Mason Clinical Psychology

(If you have questions that do not appear below and the answers are not in the other areas of our website, you can email psycgrad@gmu.edu to try to get answers.)

When do you plan to conduct interviews for your 2008 class?

The Clinical faculty will be conducting admissions interviews on February 22 and 23, 2008 with a small group of invited applicants who we have screened from our larger pool. We plan to invite our chosen applicants for interviews by February 2 via email or telephone.

Should I apply if my sole goal is to become a therapist?

No. Our program intends to train scientist-practitioners who are interested in developing a range of skills to work in multiple roles such as researcher, professor, assessor, consultant, administrator, supervisor, and therapist. If your sole goal is to become a therapist, you may want to apply to the George Mason University programs in Counseling (M.A.) in the Education Department or Social Work (MSW) in the School of Social Work. In the Washington, DC area you may also want to consider the Marriage and Family Therapy master's degree program at the northern Virginia campus of Virginia Tech or the Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) program at Argosy University in Arlington. You can also search nationally for programs with www.gradschools.com.

On what criteria are applications reviewed?

First, we are interested in applicants' "fit" with the clinical program. We want to attract students who will thrive in a scientist-practitioner program and who have the potential to produce published scientific research, inspired teaching, helpful clinical work, and systematic consultation and administration. Also, we are interested in whether or not an applicant's research interests match with the interests of our faculty. Potential faculty mentors review appropriate applicants' files. However, the selection of any student is made by the whole Clinical faculty and applicants are often evaluated for a research fit with more than one faculty member.

Next, we are interested in the strength of the application. An applicant's transcript and GRE scores are evaluated in terms of academic ability and potential. Qualities essential to successful graduate student careers, such as motivation, initiative, curiosity, and perseverance, are typically enumerated in letters of recommendation and personal statements.

Third, we are interested in whether or not applicants are committed to the field of psychology and have tested their interests with relevant research participation or work in mental health and related fields. Overall, we strive to admit applicants who will be satisfied and successful in their chosen field and who have the capability to become leaders in psychology.

Can I make an appointment to talk to a clinical faculty member about the program in general or about his or her research?

Some faculty members may be willing to meet with potential applicants, but others may not be because of other demands on their time. As part of the selection process, we invite a relatively small number of applicants to interview at a spring "open house." Prior to that stage of the review process, individual interviews with applicants are very difficult to arrange.

Who is eligible for financial aid, and how do I apply?

All applicants who are made offers of admissions are offered financial aid packages. A separate application for financial aid from the the department is not necessary. However, the Student Financial Aid Office has information about sources of financial assistance that are not controlled directly by the department.

Are there any future changes in the program that the faculty are considering?

Yes, we are considering hiring one new faculty member next year. We will post any official changes to this website.