Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do you offer a Masters degree in Psychology?
The Department of Psychology only offers a Ph.D. program with a Master's in route to the Ph.D. A Master's only program does not exist.
2. Do you offer a degree in counseling/therapy?
No. If you are seeking training as a psychotherapist or a career in counseling psychology, this may not be the program that fits your interests. This is a research-oriented program that aims to train researchers who will expand the body of scientific knowledge upon which the discipline of psychology rests.
3. Do you offer a graduate degree in Forensics? Industrial/Organizational Psychology?
No, we do not offer a degree in these areas.
4. When is the application deadline for entering Fall 2009?
December 15 for the Clinical and Social areas. December 30 for the Behavioral Neuroscience, Cognitive, Developmental, Health, Learning & Behavior, and Quantitative areas.
5. How do I apply?
Applications for Fall 2009 are ONLY AVAILABLE ONLINE. Please pay particular attention to the Application Instructions.
6. How many students apply for admission?
For the entering class of Fall 2007, the Committee reviewed 605 applications.
7. How many students enroll each year?
Enrollment each year varies slightly, but for the Fall 2007 the total number of incoming students is 38.
8. Can I apply to the program for entry beginning Winter or Spring Quarters?
No, we only accept applications for entrance in Fall quarter.
9. Can I attend part-time?
No, this is a day-time, full-time program and has no provision for part-time or limited status students.
10. What is the length of the program?
The program is described as a five-year program. However, it is flexible enough to permit considerable individual variation.
11. Is an interview required as part of the admission process?
The clinical area does conduct in-person interviews as part of their applicant evaluation process. All other areas do not interview.
12. Must I have been a Psychology major to be eligible to apply?
No, you do not need to have been a psychology major to apply to the program. However, ideal preparation for the Ph.D. program consists of a solid background of coursework in the realm of psychology, including lab courses and classes in statistics and research methods. A broad knowledge of mathematical, biological and social sciences is also recommended.
13. Are there any minimum GPA or GRE score requirements?
The graduate division stipulates that you must have a minimum of a 3.0 GPA to be eligible to apply. There are no minimum scores cut-offs for the GRE.
14. Do I need to take the GRE psychology subject test?
Yes, we do require that you take the GRE Psychology subject test.
15. What materials must I submit in order for my application to be complete?
1. UCLA Graduate Division Application--Application for Graduate Admission (AGA) along with a $60.00 application fee
2. Psychology Departmental Application / Statement of Purpose
3. At least 3 letters of recommendation
4. GRE scores--both general and psychology subject
5. TOEFL (if applicable)
16. Is funding or financial aid available?
Upon admission, the Department strives to provide some type of funding for every student either through fellowships, stipends, training grants or program-related employment (i.e. teaching or research assistantships). Candidates are also strongly encouraged to apply for extramural awards, such as fellowships from the NSF, APA, Ford Foundation and Javits Foundation.
17. What career(s) do most graduates from this program go into with their degree?
Graduates of this Ph.D. program are trained for careers in both academic and applied settings--for positions at universities and colleges, research and government organizations, business and industry, clinics and hospitals and as professional psychologists.
18. Is it required for people writing my letters of recommendation to fill out the evaluation form provided in the application?
Recommenders can fill out the evaluation form provided in the application or they can submit a written letter instead.
19. If I take the GRE test more than once, will you average my test scores or pick the highest scores from each test?
We accept the most recent GRE scores from the test you have taken. We do not average the scores or pick the highest scores.