The Department of Psychology invites applications from students of high intellectual and scientific aptitude, especially those interested in shaping the future of psychology through research.
The Department offers the Ph.D. degree, a five year, full-time program. Candidates seeking only the M.A. or part-time or limited student status are not admitted. Applications are considered only for the Fall term. The Department offers training in eight specialty areas: Behavioral Neuroscience, Clinical, Cognitive, Developmental, Health Psychology, Learning and Behavior, Quantitative, and Social Psychology.
All areas of the Ph.D. program are research-oriented; the Department's aim is to train researchers dedicated to increasing the body of scientific knowledge upon which the discipline of psychology rests. This applies to the Clinical area as well: although this area offers excellent clinical training, the emphasis lies in research, not in training private practitioners.
Those candidates primarily seeking training as psychotherapists or careers in counseling or industrial/organizational psychology, should not apply to this program. Instead, please consult the American Psychological Association's Graduate Study in Psychology to identify programs more congruent with your career goals.
Program Coursework
The preparation for the Ph.D. program includes lab courses and classes in statistics and research methods. A broad background in mathematical, biological and social sciences is also recommended.
The coursework listed below is required of all admitted students and can be taken at any accredited institution:
A. Psychology:
- Elementary statistics
- Two of the following: learning, physiological or perception/cognitive
- Two of the following: developmental, social, or personality/abnormal
B. Biological Sciences:
- one course in biology or zoology
C. Mathematics:
- one course in mathematics, preferably probability or calculus
D. Physical Sciences:
- two courses in the physical sciences (physics and/or chemistry)
- A course in anthropology, philosophy, or sociology may be substituted for one of the physical science courses.
In addition, classes in Research Methods in Psychology and Advanced Statistics are strongly recommended.
Students may gain admission with some deficiencies in the above coursework. The deficiencies must be remedied by taking appropriate coursework or examinations within the first four quarters of graduate study in our program.
GRE Test Scores and Grade Point Averages
Candidate evaluations are handled by Faculty Area Admission Committees. For Fall of 2009, the Committees reviewed 690 applicants to form an incoming class of 30. As with any graduate program, test scores and GPAs are very important. The average Graduate Record Exam (GRE) scores of students entering our program for Fall 2009 are: Verbal 638, Quantitative 735, Analytical Writing Section 5.0, and Psychology Subject Test 701.
Please note that the Department DOES NOT ACCEPT GRE SCORES OLDER THAN FIVE YEARS and reviewers consider your MOST RECENT SCORES. In addition, the Department does not have a minimum score "cut-off." All applicants are required to submit GRE General Test scores for the three sections of the test which includes verbal, quantitative, and analytical writing.
The average overall undergraduate GPA of the Fall 2009 incoming class is 3.76. University policy holds that an applicant must have a minimum GPA of B (3.0 on a 4.0 scale) or better--or its equivalent if the letter grade system is not used--for the last 60 semester units or last 90 quarter units of undergraduate study and in any post-baccalaureate study.
Research Experience, Letters, and Other Important Considerations
In addition to the above measures, very careful consideration is given to your Statement of Purpose, research experience and letters of recommendation. An outstanding record in any one of these areas, especially demonstrated achievement in research endeavors, may compensate for poorer performance in another. Research experience--gained as a laboratory assistant, through independent studies or prior graduate work, or by writing a senior or honors thesis--is a valuable asset for all applicants to the Ph.D. program. Please note that although substantial prior research experience is not a formal application requirement, such experiences greatly enhance an applicant's likelihood of admission.
The Department seeks a diverse student body. Cultural diversity and socioeconomic background are strongly considered when assessing candidate's potential for graduate study. Applicants are encouraged to include information on their background, achievements, obstacles, and special contributions to the discipline on their application.
