight academic and professional attributes.

We are anticipating 10 students to be accepted for the Fall 2026 cohort.

A complete list of requirements is available in the Admissions section above.

Yes, a bachelor’s degree is required from an accredited institution, with a major in psychology or a closely related field. All applicants are also required to have completed at least 18 undergraduate credits in psychology, which must include: An introductory psychology, a statistics or research methods course, and 15 additional credits in areas such as developmental, experimental, social, abnormal, cognitive, biological, or personality psychology.

The GRE General Test and GRE Psychology Subject Test are optional, but encouraged for all applicants.

The program is designed to be completed over the course of five years of full-time study, including internship in the fifth year. In some instances, students may complete the five-year program over six years.

The Baylor College of Medicine Clinical Psychology Ph.D. program is hosting virtual information sessions in October and November. This is an opportunity to learn about the program and ask questions about the application process.

• Monday, Oct. 27, 2025 at 5 p.m. - 6 p.m. Central Time
• Monday, Nov. 10, 2025 at 5 p.m. - 6 p.m. Central Time

Register for a session.

Please see a detailed breakdown of Tuition, Fees, and Estimated Cost of Living Expenses.

Most students qualify for financial assistance.

• Office of Student Financial Aid offers information of the types of financial aid programs that Baylor administers
• Department of Education’s Office of Postsecondary Education has information on federal student aid, including the Student Guide on aid programs and the loan system, as well as the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA is required to receive financial aid at Baylor.

Students may have opportunities to work within the Baylor academic community or Houston more broadly in a paid capacity for up to 20 hours per week. Upon acceptance, students will be provided with available options at Baylor.