Is this PhD program legitimate?

[PrePsychGuy]

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Hi everyone!
I'm a long time lurker but first time poster 😀

I have been passionate about clinical psychology for a very long time, and I finally get to apply to PhD programs next year! I have been doing a lot of research on different programs and what school will be the best fit for me. So, when looking through the "Insiders guide to clinical psychology 2013" one program was especially salient to me. Brigham Young University was exactly what I have been looking for, it offered the clinical training I want, it funds it's students, and most importantly a few of the POIs there match my research interests to a tee.

The only issue is that I know BYU is obviously a religious Mormon run institution. I know it's supposed to a decent school in genera (undergrad)l, but I have never heard of their clinical psychology program before. Is it well regarded at all in the clinical psych field? Do you guys think it might be worth applying to? I am NOT Mormon, I have no problem with it, but I really don't identify with any religion.

 

[erg923]

Their clinical program has no religious component or requirements within it, as far as I know, if that is your question.

The campus environment itself is likely to be quite, um "interesting." My bias as a lifelong Roman Catholic....

 

[Neuropsych2be]

I interviewed in Utah for internship and met a few BYU students. They described the program as very laid back and liberal. They stated that it is open to non-Mormon students and that the psychology programs have no religious bias. The campus environment and the community in Provo is very Mormon.

 

[AcronymAllergy]

It certainly has a reputation as a "legit" program and could be worth applying to, sure. You may just want to pay particular attention to the departmental and campus cultures and atmosphere to see if it's someplace you feel like you could stay for 4-6 years.

 

[neuronic]

Any program with Erin Bigler is going to be pretty legit.

 

[WisNeuro]

Any program with Erin Bigler is going to be pretty legit.

For the most part, he's a great researcher. Some of his views on SVT/PVT's are questionable. I remember a talk where he called a score in the high 20's on the TOMM a "near miss."

 

[Therapist4Chnge]

For the most part, he's a great researcher. Some of his views on SVT/PVT's are questionable. I remember a talk where he called a score in the high 20's on the TOMM a "near miss."

 

[CheetahGirl]

I must add...if you apply and interview at BYU, you must go see the Book of Mormon on Broadway (in NYC unless they took their show on the road). It's awesome (!) and actually an education about the Mormon Faith. I also hear that the Mormon Church had no problem with the musical (I don't think they endorsed it, but they did not condone it), which makes me feel like the faith is pretty forgiving. Of course, I wouldn't mention attending the production on a BYU interview, but it's a personal recommendation for your own benefit so you know what's out there in the world for the masses.

We laughed so hard we were in tears throughout, and so did everyone around us! (Oh wait, this is kind of off-topic...I forgot I'm not on Facebook for a minute there.) I have nothing to add about BYU, only to mention the Broadway show about the faith.

 

[cara susanna]

It's a musical, not a play (/pet peeve, sorry 😉) But yeah, it's really funny and the score is great, it's by the Avenue Q composer. There is a national tour going on right now, and the show just finished an extended stay in Chicago. If you can't see it, check out the cast recording.

I know a lot of people who did their undergrad at BYU. It seems like a good school, but I believe that you have to obey a morality clause on-campus. There are others on SDN who would know more about it.

 

[AcronymAllergy]

It's a musical, not a play (/pet peeve, sorry 😉) But yeah, it's really funny and the score is great, it's by the Avenue Q composer. There is a national tour going on right now, and the show just finished an extended stay in Chicago. If you can't see it, check out the cast recording.

I know a lot of people who did their undergrad at BYU. It seems like a good school, but I believe that you have to obey a morality clause on-campus. There are others on SDN who would know more about it.

I believe they're stricter with the undergrads than grad students, but the morality clause (or at least something similar) while on campus may apply to everyone, not sure.

 

[futureapppsy2]

It's a good school and good program, but you *really* have to be sure you'd be comfortable with the BYU/Provo culture. I know devout, Utah-raised Mormons who wouldn't live there just because the culture is so intensely socially conservative. It's a much different environment than even, say, Salt Lake.

 

[KillerDiller]

I believe they're stricter with the undergrads than grad students, but the morality clause (or at least something similar) while on campus may apply to everyone, not sure.

Yeah, I'm not sure about the degree of enforcement, but I know that the morality code was emphasized for applicants to the internship program there. It is quite strict and governs behavior both on and off campus. OP, I probably wouldn't let such a clause prevent me from applying, but if I got an offer of admission it would certainly factor into my considerations of whether or not to attend.

 

[xXIDaShizIXx]

Yeah, I'm not sure about the degree of enforcement, but I know that the morality code was emphasized for applicants to the internship program there. It is quite strict and governs behavior both on and off campus. OP, I probably wouldn't let such a clause prevent me from applying, but if I got an offer of admission it would certainly factor into my considerations of whether or not to attend.

I just could not do it and this is coming from a married, straight, white guy. I just could not deal with that level of control over me as an adult.

 

[PrePsychGuy]

Thanks so much for all of your input! I'm really relieved to hear that BYU's clinical psych program is known to most of you and well regarded.


I also just came across US News Rankings for clinical psychology programs, and BYU's is rated the same as Loyola University Maryland, which I know is a good school!

So far, it's looking like a school I will be applying to next year. However, you guys bring up very good points about their morality codes and the conservative culture of the area. If I was able to get in, I feel like I could easily suffer through those things for four years...but i'll definitely have to give it more thought before I apply. I'm thinking about visiting even before I apply and talking with some of the grad students.

 

[WisNeuro]

I also just came across US News Rankings for clinical psychology programs, and BYU's is rated the same as Loyola University Maryland, which I know is a good school!

I wouldn't use this as your guide. These ranking have little to say about the actual clinical training you will get. Much of the ranking for US News is based on dollars per student and grant money stuff. Look for fit rather than rank.

 

[Therapist4Chnge]

I wouldn't use this as your guide. These ranking have little to say about the actual clinical training you will get. Much of the ranking for US News is based on dollars per student and grant money stuff. Look for fit rather than rank.

Agreed.

Unless USN&WR changed their methodology, their rankings are based on survey feedback, so it is mostly a popularity contest. Students are best served looking for a good research fit, full funding, and places that regularly graduate students working in the area(s) they want to work.

 

[PrePsychGuy]

Did not know that...but makes perfect sense. Thanks for the heads up 🙂

 

[psycecream]

Yes, it is a legitimate APA accredited program with some top researchers. Bergin, Lambert, and Slife are all good people to know.

 

[LucidMind]

I agree with the other posters PrePsychGuy, i've heard very good things about BYU's clinical psych program.