Last updated: May 28, 2026

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

Top APA-accredited clinical psychology doctoral programs (PhD) in Missouri for 2026, with cohort sizes, the 3,500 supervised hours, EPPP plus the Missouri Jurisprudence Examination, and Missouri's status as a PSYPACT founder state since 2018.

Taylor Rupe

Founder & Editor

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

Key Takeaways

  • Missouri has roughly 7 APA-accredited doctoral psychology programs across 5 institutions, ALL of which are PhDs (no APA-accredited PsyD programs exist in Missouri). Top-ranked anchor is Washington University in St. Louis Clinical Science PhD (APA-accredited since 1948 plus PCSAS-accredited since 2010; full tuition + $37,835+ annual stipend for Fall 2026; GRE not accepted). University of Missouri-Columbia (Mizzou) runs three APA-accredited PhDs: Clinical (also PCSAS through 2031, Academy of Psychological Clinical Science member), Counseling (continuously APA-accredited since 1953, ranked #9 nationally by US News), and School Psychology (APA + NASP-accredited + Missouri DESE-approved). Saint Louis University runs the Clinical Psychology PhD (continuously APA-accredited since 1965). UMKC runs Clinical Psychology PhD with Health Emphasis Track (since 2004) plus Counseling Psychology PhD (continuously since 1985). UMSL runs the Clinical Psychology PhD with Clinical-Community emphasis (continuously APA-accredited since 1977 through 2034).
  • Missouri licenses psychologists through the Missouri State Committee of Psychologists. Required supervised experience is 3,500 hours total: minimum 1,500 hours pre-doctoral internship (in 12 to 24 months) plus minimum 2,000 hours pre-internship and pre-doctoral post-internship professional experience (up to 750 hours beyond the 1,500 internship) OR post-doctoral professional experience in no more than 24 consecutive months. Maximum 50 hours per week may be counted.
  • Exam sequence is the EPPP (passing scaled score 500) plus the Missouri Jurisprudence Examination (100 multiple-choice questions, 70% passing score, covers Missouri Psychology Practice Act and Ethical Rules of Conduct).
  • Fees: Application $200 to $300; initial license $165; annual renewal $165 by December 31; jurisprudence exam ~$100; EPPP $687.50. Continuing education is 40 hours every 2 years including at least 3 hours in ethics.
  • Missouri is a PSYPACT founder state. Missouri enacted PSYPACT legislation (HB 1719/SB 660) on June 1, 2018, operational July 1, 2020. Missouri was among the early states that triggered PSYPACT operational status. Pam Groose, Executive Director of the Missouri State Committee of Psychologists, serves on the PSYPACT Commission.
  • Provisional License available: Missouri offers a Provisional License to graduates of recognized doctoral programs who meet all requirements except exams, oral exam, and post-degree supervised experience. Renewable after 1 year; maximum 2 years total.
  • Missouri psychologist wages run roughly 17% below the national median in nominal terms. BLS Missouri OEWS shows Clinical and Counseling Psychologists (SOC 19-3033) at a state median of $86,340 versus the national $96,100. Cost of living in Missouri runs well below national average, materially improving take-home math. School Psychologists in MO average just $59,730 (one of the lowest state averages nationally).
  • The Missouri Health Professional Loan Repayment Program (HPLRP) covers psychologists. Up to $65,000 toward qualifying educational debt for minimum 2-year full-time service at HPSA sites. Funded in part by Missouri Hospital Association for SUD/OUD-treating mental health professions.
Accredited Programs
8
Ranked in this guide
Missouri, Ranked Median
$86,340
vs national $96,100 (-10.2%)
Independent License
Licensed Psychologist
Licensed Psychologist
Supervised Hours
3,500
over 1,500 internship (12 to 24 months) + 2,000 hours pre-internship/post-internship pre-doctoral OR post-doctoral (24 months max) min.

APA-Accredited Clinical Psychology Doctoral Programs in Missouri

All 8 programs ranked in this guide, with tuition, format, and accreditation at a glance.

# School In-State Tuition Format
1 Washington University in St. Louis Full tuition remission for the duration of doctoral education + 12-month stipend of at least $37,835 starting Fall 2026 for each of the first 5 years + 100% subsidized health/dental On-campus
2 University of Missouri-Columbia (Clinical PhD) ~$13,681 per year (in-state, $525 per credit hour) with 5 years stipend + tuition waiver + insurance for funded students On-campus
3 University of Missouri-Columbia (Counseling PhD) Funded students receive stipend + tuition waiver On-campus
4 University of Missouri-Columbia (School PhD) Funded students receive stipend + tuition waiver On-campus
5 Saint Louis University (SLU) ~$1,370 per credit hour academic year (private; 90 credit hours required); ~$1,400 per credit summer On-campus
6 University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC) - Clinical PhD ~$551.30 per credit hour minimum (resident 2025-26) On-campus
7 University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC) - Counseling PhD ~$551.30 per credit hour minimum (resident 2025-26) On-campus
8 University of Missouri-St. Louis (UMSL) ~$645 per credit (in-state, 2025-26) On-campus
1

Washington University in St. Louis

St. Louis, MO On-campus APA-accredited Clinical Science PhD

In-State

Full tuition remission for the duration of doctoral education + 12-month stipend of at least $37,835 starting Fall 2026 for each of the first 5 years + 100% subsidized health/dental

Out-of-State

Same with full funding

Length

5 years funded

Field Hours

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

Concentrations

Clinical Science PhD
  • APA-accredited since 1948 AND PCSAS-accredited since 2010 (dual accreditation)
  • Top-ranked clinical science program nationally
  • Full tuition remission + $37,835+ annual stipend (Fall 2026) for 5 years + 100% subsidized health/dental
  • GRE NOT accepted: "The department has adopted a policy of not requiring GRE scores, meaning they will not consider GRE scores when making admission decisions"
  • Research strengths in schizophrenia, anxiety disorders, personality disorders, and substance disorders
GRE: Not required | Min GPA: 3.7
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2

University of Missouri-Columbia (Clinical PhD)

Columbia, MO On-campus APA-accredited Clinical Psychology PhD

In-State

~$13,681 per year (in-state, $525 per credit hour) with 5 years stipend + tuition waiver + insurance for funded students

Out-of-State

~$32,581 per year (out-of-state, $1,313 per credit hour)

Length

5 to 6 years + 1-year APA-accredited internship

Field Hours

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

Concentrations

Clinical Psychology PhD (clinical science model)
  • APA-accredited Clinical PhD AND PCSAS-accredited through 2031
  • Member of the Academy of Psychological Clinical Science
  • Fall 2025 admissions: 181 applications, 13 offers, 9 matriculated (highly selective)
  • GRE suspended/optional
  • All graduate students in good standing eligible for at least 5 years of stipend + tuition waiver + health insurance (2025-26 minimum 9-month stipend $19,992)
GRE: Not required | Min GPA: 3.5
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3

University of Missouri-Columbia (Counseling PhD)

Columbia, MO On-campus APA-accredited Counseling Psychology PhD

In-State

Funded students receive stipend + tuition waiver

Out-of-State

Same with funding

Length

4 to 5 years with master's, 5 to 6 years from bachelor's + 1-year APA-accredited internship

Field Hours

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

Concentrations

Counseling Psychology PhD (scientist-practitioner)
  • Continuously APA-accredited since 1953, among the first counseling psychology programs to receive APA accreditation
  • Ranked #9 nationally by US News and World Report
  • Cohort: 100 to 150 applications, 5 to 8 openings per year
  • GRE suspended since Fall 2023
  • Application deadline December 1
GRE: Not required | Min GPA: 3.5
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4

University of Missouri-Columbia (School PhD)

Columbia, MO On-campus APA-accredited School Psychology PhD

In-State

Funded students receive stipend + tuition waiver

Out-of-State

Same with funding

Length

5 to 6 years

Field Hours

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

Concentrations

School Psychology PhD (public scientist-practitioner model)
  • APA-accredited School Psychology PhD AND NASP-accredited AND Missouri DESE-approved (triple credential)
  • Public scientist-practitioner training model
  • 2024 cohort: 8 students
  • GRE optional; no penalty for not including GRE scores in admissions review
  • Application deadline December 1
GRE: Not required | Min GPA: 3.3
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5

Saint Louis University (SLU)

St. Louis, MO On-campus APA-accredited Clinical Psychology PhD

In-State

~$1,370 per credit hour academic year (private; 90 credit hours required); ~$1,400 per credit summer

Out-of-State

Same private rate

Length

48 months typical (~5 years)

Field Hours

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

Concentrations

Clinical Psychology PhD concentrations
  • Continuously APA-accredited since 1965
  • Cohort of 5 to 8 students per year
  • Five concentrations: clinical neuropsychology, clinical child psychology, health psychology, trauma psychology, sports psychology
  • Fellowships/assistantships with stipend + health + tuition scholarship; Diversity Fellowship $22,750 stipend + 21 hours tuition + benefits for 11 months
  • US News and World Report consistently ranks SLU clinical psychology among top programs
GRE: Not required | Min GPA: 3.7
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6

University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC) - Clinical PhD

Kansas City, MO On-campus APA-accredited PhD in Clinical Psychology

In-State

~$551.30 per credit hour minimum (resident 2025-26)

Out-of-State

Nonresident pays additional $826.90 per tier

Length

5 to 6 years + 1-year APA-accredited internship

Field Hours

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

Concentrations

Clinical Psychology PhD with Health Emphasis Track (scientist-practitioner
  • Continuously APA-accredited since 2004; reaccredited 10 years in 2018 (next review ~2028)
  • Health Emphasis Track distinctive nationally
  • Scientist-practitioner training with health service psychology and multiculturalism focus
  • Kansas City location with placements at University Health, Children's Mercy Kansas City, and Kansas City VA
  • UMKC also offers a separate APA-accredited Counseling Psychology PhD (since 1985)
GRE: Not required | Min GPA: 3.5
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7

University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC) - Counseling PhD

Kansas City, MO On-campus APA-accredited Counseling Psychology PhD

In-State

~$551.30 per credit hour minimum (resident 2025-26)

Out-of-State

Nonresident pays additional $826.90 per tier

Length

5 to 6 years + 1-year APA-accredited internship

Field Hours

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

Concentrations

Counseling Psychology PhD (scientist-practitioner
  • Continuously APA-accredited Counseling Psychology PhD since 1985
  • Ten-year renewal in 2017; next review ~2027
  • Cohort of 6 to 10 students admitted per year
  • Accepts both bachelor's-level AND master's-level applicants
  • Scientist-practitioner model with multicultural and individual diversity emphasis
GRE: Not required | Min GPA: 3.3
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8

University of Missouri-St. Louis (UMSL)

St. Louis, MO On-campus APA-accredited Clinical Psychology PhD with Clinical-Community emphasis

In-State

~$645 per credit (in-state, 2025-26)

Out-of-State

~$1,533 per credit (out-of-state)

Length

5 years (3 years in Community Psychological Services clinic + clerkship + 5th-year internship)

Field Hours

1,500+ on the APA-accredited internship plus practicum at Community Psychological Services clinic

Concentrations

Clinical-Community Psychology PhD
  • Continuously APA-accredited since 1977; recently received full APA accreditation until 2034
  • Distinctive Clinical-Community emphasis (rare nationally)
  • First 2 years funded with assistantship + tuition waiver; Year 1 minimum stipend $21,000; Years 3+ at $21,000 to $24,000 with full tuition scholarships
  • GRE optional for Fall 2026 (deadline 12/1/2025); not penalized for non-submission
  • Affiliations: Center for Trauma Recovery, Children's Advocacy Center
GRE: Not required | Min GPA: 3.3
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How to Become a Licensed Clinical Psychologist in Missouri

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

Licensing Board

Missouri State Committee of Psychologists, Division of Professional Registration

(573) 751-0099

Doctoral Student/Intern

Supervised pre-doctoral internship

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

Hours

N/A

Duration

Associate

Exam: Not applicable

Provisional Licensed Psychologist

Provisional Licensed Psychologist

Authorized to practice in limited capacity while completing exams, oral exam, and post-degree supervised experience. Renewable after 1 year; maximum 2 years total.

Hours

N/A

Duration

Associate

Exam: Not required to hold the Provisional License

Licensed Psychologist

Licensed Psychologist

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

Hours

3,500

Duration

1,500 internship (12 to 24 months) + 2,000 hours pre-internship/post-internship pre-doctoral OR post-doctoral (24 months max)

Exam: EPPP (passing scaled score 500) + Missouri Jurisprudence Examination (100 questions, 70% passing, $100 fee)

Clinical Psychologist Salary in Missouri

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

Clinical and Counseling Psychologists (SOC 19-3033)

$86,340 -10.2%
State
U.S.

National median: $96,100

Top metro: St. Louis ~$84,670; Kansas City $72,400 to $94,740 depending on specialty (St. Louis and Kansas City)

School Psychologists (SOC 19-3034)

$59,730 -31.3% (one of the lowest state averages nationally)
State
U.S.

National median: $86,930

Top metro: Senior steps higher than state average (St. Louis and Kansas City suburbs)

Psychologists, All Other (SOC 19-3039)

$127,230 Above national
State
U.S.

National median: National mean ~$120,000

Top metro: I-O and consulting psychologists earn above state and national means (St. Louis and Kansas City)

Missouri Clinical Psychology Job Market and Top Employers

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

Loan Repayment & Scholarship Programs

How to Choose a Clinical Psychology Doctoral Program in Missouri

Decision factors that actually matter, not generic checklist filler.

Related Pages

Frequently Asked Questions