Doctor of Philosophy in Clinical Child Psychology

KU College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

Doctorate in Clinical Child Psychology Learning Outcomes

Graduates of the clinical child psychology PhD program will be able to:

• Conduct independent, methodologically rigorous research in child and adolescent psychology
• Formulate research questions informed by developmental theory and empirical literature
• Demonstrate advanced competence in psychological assessment of children and adolescents
• Design and implement evidence-based intervention strategies for youth and families
• Apply ethical principles and professional standards consistent with licensure expectations and national child psychology requirements
• Demonstrate cultural humility and responsiveness when working with diverse populations
• Communicate research findings and clinical recommendations effectively to families, professionals, and scholarly audiences

What Careers are Possible with a Doctorate in Clinical Child Psychology?

Earning a clinical child psychology PhD degree prepares graduates for a range of research and clinical careers. Alumni of this program and other child psychology PhD programs commonly pursue positions such as:

• Clinical child psychologists in hospitals, clinics, or private practice
• Researchers developing innovative mental health interventions
• Faculty members in academic settings
• Consultants for educational institutions or mental health organizations

Because the clinical child psychology PhD includes both advanced research and supervised clinical training, graduates are prepared to pursue psychologist licensure and academic or research-intensive roles. According to Lightcast, employment demand for licensed psychologists remains strong, with continued growth projected in healthcare, education, and research sectors.

Tuition and Financial Aid

KU offers a range of funding opportunities including graduate assistantships, fellowships, and tuition waivers. Many students have opportunities to work as GRAs at the KU Medical Center.

Financial support may be available for qualified students based on merit and departmental needs. For more information, visit the Financial Aid & Scholarships Office.

Admission Requirements

Applicants interested in earning a clinical child psychology PhD degree through KU’s program must meet the following criteria:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, including official transcripts
  • Record of scholarly achievement that shows strong promise of success in coursework, research, and clinical work
  • At least 15 credit hours in psychology coursework, including statistics and research methodology
• Strong record of research experience and evidence of research productivity (e.g., presentations, posters, honors theses)
• Non-native speakers of English must meet English proficiency requirements
• Statement of professional interests and goals provided by the candidate
• Resume/CV
• Three letters of recommendation
• Writing sample that demonstrates their technical/professional writing skills

For complete details, visit the Department of Clinical Child Psychology.

Student Life and Learning Experience

Clinical child psychology PhD students gain practical experience in the KU Child & Family Services Clinic, an on-site clinic that provides mental healthcare services to local children, adolescents, and families. The program emphasizes immersive, hands-on training across research and clinical domains. Students engage in:

• Faculty-mentored research projects focused on developmental psychopathology and intervention science
• Supervised clinical practica working with children, adolescents, and families
• Collaborative research teams examining prevention, assessment, and treatment models
• Community-based engagement initiatives supporting youth mental health

Doctorate in Clinical Child Psychology Sample Courses

The clinical child psychology PhD curriculum combines foundational psychological science with advanced clinical training. Sample coursework may include:

• Biological Bases of Behavior
• Cognitive Development
• Psychopathology in Children
• Behavioral and Personality Assessment of Children
• Therapeutic Interventions with Children

Coursework supports the scientific and clinical competencies required for professional practice in child and adolescent psychology. For a comprehensive listing of current course offerings and degree milestones, students should visit the KU Catalog.

Accreditation & Notes