Research training is provided through a combination of coursework and lab activities. Coursework is designed to familiarize students with research in clinical psychology and methods used to study psychological phenomena. Lab activities include the completion of student-directed research projects (e.g., first year project, thesis, dissertation), involvement in faculty research, participation on research teams, attendance at departmental colloquia, presentation of research at professional conferences, and publication of articles in professional journals.

The program is designed to expose students to psychological research conducted in a variety of settings.

A new psychology dissertation format was approved by the Associate Vice President for Research and Dean of Graduate Studies, Dr. James Quick in the summer of 2009. Dissertations will now consist of two manuscripts: a literature review and a data-based study. Both manuscripts will be incorporated into a composite document, along with appropriate signature and approval pages. This change will facilitate submission of the manuscripts to journals for publication consideration.