Last updated: May 28, 2026

Best Clinical Psychology Doctoral Programs in Michigan, Ranked (2026)

Top APA-accredited clinical psychology doctoral programs (PhD and PsyD) in Michigan for 2026, with cohort sizes, the 4,000 supervised hours (2,000 pre-doctoral + 2,000 post-doctoral), EPPP plus the Michigan Jurisprudence Examination, and Michigan's PSYPACT membership since March 2023.

Taylor Rupe

Founder & Editor

B.A. in Psychology, University of Washington, Seattle

Key Takeaways

  • Michigan has roughly 11 APA-accredited doctoral psychology programs across Clinical, Counseling, and School psychology. R1 anchors include University of Michigan (Clinical Science PhD continuously APA-accredited since 1948, also PCSAS-accredited, US News top-5 ranked), Michigan State (Clinical Science PhD since 1948 with PCSAS and APA through 2027, plus School Psychology PhD since 1985 with NASP approval), and Wayne State (Clinical PhD since 1960 plus Counseling Psychology PhD on contingency through June 2029).
  • Michigan licenses psychologists through the Michigan Board of Psychology under the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA). Required supervised experience is 4,000 hours total: 2,000 hours during the pre-doctoral internship plus 2,000 hours post-doctoral under a fully licensed psychologist.
  • Michigan requires both the EPPP (passing scaled score 500) and the Michigan Jurisprudence Examination, a state-specific law and ethics exam. Initial license application/fee is $270.20; biennial renewal is $209.60.
  • Continuing education in Michigan is 30 hours per 2-year cycle including 3 hours ethics, 2 hours pain and symptom management, and 1 hour implicit bias training. The implicit bias requirement is one of the more progressive CE structures nationally.
  • Michigan is a PSYPACT state. Michigan enacted PSYPACT through Public Acts 254 and 255 of 2022 (signed by Governor Whitmer), codified at MCL 333.16190, effective March 29, 2023. Michigan LPs can practice telepsychology across all 40+ PSYPACT member states. (Note: an earlier PSYPACT bill was vetoed in 2020 before the 2022 version was signed.)
  • Michigan psychologist wages run roughly 7% below national median. BLS May 2024 Michigan OEWS shows Clinical and Counseling Psychologists (SOC 19-3033) at $89,090 median (mean $95,330), with 1,730 employed statewide. Ann Arbor leads metros at $94,560 median; Detroit-Warren-Dearborn at $92,780.
  • Michigan offers exceptionally generous loan repayment. The Michigan State Loan Repayment Program (MSLRP) covers Clinical and Counseling Psychologists for up to $300,000 tax-free over up to 10 years via consecutive 2-year contracts at nonprofit HPSA sites. The separate Behavioral Health LRP (BHLRP) also awards up to $300,000 over 2-year terms for psychologists at qualifying behavioral health sites.
  • Two important 2026 admission caveats: Michigan State University Clinical Science PhD is NOT accepting applications for Fall 2026. Central Michigan University Clinical PhD is NOT accepting applications for the 2026-2027 academic year. Plan accordingly if Michigan is your target market.
Accredited Programs
11
Ranked in this guide
Michigan, Ranked Median
$89,090
vs national $96,100 (-7.3%)
Independent License
Licensed Psychologist
Licensed Psychologist (LP)
Supervised Hours
4,000
over 2,000 hours pre-doctoral internship + 2,000 hours post-doctoral under a fully licensed psychologist min.

Michigan runs one of the deepest psychology training landscapes in the Midwest, anchored by three R1 universities with continuously APA-accredited Clinical PhDs dating to 1948 (University of Michigan, Michigan State) or 1960 (Wayne State). The University of Michigan Clinical Science PhD is consistently ranked top-5 nationally by US News and holds both APA and PCSAS accreditation, with a roughly 2% acceptance rate. Michigan State's Clinical Science PhD is also APA + PCSAS dual-accredited (APA through 2027). The Detroit metro concentrates Wayne State, University of Detroit Mercy (Clinical PhD with 10-year APA reaccreditation in 2018), Michigan School of Psychology (the state's only APA-accredited PsyD, achieved in 2016), and the John D. Dingell VA Medical Center training network.

The Michigan Board of Psychology licensure pathway is administered through LARA (Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs), Bureau of Professional Licensing. You need a doctorate from an APA-accredited program (or equivalent), 4,000 hours of supervised experience split evenly between 2,000 pre-doctoral internship hours and 2,000 post-doctoral hours under a fully licensed psychologist, the EPPP (passing scaled score 500), and the Michigan Jurisprudence Examination. Initial license fee is $270.20; biennial renewal is $209.60. Continuing education is 30 hours per cycle including 3 hours ethics, 2 hours pain and symptom management, and 1 hour implicit bias training, one of the more progressive CE structures in the country.

Michigan has been a PSYPACT state since March 29, 2023 via Public Acts 254 and 255 of 2022. (Governor Whitmer vetoed an earlier PSYPACT bill in 2020 before signing the 2022 version.) Michigan LPs can practice telepsychology across all 40+ PSYPACT member states under E.Passport plus APIT, with the IPC available for up to 30 days per calendar year of temporary in-person practice in other PSYPACT states.

The loan repayment landscape in Michigan is exceptional. The Michigan State Loan Repayment Program (MSLRP) covers Clinical and Counseling Psychologists for up to $300,000 tax-free over up to 10 years via consecutive 2-year contracts. The separate Behavioral Health LRP (BHLRP) also awards up to $300,000 over 2-year terms for psychologists at qualifying nonprofit outpatient or public school-based behavioral health sites. Federal NHSC LRP and PSLF layer on top.

APA-Accredited Clinical Psychology Doctoral Programs in Michigan

All 11 programs ranked in this guide, with tuition, format, and accreditation at a glance.

# School In-State Tuition Format
1 University of Michigan (Ann Arbor) Full tuition waiver + $30,000+ annual stipend for 5 years via Research Fellowships and GSI positions On-campus
2 Michigan State University (Clinical Science PhD) ~$21,772 per year (in-state, $893 per credit) with 4 years of guaranteed funding (stipend + tuition reimbursement + insurance) On-campus
3 Michigan State University (School Psychology PhD) ~$21,772 per year (in-state) with assistantship support (monthly stipend + 9 credit per semester tuition waiver) On-campus
4 Wayne State University (Clinical PhD) ~$797 per credit in-state; funded students receive ~$20,000 9-month stipend + 10-credit tuition scholarship + insurance On-campus
5 Wayne State University (Counseling Psychology PhD) ~$797 per credit (in-state) On-campus
6 Eastern Michigan University ~$17,968 per year (in-state, $986 per credit) On-campus
7 Western Michigan University ~$20,103 per year (in-state, $798 per credit) On-campus
8 Central Michigan University ~$829 per credit (uniform in-state/out-of-state for US residents) On-campus
9 University of Detroit Mercy ~$22,544 per year graduate (with half-time tuition credit during first 2 years for TA duties; limited clinic positions in years 2-3) On-campus
10 Andrews University ~$1,424 per credit; 50% tuition reduction for accepted PhD Counseling Psychology students (requires 8+ credits/semester full-time status, applies only to required courses) On-campus
11 Michigan School of Psychology (MSP) ~$47,880 per year (flat private rate) On-campus
1

University of Michigan (Ann Arbor)

Ann Arbor, MI On-campus APA-accredited Clinical Science PhD

In-State

Full tuition waiver + $30,000+ annual stipend for 5 years via Research Fellowships and GSI positions

Out-of-State

Same full funding

Length

5 years on-campus + 1-year APA-accredited internship

Field Hours

2,000 on the APA-accredited internship plus practicum

Concentrations

Clinical Science PhD (research areas
  • Continuously APA-accredited since 1948 AND PCSAS-accredited
  • US News consistently ranks UM Clinical Psychology PhD top-5 nationally
  • Roughly 2% acceptance rate, one of the most selective Clinical PhDs in the country
  • GRE NOT required: "The Department of Psychology does not review GRE scores as part of the admissions process"
  • Embedded in Michigan Medicine with placements at the U-M Depression Center, Mott Children's Hospital, and the broader UM Health system
GRE: Not required | Min GPA: 3.7
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2

Michigan State University (Clinical Science PhD)

East Lansing, MI On-campus APA-accredited Clinical Science PhD

In-State

~$21,772 per year (in-state, $893 per credit) with 4 years of guaranteed funding (stipend + tuition reimbursement + insurance)

Out-of-State

~$41,848 per year (out-of-state, $1,730 per credit)

Length

5 to 6 years (4 to 5 coursework + 1 internship)

Field Hours

2,000 on the APA-accredited internship plus practicum

Concentrations

Clinical Science PhD (Scientist-Practitioner with Clinical Science emphasis)
  • Continuously APA-accredited since 1948 AND PCSAS-accredited
  • APA accreditation through 2027
  • Not accepting applications for Fall 2026; verify next admission cycle directly with the program
  • 4 years of guaranteed funding (stipend, tuition reimbursement, insurance coverage)
  • East Lansing location with placements at MSU Health Care and the broader Capital Region behavioral health network
GRE: Not required | Min GPA: 3.5
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3

Michigan State University (School Psychology PhD)

East Lansing, MI On-campus APA-accredited School Psychology PhD

In-State

~$21,772 per year (in-state) with assistantship support (monthly stipend + 9 credit per semester tuition waiver)

Out-of-State

~$41,848 per year (out-of-state)

Length

5 to 6 years (4 to 5 coursework + 1 internship)

Field Hours

1,500+ on the APA-accredited internship plus practicum

Concentrations

School Psychology PhD with research training emphasis
  • APA-accredited since 1985 AND NASP-approved
  • 40 to 50 applications per year, 2 to 4 admitted, one of the most selective School Psychology PhDs in the Midwest
  • Assistantships include monthly stipend + 9 credit per semester tuition waiver
  • Strong research training emphasis distinguishes the program nationally
  • Embedded in MSU College of Education with deep placement pipeline across Michigan K-12 school districts
GRE: Not required | Min GPA: 3.3
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4

Wayne State University (Clinical PhD)

Detroit, MI On-campus APA-accredited Clinical Psychology PhD

In-State

~$797 per credit in-state; funded students receive ~$20,000 9-month stipend + 10-credit tuition scholarship + insurance

Out-of-State

~$1,726 per credit (out-of-state)

Length

5+ years + 1-year internship

Field Hours

2,000 on the APA-accredited internship plus practicum

Concentrations

Clinical Psychology PhD (Scientist-Practitioner
  • Continuously APA-accredited since 1960
  • Expects to recruit 7 to 8 new students into the Clinical PhD for Fall 2026
  • GRE optional or supplementary
  • Strong partnership with John D. Dingell VA Medical Center (the Detroit VA) and Detroit Medical Center
  • Funding package includes 12-month medical, dental, and vision insurance
GRE: Not required | Min GPA: 3.5
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5

Wayne State University (Counseling Psychology PhD)

Detroit, MI On-campus APA-accredited on Contingency

In-State

~$797 per credit (in-state)

Out-of-State

~$1,726 per credit (out-of-state)

Length

5 to 6 years (90+ credits, full-time)

Field Hours

1,750+ on the APA-accredited internship plus practicum

Concentrations

Counseling Psychology PhD
  • APA-accredited on Contingency through June 21, 2029
  • Program formally established in 2018, newest APA-accredited Counseling Psychology PhD in Michigan
  • Housed within the Educational Psychology division of Wayne State's College of Education
  • Midtown Detroit location with placements at Henry Ford Health, DMC, and Wayne State campus counseling
  • Strong faculty research portfolio in multicultural counseling and urban mental health
GRE: Not required | Min GPA: 3.3
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6

Eastern Michigan University

Ypsilanti, MI On-campus APA-accredited Clinical Psychology PhD

In-State

~$17,968 per year (in-state, $986 per credit)

Out-of-State

~$30,978 per year (out-of-state, $1,709 per credit)

Length

5 to 6 years (90 credits, full-time residential)

Field Hours

1,500 to 2,000 on the APA-accredited internship plus practicum

Concentrations

Areas of emphasis
  • APA-accredited Clinical PhD with next site visit expected 2027
  • Cohort of roughly 12 admitted per year from 40 to 100 applications
  • GRE NOT required for Fall 2026 (since 2021, very few admitted students have elected to submit scores)
  • Five areas of emphasis including Applied Behavior Analysis (rare for an APA-accredited Clinical PhD)
  • Ypsilanti location adjacent to Ann Arbor with placements at Michigan Medicine and the broader Washtenaw County behavioral health network
GRE: Not required | Min GPA: 3.3
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7

Western Michigan University

Kalamazoo, MI On-campus APA-accredited Counseling Psychology PhD

In-State

~$20,103 per year (in-state, $798 per credit)

Out-of-State

~$29,681 per year (out-of-state, $1,197 per credit)

Length

5 to 6 years + 2,000-hour APA/APPIC pre-doctoral internship

Field Hours

2,000 on the APA/APPIC pre-doctoral internship plus practicum

Concentrations

Counseling Psychology PhD (Scientist-Practitioner)
  • APA-accredited Counseling Psychology PhD since 1978, one of the longest in the Midwest
  • 42 completed applications in 2022-23 with 4 admitted, highly selective
  • GRE no longer a requirement
  • 2,000-hour APA/APPIC pre-doctoral internship requirement (longer than the standard 1,750)
  • Kalamazoo location with placements across the Western Michigan health network
GRE: Not required | Min GPA: 3.3
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8

Central Michigan University

Mount Pleasant, MI On-campus APA-accredited Clinical Psychology PhD

In-State

~$829 per credit (uniform in-state/out-of-state for US residents)

Out-of-State

~$829 per credit

Length

5 to 6 years (with 1-year internship in final 2 semesters)

Field Hours

1,500 to 2,000 on the APA-accredited internship plus practicum

Concentrations

Clinical Psychology PhD (Scientist-Practitioner balance)
  • APA-accredited Clinical Psychology PhD
  • Not currently accepting applications for the 2026-2027 academic year; verify next admission cycle directly with the program
  • Scientist-Practitioner training model
  • Uniform tuition rate for US residents ($829 per credit) regardless of state residency
  • Central Michigan location with placements at MidMichigan Health and the broader Central Michigan network
GRE: Not required | Min GPA: 3.3
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9

University of Detroit Mercy

Detroit, MI On-campus APA-accredited Clinical Psychology PhD

In-State

~$22,544 per year graduate (with half-time tuition credit during first 2 years for TA duties; limited clinic positions in years 2-3)

Out-of-State

~$22,544 per year

Length

5 years (96 credit hours)

Field Hours

1,500 to 2,000 on the APA-accredited internship plus practicum

Concentrations

Clinical Psychology PhD (psychoanalytically-oriented with social-justice emphasis)
  • 10-year APA reaccreditation in 2018, the longest current accreditation cycle of any Michigan Clinical PhD
  • Jesuit and Mercy institution with psychoanalytically-oriented training
  • Half-time tuition credit during first 2 years for TA duties
  • Strong integrated clinical training with social-justice emphasis
  • Detroit location with placements at Henry Ford Health, DMC, and the broader Detroit behavioral health network
GRE: Not required | Min GPA: 3.3
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10

Andrews University

Berrien Springs, MI On-campus APA-accredited Counseling Psychology PhD

In-State

~$1,424 per credit; 50% tuition reduction for accepted PhD Counseling Psychology students (requires 8+ credits/semester full-time status, applies only to required courses)

Out-of-State

~$1,424 per credit (same with reduction)

Length

~5 years (95+ credits + dissertation, coursework within first 4)

Field Hours

1,750+ on the APA-accredited internship plus practicum

Concentrations

Adult emphasisChild/Family emphasisCultural Diversity emphasisHealth Psychology emphasis
  • The only Seventh-day Adventist educational institution to offer an APA-accredited Counseling Psychology PhD
  • Four areas of emphasis: Adult, Child/Family, Cultural Diversity, Health Psychology
  • 50% tuition reduction for accepted PhD students (requires 8+ credits/semester full-time, required courses only)
  • Faith-integrated training, welcoming to students of any background
  • Southwest Michigan location with placements across regional behavioral health
GRE: Not required | Min GPA: 3.3
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11

Michigan School of Psychology (MSP)

Farmington Hills, MI On-campus APA-accredited PsyD in Clinical Psychology

In-State

~$47,880 per year (flat private rate)

Out-of-State

~$47,880 per year

Length

Minimum 4-year post-master's program (3 years residential + 1-year internship)

Field Hours

2,000+ supervised practicum hours plus APA-accredited internship

Concentrations

Clinical Psychology PsyD with specializations in Child/Adolescent, Neuropsychology, Health Psychology
  • Michigan's ONLY APA-accredited PsyD (achieved accreditation 2016)
  • Independent not-for-profit graduate school founded 1980 as Center for Humanistic Studies
  • Practitioner-Scholar (humanistic) training model, distinctive nationally
  • 85% employment rate within 6 months of graduation
  • Three specialization tracks: Child/Adolescent, Neuropsychology, Health Psychology
GRE: Not required | Min GPA: 3.0
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How to Become a Licensed Clinical Psychologist in Michigan

The licensing board, exam pathway, and supervised hours you'll need to practice independently.

Licensing Board

Michigan Board of Psychology, under the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA), Bureau of Professional Licensing

(517) 241-0199

Board Website Verify a License

Michigan regulates psychologists through the Michigan Board of Psychology under the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA), Bureau of Professional Licensing.

Education requirement is an APA-accredited doctoral degree (PhD or PsyD) in psychology for the full Licensed Psychologist (LP) credential. Required supervised experience totals 4,000 hours: 2,000 hours during the pre-doctoral internship plus 2,000 hours post-doctoral supervised practice after graduation, under a fully licensed psychologist.

Exam sequence is the EPPP (passing scaled score 500) plus the Michigan Jurisprudence Examination, a state-specific law and ethics exam required for initial licensure.

Initial license application/fee is $270.20 (some sources cite a $150 license fee separate from the application fee). Biennial renewal is $209.60. Continuing education is 30 hours per 2-year cycle including 3 hours ethics, 2 hours pain and symptom management, and 1 hour implicit bias training (the implicit bias requirement is among the more progressive CE structures nationally).

Doctoral Student/Intern

Pre-doctoral internship under supervised practice

Supervised practice during the doctoral program under faculty and site supervision; not a separate LARA credential

Hours

N/A

Duration

Associate

Exam: Not applicable

Licensed Psychologist

Licensed Psychologist (LP)

Independent practice, mental health diagnosis and treatment, psychological testing and assessment, supervision of trainees, expert testimony, telepsychology under PSYPACT for MI LPs holding APIT

Hours

4,000

Duration

2,000 hours pre-doctoral internship + 2,000 hours post-doctoral under a fully licensed psychologist

Exam: EPPP (passing scaled score 500) + Michigan Jurisprudence Examination

Reciprocity & out-of-state licensing

Michigan does not offer automatic reciprocity but allows licensure by endorsement for out-of-state psychologists who hold a current valid license earned through requirements substantially equivalent to Michigan. Out-of-state applicants must still complete the Michigan Jurisprudence Examination.

Michigan is a PSYPACT member state. Michigan enacted PSYPACT through Public Acts 254 and 255 of 2022 (signed by Governor Whitmer), codified at MCL 333.16190, effective March 29, 2023. (Governor Whitmer vetoed an earlier PSYPACT bill in 2020 before signing the 2022 version.) Michigan LPs holding the E.Passport and APIT (Authority to Practice Interjurisdictional Telepsychology) through the PSYPACT Commission can practice telepsychology with clients in any of the 40+ PSYPACT member states. Temporary in-person practice via IPC is limited to 30 days per calendar year per state.

Clinical Psychologist Salary in Michigan

BLS state median wages by counseling specialty, with national comparison and top-paying metros.

Michigan psychologist wages run roughly 7% below the national median in nominal terms, with metro variation. The BLS May 2024 Michigan OEWS shows Clinical and Counseling Psychologists (SOC 19-3033) at a state median of $89,090 (mean $95,330), with 1,730 employed statewide. Ann Arbor leads metros at $94,560 median; Detroit-Warren-Dearborn at $92,780; Grand Rapids-Wyoming at $87,340; and Lansing-East Lansing at $85,120. Michigan cost of living runs below national average, materially improving take-home math compared to coastal markets.

Clinical and Counseling Psychologists (SOC 19-3033)

$89,090 -7.3%
State
U.S.

National median: $96,100

Top metro: $94,560 (Ann Arbor)

School Psychologists (SOC 19-3034)

MI district schedules vary Varies
State
U.S.

National median: $86,930

Top metro: Senior steps reach ~$90,000+ (Ann Arbor, Detroit-Warren-Dearborn)

Psychologists, All Other (SOC 19-3039)

I-O and consulting concentrated in Detroit metro Varies
State
U.S.

National median: National mean ~$120,000

Top metro: Top consulting and I-O roles top $140,000+ (Detroit-Warren-Dearborn)

Michigan Clinical Psychology Job Market and Top Employers

Major employers, mental health shortage context, and loan repayment programs that erase debt for service.

Michigan has one of the deepest psychology employment markets in the Midwest, anchored by the Detroit metro and Ann Arbor/East Lansing academic centers. Major employers fall into five buckets.

Academic medical centers and major health systems: Michigan Medicine (University of Michigan Health, Ann Arbor, with 30,000+ employees and a Department of Psychiatry that hires psychologists plus pediatric psychology at Mott Children's Hospital), Corewell Health (formed February 2022 from the Beaumont Health + Spectrum Health merger; Michigan's largest not-for-profit health system, with the Southeast region serving the Detroit metro through 8 hospitals and 145 outpatient locations, plus the West region in Grand Rapids), Henry Ford Health (Detroit-based, one of Michigan's largest behavioral health providers with comprehensive outpatient psychiatric treatment, partial hospitalization, CBT, and DBT), Detroit Medical Center (DMC), Trinity Health Michigan (statewide), McLaren Health Care (statewide), and MSU Health Care (East Lansing).

VA system: John D. Dingell VA Medical Center (the Detroit VA), with APA-accredited pre-doctoral internship AND APA-accredited post-doctoral residency in Clinical Psychology. Other Michigan VAs include Battle Creek VA, Ann Arbor VA, Saginaw VA (Aleda E. Lutz), and Iron Mountain VA (Oscar G. Johnson).

Michigan DHHS state psychiatric hospitals: Four operational facilities including Caro Center (adult; CY2024 average census 96), Kalamazoo Psychiatric Hospital (adult; average census 115), Walter P. Reuther Psychiatric Hospital in Westland (opened 1979; adult average 94, pediatric 23), and Hawthorn Center in Northville (children/adolescents; demolition completed December 2023, new state psychiatric hospital being built on site funded by $325M FY23 budget allocation).

K-12 and Intermediate School Districts: Detroit Public Schools Community District (DPSCD), Grand Rapids Public Schools, plus all Michigan ISDs employing school psychologists.

Specialty private: Strong private practice and group practice sector concentrated in the Detroit metro (Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills, Royal Oak, Grosse Pointe) and the Ann Arbor academic professional market.

Loan Repayment & Scholarship Programs

Michigan State Loan Repayment Program (MSLRP): Administered by MDHHS. Clinical and Counseling Psychologists explicitly eligible (PhD or master's-level Limited Licensed Professionals). Up to $300,000 tax-free over up to 10 years via consecutive 2-year contracts at nonprofit practice sites in HRSA-designated HPSAs or HPSA facility designations. Minimum 40 hours per week for 45+ weeks per year.

Michigan Behavioral Health Loan Repayment Program (BHLRP): Separate MDHHS program covering psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, counselors, therapists, case managers, and behavior analysts. Up to $300,000 for a 2-year service commitment at nonprofit outpatient practice sites or public school-based behavioral health systems. 2026 (FY27) application cycle opens May 11, 2026 and closes May 29, 2026.

NHSC Loan Repayment Program: Federal program. Available to Michigan psychologists practicing at NHSC-approved sites in HPSAs. Up to $55,000 for initial 2-year full-time commitment.

VA Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP): VA-employed psychologists at the John D. Dingell VA (Detroit), Battle Creek VA, Ann Arbor VA, Saginaw VA, and Iron Mountain VA can qualify for EDRP awards up to $200,000 over 5 years for direct educational debt reduction.

Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF): Michigan LPs at qualifying nonprofit/government employers (Michigan Medicine, MSU, Wayne State, MDHHS state hospitals, VA medical centers, public school districts, 501(c)(3) health systems like Henry Ford, DMC, and Trinity Health) qualify for PSLF after 120 qualifying payments under an income-driven repayment plan.

How to Choose a Clinical Psychology Doctoral Program in Michigan

Decision factors that actually matter, not generic checklist filler.

Choosing a Michigan doctoral psychology program comes down to four levers: funding, training model (clinical-science PhD vs scientist-practitioner PhD vs practitioner-scholar PsyD), geography (Ann Arbor vs Detroit metro vs East Lansing vs Kalamazoo vs Mount Pleasant), and the 2026 admission pause at MSU Clinical Science and CMU Clinical. Here is how to actually narrow it down.

If you want a fully funded research PhD: University of Michigan Ann Arbor (Clinical Science PhD with APA + PCSAS, full 5-year funding at ~$30,000+ stipend), MSU Clinical Science (APA + PCSAS, 4 years guaranteed funding; NOT admitting Fall 2026), Wayne State Clinical PhD (~$20,000 9-month stipend + 10-credit tuition scholarship + insurance), MSU School Psychology PhD (assistantship support). The funded R1 path is the most affordable.

If you want both APA AND PCSAS accreditation: University of Michigan Clinical Science PhD and Michigan State Clinical Science PhD both hold dual APA + PCSAS accreditation. UM is consistently top-5 ranked by US News. PCSAS signals clinical-science training and is accepted by most state licensure boards alongside APA.

If you want a PsyD: Michigan School of Psychology (MSP) in Farmington Hills is Michigan's ONLY APA-accredited PsyD (achieved 2016). MSP uses a Practitioner-Scholar (humanistic) training model, distinctive nationally. Three specialization tracks (Child/Adolescent, Neuropsychology, Health Psychology). Cost is ~$47,880 per year flat rate.

If you want Counseling Psychology: Western Michigan University (since 1978, one of the longest APA-accredited Counseling PhDs in the Midwest), Wayne State (APA on Contingency through June 2029, newest program), and Andrews University (the only Adventist APA-accredited Counseling Psych PhD, with 50% tuition reduction for accepted students). MSU does NOT offer an APA-accredited Counseling Psychology PhD (its Counselor Education and Supervision PhD is separate and not APA-accredited).

If you want School Psychology at the doctoral level: Michigan State (since 1985, APA through 2027, NASP-approved) is the only Michigan APA-accredited School Psychology PhD. Cohort of 2 to 4 admitted from 40 to 50 applications per year, highly selective.

If you want a medical center training model: Michigan Medicine (Ann Arbor; UM Clinical Science feeds this), the Detroit VA + Wayne State + DMC training network, MSU Health Care, and Henry Ford Health all offer deep medical center training.

If you want maximum PSYPACT leverage: Michigan has been a PSYPACT state since March 29, 2023. Combined with the Detroit metro's deep employer market, Michigan is a strong base license for psychologists building Great Lakes and East Coast telehealth practices.

If cost is the deciding factor: Funded R1 PhDs (UM, MSU, Wayne State Clinical) are the most affordable path. CMU Clinical PhD runs $829 per credit uniform for US residents (not admitting Fall 2026). UDM Clinical PhD at $22,544 per year graduate tuition (with half-time tuition credit for TA duties) is among the more affordable Detroit private options. Andrews offers 50% tuition reduction for accepted Counseling PhD students.

Caveats worth knowing before applying: MSU Clinical Science PhD is NOT admitting Fall 2026 (resumes 2027 or later). CMU Clinical PhD is NOT admitting for 2026-2027 academic year. Wayne State Counseling Psychology PhD is APA-accredited on Contingency through June 21, 2029 (full accreditation pending). Verify each program's current admission status directly before applying.

Related Pages

Counseling Programs in Michigan

CACREP-accredited counseling programs and the Michigan LPC license, a master's alternative to the 7-year psychology doctorate

MSW Programs in Michigan

CSWE-accredited social work programs and Michigan LMSW licensure

ABA Programs in Michigan

BACB-verified course sequences and Michigan BCBA practice for students considering applied behavior analysis

Clinical Psychology Doctoral Programs by State

Browse APA-accredited clinical psychology doctoral programs (PhD and PsyD) in every state

Frequently Asked Questions

Michigan has roughly 11 APA-accredited doctoral psychology programs across Clinical, Counseling, and School psychology. R1 anchors include University of Michigan Clinical Science PhD (APA + PCSAS, top-5 ranked nationally), Michigan State Clinical Science PhD (APA + PCSAS through 2027) and School Psychology PhD (since 1985), and Wayne State Clinical PhD (since 1960) plus Counseling Psychology PhD (on contingency through June 2029). Smaller programs include Eastern Michigan Clinical PhD, Western Michigan Counseling PhD (since 1978), Central Michigan Clinical PhD, Andrews University Counseling PhD, University of Detroit Mercy Clinical PhD (10-year reaccreditation 2018), and Michigan School of Psychology (Michigan's only APA-accredited PsyD, achieved 2016).
Michigan requires: (1) an APA-accredited doctoral degree (PhD or PsyD) in psychology, (2) 4,000 hours of supervised experience structured as 2,000 hours pre-doctoral internship + 2,000 hours post-doctoral under a fully licensed psychologist, (3) passing the EPPP (scaled score 500), (4) passing the Michigan Jurisprudence Examination (state-specific law and ethics), and (5) paying $270.20 initial license application/fee. Biennial renewal is $209.60. Continuing education is 30 hours per 2-year cycle including 3 hours ethics, 2 hours pain and symptom management, and 1 hour implicit bias training. Total timeline runs 9 to 12 years from start of bachelor's through full LP licensure.
Yes. Michigan enacted PSYPACT through Public Acts 254 and 255 of 2022 (signed by Governor Whitmer), codified at MCL 333.16190, effective March 29, 2023. Michigan LPs holding the E.Passport and APIT (Authority to Practice Interjurisdictional Telepsychology) can practice telepsychology with clients in any of the 40+ PSYPACT member states. Temporary in-person practice via the Interjurisdictional Practice Certificate (IPC) is limited to 30 days per calendar year per state. (Note: Governor Whitmer vetoed an earlier PSYPACT bill in 2020 before signing the 2022 version.)
Michigan requires 1 hour of implicit bias training per 2-year renewal cycle for all licensed psychologists, alongside 3 hours of ethics and 2 hours of pain and symptom management, totaling 30 hours of continuing education per biennium. The implicit bias requirement is among the more progressive CE structures in the country and was added to Michigan licensure requirements as part of broader healthcare workforce equity initiatives. The training must address implicit bias in clinical decision-making and care delivery.
Michigan psychologist wages run roughly 7% below the national median in nominal terms. BLS May 2024 Michigan OEWS shows Clinical and Counseling Psychologists (SOC 19-3033) at a state median of $89,090 (mean $95,330), with 1,730 employed statewide. Ann Arbor leads metros at $94,560 median; Detroit-Warren-Dearborn at $92,780; Grand Rapids-Wyoming at $87,340; and Lansing-East Lansing at $85,120. Michigan cost of living runs below national average, improving take-home math compared to coastal markets.
Funded R1 PhDs are the most affordable. University of Michigan Clinical Science PhD offers full 5-year funding with ~$30,000+ annual stipend. Michigan State Clinical Science PhD offers 4 years of guaranteed funding with stipend + tuition reimbursement + insurance (but NOT admitting Fall 2026). Wayne State Clinical PhD offers ~$20,000 9-month stipend + tuition scholarship + insurance. Among unfunded options, Eastern Michigan at ~$17,968 per year in-state and Central Michigan at $829 per credit (uniform for US residents, but NOT admitting 2026-2027) are the most affordable. Michigan School of Psychology PsyD at $47,880 per year is the most expensive.
Two important admission caveats for Michigan psychology applicants targeting Fall 2026: Michigan State University Clinical Science PhD is NOT accepting applications for Fall 2026. Central Michigan University Clinical PhD is NOT accepting applications for the 2026-2027 academic year. If MSU or CMU is on your target list, verify the next admission cycle directly with each program and plan accordingly. Other Michigan APA-accredited Clinical and Counseling PhDs are accepting applications normally for Fall 2026.
Yes, Michigan has exceptionally generous loan repayment for psychologists. The Michigan State Loan Repayment Program (MSLRP) awards Clinical and Counseling Psychologists up to $300,000 tax-free over up to 10 years via consecutive 2-year contracts at nonprofit HPSA sites (minimum 40 hours per week for 45+ weeks per year). The separate Behavioral Health LRP (BHLRP) awards up to $300,000 for 2-year service at qualifying behavioral health sites (2026 application cycle opens May 11, closes May 29, 2026). Federal NHSC LRP adds up to $55,000 for 2 years. VA EDRP awards VA-employed psychologists up to $200,000 over 5 years. Federal PSLF applies at qualifying nonprofit/government employers.