Psychology doctoral programs in Vermont come down to one option: the University of Vermont’s APA-accredited PhD in Clinical Psychology. It follows the scientist-practitioner model, typically takes about five to seven years, and includes a year-long internship. Licensure requires passing the EPPP plus Vermont’s own jurisprudence exam, so confirm current requirements with the state board.
Searching for psychology doctoral programs in Vermont narrows down fast: there’s exactly one to consider on campus, the University of Vermont’s Clinical Psychology PhD in Burlington. That’s a much shorter list than you’ll find in neighboring states, but it also means less time comparing schools and more time deciding whether the PhD track fits how you want to practice. Before you look at the program itself, it helps to know how a PhD compares with a PsyD.
PhD vs. PsyD in Psychology
Both degrees lead to psychologist licensure, and both require passing the EPPP, but they get you there differently. A PhD, like the one at the University of Vermont, follows the scientist-practitioner model, with roughly equal weight on research and clinical training, and PhD students are typically funded through teaching or research assistantships rather than paying tuition out of pocket. A PsyD leans harder into clinical practice, spends less time on original research, and is more often funded through tuition rather than assistantships.
Vermont doesn’t currently have an APA-accredited PsyD program, so if the practitioner-focused track sounds like a better fit, you’ll likely need to look to neighboring states. See our full breakdown of how a PhD and a PsyD compare to help decide which one best matches your goals.
Vermont Psychology Doctoral Programs at a Glance
The program listed below is accredited by the APA Commission on Accreditation.
| School | Degree | Focus | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Vermont | PhD | Clinical Psychology | Burlington, VT |
University of Vermont
The University of Vermont’s Department of Psychological Science, housed in the College of Arts and Sciences, offers the state’s only doctoral program in psychology.
Clinical Psychology PhD
UVM’s Clinical Psychology PhD uses a mentor-based admissions model: applicants apply to work with a specific faculty research mentor rather than a general cohort, and interviews focus on how closely an applicant’s research interests match that mentor’s work. The program balances clinical training with original research under the scientist-practitioner model, and students complete a year-long clinical internship, often through partnerships with hospitals and clinics in the region. PhD students typically receive year-round funding through teaching or research assistantships, subject to departmental policies and satisfactory academic progress.
Students interested in developmental psychopathology can pursue a Clinical/Developmental track, which combines the standard Clinical PhD requirements with additional coursework and a joint match between the clinical and developmental faculty.
The program is based in Burlington, VT. Visit the program website for current application deadlines and faculty accepting students.
If Vermont’s single doctoral program isn’t the right fit, whether that’s the concentration, the funding structure, or the mentor-based admissions process, APA-accredited PhD and PsyD programs in nearby states like Massachusetts and New Hampshire are common alternatives for students who plan to return to Vermont for licensure.
Confirm a program’s APA accreditation before enrolling. Graduation from an APA-accredited doctoral program helps satisfy Vermont’s educational requirements for licensure. Still, eligibility for licensure and the EPPP is ultimately determined by the Vermont Board of Psychological Examiners.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many psychology doctoral programs are in Vermont?
One. The University of Vermont’s Clinical Psychology PhD is currently the only doctoral psychology program in the state accredited by the APA Commission on Accreditation. Most prospective doctoral students either apply there or look at programs in neighboring states.
Can I get a PsyD in Vermont?
Not on campus. Vermont doesn’t have an APA-accredited PsyD program, so students who want a practice-focused doctorate typically apply to programs in states like Massachusetts, New Hampshire, or New York, or look at APA-accredited programs elsewhere with practicum placements that can be arranged in Vermont.
What does it take to become a licensed psychologist in Vermont?
You’ll need a doctoral degree from an accredited program, supervised practice hours, and two exams: the national Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP) and Vermont’s own jurisprudence exam covering state law and board rules. The Vermont Board of Psychological Examiners, under the Office of Professional Regulation, sets the exact supervised-hour requirements and reviews every application, so confirm current numbers directly with the board before you apply. See our state-by-state guide to psychology licensure for how Vermont’s process compares.
What do psychologists earn in Vermont?
Vermont’s clinical and counseling psychologists earned a median annual salary of $83,270 as of May 2025, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Projections Central estimates 5.6% employment growth for the occupation in Vermont between 2022 and 2032, with an average of 10 job openings a year.
Compare accredited psychology programs beyond Vermont’s single doctoral option, including nearby states and online paths, to find application links and program details in one place.
2025 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary data and Projections Central 2022-2032 job growth forecasts for Psychologists (including Clinical & Counseling, Industrial-Organizational, and School Psychologists) and Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors, reflect state and national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed July 2026.