Colorado Technical University

Would a clinical psychology doctoral program look at your masters in social work GPA?

I'm stressing myself beyond belief to maintain a 4.0 GPA in my masters program. I'm being told I don't need to worry that much, but I think I do. Clinical Psychology PhD programs are extremely selective. I'm sure they look at other factors like experience, organizations with which you're involved, admissions essays, and your interest in research, but is it necessary to maintain a 4.0 GPA?

Public Comments

1. I would concur....don't worry so much. It is not a requirement to have a 4.0 in graduate school to get into a PhD program. Not to stress you out even more, but since many PhD Clinical programs require at minimum a Bachelors degree.... it will take you the same amount of time as an individual with a Bachelors degree admitted into the Clinical PhD program to get your PhD. And you may already be aware of this, but just wanted to throw it out there! Some Clinical PhD programs even say that once the students have completed around 30 hours of the PhD program, they can earn a MA in Psychology....and the department evaluates and has to approve the students to continue their future PhD curriculum! Now that is tough! They get accepted into the PhD program, but then after 30 hours....they still need to be accepted again to continue. If they do not approve the student to continue in the program, then the student can graduate with a MA in Psychololgy. NOW that is tough and competitive, and quite frankly would suck. Definitely check out that small print for the colleges you end up applying for, because personally I would stress out from that! And of course, if it was not required for your MSW program.....you would need to take the GRE. Good luck!