Northern Illinois University
Department of Psychology
College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

Our program in clinical psychology is accredited by The American Psychological Association and prepares you for careers in teaching, research and clinical practice.  Our training philosophy is based on the scientist-practitioner model, where we encourage students to integrate research and practice in their professional development.

In addition to the basic curriculum (see an example program of study here), study in the clinical area consists of didactic and practicum experiences focusing on abnormal behavior, assessment and methods of therapeutic intervention.

You are introduced to clinical work through a first-year pre-practicum course. Clinical work is continued in a variety of practica and externships throughout your graduate training (see our clinical training webpage for more information). Supervision is provided primarily by clinical faculty members, all of whom maintain an investment in clinical as well as teaching and research activities.

Research interests represented by the faculty include:

• Trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder
• Anxiety disorders
• Family violence and child abuse
• Developmental psychopathology
• Parent-child relationships
• Adult perceptions of children's behavior problems
• Risk and resilience
• Emotion regulation and temperament

Our training program has identified two areas in which you may wish to focus. See the following links for more details:

• Developmental Psychopathology Focus
• Trauma Psychology Focus

The clinical psychology program at NIU first received full APA accreditation in 1972. We completed our most recent accreditation cycle in 2018, receiving full accreditation and our next accreditation site-visit will occur in 2028. Any questions on the accreditation of the program should be addressed to:

The Office of Program Consultation and Accreditation of the American Psychological Association
750 First St. NE
Washington DC 20002-4242

Phone: 202-336-5979