Dr. Stappenbeck plans to accept a new PhD student to begin Fall 2022

We are excited that you are interested in applying to the Alcohol and Interpersonal Violence Research Lab as a prospective graduate student! The graduate school application process can be overwhelming and we understand how challenging it can be to find the information you need to be a successful applicant. This page includes information about our lab and the research we conduct in order to help you assess if our lab is a good fit for your goals and interests. Additionally, we have compiled resources on how to apply to Georgia State University’s graduate program in clinical psychology and on approaching the application process more broadly. 

If you have questions about the Alcohol and Interpersonal Violence Research Lab, the research we are conducting, or the application process – we encourage you to reach out to Dr. Stappenbeck or any of our current graduate students directly. Their contact information can be accessed here.

Applying to the Alcohol and Interpersonal Violence Research Lab

Who is a good fit for the Alcohol and Interpersonal Violence Research Lab?
Individuals who are interested in pursuing research related to alcohol use and its intersection with forms of interpersonal violence (e.g., sexual assault, intimate partner violence, aggression) would be a good fit for this lab.

How can I learn more about interpersonal violence and alcohol research?
You can read more about our research and current projects here.

What type of graduate student can apply to this lab?
Dr. Stappenbeck mentors PhD students in the Clinical Psychology program. This includes students in the general concentration or joint clinical-community concentration. 

How do I specify that I want to apply to work with Dr. Stappenbeck?
Prospective students who are interested in applying to this lab should list Dr. Cynthia Stappenbeck as their intended mentor on their application and statement of purpose.

Do you only accept students with a certain GPA or GRE score?
Applicants are evaluated based on their entire application package during the admissions process. The GRE is not required and  scores will not be reviewed when applying for the 2022-2023 academic year.  Additional information regarding the program’s approach to admissions decisions can be accessed here.

How to Apply to Georgia State University

Application Deadline is December 1, 2021 for the 2022-2023 academic year

Clinical Psychology PhD application requirements

How to apply to Georgia State University’s program

Frequently asked questions for students applying to a psychology PhD at GSU

GSU Clinical Psychology Program Information and Concentrations

What is a Joint Concentration?
Most students in the Clinical Psychology program pursue the general track which is also called CLG. Students with interests that extend beyond the clinical program have the option to pursue a joint concentration in either Clinical-Community (CLC) or Clinical-Neuropsychology (CLN).

Resources on How to Prepare an Application

Mitch’s Uncensored Advice for Applying to Graduate School in Clinical Psychology
This document was created by a professor in clinical psychology and provides comprehensive information about career paths in psychology, differences between types of psychology graduate programs, and describes how to apply to PhD programs in clinical psychology. 

Curriculum Vitae Example (University-Nebraska Lincoln)
A Curriculum Vitae (also called a CV) is a document that outlines your educational, professional, and other relevant experiences. CVs include specific sections and usually follow a similar format and order. The above link includes an example of a CV that is appropriate for someone applying to a PhD program in Clinical Psychology.

Clinical Psychology Graduate School Personal Statements
This document is maintained by faculty at University of Michigan and Stony Brook University. It includes multiple samples of personal statements that were used by successful applicants for admission into Clinical Psychology PhD programs.

How to Prepare for the GRE 
This article includes information on all aspects of the PhD application process, but also provides resources and tips on how to prepare for the general GRE and psychology subject GRE. While GSU is not requiring the GRE for the 2022-2023 application cycle, many Clinical Psychology PhD programs still do.