USU Clinical Psychology Ph.D - FAQs

Although not an exhaustive list, the FAQs below provide insight into life as an active duty graduate student at USU.

1) Q: How do I apply to the program?

A: Applying to the USHS program is a multi-step process. You must apply to the graduate program as well as apply for a commission in the Medical Service Corps. See How to Apply.

2) Q: Will I have to wear my uniform everyday?

A: You are required to be in uniform for any official business while at the university (e.g., attending classes, meeting with faculty, attending seminars, working in your research lab, etc.). However, there may be days that you do not have any classes or other responsibilities that require you to be at USU, in which case you would not be required to wear your uniform.

3) Q: I’ve never been in the military before. How hard will I find it to fit in?

A: If selected for the program, you will attend a five-week navy officer indoctrination course at the Officer Development School (ODS) in Newport, Rhode Island usually in the summer before you begin the first academic year. This program is designed to fully prepare healthcare providers, attorneys, hospital administrators and other professionals for service as an officer in the military. Having no previous military experience should not be a hindrance to your graduate school experience at USU.

4) Q: Will I be required to stand duty or carry out other military duties?

A: No, you will not be required to stand duty or “post” while at USU. Because you will be a full-time student, your primary duty will be your academic, research, and clinical duties. These duties will require a lot of your time and energy. You can expect to work several additional hours per day for every hour of class work. You will likely find that you need to spend weeknights and some weekends carrying out your responsibilities.

5) Q: What will my military rank be while I am in the program?

A: If you are a civilian or active duty enlisted, you will rank will be an O-1 or Ensign. If you are an officer, then you will receive partial credit for your prior service as a commissioned officer. See How to Apply for more information about how rank is calculated for prior service officers).

Unlike the medical students at USU who remain Ensigns (O-1) for their entire 4 years of medical school, you will continue to advance according to the regular promotion schedules (i.e., O-1s will be advanced to O-2 after 2 years, and then advanced to O-3 two years later, providing you meet all advancement requirements).

6.) Q: What are the physical fitness requirements for the program?

A: You must first be physically qualified for commissioning as a Medical Service Corps (MSC) officer in the Navy. All applicants will have a comprehensive medical and dental exam as part of your application package. Your Medical Programs Officer recruiter can explain more about the details of physical qualifications and the physical exam.

In addition, just like all other active duty personnel in the Navy, you will be required to conduct physical readiness tests, with associated height/weight/body fat measurements, twice each year. The test is designed to measure flexibility, muscular endurance and aerobic capacity. The Navy physical fitness test (PFT) consists of a 1.5-mile run, sit-ups (max # in 2 minutes), push-ups (max # in 2 minutes), and sit-reach (i.e., touching your toes while sitting flat on the ground). Also swimming 500m for time, running on a treadmill, or using an elliptical machine for time, are all options for the 1.5-mile run. You can earn a maximum of 100 points for each event; point levels are adjusted by gender and age. Your overall PFT score is determined by averaging your scores from the three fitness events (the sit-reach is Pass/Fail). The Navy PFT minimum standard is a total averaged score of 50 points.

7) Q: Is there a chance I could get deployed while at USU?

A: No. While a student in the USU graduate program you are in a training status and not a deployable asset to the military yet. However after you complete your internship (5th year), as a member of the military, there is a possibility of being deployed in support of medical readiness (not as a combatant; e.g., to a fleet hospital, aircraft carrier, Guantanamo Bay, etc.).

8) Q: Does the military pay for uniforms?

A: Yes and no. When you first enter active duty service you receive an initial uniform allowance of $600.00. After the initial allowance, all other uniform purchases come out-of-pocket.

9) Q: I already have a masters degree. Does USU accept transfer credits?

A: No – the USU Clinical Psychology program does not accept transfer credits. Although, already having a master’s degree may benefit you with regard to your academic studies, all matriculants must complete all the required courses in the program.

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