phd in psychological study

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Graduate Study in Psychology

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Why choose the UW psychology graduate program?

Graduate students working toward the Ph.D. in Psychology at the University of Washington are offered a flexible program, designed to prepare them for careers at the cutting edge of research and scholarship. While many students earn the M.S. in Psychology on the way to their Ph.D., we do not admit students in our Ph.D. program whose goal is a terminal Master's degree. For students interested in a Master's only degree, we have a  M.A. in Applied Child & Adolescent Psychology: Prevention & Treatment , which you can learn about by clicking here . 

Our graduate program is mentor-based. Students train under the direct guidance of one or more specific faculty members whose scholarly interests parallel their own. Prospective students are expected to identify faculty they view as potential mentors. The department is divided into seven general areas of study. Students apply to a specific area of study and not to the department as a whole. Students collaborate with their mentors and other faculty in their area of study to determine the coursework and training that best meets the student's career goals.

Psychology is a dynamic field. With its focus on the understanding of behavior of both humans and animals, our field is poised at the juncture between biological and social forces. New discoveries are constantly informing our work and changing the way we go about our business, whether in terms of theory, application, or methods. If you are curious, creative, and energetic, there is no better time for you to be pursuing advanced study in psychology. We welcome your interest.

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College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

Department of Psychological Sciences

Ph.d. in psychological sciences.

UConn offers a Ph.D. in Psychological Sciences with eight areas of concentration, open to full-time students at the Storrs campus.

Our Ph.D. students benefit from advanced study with world-class faculty. They also gain hands-on training through teaching, research, clinical, and outreach experiences. Alumni pursue exciting careers in academia, research, government, health care, industry, and beyond.

The University of Connecticut is consistently ranked as one of the nation’s top 25 public institutions by U.S. News & World Report. The Department of Psychological Sciences is one of the most active and collaborative scholarly communities at UConn. It is among the top seven psychology departments for total research and development spending among all institutions, public and private, according to the National Science Foundation.

Full Ph.D. program requirements

Concentrations

Ph.D. students can choose a concentration in one of eight specializations that align with the Department’s research strengths.

Behavioral Neuroscience and Neuroscience

Our concentrations in behavioral neuroscience and neuroscience offer a wide variety of approaches and methods for studying the relationship between the nervous system and behavior. Behavioral neuroscience emphasizes electrophysiological, genetic, pharmacological, and neurochemical analyses of sensory, motor, motivational, and cognitive processes organized by the forebrain, along with animal models of neuropsychiatric disorders.

Clinical Psychology

Clinical psychology trains students to conduct empirical research on the causes, assessment, and treatment of mental health conditions and to deliver evidence-based services that promote wellbeing across the lifespan.

Developmental Psychology

Developmental psychology takes an integrative approach to the study of development from infancy to early adulthood. It investigates growth and transformation across multiple domains (cognitive, language, social, emotional), embraces a variety of theoretical perspectives, utilizes a wide range of methodologies, and crosses multiple levels of analysis.

Ecological Psychology

Ecological psychology emphasizes the interactions between organisms and their environments, self-organization, and non-linear dynamics in the context of natural-law explanations of biological behavior.

Industrial and Organizational Psychology

Industrial and organizational psychology emphasizes the research and application of psychological methods and principles to understand human behavior in work settings, with a particular focus on occupational health psychology.

Language and Cognition

Language and cognition studies how humans represent and communicate both the external world and our internal states. Methods include behavioral experiments, neuroimaging, and computational modeling.

Social Psychology

Social psychology emphasizes important social issues—like health, prejudice, and discrimination—using multiple theoretical perspectives, methods, and levels of analysis, including individual, dyad, group, intergroup, culture, network, society, international, and ecology.

For more information about admissions or the application process for the Ph.D. in psychological sciences, please contact [email protected] or reach out to the director of each concentration.

What is it like to be a student in the UConn psychological sciences Ph.D. program? View testimonials from our current graduate students!

Program Sequence

The following sections outline Department and Graduate School requirements for completing the MS and Ph.D. in psychological sciences. These sections suggest the sequence in which graduate students should complete the milestones toward their degrees. For more information, please reference the Policies and Rules for Graduate Study in Psychological Sciences.

If you have an external master’s degree, please consult with your advisors and the director of your concentration before proceeding with these guidelines.

Master’s

Step 1: establish advisory committee.

Your MS advisory committee should include at least three members: your major advisor, an associate advisor who represents your area of concentration, and another associate advisor outside of your concentration.

If you change your major advisor , please fill out the Change in Major Advisor form. If you change your associate advisor , please fill out the Request for Change in the Plan of Study form. You must submit both forms to the Registrar's Office and the Psych Graduate Program Coordinator.

Note: One of your associate advisors can be from another concentration in the Department or, with proper qualifications, they can be from another department in the University or from outside the University. A written request to have the external associate advisor appointed to the committee must be submitted by the major advisor to the Associate Head for Graduate Studies, and the Graduate School. The request must be accompanied by the CV of the external advisor.

Step 2: Submit Plan of Study

Submit the MS Plan of Study , signed by all members of your MS advisory committee, to the Registrar's office and the Psych Graduate Program Coordinator by the end of the fourth week of your final semester before completing the MS degree. The Plan of Study lists 30 credits, including 9 credits of GRAD 5950 (recommended to enroll in 3 credits for semesters 1-3) and 21 credits of coursework.

If you make changes to your Plan of Study after you submit it to the Registrar’s Office, you must fill out a Request for Changes in Plan of Study form and submit it to the Registrar's Office.

Note: Please contact the director of your concentration for guidelines on the specific courses you need to take. Once you complete 9 credits of required GRAD 5950, you may start to enroll in GRAD 6950.

Step 3: Apply for Graduation

Students who are candidates for graduation must apply to graduate through the Student Administration System .

You should apply to graduate by the fourth week of your final semester for each degree you are completing (or the spring semester for summer graduates). You can apply to graduate once registration for your last semester opens up. The Degree Audit section of the Office of the Registrar will then determine whether all degree requirements will be satisfied by the end of your final semester. For more information about using the system to apply for graduation, see Apply for Graduation .

Note: Applying to graduate also grants you the ability to participate in the spring commencement ceremonies.

Step 4: Prepare for Oral Defense

• Meet with your advisory committee to establish the details for your defense and schedule a room in Bousfield Building .
• Email the Psych Graduate Program Coordinator two weeks in advance of your oral defense with the date, time, location, room number, advisor name, and a working copy of your thesis.

Step 5: Submitting Final Thesis and Final Paperwork

Final thesis.

Before you submit your thesis to the Registrar's Office, make sure your thesis is appropriately formatted. Find more information about format specifications on the Registrar's website .

• Submit your thesis via Submittable  following the instructions in this Submittable help file , and submit your Degree Audit Signature Approval form to the Office of the Registrar.
• Your submission will be reviewed by the Office of the Registrar administrator for format compliance, and you will receive notification if you need to make any revisions.
• Accepted theses may be posted immediately unless the submitting author requests otherwise. No revisions are permitted once accepted by the Office of the Registrar.
• We recommend that you use your full legal name on the title page and on the approval page.
• You are no longer required to submit a printed copy of your thesis.

Final Paperwork

• Submit your Degree Audit Signature Approval form to the Office of the Registrar (this webform accounts for both the final exam and overall approval of the thesis).
• Submit final thesis and approval form by the published deadline (no later than two weeks before the end of the semester for the degree you are completing) on the Academic Calendar .
• You should also review your Plan of Study to make sure the courses you list correspond to your transcript. If they do not, you will be required to submit a Request for Changes in Plan of Study form to the Office of the Registrar.
• After you defend your Master's, please inform the Department's administrative manager so that they can approve your pay increase.

During Degree Program

Your Ph.D. advisory committee can be the same as your MS committee, but it does not have to be. It should include at least three members: your major advisor, an associate advisor who represents your area of concentration, and another associate advisor outside your concentration.

Note: One of the associate advisors can be from another concentration in the Department or, with proper qualifications, they can be from another department in the University or from outside the University. A written request to have the external associate advisor appointed to the committee must be submitted by the major advisor to the Associate Head for Graduate Studies, and the Graduate School. The request must be accompanied by the CV of the external advisor.

The Registrar's Office requires that students submit a Ph.D. Plan of Study , signed by all members of your Ph.D. advisory committee, no later than the completion of 18 credits. Students should also submit a copy to the Psych Graduate Program Coordinator. The Plan of Study lists 30 credits which include a minimum of 15 credits of GRAD 6950 (recommended to enroll in 3 credits for semesters 4-8) and a minimum of 15 credits of coursework, including related area courses and breadth courses.

Before you submit the Plan of Study to the Registrar's Office, you must:

• Gather approvals from all members of your advisory committee.
• Submit your Plan of Study to the Associate Head of Graduate Studies for approval, along with the Departmental Requirements Form for the Ph.D. Plan of Study , including breadth courses, instructor names, and any waivers for STAT or breadth courses.

Note: Please contact the director of your concentration for guidelines on the specific courses that you need to take. You cannot include courses that are listed on your master's Plan of Study in your Ph.D. Plan of Study.

Step 3: General Exam

Note: This is an approximate time of when you should take the general exam. Some students will take it while completing their master's degree. Check with your advisor or the director of your concentration about when you should complete the general exam.

Once you complete the general exam, submit the Report on the General Examination for the Doctoral Degree form to the Registrar's Office and copy the Psych Graduate Program Coordinator.

Step 4: Dissertation Propsoal

Students must hold a dissertation proposal meeting and collect approvals from their reviewers, the members of their advisory committee, and the director of their concentration.

After you have completed these steps, submit the following information to the Associate Head for Graduate Studies for final departmental approval:

• Dissertation Proposal for the Doctoral Degree form
• Report of Meeting to Approve a Proposed Dissertation form
• A copy of the proposal document and IRB approval

After receiving final approval from the Associate Head for Graduate Studies, please submit the original form to the Registrar's Office and submit a copy to the Psych Graduate Program Coordinator.

Final Semester

Step 5: Apply for Graduation

Students who are candidates for graduation must apply to graduate through the Student Administration System . Apply to graduate by the fourth week of your final semester for each degree you are completing (or the spring semester for summer graduates). You can apply to graduate once registration for your last semester opens up. The Degree Audit section of the Office of the Registrar will then determine whether all degree requirements will be satisfied by the end of your final semester. Learn more about how to apply for graduation.

Note: Applying for graduation grants you the ability to participate in the spring commencement ceremonies.

What’s my completion date?

The completion date signifies the point at which a student has been separated from active status at the University. For spring and fall semester graduates, the University conferral date will also represent the completion date, provided all degree requirements are completed by necessary deadlines. Graduates finishing during the summer will have a completion date determined by the submission of their final approved paperwork and/or completion of their enrollment. As students are no longer eligible to work as graduate assistants after their completion date, students should coordinate the end date of any summer employment with the submission of their final paperwork.

For students completing prior to the end of the fall or spring semester an alternate completion date can be requested upon submission of all final paperwork and completion of your academic engagement. Students should typically only request an alternate completion date if enrolled solely in research credits or independent study credits for the semester. Please note, if enrolled in a class that will not have completed and had a grade posted prior to the requested completion date, then an alternate completion date may not be possible. An Alternate Completion Date Request form must be submitted to the Graduate School for approval for international students or those with Graduate Assistantships.

Final paperwork approved and submitted past the posted deadline, but prior to 10th day of the fall or spring semester, requires no additional enrollment by a student. Students who choose to self-enroll but submit final documents for graduation prior to the 10th day are still responsible for any tuition/fees incurred. Submission after the 10th day of fall or spring semester will require enrollment for that semester.

Step 6: Preparing for Oral Defense

When applicable, talk with your advisory committee about scheduling your final exam/oral defense for your Ph.D. dissertation. Once you decide on the details, book a room for your defense and announce your oral defense in the University Events Calendar at least two weeks before the date of your defense. Please cross-list the event in the Psychology Department calendar.

Once you submit the event, email the Psych Graduate Program Coordinator two weeks before your oral defense with the date, time, location, room number, advisor name, title of dissertation, and working copy of dissertation.

One week prior to your defense , complete and submit the Departmental Dissertation Defense form to the Psych Graduate Program Coordinator only. This form indicates your dissertation examiners and solidifies that all members involved will be present at the Ph.D. defense.

Note: The proposal reviewers must be two faculty members outside of your advisory committee. The Department requires at least one reviewer to be a member of the UConn graduate faculty; the Graduate School encourages the use of at least one reviewer from outside the University. Individual concentration programs may have policies in addition to those listed here; please check with your advisor or the director of your concentration for details of the proposal procedures in your program.

Step 7: Submitting the Final Dissertation and Final Paperwork

Final dissertation.

Before you submit your dissertation to the Registrar's Office, check that you have requested all requirements for formatting. Find detailed information regarding format guidelines on Registrar’s website.

After you successfully complete your defense, your committee may require further revisions of your dissertation. Once you have completed all necessary revisions and have final approval, you are ready to prepare the final copy of your dissertation for submission.

• Submit one electronic copy of your dissertation to Submittable . Follow the instructions found in the Submittable help file . Effective May 9, 2016, a printed copy of the dissertation is no longer required to be submitted.
• To ensure efficient degree auditing of student records at graduation time, please be sure you have already submitted a Doctoral Plan of Study, a Report on the General Examination for the Doctoral Degree, and a Dissertation Proposal for the Doctoral Degree to the Office of the Registrar. Review your transcript and make sure grades are posted for all courses listed on your Plan of Study, including dissertation research credits. Any discrepancies may cause delays in graduation.
• Your electronically submitted dissertation will be reviewed by the Office of the Registrar administrator for format compliance, and you will receive notification if any revisions need to be made. Once the dissertation is approved by the Office of the Registrar administrator, your dissertation will be posted to Submittable and will be publicly viewable on the web according to the embargo period you selected. You will receive a notification via email of the posting. You will not be able to make changes or revisions to your dissertation submission after it has been approved and published in the Doctoral Dissertation Collection of UConn’s Submittable.

Note: If you are a student in the clinical psychology concentration and have defended prior to your internship, do not submit your approval form or your final dissertation until the year you will be conferring your degree.

You must also submit the required paperwork below by the published deadline on the Academic Calendar :

• All candidates: Survey of Earned Doctorates Completion Certificate
• Students who defended a dissertation : Degree Audit Signature Approval form (this webform accounts for both the final exam and overall approval of the thesis). The approval page will be routed to the Registrar's office when the final committee approval is submitted.

See the Office of the Registrar's web page on Doctoral Degree Programs for more information about degree requirements and graduation information.

How to Choose Between a Psy.D. and Ph.D.

Psychology.org Staff

Contributing Writer

Learn about our editorial process .

Updated August 15, 2024 · 3 Min Read

Psychology.org is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.

Are you ready to discover your college program?

There are two types of doctoral degrees in psychology: a Psy.D. and a Ph.D. Both prepare students for careers in psychology , but their goals and purposes differ.

A Psy.D. degree prepares students for careers as clinical psychologists while a Ph.D. trains students in research and teaching. The Psy.D. embraces the practitioner-scholar model and applies psychological science to individuals and groups while the Ph.D. emphasizes analytical research in the field. Psy.D. students work as clinical psychologists either in private practice or other fields, while Ph.D. graduates often work in academia or as full-time researchers, some also work as clinical psychology professionals.

What's the Difference Between a Psy.D. and a Ph.D. in Psychology?

Both a Psy.D. and a Ph.D. in psychology train students for careers in psychology, but they lead to different professions. A Psy.D. prepares learners to work with patients and clients in a professional setting. A Ph.D. prepares graduates to conduct research and provide some psychological services.

Featured Online Psychology Programs

Figuring out where to apply? These top, accredited schools offer a variety of online degrees. Consider one of these accredited programs, and discover their value today.

Employment Differences Between a Psy.D. and Ph.D. in Psychology

Students who pursue a Psy.D. often become clinical psychologists. As specified below, students who earn a Ph.D. in psychology can obtain different careers.

With a Psy.D., students can pursue careers as a clinical psychologist in private practice; they may also work as a forensic and school psychologist. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), in the next decade, employment for psychologists will grow by 14% . A Psy.D. degree also prepares learners to work as social workers, a profession that will see an estimated 16% increase over the next several years.

Ph.D. programs build skills applicable to careers in clinical psychology, but they also train students to work as marriage and family counselors, addictions counselors, and industrial organizational psychologists , those who study human behavior to assess efficiency in the workplace. Further, Ph.D. programs hone the analytical and critical thinking skills candidates need to work as psychological researchers and teachers. Researchers may work in government positions or within private organizations and companies. Postsecondary teachers, according to the BLS, will experience a 15% job growth rate in the coming years.

Education Differences Between Psy.D. and Ph.D. Programs

This section highlights educational differences of the Psy.D. and Ph.D. in psychology. In sum, Psy.D. classes focus on human behavior and theories, practice, and foundations of clinical psychological practice. Ph.D. coursework combines the fundamentals of psychology, statistics, and applied research.

Curriculum Differences

A Psy.D. program explores aspects of psychology and human behavior as they relate to individuals and groups. Candidates learn to evaluate and assess the psychological needs of others and study human development and emotion across the lifespan. Psy.D. programs also include coursework in professional and ethical standards of clinical psychological practice.

Psy.D. Courses

• Advanced Psychotherapy: Coursework in advanced psychotherapy explores the major categories of mental health disorders and trains students to apply diagnostic categories and systems.
• Lifespan Development: A lifespan development class provides an overview of human functions from birth to death. Students study intelligence, social relationships, motor functions, personal identity, and related matters at various life stages.
• Psychological Measurements: Classes in psychological measurements introduce students to fundamentals of psychological testing and assessment. Students learn how to administer and assess tests appropriately.
• Personality Assessment: Coursework in personality assessment trains students to identify objective personality measures in patients and clients. Psy.D. candidates learn to administer, score, and interpret results, as well as prepare clinical reports.
• Ethics for Psychologists: This class emphasizes the American Psychological Association's code of conduct as well as state and federal regulations of the profession. Students gain insights into licensure requirements and learn how to work as efficient, ethical clinical psychologists.

Ph.D. in Psychology Courses

• Quantitative Research Methods: Coursework in quantitative research methods gives students foundational knowledge of statistical psychological theory and applications. Students learn mathematical modeling and data analysis as they relate to psychology.
• Qualitative Research Methods: This course teaches students methods for conducting empirical research by developing research questions used in focus groups, individual surveys, and observation.
• Psychology of Personality: A course in the psychology of personality includes information on theories of personality formation and development. Students learn methods to understand personality and how it relates to individual, group, and organizational processes.
• Psychological Tests and Measures: This course trains Ph.D. candidates in theories and methods of psychological assessments. It also prepares them to evaluate, administer, and score tests and measures properly.
• Multicultural Psychology: Multicultural psychology instructs students to recognize that social, economic, and cultural factors relate to human personality, behavior, and cognitive function. Coursework emphasizes research and clinical practice through a multicultural perspective.

Admission Differences

Admission to Psy.D. and Ph.D. programs includes similar requirements. Prospective students submit documentation from previous college coursework, along with any work experience and letters of recommendation. Both degrees also often include written and oral components to admission processes. Finally, learners may take into account a school's GPA and/or GRE requirements when deciding which program best meets their needs.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

When researching a Psy.D. or a Ph.D. program in psychology , students should take into consideration accreditation status, length of program, admission requirements, and available concentrations. A comprehensive look at doctor of psychology or a doctor of philosophy in psychology degrees will help clarify the programs' key similarities and differences.

Explore More About Psychology

Choosing the right psychology program also means looking into career opportunities available. Undergraduate and graduate degrees in psychology offer students an array of professional options, with doctoral programs usually resulting in increased earning potential. Looking into everything psychology has to offer will guide students to the right program as they work toward an exciting career in the field.

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Doctoral Admissions

We are glad that you are considering our program for your doctoral training. We have a group of faculty, students, and staff dedicated to performing rigorous and meaningful research, and are always looking to add engaged new students to our community.

The Department of Psychology offers a course of study leading to a PhD in Psychology. Doctoral study typically spans five years and includes a common curriculum of eight courses with other requirements set by the student's area of specialization. In addition, each student will complete a trial research project under the guidance of a faculty advisor or advisors and complete a dissertation. Advisors are a critical component of students' experience in the doctoral program, providing guidance and collaboration in conducting research and academic advising. Students receive practical pedagogical experience, usually through completing five teaching assistantships. 

As you make a decision about where to attend graduate school, we encourage you to explore the five research area specializations and the research programs of the individual faculty in our department. The PhD program in Psychology is not a clinical or counseling training program, and the program does not offer online or part-time study. Enrolled students in the Division of Social Sciences receive a financial package that includes tuition, the graduate student fee, student health insurance, as well as a stipend for living expenses.

The Department of Psychology does not have a terminal Master’s degree program. However, the Division of the Social Sciences offers two Master’s degrees that may be of interest to prospective psychology students. The Master of Arts Program in the Social Sciences (MAPSS) allows for a concentration in psychology. The MA in Computational Social Science provides the ability to tailor your coursework to your academic or professional interest.

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How Long Does It Take to Get a PhD in Psychology?

Ariel Skelley/Getty Images 

• How Long Will It Take?

Before You Earn PhD in Psychology

Which type of degree should you get, can you finish your degree early.

Just how long does it take to get a PhD in psychology? The answer can vary depending on your program, educational background, and academic schedule. In general, most PhD psychology programs take anywhere from five to seven years to complete.

Learning more about what it takes to get a doctorate in psychology can help you better plan your educational and career journey.

At a Glance

Getting a PhD in psychology can take several years of graduate study. If you are thinking about becoming a psychologist, research your degree options to figure out what type of degree you need and how long it will take to enter your chosen profession. No matter what you decide, plan to spend anywhere from three to seven years in graduate school to earn a doctorate.

How Long Will It Take to Get a Doctorate Degree?

How long it takes to get a doctorate in psychology depends on various factors, including the type of degree you have selected, your educational background, and the individual doctorate program in which you have enrolled.

Most doctorate programs in psychology take between four to seven years to complete.

PhD in Psychology

Most PhD programs require at least five to seven years to complete. These programs often follow a scientist-practitioner model that trains professionals both in research and clinical practice.

In addition to regular coursework, you may also be expected to complete an internship or supervised residency. The program usually culminates in completing an original research project or dissertation.

PsyD Degree

Most PsyD programs require between four to six years to complete. A PsyD is a degree designed to train professionals to apply psychological knowledge to treating and helping people in real-world settings.

According to the American Psychological Association, PsyD programs focus more on applying psychological science, usually in the form of service.  

Most EdD programs require between three to five years to complete. EdD programs are often focused on psychology, counseling, or counselor education. They explore topics that involve both education and psychology.

It is important to note that many applicants to EdD programs already hold a master's degree in a related field. This differs from applicants to PhD and PsyD programs, who often begin their program of study with a bachelor's degree.

Before you begin your academic journey, it is a good idea to look at just how long it will take you to complete your degree. The amount of time it will take can depend upon various factors, including:

• Your chosen specialty area
• The program you select
• The course load you can take each semester

A doctorate-level degree in psychology is required to work in many job areas, including as a licensed clinical psychologist or counseling psychologist. According to the American Psychological Association, a doctorate degree is also often required in fields such as school psychology or health psychology .

So how long does it take to get a PhD in Psychology ? First, it is essential to realize that the degree requirements can vary depending on the field that you decide to pursue. A PhD, or Doctor of Philosophy degree is not necessarily your only option. In some cases, you might want also to consider the PsyD (Doctor of Psychology) or the EdD (Doctor of Education) degree options.

The PhD, PsyD, and EdD are all great options, but don't let how long it takes to complete be the primary deciding factor. Before you decide to get a doctorate degree, start by deciding which type of degree is most suited to your professional goals.

If you want to conduct research:

A PhD in Psychology tends to focus on a research-based model of education. People with a PhD in Psychology are qualified for a wide range of teaching, research, and clinical positions in colleges, universities, hospitals, government offices, and private mental health practices.

If you want to treat mental health issues:

The PsyD degree option generally focuses on a practitioner-based model of education. Individuals with a PsyD degree can also teach or conduct psychology research, but they frequently work in applied settings to provide direct mental health services.

If you want to apply psychology to help students:

Finally, there is also a third doctorate option that you might also want to consider depending on your career goals. If you are interested in working as a school psychologist or in a related educational field, the EdD, or Doctor of Education, is a possible option.

Despite the years of work, earning your PhD, PsyD, or EdD can be well worth the effort. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics suggests that workers with a doctoral or education specialist degree in clinical, counseling, and school psychology will find the strongest job opportunities.

Generally, if you have a strong background in psychology and have completed all of the necessary prerequisites, you can finish your doctorate sooner than students who have not taken the prerequisite courses.

Carefully planning your degree can also help ensure you complete the program requirements quickly.

Be sure you have a clear idea of what you want to do with your psychology degree once you've completed it. Do you want to teach, or is research more appealing to you? Are you interested in seeing clients, or are you planning to combine your training in psychology with another field, such as law or medicine?

If you need help deciding, make an important with an academic advisor at your school. They can help you explore your options and answer any questions you may have.

What This Means For You

No matter the degree you decide to pursue, earning a doctorate in psychology requires a significant investment of time, money, and effort. Because of this, it is essential to carefully consider your goals before deciding on a graduate program. You should also think about whether you need a doctorate or if a master's might be more appropriate.

Gee DG, DeYoung KA, McLaughlin KA, et al. Training the next generation of clinical psychological scientists: A data-driven call to action .  Annu Rev Clin Psychol . 2022;18:43-70. doi:10.1146/annurev-clinpsy-081219-092500

Loyola University. Can I get my Psy.D. without a Master's in Psychology?

American Psychological Association. Doctoral degrees in psychology: How are they different, or not so different ?

Franklin University. Is getting a Doctorate in Education worth it?

American Psychological Association. Frequently asked questions about graduate school .

Bureau of Labor Statistics. Psychologists . Occupational Outlook Handbook .

Carr, A. Clinical Psychology: An Introduction . London: Routledge; 2012.

Kuther, TL. The Psychology Major's Handbook . Boston, MA: Cengage Learning; 2016.

By Kendra Cherry, MSEd Kendra Cherry, MS, is a psychosocial rehabilitation specialist, psychology educator, and author of the "Everything Psychology Book."

Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences

Graduate admissions.

• Financial Support
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• PhD Requirements
• Training Programs and Grants
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The graduate program in Psychological and Brain Sciences at Johns Hopkins University offers students the opportunity to earn a PhD while working at the cutting edge of research on the mind and brain. The primary goal of the program is the training of researchers who, through careers in academia, industry, and other arenas work to deepen our understanding of mental processes.

The PhD program in Psychological and Brain Sciences is not a clinical training or a counseling program; rather, our faculty and trainees work to understand fundamental processes involved in perception, memory, decision-making, learning, reasoning, and related abilities. In our five-year, full-time program, graduate students also fulfill the requirements for and earn an MA. We do not admit students into a terminal Master’s program, and our program is not available for online study.

All PhD students in good academic standing and making satisfactory progress can expect to be supported for five years.  As part of their graduate training, all PhD students typically complete four semesters of Teaching Assistantship.

Who Can Apply

We seek students who have demonstrated a commitment to psychological science. Most successful applicants have completed undergraduate degrees in Psychology, Cognitive Science, Philosophy, Biology, Behavioral Neuroscience, or Neuroscience, but other related majors can also provide the needed background.

We strongly encourage candidates from traditionally marginalized or underrepresented groups to apply.

When to Apply

Admitted students will matriculate in the Fall semester. The application deadline is December 1st of the year prior to starting the program (note that some special funding programs may have earlier deadlines).

All components of the PhD application, including VTSI supplemental components, must be completed by December 1, 2024 . All supplementary application material including letters of recommendation also must be received by December 1.

How to Apply

Our department requires the following application materials, with detailed information on each component available at Johns Hopkins University Graduate Admissions and Enrollment Office :

• Unofficial Transcripts*
• Statement of Purpose
• Writing Sample
• Personal Statement
• 3 Letters of Recommendation
• TOEFL/IELTS (international applicants only)
• Professional Credential Evaluation (recommended for international applicants only)**
• GRE General Test   For Fall 2025 admissions, the GRE test will be optional & not required for the appli cation.

*Successful applicants who accept the offer of admission must supply an official transcript to the graduate admissions office before they can begin the PhD program at Johns Hopkins University. For students in the final year of their bachelor’s program, the official transcript must show completion of all coursework required for the degree.

**View additional information on applying to our graduate program as an international student . Note that the Psychological & Brain Sciences Department strongly recommends (but does not require) international students to submit a professional credential evaluation.

How Applications Are Considered

Various abilities and skills contribute to success in graduate school. Evidence of these skills may include:

• “objective” indicators, such as GRE scores and undergraduate GPA
• subjective information, such as a statement of purpose, a description of your background and experience
• 3 letters of recommendation that provide a personal assessment of your potential for graduate work by faculty mentors and advisors who know you well
• the ability to express ideas clearly, a curious and creative intellect, and mathematical and computational ability
• often, but not always: prior research experience

It is this wide scope of admissions considerations that helps build a community within Psychological and Brain Sciences that values intellectual and personal diversity. As a result of this comprehensive approach to the admissions process, guidelines like such as GRE scores or GPA (i.e., cut-offs) are not available.

Only faculty listed as Primary Faculty consider students for admission.

Candidates for admission may be invited to visit the department so we can meet one another and discuss our mutual interests and goals.

This page has been archived and is no longer being updated regularly.

Doctoral degrees in psychology: How are they different, or not so different?

• Schools and Classrooms

Doctoral degrees in psychology offer individuals preparation to conduct scientific research, professional practice or both. Most individuals receive either the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) or the Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) degree. Although each of these degrees is designed to engage students in deep knowledge and skills within a subfield of psychology, there are substantial differences in the type of training and career plans of individuals with these degrees. Finding the best-fitting program for an individual student begins with understanding these differences.

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

The PhD is the most common degree conferred in psychology and is generally offered at either private or public research universities. 1  PhD degrees are intended for students interested in generating new knowledge through scientific research (i.e., setting up experiments, collecting data, applying statistical and analytical techniques) and/or gaining teaching experience . PhD graduate students receive substantial training in research methods and statistics in order to independently produce new scientific knowledge and are often required to produce a dissertation to demonstrate research competency. Students enrolling in PhD programs may also be interested in pursuing professional careers in applied work — such as health services, counseling in school settings and consulting in businesses and organizations in addition to research and academic work.

Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)

The PsyD degree came into existence in the 1970s as an alternative to the PhD for those more interested in providing psychological services than conducting disciplinary research. The PsyD degree is generally offered in professional schools of psychology — either affiliated with research or teaching universities or housed in a free-standing graduate school. 2  The focus of PsyD programs is to train students to engage in careers that apply scientific knowledge of psychology and deliver empirically based service to individuals, groups and organizations. Most programs require students to write a thesis or dissertation, and students may use quantitative or qualitative methodologies to demonstrate how psychological research is applied to human behavior.

Both PsyD and PhD programs can prepare students to be licensed psychologists, and training in these types of programs prepares graduates to take state licensing exams (licenses are awarded by individual states, not graduate programs). 3  Many states require graduates to have attended accredited graduate programs to ensure that all students have minimum training and competency necessary for treating patients and serving clients. APA accredits doctoral programs in clinical, counseling and school psychology, and you can find a list of these programs on the APA Office of Program Consultation and Accreditation website.

When you’re gathering information about particular programs, it is important you understand what training and education the program provides so you are aware of what skills and abilities you will acquire and how those prepare you for a career after you get your doctorate. There is no “best” doctoral degree in psychology: There are, however, “best-fits” for your academic and professional goals. Please visit the Office of Graduate and Postgraduate Education and Training website for more resources on graduate study in psychology. The APA Office of Program Consultation also provides further details on the distinctions between PhD and PsyD degrees in its Standards of Accreditation for Health Service Psychology (PDF, 222KB).

1  According to the most recent Graduate Study in Psychology data from 2013-2014, 94 percent of participating PhD programs were housed in university colleges of arts and sciences or education. Participating PhD programs housed within nonspecified or indeterminate institutional locations were excluded from analysis.

2  According to the most recent Graduate Study in Psychology data from 2013-2014, 72 percent of participating PsyD programs were housed within professional schools of psychology (university-based or free-standing) or in medical/health science institutions. Participating PsyD programs housed within non-specified or indeterminate institutional locations were excluded from analysis.

3  The Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards offers comprehensive resources pertaining to psychology licensure regulations and examination requirements.

About the Authors

Fowler leads the Education Directorate’s efforts to develop resources, guidelines and policies that promote and enhance disciplinary education and training in psychology at the graduate and postdoctoral levels. Throughout his career, Fowler has been active in education, training and career development for young scientists. He served on the National Postdoctoral Association’s board of directors from 2009-12 and is a member of its finance committee. He has been an invited speaker or keynote presenter at more than 100 career development events and has served as a panelist for two National Academies of Science Committees, the State of the Postdoctoral Experience and the Committee on Research Universities. From 2005-07, he was the director of the science careers outreach program at the American Association for the Advancement of Science, where he developed workshops, presentations and seminars and wrote articles to help early career scientists promote and pursue their chosen career paths. He has served as a consultant for universities and research institutions on developing training grants for graduate students and postdoctoral scholars and developing learning outcomes and assessing career outcomes.

Applying to graduate school in psychology 

APA video series on getting into grad school 

Find your psychology graduate program

Additional resources for undergraduate students

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Psychology PhD

Focus your studies in the field of psychology and advance your research expertise with a Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology in the College of Liberal Arts at Temple University. The Psychology and Neuroscience Department's doctoral program offers the resources and unique, hands-on experience required to develop your skills and position yourself for professional research opportunities. 

As a doctoral student in psychology, you’re tasked with delving into the complexities of the human mind through research opportunities, cross-disciplinary coursework and clinical work. Temple’s Psychology students are not only preparing for their professional endeavors—they’re advancing the field of psychology. As one of only 131 universities in the United States to be classified as an R1 research institution, Temple is proud to offer not only innovative, applicable coursework, but a breadth of interdisciplinary research possibilities.

The Psychology PhD program offers the following four areas of study in which students can specialize.

• Clinical psychology
• Cognition and neuroscience
• Developmental psychology
• Social psychology

We also have optional training emphases in human neuroimaging and behavioral neuroscience. A concentration in Quantitative Methods is also available for students who wish to receive intensive training in contemporary statistical methods.

Doctoral students interested in neuroscience may also complete a neuroscience specialization via the Neuroscience program in the College of Liberal Arts.

Many PhD students go on to postdoctoral research or faculty positions at well-known institutions, where they carry out research in diverse areas from behavioral neuroscience to clinical science. Learn more about the career opportunities available to Psychology PhD graduates .

Research Opportunities

Our program combines graduate coursework with intensive research experience , working closely with faculty, other students, postdoctoral researchers and full-time research staff. Much of the research in our department is collaborative, often involving the sharing of expertise across different laboratories. Many projects also involve collaborations with researchers at other universities in the U.S. and other countries.  

Program Format & Curriculum

The doctoral program requires full-time study. The particular course and internship requirements depend on the area of specialization. 

The general program course requirements are as follows.

• Clinical Psychology
• Cognition and Neuroscience
• Developmental Psychology
• Social Psychology

Further course and internship requirements depend on the area of specialization. Learn more about the requirements for completing your PhD in Psychology .

Related Graduate Degrees

• Applied Sociology PSM
• Neuroscience: Systems, Behavior and Plasticity MS
• Psychological Research MS
• Sociology MA
• Sociology PhD

Tuition & Fees

In keeping with Temple’s commitment to access and affordability, this Doctor of Philosophy offers a competitive level of tuition with multiple opportunities for financial support.

Tuition rates are set annually by the university and are affected by multiple factors, including program degree level (undergraduate or graduate), course load (full- or part-time), in-state or out-of-state residency, and more. These tuition costs apply to the 2024–2025 academic year.

Pennsylvania resident : $1,105.00 per credit Out-of-state : $1,518.00 per credit

You can view the full Cost of Attendance breakdown on the Student Financial Services website .

For questions regarding the Psychology PhD, contact the following staff member. 

Lisa Briand is the director of graduate studies in the Department of Psychology and Neuroscience. Phone: 215-204-7311 Email: [email protected]

The following staff members lead the Department of Psychology and Neuroscience.

Peter Marshall is chair of the Department of Psychology and Neuroscience. Phone : 215-204-7360 Email : [email protected]

Peter James is the associate chair of the Department of Psychology and Neuroscience. Phone : 215-204-3409  Email : [email protected]

Vanessa Allen-Smith is the graduate coordinator for the Department of Psychology and Neuroscience. Phone : 215-204-7667 Email : [email protected]

Supplement your Psychology PhD coursework and enhance your graduate education experience through student clubs and organizations. You’ll meet and network with other students, become involved with the community, and build invaluable skills to help you realize your personal and professional goals. 

Psychology graduate students are encouraged to become involved with the Psychology Graduate Students for Inclusivity —a graduate student group aimed at promoting diversity and inclusivity in the Psychology and Neuroscience Department, in research and in clinical work.

Learn more about the Psychology Graduate Students for Inclusivity student organization .

The Clinical Psychology specialization is accredited by the American Psychological Association , as well as the  Psychological Clinical Science Accreditation System .

Temple University’s departments and programs are accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education .

Additional Program Information

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M.A. Graduate Program in Psychological Sciences and Human Development

These pages are under construction..

The Human Development graduate program trains researchers and prepares students for research and teaching careers in academic life, work in government agencies, and careers as researchers on projects carried out in a variety of public and private sectors. Please note that we do not offer training in counseling psychology, marriage counseling, or family therapy.

For more information on the department view the  Field of Study Guide - Human Development . Also, explore the history of our M.A. and Ph.D. theses through the  Cornell University Theses/Dissertations guide . The Faculty listing found in the Field of Study Guide for Human Development, paired with this more extensive information on Human Development Research will serve to clarify our faculty research strengths.

Apply  for graduate study in Human Development at the Cornell University Graduate School. 

M.A. Program

Human Development M.A. Quick Guide: download PDF file

We no longer offer admissions for the spring semesters

The M.A. in Human Development, majoring in either Human Development & Family Studies or in Developmental Psychology, is a one-year program. The goal of the one-year master’s program is to provide an opportunity for qualified students to gain additional research experience and increase credentials for application to a Ph.D. or other advanced degree program where knowledge of Human Development may be helpful.

Student progress is supervised by a Special Committee comprised of two Human Development graduate field faculty members. Because this is a two-semester program, students are accepted only when there are two faculty members available to mentor them. To see if there are faculty members whose research interests are compatible, students should review our  faculty research interests , and then, please do contact those faculty directly before applying.

• REQUIRED: Academic Statement of Purpose ( ASOP )
• REQUIRED: Two letters of recommendation
• REQUIRED: Personal Statement
• REQUIRED: All minimum graduate school requirements
• OPTIONAL: GRE General Test scores

Applications for fall of 2024 (no longer offering spring admissions) Open: October 2023 Close: February 1, 2024

• Contact the  Human Development Graduate Field Assistant with your questions or if you miss a deadline.
• Apply  via the current Cornell University Graduate School application form.
• Neither the department nor individual faculty will be able to fund students (by providing tuition, insurance, or a teaching or research assistantship) during the one-year Master's degree program. 

Successful completion of the MA Program requirements

• A total of 30 credit hours (15 in each semester) to include at least two formal, didactic courses in each semester, with the remaining credit hours devoted to either supplemental course work or research participation or a combination of both. The specific courses, the type of research undertaken, and the content of the final thesis is decided jointly by the student and the Special Committee.
• A written empirical thesis, which can include, but is not limited to, extending an empirical honor’s thesis written while being involved in a faculty member’s lab, conducting an empirical research project, or conducting an empirical evaluation of a program.

Ph.D. Program

Human Development Ph.D. Program Handbook : download PDF file

We are in the process of updating the handbook and program for students entering our program in Fall 2023. We expect minor tweaks without substantial changes. Applicants, who receive an invitation to our interview weekend in February, may expect updated information to be covered at that time.

For a student without previous graduate training but with an undergraduate major in psychology, sociology, or human development, the Ph.D. program usually requires five years. Students with more limited preparation may need additional time.  Students in the Ph.D. program are currently offered funding (tuition and a stipend, usually in the form of a teaching- or a research-assistantship) for five years. 

Students enrolled in the Ph.D. program in Human Development may follow one of two subjects:

• Developmental Psychology is the study of changes that occur in human beings over the course of their life span, from conception to the end of life. This subject includes a broad range of sub-areas, including cognitive development, developmental neuroscience, and social, personality, and emotional development.
• Human Development and Family Studies focuses on the understanding of the dynamic interrelations among individual and ecological/ environmental factors as they relate to individual development and adjustment. The ecological factors include family, neighborhood, community, institutions, and social organization and norms.

For more information on the department view the  Field of Study Guide - Human Development.  The Faculty listing found in the Field of Study Guide for Human Development, paired with this more extensive information on Human Development Research will serve to clarify our faculty research strengths.

The application deadline was December 15th. We allow fall entry only.

To  apply  for graduate study in Human Development at the Cornell University Graduate School: 

• Three letters of recommendation , with a fourth letter optional (recommenders upload this to the application system)
• Unofficial transcripts
• Academic Statement of Purpose
• Personal Statement
• Indicate your interest in working with at least two field faculty in application

Additional requirements for International applicants :

• English Language Proficiency requirement (TOEFL or IELTS)
• International Degree Equivalencies

Alexander G. Ophir, Director of Graduate Studies Uris Hall, Room 218 E-mail:  [email protected] Phone:  607-255-3714

Marianne Arcangeli, Graduate Field Assistant, Psychology - Human Development Martha Van Rensselaer Hall, Room G201B E-mail:  [email protected] Phone:  607-255-4661

Dual Ph.D and JD in Law

This program also offers a PhD Concentration in Law, Psychology, and Human Development, in addition to the Dual-Degree Program.

Cornell University’s dual PhD/JD program in Developmental Psychology and Law prepares the next generation of scholars who work on the interface between the law, psychology, and human development. Education at the  Law School  combines inspired teaching with cutting-edge scholarship in a close-knit and collegial intellectual community. Located in the College of Human Ecology, the Department of Human Development provides graduate students with world-class training in the general discipline of psychology, as well as focused training in one or more of its sub-areas of research: cognitive, social-personality, biological, infancy, childhood, adolescence, and adulthood. The dual degree provides PhD students with the legal education that is necessary to conduct research and teach in this field at the highest level, and provides JD students with the research training that is necessary to practice and teach scientifically-based law. 

The Value of Cornell's Dual PhD/JD

• Experimental focus: The rare dual PhD/JD program with a strong focus on empirical research.
• Academic excellence: The intellectual rigor of a top-tier law school and ground-breaking research with leading scholars in the field of psychology and law exemplify the strength of Cornell's collaborative culture. 
• Favorable timeline: A fully-blended PhD/JD allows students to complete both degrees in six years, a more efficient pace than pursuing both degrees consecutively. 
• Intellectual support:  Students benefit from a three-member supervisory committee composed of Human Development and Law faculty from the start of their studies, a tight-knit community, and a legal education that boasts small class sizes and low student-to-faculty ratios.
• Financial and professional resources: Full funding for PhD graduate studies in Human Development, a history of high bar-passage and employment rates, and nationally recognized scholars and faculty to help students prepare for success in the legal and academic job markets. 

Leading the Way

Cornell’s Law, Psychology and Human Development program, established in 2007, is unique among Ivy League institutions.  It boasts a significant percentage of the interdisciplinary field’s leading scholars, and has quickly become widely considered the best and most influential program of its kind in the United States. The dual PhD/JD is an advanced collaboration between the College of Human Ecology and the Law School. Although the dual PhD/JD degree was recently approved in 2011, it builds on over 220 years of academic excellence in Human Ecology and the Law School.  Highly motivated students who enter the program emerge as lawyers with extensive, doctoral-level training in experimental psychology, and psychologists with a complete legal education.  It is anticipated that this program and the scholarship produced by its faculty, students, and graduates will influence the course of legal reform and legal education for generations to come.  

Program Details

The Cornell dual PhD/JD in Developmental Psychology and Law is a 6-year (12-semester) program, for a total of approximately 167 credits. The program is divided into three years of full-time PhD study, two years of full-time JD study, and a blended year of PhD/JD study. Up to 12 HD semester credits may be counted as electives towards the 84 credits that are required for the JD.

Students must spend their first, second, and fifth summers conducting master’s and doctoral thesis research. All PhD required core courses must be completed, and a research-based master’s thesis must be completed and defended in Human Development, by the end of the second year. Upon completion of the fourth year, all JD core courses must be completed, and the “A” exam for the Graduate Field of Human Development must be taken. During the sixth year, students complete and defend a research-based dissertation, and complete their remaining requirements for the JD.

Tuition and Funding 

For the 3½ years of the program spent in Human Ecology, full support will be provided. Students are expected to pay Law School tuition in years 3 and 4, and the Spring semester of year 6.  During the 2½ years the student is in the law school, it is possible, but not guaranteed, that they will have some grant funding. 

Please note that students interested in receiving possible funding for the time in the law school must apply directly to the law school for financial aid.  

Please read more about  funding in Human Development  and  Law School Tuition and Expenses

Applying 

To participate in the dual degree program, students must initially apply to and be accepted by both the Graduate Field of Human Development and the Law School.  Admission to one program does not guarantee admission to the other.  Note that applications to the PhD/JD program in Developmental Psychology/ Law will be reviewed continuously. However, it is strongly recommended that prospective students apply as early as possible to both schools.

Questions regarding applications, program information and other queries should be directed to Marianne Arcangeli, Graduate Field Assistant, Cornell Human Ecology,  [email protected]

After submitting their applications, students should contact the Director of the Law, Psychology and Human Development Program, Professor Charles Brainerd ( [email protected] ), in order to facilitate review.

Application information

The Graduate School and the Law School each have comprehensive checklists for all the documents and materials that prospective students should prepare for their applications. 

Cornell Graduate School Apply to Human Development Final Application Deadline: December 1st More information about admissions to Human Development 

Cornell Law School Apply to the Law School Final Application Deadline: February 1st

Students who are interested in applying for Dual Degree studies should contact Marianne Arcangeli:

Marianne Arcangeli G201B Martha Van Rensselaer Hall Email:  [email protected] Phone:  607-255-4661

Questions regarding admissions to the Law School may be directed to  [email protected] .

Dual Degree Faculty 

Cornell University’s LPHD faculty spans three colleges—Human Ecology, the Law School, and Arts and Sciences —and includes some of the leading scholars in topics ranging from memory and eye-witness testimony to decision-making, jury psychology, and cognition in children and adults. Their work aims to shed light on topics intrinsic to the law and justice, with the hope that advancements in our knowledge of people, crime, memory and testimony, motivation and culpability can lead, ultimately, to a more just legal system.

John Blume JD, Professor of Law Director of Cornell Death Penalty Project

Charles Brainerd Ph.D., Developmental and Experimental Psychology Human Development Director of Law, Psychology and Human Development Program Memory and Neuroscience Laboratory

Stephen J. Ceci  Ph.D., Developmental Psychology Helen L. Carr Chaired Professor of Psychology SUNY Distinguished Professor

Kevin M. Clermont JD Ziff Professor of Law

Valerie P. Hans Ph.D., Social Psychology Professor of Law

Sheri L. Johnson JD, Professor of Law Assistant Director of Cornell Death Penalty Project

Laura Niemi Ph.D., Social Psychology & Social Neuroscience Department of Psychology

David Pizarro Ph.D., Social Psychology Associate Professor of Psychology

Jeffrey J. Rachlinski JD, Ph.D., Psychology Professor of Law

Valerie F. Reyna Ph.D., Developmental and Experimental Psychology Department of Human Development Laboratory for Rational Decision Making

Robert Sternberg Ph.D., Psychology Professor of Human Development

Qi Wang Ph.D., Psychology Professor of Human Development

Wendy M. Williams Ph.D., Experimental Psychology Human Development

Marianne Arcangeli, Graduate Field Assistant, Psychology - Human Development Martha Van Rensselaer Hall, Room G201B E-mail:  [email protected] Phone:  607-255-4661

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Clinical Science Concentration

• PSYC100 Research Requirement
• Neuroscience 4+1 (B.S./M.S.)
• Behavioral Neuroscience Requirements
• Clinical Science Requirements
• Cognitive Psychology Requirements
• Social Psychology Requirements
• Delaware Bridge Program
• Psychological & Brain Sciences Labs
• Make a Gift
• Institute for Community Mental Health Clinic

Welcome to Clinical Science

The clinical science program in the Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences at the University of Delaware was established in 1968, has been continuously accredited by the American Psychological Association since 1975, and was accredited by the Psychological Clinical Science Accreditation System in 2011.

Our overall goal is to train clinical researchers who produce, apply, and disseminate scientific knowledge. We train clinical scientists who keep abreast of current theory and research and contribute to the knowledge base in clinical psychology.

Nature and goals of the program

We believe that research is an essential career commitment for those who seek and obtain the Ph.D., and students accepted into our program are expected to share that commitment. Students also learn evidence-based assessment and interventions for adults and children with psychological disorders, but students whose primary career goal is the direct practice of psychology would be more satisfied in a different training program.

The aim of the clinical science program is to provide a structured set of research and clinical experiences that will prepare students for a career in clinical science. Therefore, graduates of our program will be competent in designing, conducting, and evaluating psychological research, as well as in delivering empirically-supported psychological services.

Consistent with this orientation, our program is a member of the Academy of Psychological Clinical Science - a prestigious group of 63 university-based clinical training programs and 12 internship sites that share similar goals for their programs and for the training of future clinical psychologists.

An integrative approach to training

The program integrates science and practice, which is reflected in collaborative, translational research. Our faculty and students apply basic psychological theories and empirical findings to real-world clinical problems such as depression, anxiety, child maltreatment and trauma, aggression, and couples’ distress in cancer patients.

Our program’s training model is consistent with the vision of the  Delaware Project . Specifically, we train students to emphasize continuity across a spectrum of research activities concerned with (a) basic mechanisms of psychopathology and behavior change, (b) intervention generation and refinement, (c) intervention efficacy and effectiveness, and (d) implementation and dissemination. 

Research with faculty mentors

Faculty members maintain visible and well-funded research programs. Much of this work is interdisciplinary, including collaborative projects with scholars in medical schools, universities, educational systems, and community agencies in the surrounding area. Members of the clinical faculty have been active in national, state, and local organizations concerned with advancing psychological knowledge; have played leadership roles in national organizations (e.g., the  Academy for Clinical Psychological Science ,  the Delaware Project ); and serve on many journal editorial boards, grant review study sections at the National Institute of Mental Health, and national task forces.

Funding is robust and drawn from multiple sources, including a Centers of Biomedical Research Excellence (COBRE) grant from the National Institute of General Medical Sciences, National Institutes of Health, plus individual investigator grants from the National Institute of Mental Health, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse & Alcoholism, National Institute of Child Health & Human Development, among numerous other federal and private sources.

Mentor-based training

Students work closely with faculty advisors who mentor them throughout their graduate career. Students often work with more than one faculty member. Faculty mentors provide training in research techniques, scholarly knowledge, and written and oral communication skills that enable students to become successful independent researchers. Students publish research findings in prominent journals; present them at national meetings; develop teaching skills; and write grant applications. These experiences, and others, have helped our graduate students win numerous awards and prepared them for successful research in academia, government, or industry.

Collaborations

The clinical science program offers external research and clinical training opportunities through affiliations with community mental health centers and medical centers in the surrounding areas. All provide training in evidence-based practice. Our faculty members also have research collaborations with the University of Pennsylvania Center for Anxiety Treatment and Research, the Helen F. Graham Cancer Center, the State of Delaware Department of Children, Youth, and Families, Head Start Centers, A. I. duPont Hospital for Children, a network of social service agencies in Philadelphia, and area schools. These sites provide unique opportunities to apply clinical science to diverse problems and populations in community settings. 

Program Requirements >

Work with our faculty.

Visit each researcher's bio page, linked below, for information on research interests and current funding.

The following faculty are accepting graduate students for 2025–2026: ​

• Philip Gable​
• Adele Hayes​​
• Naomi Sadeh
• Jeffrey Spielberg

View more research labs

Serving the community, advancing knowledge 

The Institute for Community Health (ICMH) at the University of Delaware stands as a pioneering initiative led by the clinical science faculty within the Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences. Committed to transforming mental and behavioral healthcare, the ICMH integrates cutting-edge training, research, and clinical services to benefit the community.

This forward-thinking institute focuses on:

• Establishing vital connections between academic research and community mental/behavioral health systems.
• Enhancing access to science-based care for underserved populations.
• Generating new knowledge in the field.

Combining practice, collaboration and training

The ICMH strives to advance the quality of mental health services and promote equitable access to care through three interrelated entities:

• Provides evidence-based psychotherapy and diagnostic assessments for all age groups.
• Trains graduate students and professionals in evidence-based mental/behavioral health services.
• Facilitates interdisciplinary research and integrated care with other STAR Tower clinics.
• Partners with community agencies to train, implement and evaluate evidence-based practices within community settings.
• Bridges academia and community stakeholders to enhance the development and effectiveness of psychological and behavioral treatments.
• Trains graduate and undergraduate students to excel in real-world mental health settings.
• Trains students in evidence-based practices and a scientific approach to clinical care.
• Offers interdisciplinary training within STAR Tower's integrative healthcare environment.
• Addresses workforce shortages by producing skilled mental health professionals in Delaware and surrounding states.

Future accreditation plans

The University of Delaware's program is accredited by the Psychological Clinical Science Accreditation System and the American Psychological Association. 

We are committed to training clinical scientists who can ease the burden of mental illness and promote well-being in society through research, treatment development, and service delivery.  Our training opportunities emphasize continuity and interdependence across laboratory, clinical, and community contexts. Innovative training initiatives that break down traditional silos across the broad spectrum of clinical science require flexible pedagogy and implementation. 

The tenets and expectations of PCSAS are highly consistent with our training goals and methods, and we plan to maintain PCSAS accreditation indefinitely.

We plan to maintain APA accreditation until programs accredited by PCSAS are given the same access to internship and licensure opportunities as are programs accredited by APA.​

For questions regarding our accreditation, please contact the following for PCSAS and APA respectively:

Joseph E. Steinmetz, Executive Director Psychological Clinical Science Accreditation System (PCSAS) 1101 E. 10th Street Bloomington, IN 47401 Phone: 479-301-8008 / Email:  [email protected] www.pcsas.org

Office of Program Consultation and Accreditation American Psychological Association 750 First Street NE, Washington, DC 20002 Phone: 202-336-5979 / E-mail:  [email protected] Web: accreditation.apa.org

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PhD in Addiction Psychology: Advancing Research and Treatment in Substance Use Disorders

From the devastating grip of substance abuse to the forefront of groundbreaking research, addiction psychology PhD programs equip scholars with the tools to unravel the complexities of addiction and pioneer transformative treatment approaches. These rigorous academic pursuits delve deep into the intricate web of human behavior, neurobiology, and societal factors that contribute to substance use disorders. As we embark on this journey through the world of addiction psychology, we’ll explore the nuances of these programs and their potential to shape the future of addiction treatment and prevention.

Addiction psychology, at its core, is the study of the psychological processes underlying addictive behaviors. It’s a field that demands both compassion and scientific rigor, as researchers and clinicians work tirelessly to understand the Drug Addiction Stages: The 4 Key Phases of Substance Dependence and develop effective interventions. The importance of advanced research in this field cannot be overstated, as it forms the foundation for evidence-based treatments that can quite literally save lives.

For those considering a career in addiction psychology, a PhD opens doors to a myriad of opportunities. From conducting groundbreaking research to shaping public policy, PhD holders in addiction studies are at the forefront of addressing one of society’s most pressing issues. But before we dive into the career prospects, let’s take a closer look at the different types of doctoral programs available in this field.

Comparing PhD and Doctorate Programs in Addiction Studies

When it comes to advanced degrees in addiction studies, prospective students often find themselves at a crossroads: should they pursue a PhD in Addiction Psychology or a PhD in Addiction Studies? While these programs may sound similar, they often have distinct focuses and outcomes.

A PhD in Addiction Psychology typically emphasizes the psychological aspects of addiction, including cognitive processes, behavioral patterns, and therapeutic interventions. This program is ideal for those who want to delve deep into the psychological underpinnings of addictive behaviors and develop new therapeutic approaches.

On the other hand, a PhD in Addiction Studies often takes a broader, interdisciplinary approach. These programs may incorporate elements of psychology, sociology, public health, and policy studies to provide a comprehensive understanding of addiction as a societal issue.

For those more interested in clinical practice, a Doctorate in Addiction Studies might be the way to go. These programs often focus on applying research findings to real-world treatment settings, preparing graduates for leadership roles in addiction treatment facilities or private practice.

While there’s considerable overlap between these programs, the key differences lie in their emphasis and career outcomes. A PhD in Addiction Psychology might lead to a career in academic research or specialized clinical practice, while a Doctorate in Addiction Studies could pave the way for roles in treatment program development or policy advocacy.

Choosing the right program depends on your career goals and personal interests. Do you see yourself conducting lab research on the neurobiology of addiction? Or are you more passionate about developing and implementing community-based prevention programs? Your answer to these questions will guide you towards the program that best aligns with your aspirations.

Curriculum and Coursework in PhD Addiction Programs

Regardless of the specific program you choose, PhD programs in addiction studies share a core curriculum designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of addiction and its treatment. Let’s take a peek into the typical coursework you might encounter:

Core courses in addiction psychology form the foundation of these programs. You’ll dive into topics like the psychology of addictive behaviors, theories of addiction, and the social and cultural factors that influence substance use. These courses provide the theoretical framework necessary for understanding the complex nature of addiction.

Research methods and statistics courses are crucial components of any PhD program. In addiction studies, you’ll learn how to design and conduct studies, analyze data, and interpret results specific to addiction research. These skills are essential for contributing to the field’s knowledge base and developing evidence-based treatments.

The neurobiology of addiction is another key area of study. These courses explore how substances affect the brain and body, helping you understand the biological basis of addiction. You’ll learn about neurotransmitter systems, reward pathways, and the long-term effects of substance use on brain function.

Evidence-based treatment approaches are a critical focus of addiction psychology programs. You’ll study various therapeutic modalities, from cognitive-behavioral therapy to motivational interviewing. Some programs even explore cutting-edge treatments like Psychedelic Therapy for Addiction: A Revolutionary Approach to Recovery , reflecting the field’s ongoing evolution.

Many programs offer specialization options within addiction studies. You might choose to focus on a specific population (like adolescents or veterans), a particular substance (such as opioids or alcohol), or a specific treatment approach (like mindfulness-based interventions). These specializations allow you to tailor your studies to your interests and career goals.

Research Opportunities in Addiction Psychology PhD Programs

One of the most exciting aspects of pursuing a PhD in addiction psychology is the opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research. Current trends in addiction research span a wide range of topics, from exploring the genetic factors that contribute to addiction susceptibility to investigating the effectiveness of novel treatment approaches.

Collaborative research projects are common in this field, as addiction is a complex issue that often requires interdisciplinary approaches. You might find yourself working with neuroscientists to study brain imaging data, or partnering with public health experts to evaluate community-based prevention programs.

Grant writing and funding opportunities are crucial skills for aspiring researchers. PhD programs often provide training in how to secure funding for your research projects, a valuable skill that will serve you well throughout your career.

Publishing research findings is a key part of contributing to the field’s knowledge base. Your PhD program will guide you through the process of writing and submitting papers to peer-reviewed journals, helping you establish yourself as a voice in the addiction research community.

Presenting at conferences and symposiums is another important aspect of academic life. These events provide opportunities to share your findings, network with other researchers, and stay up-to-date on the latest developments in the field. Who knows? Your presentation might just inspire the next breakthrough in addiction treatment!

Clinical Training and Practicum Experiences

While research is a significant component of PhD programs, many also incorporate clinical training to prepare students for roles in treatment and intervention. Supervised clinical experiences allow you to apply your theoretical knowledge in real-world settings, working directly with individuals struggling with addiction.

Internship opportunities in addiction treatment centers provide valuable hands-on experience. You might find yourself working in inpatient facilities, outpatient clinics, or community health centers, gaining exposure to diverse patient populations and treatment approaches.

Developing intervention and prevention strategies is another crucial aspect of clinical training. You’ll learn how to design and implement programs aimed at reducing substance use and promoting recovery, both at the individual and community levels.

Ethical considerations in addiction psychology are woven throughout the curriculum and clinical experiences. You’ll grapple with complex issues like patient confidentiality, mandatory reporting, and the balance between autonomy and beneficence in addiction treatment.

Career Paths for PhD Graduates in Addiction Psychology

The career opportunities for PhD graduates in addiction psychology are as diverse as they are impactful. Many graduates pursue academic and research positions, contributing to the field’s knowledge base and training the next generation of addiction professionals. These roles often involve a mix of teaching, research, and mentoring students.

Clinical roles in addiction treatment facilities are another common path. With a PhD, you might find yourself in leadership positions, overseeing treatment programs or conducting specialized assessments. Some graduates go on to become Addiction Psychiatrists: Specialized Care for Substance Use Disorders , combining their psychological expertise with medical knowledge to provide comprehensive care.

Consulting and policy development roles allow PhD graduates to influence addiction treatment and prevention on a broader scale. You might work with government agencies, non-profit organizations, or healthcare systems to develop and implement evidence-based policies and programs.

Leadership positions in healthcare organizations are also within reach for PhD holders. Your advanced training and research skills make you well-suited for roles that involve program development, quality improvement, and strategic planning in addiction treatment settings.

Private practice opportunities are available for those who prefer a more independent career path. Many PhD graduates open their own practices, offering specialized addiction treatment services or consulting with other healthcare providers.

For those interested in bridging the gap between research and practice, pursuing an Addiction Medicine Fellowship: Advancing Careers in Substance Use Disorder Treatment after your PhD can provide additional specialized training and open up even more career opportunities.

As we look to the future, the need for addiction psychology experts continues to grow. The opioid crisis, the legalization of marijuana in many states, and the ongoing challenges of alcohol addiction underscore the critical importance of this field. PhD research in addiction psychology has the potential to shape treatment approaches, influence public policy, and ultimately improve outcomes for individuals struggling with substance use disorders.

The future directions in addiction psychology research and practice are exciting and diverse. From exploring the potential of Philosophy of Addiction: Exploring the Complexities of Human Behavior and Substance Dependence to inform treatment approaches, to investigating the role of technology in addiction prevention and recovery support, the field is ripe with opportunities for innovation and impact.

As we conclude our exploration of PhD programs in addiction psychology, it’s clear that this field offers a unique blend of scientific rigor, clinical application, and social impact. Whether you’re drawn to the intricate workings of the brain, passionate about developing new treatments, or committed to addressing addiction on a societal level, a PhD in addiction psychology provides the tools and knowledge to make a meaningful difference.

For those considering this path, remember that the journey doesn’t have to start with a PhD. Many professionals first gain experience through a Masters in Addiction Psychology: Top Programs and Career Opportunities or a Masters in Addiction Counseling: Advancing Your Career in Substance Abuse Treatment before pursuing doctoral studies.

Addiction is a global issue, and perspectives from different countries can provide valuable insights. For instance, understanding Addiction in the UK: Current Trends, Challenges, and Treatment Options can broaden your understanding of how different healthcare systems approach addiction treatment.

In the end, pursuing a PhD in addiction psychology is more than just an academic endeavor—it’s a commitment to tackling one of society’s most persistent and devastating issues. It’s a field that demands not only intellectual rigor but also empathy, creativity, and perseverance. But for those who answer this call, the rewards—both personal and societal—can be truly transformative.

References:

1. American Psychological Association. (2021). Addiction Psychology. Retrieved from https://www.apa.org/topics/addiction-behaviors

2. National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2020). Advancing Addiction Science and Practical Solutions. Retrieved from https://www.drugabuse.gov/

3. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2019). Key Substance Use and Mental Health Indicators in the United States: Results from the 2018 National Survey on Drug Use and Health. Rockville, MD: Center for Behavioral Health Statistics and Quality.

4. World Health Organization. (2018). Global Status Report on Alcohol and Health 2018. Geneva: World Health Organization.

5. Miller, W. R., & Carroll, K. M. (Eds.). (2006). Rethinking substance abuse: What the science shows, and what we should do about it. Guilford Press.

6. Volkow, N. D., Koob, G. F., & McLellan, A. T. (2016). Neurobiologic advances from the brain disease model of addiction. New England Journal of Medicine, 374(4), 363-371.

7. American Society of Addiction Medicine. (2019). Definition of Addiction. Retrieved from https://www.asam.org/Quality-Science/definition-of-addiction

8. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. (2016). Ending discrimination against people with mental and substance use disorders: The evidence for stigma change. National Academies Press.

9. Marlatt, G. A., & Donovan, D. M. (Eds.). (2005). Relapse prevention: Maintenance strategies in the treatment of addictive behaviors. Guilford press.

10. Witkiewitz, K., & Marlatt, G. A. (2004). Relapse prevention for alcohol and drug problems: that was Zen, this is Tao. American Psychologist, 59(4), 224.

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Clinical Psychology (Child Emphasis)

College: AHSS

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Our clinical psychology PhD program has an emphasis in child psychology and subscribes to a clinical science model. We value an approach that fosters curiosity, innovation, collaboration and inclusiveness, with research that serves the public good.

Our program is accredited by the APA and a member of the Academy of Psychological Clinical Science. Students receive in-house training through the Center for Child and Family Psychology and the Developmental Neuropsychology Clinic . Students also complete clinical externships at local medical centers and community mental health centers.

Our faculty conduct research on a variety of topics relevant to developmental psychopathology including the multifaceted impacts of trauma, health, and stress; complex risk and vulnerability factors; comorbidity; and innovative interventions. Graduates pursue a range of careers that utilize their strong research and clinical training in settings such as colleges/universities, academic medical centers, hospitals, and community mental health centers.

Our Director of Clinical Training is Dr. Jill Holm-Denoma . You can contact Dr. Holm-Denoma at [email protected] .

The Clinical Psychology PhD program with an emphasis in child psychology has been fully accredited since 1964 by the American Psychological Association, which can be contacted at:

Office of Program Consultation and Accreditation American Psychological Association 750 First Street NE Washington, D.C., 20002

Website:  APA accreditation site   Phone: 202-336-5979 Fax: 202-336-5978

See Student Admissions, Outcomes and Other Data .

Concentration

Developmental cognitive neuroscience.

The specialization in Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience is open to students in any of the graduate programs in Psychology. It is designed to equip students with advanced knowledge and training in an interdisciplinary approach to neuroscience and psychology.

The coursework covers diverse fields and research methods including neuroimaging, computational modeling, computer programming, psychophysiology, neuropsychology, neuroendocrinology and behavioral genetics. The program prepares students to be leaders in collaborative science approaches.

The PhD program in Clinical Psychology offers:

Accredited in clinical psychology by APA, the program adopts a clinical science model emphasizing research training while also providing high-quality clinical training. Our program emphasizes coursework and clinical training with children, adolescents and families; however, there are some opportunities for interested students to receive research and clinical training with adults.

We take a collaborative approach to research across the department. Students are encouraged to collaborate with faculty and other students across the department both inside and outside the clinical area. Students are considered junior colleagues.

All students are trained to be sensitive to individual differences and the many dimensions of diversity in approaching research and clinical issues. They also learn the importance of continued personal and professional growth relevant to inclusive excellence. Both research and clinical opportunities exist for working with diverse populations.

Students have been very successful in obtaining excellent internships, becoming licensed, and having successful careers in research and practice ( See Student Admissions, Outcomes and Other Data, Inclusive Excellence ).

Start learning about developmental psychopathology and clinical research.

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Degree Requirements

• Students earn a master’s degree on their way toward obtaining the PhD.
• For the MA, you will complete at least 28 credits of the 45 minimum number of credits in content coursework, which excludes Independent Study and Independent Research credits.
• For the PhD, you will complete a total of 120 credit hours, as well as non-coursework requirements including a master's research paper or thesis and oral defense, dissertation prospectus and dissertation oral defense, professional competencies, and clinical training.

See the DU Graduate Bulletin  for full course requirements.

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Fully Funded PhD in Islamic Studies

As part of the series How to Fully Fund Your PhD , here is a list of PhD in Islamic Studies that offer full funding to their students. A PhD in Islamic Studies can lead to a wide range of careers. Graduates often pursue roles as professors and researchers at colleges and universities, contributing to academic scholarship and education. They can also work within religious institutions, providing leadership and guidance on Islamic thought and practice. Additionally, many find opportunities in media and publishing, writing for academic journals, books, and other publications to educate and inform the public about Islamic history, culture, and theology.

“Full funding” is a financial aid pack for students that includes full tuition remission and an annual stipend or salary for the duration of the student’s doctoral studies. Full funding is not universal, so it’s a good idea to research the financial aid offerings of all the potential Ph.D. programs in your academic field, including small and lesser-known schools.

You can also find many external fellowships in the ProFellow Database  for graduate and doctoral study, including opportunities for funding for dissertation research, fieldwork, language study,s, and summer work experiences.

Would you like to receive the full list of more than 1000+ fully funded programs in 60 disciplines?  Download the FREE Directory of Fully Funded Graduate Programs and Full Funding Awards !

New York University Fully Funded PhD in Middle Eastern and Islamic Studies

New York University provides a fully funded PhD program in Middle Eastern and Islamic Studies. Students in the MEIS doctoral program can focus on one of three specializations: culture and representation, Islamic Studies, or Literature. Those with a keen interest in the history of the Middle East often enroll in the joint PhD program in History and Middle Eastern and Islamic Studies. Every graduate student admitted to the MEIS program receives a MacCracken Fellowship, covering five years of tuition and stipend. This fellowship does not require teaching responsibilities.

Yale University Fully Funded PhD in Islamic Studies

Yale University, located in New Haven, CT, offers a fully funded PhD program in Islamic Studies. This program is dedicated to extensive research on Islam. It aims to train exceptional students for academic careers in this field. Participants are expected to gain a thorough understanding of Islamic intellectual history and religious thought, alongside expertise in a specific area of specialization and the necessary skills for critical scholarship on Islam. Admitted students receive full scholarships along with a multi-year stipend.

Columbia University Fully Funded PhD in Islam

Columbia University in the City of New York offers a fully funded PhD program in Islamic Studies aimed at training specialists in this field. The program prepares students to teach and conduct research on the history, cultures, languages, and literatures, doctrines and ritual practices, and the social and political expressions of Islam. This program follows a sequential path, starting with an MA and MPhil and culminating in a PhD. Admitted students receive a fellowship that covers tuition and fees and provides a five-year living stipend, including work as a teaching assistant for six semesters.

McGill University Fully Funded PhD in Islamic Studies

McGill University in Canada offers a fully funded PhD program in Islamic Studies through its Institute of Islamic Studies. There are two PhD tracks available: a general PhD in Islamic Studies and a PhD in Islamic Studies with a Gender and Women’s Studies Concentration. The Institute awards graduate funding on a competitive basis to exceptional candidates, providing five years of guaranteed financial support. This funding can include one or more graduate fellowships, stipends from research grants, and salaries from employment such as Teaching Assistantships, grading, Course Lectureships, or Research Assistantships.

Georgetown University Fully Funded PhD in Arabic and Islamic Studies

Georgetown University in Washington, DC, provides a fully funded PhD in Arabic and Islamic Studies. This program delivers advanced training in Arabic Linguistics, Arabic Literature (both Modern and Classical), and Islamic Studies, including Intellectual History, Theology, and Law. Emphasizing the close reading and interpretation of primary sources—both linguistic and textual, modern and classical—the program considers all PhD students for funding. The Teaching Assistantship Scholarship offers comprehensive financial support, including an annual stipend, a full tuition scholarship for nine credits per semester, and health insurance for five consecutive years.

Are you looking for more funding opportunities like these? Sign up to discover and bookmark more than 2,800 professional and academic fellowships and fully funded graduate programs in the free ProFellow database.

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