Students are admitted in the fall semester only and are required to enroll as fulltime students. Students typically complete the degree in five to six years, including a one-year fulltime clinical internship. It is possible to complete the entire program including the internship in four years and six students have done this recently.

During the first year, students take courses in research methodology, psychological assessment, and psychopathology. Research work and clinical skills training (with intellectual assessments of Cognitive Assessment Program clients) begin in the first year.

During the second year, students are involved in clinical skills training (comprehensive psychological assessments and psychotherapy) at the George Mason University Center for Psychological Services, a facility managed by the Department of Psychology, under the supervision of fulltime and adjunct clinical faculty members. Students take a two-semester sequence in community psychology that includes a community consultation project designed and implemented by each student. There is no Master's thesis requirement and students receive a Master's degree after completion of 32 credits and application for the degree. However, there is a second-year research paper requirement that is due by September 1 of the third year, which serves as part of the written doctoral comprehensive exam.

Early in the third year, students complete an oral doctoral comprehensive exam. The exam includes writing an intake report and case conceptualization after one evaluation meeting of a client at the Center for Psychological Services. Then two faculty members review a videotape of the intake session and question the student about interviewing techniques, theoretical conceptualization, perception of the relationship with the client, possible diagnoses, and knowledge of appropriate assessment techniques.

Also in the third year, most students are involved in further clinical skills training in a part-time (550 to 1000 hours) clinical externship in an off-campus psychological services facility such as a community mental health center or university counseling center. The externship typically includes additional training in psychological assessment, interventions (e.g., psychotherapy), and educational seminars. Externships are conducted at off-campus sites and are supervised by professionals at those sites. Advanced courses in core areas of psychology (e.g., biological and developmental) are also typically taken during the third year. Third year students also are working on the dissertation and completing elective coursework.

In the fourth year, students often take a second part-time externship and continue work on a dissertation and other research. The fifth year typically is the year spent on a fulltime clinical internship. A one-year internship at a site approved by the American Psychological Association is required of all students. The requirement may also be fulfilled by a two-year half-time internship.