Last updated: May 28, 2026

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

The 9 APA-accredited clinical psychology doctoral programs in Wisconsin for 2026, with cohort sizes, the 3,000 supervised hours, 2-part EPPP (effective January 2026) plus the Wisconsin State Psychology Examination, and Wisconsin's PSYPACT status (operational since February 2022).

Taylor Rupe

Founder & Editor

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

Key Takeaways

  • Wisconsin has 9 APA-accredited doctoral psychology programs, distributed across 4 institutions. University of Wisconsin-Madison hosts 3 programs (Clinical PhD continuously APA-accredited since 1948 + PCSAS since 2014, Counseling PhD since 1988, School PhD reaccredited August 2020). University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (UWM) hosts 3 programs (Clinical PhD since 1980, Counseling PhD through 2029, School PhD). Marquette University hosts 2 programs (Clinical PhD since 2000 + Counseling PhD since 2002 reaccredited through 2030). Wisconsin School of Professional Psychology (WSPP) hosts the only PsyD (since 1987 HLC accreditation).
  • Wisconsin licenses psychologists through the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS), Psychology Examining Board under Wis. Stats. Ch. 455 and Wis. Admin. Code Ch. Psy. Required supervised experience is 3,000 hours total, including a completed internship of at least 1,500 hours after completion of all doctoral coursework.
  • Exam sequence is the EPPP (minimum scaled score 500). As of January 1, 2026, the EPPP is a 2-part exam: Part 1 (knowledge-based) plus Part 2 (skills-based). EPPP registration $687.50. Plus the Wisconsin State Psychology Examination (online exam on Wisconsin laws and rules governing psychology practice).
  • Fees: Initial application/exam fees ~$165; biennial renewal cycle (every odd year, September 30). 40 hours of board-approved continuing education each biennial renewal.
  • Wisconsin is a PSYPACT operational state. 2021 Wisconsin Assembly Bill 537 codified at Wis. Stat. § 455.50; enactment date February 4, 2022; effective February 6, 2022. WI psychologists may obtain Authority to Practice Interjurisdictional Telepsychology (APIT) and Temporary Authorization to Practice (TAP) to deliver services across 40+ PSYPACT jurisdictions.
  • UW-Madison Clinical Psychology PhD is a top-ranked clinical science program nationally. Continuously APA-accredited since 1948, PCSAS-accredited since 2014. Faculty research strengths in affective neuroscience, anxiety/mood disorders, risk for psychotic disorders, mindfulness-based interventions, developmental psychopathology. Affiliations include Waisman Center, Center for Healthy Minds, UW Department of Psychiatry, UW Health.
  • GRE has been broadly waived across Wisconsin doctoral psych programs. UWM Clinical explicitly does NOT consider GRE scores (instruct applicants not to send); UW-Madison Counseling does not require for Fall 2026 cycle; Marquette Clinical is GRE optional.
  • No Wisconsin loan repayment program covers psychologists. The Wisconsin Health Professions Loan Assistance Program (HPLAP) explicitly excludes psychologists (eligible: physicians, psychiatrists, dentists, PAs, NPs, CNMs in outpatient settings). Wisconsin psychologists rely on federal programs: NHSC LRP (up to $50,000 for 2 years in Mental Health HPSAs) and PSLF.
Accredited Programs
9
Ranked in this guide
Wisconsin, Ranked Median
Near national median; La Crosse MSA among top-paying nationally
vs national $96,100 (About par; La Crosse premium)
Independent License
Licensed Psychologist
Licensed Psychologist
Supervised Hours
3,000
over At least 1,500 hours internship after completion of all doctoral coursework + total 3,000+ supervised graduate-level hours min.

APA-Accredited Clinical Psychology Doctoral Programs in Wisconsin

All 9 programs ranked in this guide, with tuition, format, and accreditation at a glance.

# School In-State Tuition Format
1 University of Wisconsin-Madison (Clinical PhD) ~$10,728/year (in-state graduate); admitted PhD students receive full tuition remission + ~$25,000/year stipend for 5 years via TA/RA/fellowship On-campus
2 University of Wisconsin-Madison (Counseling PhD) ~$10,728/year (in-state); funded students typically receive tuition remission + health benefits + assistantship except internship year On-campus
3 University of Wisconsin-Madison (School PhD) ~$10,728/year (in-state graduate) On-campus
4 University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (Clinical PhD) ~$12,728/year (in-state, 2025-26); all clinical PhD admits receive teaching assistantship with full tuition remission + $14,484-$16,014 stipend + $2,500/year Chancellor's Graduate Student Award + health insurance for 5 years On-campus
5 University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (Counseling PhD) ~$12,728/year (in-state) On-campus
6 University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (School PhD) ~$12,728/year (in-state) On-campus
7 Marquette University (Clinical PhD) ~$1,360/credit (~$23,845/year full-time); all students in good standing receive at least 3 years full support: 100% tuition remission (~$20,500+/year) + ~$16,000+ stipend (9-month academic year) via assistantship On-campus
8 Marquette University (Counseling PhD) ~$1,360/credit (private) On-campus
9 Wisconsin School of Professional Psychology (WSPP) $48,750/year (flat private; total program cost >$240,000 before living expenses) On-campus
1

University of Wisconsin-Madison (Clinical PhD)

Madison, WI On-campus APA-accredited Clinical Psychology PhD

In-State

~$10,728/year (in-state graduate); admitted PhD students receive full tuition remission + ~$25,000/year stipend for 5 years via TA/RA/fellowship

Out-of-State

~$24,054/year (non-resident); same with funding

Length

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

Field Hours

1,500+ on the APA-accredited internship plus practicum at Waisman Center, Center for Healthy Minds, UW Department of Psychiatry, UW Health

Concentrations

Clinical Psychological Science
  • Continuously APA-accredited since 1948 (one of the original APA-accredited Clinical PhDs in the US); PCSAS-accredited since 2014
  • Next APA review 2029; next PCSAS review 2034
  • ~6 to 8 admits per year from 300+ applications
  • Full tuition remission + ~$25,000/year stipend for 5 years
  • Affiliations with Waisman Center (developmental neuroscience), Center for Healthy Minds (mindfulness research), UW Department of Psychiatry, UW Health
GRE: Not required | Min GPA: 3.5
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2

University of Wisconsin-Madison (Counseling PhD)

Madison, WI On-campus APA-accredited Counseling Psychology PhD

In-State

~$10,728/year (in-state); funded students typically receive tuition remission + health benefits + assistantship except internship year

Out-of-State

~$24,054/year (non-resident); same with funding

Length

5 years post-MA / 6 years post-BA including APA-accredited internship

Field Hours

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

Concentrations

Counseling Psychology PhD (scientist-practitioner)
  • APA-accredited (provisional 1985, full 1988); next review 2029
  • ~6 admits per year (faculty-mentor model)
  • GRE NOT required for Fall 2026 cycle
  • Funding package typically includes tuition remission + health benefits + assistantship except internship year
  • Multicultural competence, social justice, integration of research and practice emphasis
GRE: Not required | Min GPA: 3.3
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3

University of Wisconsin-Madison (School PhD)

Madison, WI On-campus APA-accredited School Psychology PhD

In-State

~$10,728/year (in-state graduate)

Out-of-State

~$24,054/year (non-resident)

Length

5 to 6 years typical; 2,000-hour internship (4 semesters)

Field Hours

2,000 on the APA-accredited internship (4 semesters)

Concentrations

School Psychology PhD (scientist-scholar-practitioner)
  • APA-accredited School Psychology PhD (most recent reaccreditation August 2020); NASP-approved
  • Scientist-scholar-practitioner training model
  • 2,000-hour internship (4 semesters)
  • Focus on social justice in psychological assessment, prevention/intervention, consultation
  • Part of UW-Madison School of Education ecosystem
GRE: Not required | Min GPA: 3.3
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4

University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (Clinical PhD)

Milwaukee, WI On-campus APA-accredited Clinical Psychology PhD

In-State

~$12,728/year (in-state, 2025-26); all clinical PhD admits receive teaching assistantship with full tuition remission + $14,484-$16,014 stipend + $2,500/year Chancellor's Graduate Student Award + health insurance for 5 years

Out-of-State

~$26,159/year (out-of-state); same with funding

Length

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

Field Hours

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

Concentrations

Clinical Psychology PhD (Boulder scientist-practitioner
  • Continuously APA-accredited since 1980
  • Clinical track ~4 to 7 admits per year from ~250 applications
  • GRE NOT required and will NOT be considered (explicit instruction not to send scores)
  • Full tuition remission + $14,484-$16,014 stipend + $2,500/year Chancellor's Award + health insurance for 5 years
  • Mentorship model with clinical psychological science focus (adult, child, health psych)
GRE: Not required | Min GPA: 3.5
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5

University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (Counseling PhD)

Milwaukee, WI On-campus APA-accredited Counseling Psychology PhD

In-State

~$12,728/year (in-state)

Out-of-State

~$26,159/year (out-of-state)

Length

5+ years with internship

Field Hours

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

Concentrations

Counseling Psychology PhD (scientist-practitioner)
  • APA-accredited through 2029
  • 100% placement rate; 87% licensed psychologists
  • Recipient of 2013 APA Bersoff Presidential Cultural Award for diversity recruitment
  • Multicultural populations emphasis
  • Scientist-practitioner training model
GRE: Not required | Min GPA: 3.3
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6

University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (School PhD)

Milwaukee, WI On-campus APA-accredited School Psychology PhD

In-State

~$12,728/year (in-state)

Out-of-State

~$26,159/year (out-of-state)

Length

5 to 6 years; includes practica + internship

Field Hours

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

Concentrations

School Psychology PhD (scientist-practitioner)
  • APA-accredited School Psychology PhD; NASP-approved
  • ~10 applicants interviewed annually
  • Practicum + internship training across Milwaukee metro
  • Scientist-practitioner training model
  • Part of UWM School of Education ecosystem
GRE: Not required | Min GPA: 3.3
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7

Marquette University (Clinical PhD)

Milwaukee, WI On-campus APA-accredited Clinical Psychology PhD

In-State

~$1,360/credit (~$23,845/year full-time); all students in good standing receive at least 3 years full support: 100% tuition remission (~$20,500+/year) + ~$16,000+ stipend (9-month academic year) via assistantship

Out-of-State

Same private rate with funding

Length

5 years (4-5 on-site + 1 year internship); 81 credit hours

Field Hours

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

Concentrations

Clinical Psychology PhD (scientist-practitioner / Boulder)
  • Founded 1994; initial APA accreditation 2000; most recent review 2017 accredited for 10 years; next site visit ~2027
  • ~30 to 35 interviewed annually; ~5 to 7 admitted (cohort model)
  • All students in good standing receive at least 3 years full support: 100% tuition remission + ~$16,000+ stipend
  • GRE optional for 2026 cycle
  • Clinical training at Center for Psychological Services, Children's Wisconsin, Froedtert Hospital, Medical College of Wisconsin
GRE: Not required | Min GPA: 3.5
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8

Marquette University (Counseling PhD)

Milwaukee, WI On-campus APA-accredited Counseling Psychology PhD

In-State

~$1,360/credit (private)

Out-of-State

Same private rate

Length

Median 5 years; mean 5.67 years (27 credits psychological foundations + 52 credits professional core + 1,000-hour practicum + 12-credit dissertation + 2,000-hour internship)

Field Hours

2,000 on the APA-accredited internship + 1,000-hour practicum

Concentrations

Counseling Psychology PhD (scientist-practitioner)
  • APA-accredited initially 2002; reaccredited 2005; fully reaccredited through 2030
  • Median 5 years to completion; mean 5.67 years
  • 27 credits psychological foundations + 52 credits professional core + 1,000-hour practicum + 12-credit dissertation + 2,000-hour internship
  • Scientist-practitioner training model
  • Part of College of Education
GRE: Not required | Min GPA: 3.3
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9

Wisconsin School of Professional Psychology (WSPP)

Milwaukee, WI On-campus APA-accredited Clinical Psychology PsyD

In-State

$48,750/year (flat private; total program cost >$240,000 before living expenses)

Out-of-State

Same private rate

Length

5 years full-time (4 years coursework/practicum + 1 year internship + dissertation)

Field Hours

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

Concentrations

Clinical Psychology PsyD (practitioner-scholar)
  • The ONLY APA-accredited PsyD in Wisconsin
  • Founded 1980; HLC-accredited since February 1987
  • Cohort of 12 to 15 students
  • Child clinical and adult clinical PsyD specialization tracks
  • WSPP Psychology Clinic provides community services; >600 alumni
GRE: Not required | Min GPA: 3.3
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How to Become a Licensed Clinical Psychologist in Wisconsin

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

Licensing Board

Wisconsin DSPS Psychology Examining Board

(608) 266-2112

Doctoral Student/Intern

Supervised pre-doctoral internship (at least 1,500 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

Licensed Psychologist

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

Hours

3,000

Duration

At least 1,500 hours internship after completion of all doctoral coursework + total 3,000+ supervised graduate-level hours

Exam: EPPP 2-part (effective January 1, 2026): Part 1 knowledge + Part 2 skills (minimum scaled score 500) + Wisconsin State Psychology Examination

Clinical Psychologist Salary in Wisconsin

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

Clinical and Counseling Psychologists (SOC 19-3033)

Near national median; La Crosse MSA among top-paying nationally About par; La Crosse premium
State
U.S.

National median: $96,100

Top metro: Verify with BLS MSA pages (Madison and Milwaukee-Waukesha)

School Psychologists (SOC 19-3034)

WI district schedules vary Varies
State
U.S.

National median: $84,940

Top metro: Verify with BLS (Milwaukee Public Schools (largest), Madison Metropolitan)

Psychologists, All Other (SOC 19-3039)

Typically suppressed Data may be suppressed
State
U.S.

National median: National mean ~$120,000

Top metro: Verify with BLS (Madison and Milwaukee)

Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin

Decision factors that actually matter, not generic checklist filler.

Related Pages

Frequently Asked Questions