Several different graduate degrees may prepare you to pursue a clinical or counseling career in psychology; you must determine which one provides the best match for your academic preparation, intellectual interests, and career goals. A brief description of the most commonly pursued degrees follows. For additional information about differences among degrees and related topics, see the following books in the career library in 103 Barnes Hall. Review the list of degrees on this site.

We have prepared a listing of these with information about each on this site.

We have prepared some information on this site which explains the process of choosing a program. Please review it and then make an appointment with a career counselor or advisor.

While many programs do not require an undergraduate psychology major, they require the completion of a number of psychology courses. Majoring in psychology or human development is an easy way to complete the coursework that is required for admission. Check graduate programs that interest you for specific requirements.

Different programs will have different requirements, and you need to check the specific requirements of programs that interest you. It is generally recommended that you take courses in the following six areas:

1. Statistics
2. Experimental methods
3. Biological bases of behavior
4. Personality
 5. Psychopathology
 6. Social Groups

Some programs will require courses in additional areas of psychology, for example, cognition/learning or developmental psychology. For more detailed information please visit the Courses and Majors section of this site.

Admission to clinical psychology programs is highly competitive. Individual programs typically accept fewer than a dozen applicants each year. According to a recent national study, 10% of applicants to APA-accredited clinical psychology programs were admitted. The acceptance rate for Cornell students may be somewhat higher. The attached description of admission factors provides more detailed information on selection criteria. Generally, Ph.D. programs in counseling psychology and Psy.D. programs have less competitive admissions standards. Admission to master's degree programs in social work and school psychology is also less competitive.

As we have noted, admission to clinical psychology programs is extremely competitive. It is therefore important for you to have a back-up plan in the event you are denied admission the first time around. For more information about re-evaluating and reapplying, please review the Handling Denials section of this site.

The career library in Barnes Hall has a number of books and videotapes which provide extensive information on clinical psychology and related fields.

Arts and Sciences students should see the advisor at Arts and Sciences Career Services, 55 Goldwin Smith Hall.

Human Ecology students should see the advisor at Human Ecology Career Development, 172 Martha Van Rensselaer Hall.

Faculty with relevant background and interests in the Departments of Psychology and Human Development can provide information.

You can arrange informational interviews with professionals in career fields that interest you to ask questions about the field and graduate education in the field. In addition, your college career office can provide names of alumni in counseling and psychology related careers.