Best Clinical Psychology Doctoral Programs in Oklahoma, Ranked (2026)
Top APA-accredited clinical psychology doctoral programs (PhD and PsyD) in Oklahoma for 2026, with cohort sizes, the 4,000 supervised hours (2 years), EPPP plus the Oklahoma Jurisprudence Examination, and Oklahoma's status as a founding PSYPACT state.
Key Takeaways
- Oklahoma has 4 APA-accredited doctoral psychology programs. Oklahoma State University Clinical PhD (continuously APA-accredited since 1971, also PCSAS-accredited since 2018) is the marquee program. Oklahoma State University Counseling Psychology PhD (APA-accredited for nearly 30 years) anchors the counseling track. University of Tulsa Clinical PhD (continuously APA-accredited since January 18, 1991, scientist-practitioner). Oklahoma City University PsyD in Clinical Psychology ("Accredited, on contingency" as of February 28, 2023; contingency period ends February 28, 2028; the only PsyD in Oklahoma).
- Oklahoma licenses psychologists through the Oklahoma State Board of Examiners of Psychologists (OSBEP). Required supervised experience is 2 years (~4,000 hours) total. At least one year must be post-doctoral; the pre-doctoral internship may count toward the other year.
- The pre-doctoral internship must be full-time (40 hr/wk for 1 year) or half-time (20 hr/wk for 2 years), totaling 2,000 hours (1,500 in academic setting). Supervision averages at least 10% of intern's week (≥200 hours; ≥150 academic) with at least half being formal, face-to-face individual supervision (≥100 hours; ≥75 academic).
- Exam sequence is the EPPP (passing scaled score 500) plus the Oklahoma Jurisprudence Examination (JP): 120 multiple-choice items, 2 hours, 70% to pass, given twice a year; based on OSBEP rules, Psychologists Licensing Act, APA Code of Ethics, and applicable Oklahoma mental health law.
- Fees: Initial application $400 non-refundable; EPPP $600; annual renewal $400 (Oklahoma renews ANNUALLY, not biennially); Supervision Application $200 additional. The renewal portal closes December 31 each year.
- Oklahoma is a founding PSYPACT state. Oklahoma enacted PSYPACT via HB 1057, signed April 29, 2019. Oklahoma was one of the original states whose legislation brought PSYPACT to the 7-state threshold required for the compact to be formally created in April 2019. PSYPACT became operational and began accepting applications under E.Passport/IPC on July 1, 2020.
- Oklahoma psychologist wages run roughly at or below national medians. BLS Oklahoma OEWS shows Clinical and Counseling Psychologists (SOC 19-3033) at a state mean of ~$88,070. Psychologists, All Other (SOC 19-3039) average ~$95,300. Average annual salaries ranged $66,730 to $126,730 across percentiles in May 2024 BLS data. National median for SOC 19-3033 is $96,100.
- Tribal mental health is a major employment vertical in Oklahoma. Given the 39 federally recognized tribes and the post-McGirt expansion of tribal jurisdiction, Cherokee Nation Behavioral Health Services, Choctaw Nation Behavioral Health, Chickasaw Nation Health System, Muscogee (Creek), and Seminole behavioral health systems all directly employ doctoral psychologists. The Northeastern Oklahoma Psychology Internship Program (NOPIP) consortium includes Cherokee Nation Behavioral Health as a training site.
Oklahoma runs a small but distinctive psychology training landscape with 4 APA-accredited doctoral programs. Oklahoma State University Clinical PhD in Stillwater is the marquee program: continuously APA-accredited since 1971 and PCSAS-accredited since 2018. The clinical science training model features concentrations in clinical child, health psychology, pediatric psychology, and adult psychopathology. PhD students typically receive full tuition waivers plus GRA/GTA stipends at 0.50 FTE. GRE is NOT required for Fall 2026 admission. OSU Counseling Psychology PhD (housed in the School of Community Health Sciences, Counseling and Counseling Psychology, College of Education and Human Sciences) has been APA-accredited for nearly 30 years (scientist-practitioner with multicultural competence, prevention, wellness-oriented intervention emphasis; courses also offered at OSU-Tulsa). Full-tuition waivers plus paid GRA/GTA assistantships are guaranteed Year 1 and typically secured through Years 2-5.
University of Tulsa Clinical PhD (continuously APA-accredited since January 18, 1991) is a private R1 program with scientist-practitioner training. Tuition is reported approximately $26,532 per year plus ~$2,223 health insurance; admitted PhD students typically receive graduate assistantships with tuition plus monthly stipend. Research strengths in developmental psychopathology, pain research, and evidence-based practice. Community partnerships with hospitals, community mental health centers, prisons, and private practice. GRE required for 2026 cycle; application deadline December 1, 2025 for Fall 2026.
Oklahoma City University Doctorate of Psychology (PsyD) in Clinical Psychology is the only APA-accredited PsyD in Oklahoma. "Accredited, on contingency" by APA Commission on Accreditation as of February 28, 2023; the contingency period ends February 28, 2028, and the program has submitted self-study for full accreditation. Per APA policy, a program accredited on contingency is APA-accredited. Tuition is $750 per credit hour with 120 total credits. 4-year program with cohort of 8 to 12 students per Fall cohort. Practitioner-scholar evidence-based practice focus.
Important corrections to the Oklahoma doctoral psychology landscape: University of Oklahoma (Norman) does NOT currently have an APA-accredited clinical or counseling PhD (the OU Counseling Psychology PhD was suspended in 2017 after faculty departures and no longer admits doctoral students; OU now offers a CACREP-accredited MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, not an APA-accredited doctorate). OU Health Sciences Center (OUHSC) does NOT house an APA-accredited Clinical Health Psych PhD; OUHSC's APA-accredited offerings are post-graduate (APA-accredited Pre-Doctoral Internship, Clinical Psychology Post-Doctoral Residency, and Neuropsychology Post-Doctoral Residency, all received full accreditation at APA-CoA's October 2024 meeting). Oklahoma Baptist University offers bachelor's-level psychology and MA in Family Therapy only; no doctoral psychology.
The Oklahoma State Board of Examiners of Psychologists (OSBEP) licensure path requires a doctorate from an APA-accredited program, 2 years (~4,000 hours) of supervised experience with at least one year post-doctoral, the EPPP (scaled score 500), and the Oklahoma Jurisprudence Examination (120 questions, 70% passing). Initial application is $400; annual renewal is $400 (renewal portal closes December 31). Oklahoma has been a founding PSYPACT state via HB 1057 (signed April 29, 2019); PSYPACT became operational July 1, 2020. Tribal mental health is a major Oklahoma employment vertical given the 39 federally recognized tribes and post-McGirt expansion of tribal jurisdiction.
APA-Accredited Clinical Psychology Doctoral Programs in Oklahoma
All 4 programs ranked in this guide, with tuition, format, and accreditation at a glance.
| # | School | In-State Tuition | Format | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Oklahoma State University (Clinical PhD) | ~$234 per credit hour resident (2025-26); PhD students typically receive full tuition waivers + GRA/GTA stipend at 0.50 FTE | On-campus | |
| 2 | Oklahoma State University (Counseling Psychology PhD) | ~$234 per credit hour (in-state); full-tuition waivers + paid GRA/GTA assistantships guaranteed Year 1 | On-campus | |
| 3 | The University of Tulsa | ~$26,532 per year + ~$2,223 health insurance (private; admitted PhD students typically receive graduate assistantships with tuition + monthly stipend) | On-campus | |
| 4 | Oklahoma City University | $750 per credit hour (private; 120 total credits) | On-campus |
Oklahoma State University (Clinical PhD)
In-State
~$234 per credit hour resident (2025-26); PhD students typically receive full tuition waivers + GRA/GTA stipend at 0.50 FTE
Out-of-State
~$880 per credit hour non-resident (2025-26); same with funding
Length
Minimum 4 years on campus + 1-year APA-approved internship (5 years total typical)
Field Hours
2,000 hours on the APA-approved internship plus practicum at on-campus Psychological Services Center
Concentrations
- Continuously APA-accredited since 1971 AND PCSAS-accredited since 2018 (dual accreditation)
- One of the longest continuously APA-accredited Clinical PhDs in the United States
- GRE NOT required for Fall 2026 admission
- Four concentrations: clinical child, health psychology, pediatric psychology, adult psychopathology
- Full tuition waiver + GRA/GTA stipend for PhD students; OSU Center for Family Resilience affiliation
Oklahoma State University (Counseling Psychology PhD)
In-State
~$234 per credit hour (in-state); full-tuition waivers + paid GRA/GTA assistantships guaranteed Year 1
Out-of-State
~$880 per credit hour (out-of-state)
Length
Minimum 3 years on campus + dissertation + APA-approved internship
Field Hours
Min 12 credits doctoral practicum + APA-approved internship
Concentrations
- APA-accredited Counseling Psychology PhD for nearly 30 years
- Scientist-practitioner training with multicultural competence, prevention, and wellness-oriented intervention emphasis
- Full-tuition waivers + paid GRA/GTA assistantships guaranteed Year 1, most students secure them through Years 2-5
- Specialization options: college counseling, community mental health, private practice
- Courses also offered at OSU-Tulsa, expanding geographic access
The University of Tulsa
In-State
~$26,532 per year + ~$2,223 health insurance (private; admitted PhD students typically receive graduate assistantships with tuition + monthly stipend)
Out-of-State
Same private rate
Length
~5 years typical including 1-year APA internship (90 semester credit hours)
Field Hours
1,500+ on the APA-accredited internship plus practicum
Concentrations
- APA-accredited continuously since January 18, 1991
- Private R1 with scientist-practitioner training
- GRE required for 2026 cycle
- Research strengths in developmental psychopathology, pain research, evidence-based practice
- Community partnerships with hospitals, CMHCs, prisons, private practice; application deadline December 1, 2025 for Fall 2026
Oklahoma City University
In-State
$750 per credit hour (private; 120 total credits)
Out-of-State
Same private rate
Length
4 years (120 credits including practicum/internship and capstone)
Field Hours
1,500+ on the APA-accredited internship plus practicum
Concentrations
- The ONLY APA-accredited PsyD in Oklahoma
- APA-accredited "on contingency" as of February 28, 2023; contingency period ends February 28, 2028
- Per APA policy, on-contingency students graduate from an APA-accredited program
- Cohort of 8 to 12 students per Fall cohort
- $750 per credit hour × 120 credits; 4-year practitioner-scholar program with evidence-based practice focus
How to Become a Licensed Clinical Psychologist in Oklahoma
The licensing board, exam pathway, and supervised hours you'll need to practice independently.
Licensing Board
Oklahoma State Board of Examiners of Psychologists (OSBEP)
(405) 522-3601
Oklahoma regulates psychologists through the Oklahoma State Board of Examiners of Psychologists (OSBEP).
Education requirement is a doctorate from an APA-accredited (or CPA-accredited or board-approved equivalent) program in psychology.
Required supervised experience is 2 years (~4,000 hours) of supervised experience satisfactory to the Board. At least one year must be post-doctoral; the pre-doctoral internship may count toward the other year. The pre-doctoral internship must be full-time (40 hr/wk × 1 year) or half-time (20 hr/wk × 2 years), totaling 2,000 hours (1,500 in academic setting). Supervision averages ≥10% of intern's week (≥200 hours; ≥150 academic), with at least half being formal, face-to-face individual supervision (≥100 hours; ≥75 academic).
Exam sequence is the EPPP (passing scaled score 500) plus the Oklahoma Jurisprudence Examination (JP): 120 multiple-choice items, 2 hours, 70% to pass, given twice a year. Covers OSBEP rules, Psychologists Licensing Act, APA Code of Ethics, and applicable Oklahoma mental health law.
Fees: Initial application $400 non-refundable; EPPP $600; annual renewal $400 (Oklahoma renews ANNUALLY, not biennially; renewal portal closes December 31). Supervision Application (private/institutional practice): additional $200. Total timeline from start of bachelor's through full licensure typically runs ~10 to 14 years.
Supervised pre-doctoral internship (2,000 hours)
Supervised practice during the doctoral program under faculty and site supervision; not a separate Board credential
Hours
N/A
Duration
Associate
Exam: Not applicable
Licensed Psychologist
Independent practice, mental health diagnosis and treatment, psychological testing and assessment, supervision of trainees, expert testimony, telepsychology under PSYPACT for OK LPs holding APIT
Hours
4,000
Duration
2 years total: 2,000 hours pre-doctoral internship + at least 1 year (~2,000 hours) post-doctoral supervised experience
Exam: EPPP (passing scaled score 500) + Oklahoma Jurisprudence Examination (120 multiple-choice items, 2 hours, 70% passing)
Oklahoma does not offer automatic reciprocity. Out-of-state applicants must complete the Oklahoma Jurisprudence Examination.
Oklahoma is a founding PSYPACT state. Oklahoma enacted PSYPACT via HB 1057, signed April 29, 2019. Oklahoma was one of the original states whose legislation brought PSYPACT to the 7-state threshold required for the compact to be formally created (April 2019). PSYPACT became operational and began accepting applications under E.Passport/IPC on July 1, 2020. OK LPs holding the E.Passport and APIT (Authority to Practice Interjurisdictional Telepsychology) plus IPC (Interjurisdictional Practice Certificate) can practice telepsychology across all 40+ PSYPACT member states.
Clinical Psychologist Salary in Oklahoma
BLS state median wages by counseling specialty, with national comparison and top-paying metros.
Oklahoma psychologist wages run roughly at or below national medians. The BLS Oklahoma OEWS shows Clinical and Counseling Psychologists (SOC 19-3033) at a state mean of approximately $88,070. Psychologists, All Other (SOC 19-3039) average ~$95,300. Average annual salaries ranged $66,730 to $126,730 across percentiles in May 2024 BLS data. National median for SOC 19-3033 is $96,100; national psychologist median (all) is $94,310.
Clinical and Counseling Psychologists (SOC 19-3033)
National median: $96,100
Top metro: Verify with BLS MSA pages (Oklahoma City and Tulsa)
School Psychologists (SOC 19-3034)
National median: $86,930
Top metro: Senior steps vary by district (Oklahoma City Public Schools and Tulsa Public Schools)
Psychologists, All Other (SOC 19-3039)
National median: National mean ~$120,000
Top metro: Verify with BLS (Oklahoma City and Tulsa)
Oklahoma Clinical Psychology Job Market and Top Employers
Major employers, mental health shortage context, and loan repayment programs that erase debt for service.
Oklahoma has a deep psychology employment market distributed across Oklahoma City (capital), Tulsa (second largest metro), Norman (University of Oklahoma), and the tribal mental health network (39 federally recognized tribes). Major employers fall into five buckets.
Health systems: OU Health (formerly OU Medicine, Oklahoma City; largest academic health system in the state; OU Health Physicians Psychiatry Clinic at Williams Pavilion; Oklahoma Children's Hospital with new 72-bed pediatric Behavioral Health Center scheduled fully operational December 2026; CARES Program; forensic psychiatry; neuropsychological testing in OKC + Edmond + Tulsa), INTEGRIS Health (Oklahoma City; INTEGRIS Mental Health Spencer; adult and children's mental health services), Saint Francis Health System (Tulsa; 1,112-bed flagship hospital), Hillcrest Healthcare System (Tulsa; Hillcrest Medical Center, 656 beds), Mercy Health System Oklahoma (Mercy hospitals and clinics across OKC metro and rural Oklahoma; part of a 4-state Mercy network in AR, KS, MO, OK), Norman Regional Health System (Norman; multi-hospital system serving south-central Oklahoma), Stillwater Medical (Stillwater), Bailey Medical Center (Owasso/Tulsa area), and Oklahoma Children's Hospital at OU Health (Oklahoma City).
ODMHSAS state psychiatric and forensic facilities: Griffin Memorial Hospital (Norman; 120-bed acute adult psychiatric hospital; teaching hospital with psychiatry residency), Oklahoma Forensic Center (Vinita; the largest inpatient behavioral health facility in the ODMHSAS system; serves all 77 counties; conducts forensic evaluations and houses NGRI patients), Tulsa Center for Behavioral Health, Children's Recovery Center, NorthCare (Oklahoma City; Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic), and Oklahoma Department of Corrections (mental health services across DOC facilities).
VA and federal: Oklahoma City VA Medical Center (921 NE 13th Street; regional center of excellence for veteran mental health; psychology teams provide assessment, individual/group/family/marital psychotherapy, PTSD/MST trauma treatment, biofeedback, telehealth) and Eastern Oklahoma VA Health Care System (Muskogee; behavioral health services for veterans in eastern Oklahoma).
Tribal mental health (significant Oklahoma vertical): Given the 39 federally recognized tribes and the post-McGirt expansion of tribal jurisdiction, multiple tribal behavioral health systems directly employ doctoral psychologists. Cherokee Nation Behavioral Health Services (outpatient individual/group therapy, psychological testing, psychiatric services across Cherokee Nation health centers in Tahlequah, Vinita, Claremore, Stilwell), Choctaw Nation Behavioral Health, Chickasaw Nation Health System, plus Muscogee (Creek) and Seminole tribal behavioral health systems. The Northeastern Oklahoma Psychology Internship Program (NOPIP) consortium includes Cherokee Nation Behavioral Health as a training site.
K-12 schools: Oklahoma City Public Schools, Tulsa Public Schools, plus other large districts (Edmond, Norman, Moore, Putnam City, Broken Arrow, Union, Jenks).
Loan Repayment & Scholarship Programs
Oklahoma Health Corps Loan Repayment Program: Administered by OK State Department of Health. Eligible mental-health clinicians may receive up to $35,000 for 2 years of full-time service in a HRSA-designated Mental Health HPSA (psychiatrists up to $50,000). Participants must be employed at an approved site before applying and must apply 100% of funds to qualified educational loans.
Behavioral Health Workforce Development Fund (HB 2175): Revolving fund administered by ODMHSAS dedicated to student loan repayment for mental health and substance use treatment providers in Oklahoma.
NHSC Loan Repayment Program: Federal program. Licensed psychologists (HSP) qualify; up to $50,000 for full-time service in approved HPSA sites. Oklahoma has numerous NHSC-approved sites including FQHCs, CMHCs, and tribal health systems.
VA Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP): VA-employed psychologists at Oklahoma City VAMC and Eastern Oklahoma VA Health Care System (Muskogee) can qualify for EDRP awards up to $200,000 over 5 years.
Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF): OK psychologists employed full-time by qualifying public service or 501(c)(3) employers (state hospitals, VA, IHS, tribal health systems, public school districts, university psychology clinics, OU Health, INTEGRIS, Saint Francis) qualify for PSLF after 120 qualifying payments under an income-driven repayment plan.
How to Choose a Clinical Psychology Doctoral Program in Oklahoma
Decision factors that actually matter, not generic checklist filler.
Choosing an Oklahoma clinical psychology doctoral program comes down to four levers (small program count means choices are well-defined): the OSU vs Tulsa vs OCU triad, training model (clinical-science PhD vs scientist-practitioner PhD vs practitioner-scholar PsyD), specialization (OSU's PCSAS dual accreditation, Tulsa's scientist-practitioner with pain research, OCU's evidence-based PsyD), and the tribal mental health employment opportunity. Here is how to actually narrow it down.
If you want a fully funded research PhD with dual APA + PCSAS accreditation: Oklahoma State University Clinical PhD (continuously APA-accredited since 1971, PCSAS-accredited since 2018, full tuition waiver + GRA/GTA stipend, four concentrations including clinical child and health psychology). GRE NOT required for Fall 2026.
If you want a Counseling Psychology PhD: Oklahoma State University Counseling Psychology PhD (APA-accredited for nearly 30 years, scientist-practitioner with multicultural and prevention emphasis, full-tuition waivers + paid GRA/GTA assistantships guaranteed Year 1). Courses also offered at OSU-Tulsa.
If you want a private R1 Clinical PhD: University of Tulsa Clinical PhD (continuously APA-accredited since January 18, 1991, scientist-practitioner, research strengths in developmental psychopathology, pain research, evidence-based practice; tuition ~$26,532/year with typical assistantship support). GRE required for 2026 cycle.
If you want a PsyD in Oklahoma: Oklahoma City University Doctorate of Psychology (PsyD) in Clinical Psychology is the ONLY APA-accredited PsyD in Oklahoma. "Accredited, on contingency" as of February 28, 2023 through February 28, 2028. Tuition $750 per credit hour (120 credits total). Cohort of 8 to 12 per fall.
If you want tribal mental health employment: Oklahoma's 39 federally recognized tribes and post-McGirt expansion of tribal jurisdiction create significant career opportunities at Cherokee Nation Behavioral Health, Choctaw Nation Behavioral Health, Chickasaw Nation Health System, Muscogee (Creek), Seminole, and other tribal behavioral health systems. The Northeastern Oklahoma Psychology Internship Program (NOPIP) consortium includes Cherokee Nation as a training site.
If you want forensic psychology training: Oklahoma Forensic Center in Vinita is the largest inpatient behavioral health facility in the ODMHSAS system, serves all 77 counties, conducts forensic evaluations, and houses NGRI patients. Griffin Memorial Hospital in Norman is the flagship state psychiatric facility for adults.
If you want maximum PSYPACT leverage: Oklahoma is a FOUNDING PSYPACT state (HB 1057, April 29, 2019; operational July 1, 2020). OK is in the Central time zone bordering Mountain Time; TX, CO, NM border-crossing telepsych practice is PSYPACT-eligible since TX and CO are also PSYPACT states.
Caveats worth knowing before applying: University of Oklahoma (Norman) does NOT have an APA-accredited clinical or counseling Ph.D. The OU Counseling Psychology PhD was suspended in 2017 after faculty departures; OU/Rainbolt now offers a CACREP-accredited MA only, not an APA-accredited doctorate. OU Health Sciences Center (OUHSC) does NOT have an APA-accredited Clinical Health Psych Ph.D.; OUHSC's APA-accredited offerings are post-graduate (internship + post-doc residencies, full accreditation October 2024). Oklahoma Baptist University offers bachelor's + MA Family Therapy only; no doctoral psychology. Oklahoma renews psychology licenses ANNUALLY at $400/year (not biennially like most states).
Related Pages
Counseling Programs in Oklahoma
CACREP-accredited counseling programs and the Oklahoma LPC license, a master's alternative to the 10-year clinical psychology doctorate
MSW Programs in Oklahoma
CSWE-accredited social work programs and Oklahoma LCSW licensure
ABA Programs in Oklahoma
BACB-verified course sequences and Oklahoma 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
Sources
- APA Commission on Accreditation, Accredited Programs Directory
- Oklahoma State Board of Examiners of Psychologists (OSBEP)
- OSBEP Applicants Page
- OSBEP Exam Information
- PSYPACT, Compact Map
- Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS Oklahoma Estimates
- Bureau of Labor Statistics, Psychologists
- OK Health Corps Loan Repayment
- NHSC Loan Repayment Program
- ODMHSAS Facilities