psychology phd majors

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The clinical program is accredited by the American Psychological Association and the Psychological Clinical Science Accreditation System.

Your program will typically be fully funded for five years thanks to stipend grant support and guaranteed teaching fellowships. Tuition support is also available for a six-year program. Funding is also available for research, travel, and conferences. You will have access to the latest technology at FAS Research Computing and the Neuroimaging Facility at the Center for Brain Science.

Examples of student dissertations and theses include “Childhood Anxiety Disorders: Developmental Risk Factors and Predictors of Treatment Response,” “Clarifying the Pathway to Suicide: An Examination of Subtypes of Suicidal Behavior and Their Association with Impulsiveness,” and “A Cognitive Neuroscience of Social Groups.”

Graduates have secured positions in academia at prestigious institutions such as Princeton University, Dartmouth College, and Columbia University. Others have embarked on careers with companies such as Facebook, BetterUp, and Apple.

Additional information on the graduate program is available from the Department of Psychology and requirements for the degree are detailed in Policies .

Areas of Study

Cognition, Brain, and Behavior | Experimental Psychopathology and Clinical | Developmental | Social Psychology

Admissions Requirements

Please review admissions requirements and other information before applying. You can find degree program-specific admissions requirements below and access additional guidance on applying from the Department of Psychology .

Academic Background

While an undergraduate concentration in psychology is not required, some social science coursework is recommended. Because the program is heavily quantitatively oriented, college-level math and statistics are also advised. Research experience is extremely helpful; successful applicants have often worked for professors, done research projects as part of college courses, written an undergraduate thesis, or volunteered in a psychology research lab.

Please Note: Before making the decision to apply, the program in Psychology suggests checking individual faculty/lab websites or emailing faculty directly to inquire whether they plan to consider applicants for Fall 2024 admission. It’s important to note that while individual faculty members may have every intention of bringing in a new student this year, we cannot guarantee that they will all be able to do so. The total number of offers of admission to be extended by the graduate program is based on applicant preparedness and fit, availability of university advising and support resources, and target class size. Some of these factors are not able to be determined until after the applicant pool has been finalized.

Standardized Tests

GRE General: Optional

Theses & Dissertations

Theses & Dissertations for Psychology

See list of Psychology faculty

APPLICATION DEADLINE

Questions about the program.

Psychology Graduate Programs in America

1-25 of 463 results

Stanford University Department of Humanities and Sciences

Stanford, CA •

Stanford University •

Graduate School

Stanford University ,

Graduate School ,

STANFORD, CA ,

Harvard Graduate School of Arts and Sciences

Cambridge, MA •

Harvard University •

• • Rating 4.56 out of 5   9 reviews

Other: I am Harvard Extension School student pursuing a master degree, ALM, in sustainability. I have achieved a 3.89 in this program so far and have qualified, applied, and accepted as a 'Special Student' in the Harvard Graduate School of Arts and Sciences. Through this School, I will be focusing my time at the John A. Paulson school of Engineering & Applied Sciences. Looking forward to wrapping up my final year on campus! ... Read 9 reviews

Harvard University ,

CAMBRIDGE, MA ,

9 Niche users give it an average review of 4.6 stars.

Featured Review: Other says I am Harvard Extension School student pursuing a master degree, ALM, in sustainability. I have achieved a 3.89 in this program so far and have qualified, applied, and accepted as a 'Special Student'... .

Read 9 reviews.

The Graduate School at Duke

Durham, NC •

Duke University •

• • Rating 4.8 out of 5   5 reviews

Current Master's student: The program is the best in the nation. It is the origin of the profession and it has helped developed it to what it is today. They seem to ver much involve alumni and are involved in your future. ... Read 5 reviews

Duke University ,

DURHAM, NC ,

5 Niche users give it an average review of 4.8 stars.

Featured Review: Current Master's student says The program is the best in the nation. It is the origin of the profession and it has helped developed it to what it is today. They seem to ver much involve alumni and are involved in your future. .

Read 5 reviews.

The New School

Graduate School •

NEW YORK, NY

• • Rating 4.46 out of 5   37

University of North Texas

• • Rating 4.61 out of 5   127

Tulane University

NEW ORLEANS, LA

• • Rating 4.17 out of 5   35

School of Arts & Sciences - University of Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, PA •

University of Pennsylvania •

University of Pennsylvania ,

PHILADELPHIA, PA ,

Rice School of Social Sciences

Houston, TX •

Rice University •

Blue checkmark.

Rice University ,

HOUSTON, TX ,

Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences

Evanston, IL •

Northwestern University •

Northwestern University ,

EVANSTON, IL ,

• Find college scholarships

College of Arts and Science

Nashville, TN •

Vanderbilt University •

Vanderbilt University ,

NASHVILLE, TN ,

Guarini School of Graduate and Advanced Studies

Hanover, NH •

Dartmouth College •

• • Rating 5 out of 5   1 review

Alum: I had a beautiful life-changing experience at the grand Guarini School of Graduate and Advanced Studies. The Guarini graduate program MALS created so many beautiful opportunities in interdisciplinary learning. Guarini is well integrated within the College, which provides a unique world-class learning experience. Guarini went beyond my expectations and made this experience the best I had and will ever have in my life. The only thing I would like changed is having a GRAD diploma in Latin instead of English to keep up with College tradition. ... Read 1 review

Dartmouth College ,

HANOVER, NH ,

1 Niche users give it an average review of 5 stars.

Featured Review: Alum says I had a beautiful life-changing experience at the grand Guarini School of Graduate and Advanced Studies. The Guarini graduate program MALS created so many beautiful opportunities in interdisciplinary... .

Read 1 reviews.

College of Arts and Letters - University of Notre Dame

Notre Dame, IN •

University of Notre Dame •

• • Rating 4.5 out of 5   2 reviews

Doctoral Student: The faculty at Notre Dame is excellent. The student to professor ratio makes for a wonderful one to one interaction between students and teachers. At Notre Dame, my interests, dreams, goals, research and career path matter. I loved this most. I feel taken seriously and supported with every possible resources for my mental, academic and career success. One gets many opportunities to grow talents through research, and presentations with helpful and supportive feedback from students and professors. For these reasons, I find it a place to be! On the down side, the weather is at first always a challenge for one who is not used to the harsh and gloomy midwestern winter. ... Read 2 reviews

University of Notre Dame ,

NOTRE DAME, IN ,

2 Niche users give it an average review of 4.5 stars.

Featured Review: Doctoral Student says The faculty at Notre Dame is excellent. The student to professor ratio makes for a wonderful one to one interaction between students and teachers. At Notre Dame, my interests, dreams, goals, research... On the down side, the weather is at first always a challenge for one who is not used to the harsh and gloomy midwestern winter. .

Read 2 reviews.

Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences

Los Angeles, CA •

University of Southern California •

University of Southern California ,

LOS ANGELES, CA ,

Cornell University College of Arts & Sciences

Ithaca, NY •

Cornell University •

Cornell University ,

ITHACA, NY ,

Rackham School of Graduate Studies

Ann Arbor, MI •

University of Michigan - Ann Arbor •

• • Rating 5 out of 5   3 reviews

Master's Student: I was nervous about attending a prestigious school like The University of Michigan but once classes started I realized that I had made the right decision. Tuition is very expensive but I love my professors and I believe that I am getting the best education in the country! ... Read 3 reviews

University of Michigan - Ann Arbor ,

ANN ARBOR, MI ,

3 Niche users give it an average review of 5 stars.

Featured Review: Master's Student says I was nervous about attending a prestigious school like The University of Michigan but once classes started I realized that I had made the right decision. Tuition is very expensive but I love my... .

Read 3 reviews.

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Graduate School of Arts & Sciences - Georgetown University

Nw Washington, DC •

Georgetown University •

• • Rating 5 out of 5   2 reviews

Master's Student: The program is highly practical. The professors explain concepts in class and give us home works to submit on each topic discussed on a weekly basis. This enables us to grasp the concepts more. We are informed of the professors office time and so we can email them to make inquiries and get assistance when needed. We make presentations during class which train us to become more bold and be able to communicate the concepts easily. We are able to discuss and critic writings independently. We work on projects in groups of about 3-4 and discuss findings to the entire class and professor. We review research papers and make meta-analyses inform of class projects. The program is well structured and i am gaining skills. My worst experience is having to worry about Tuition and other related school bills. ... Read 2 reviews

Georgetown University ,

NW WASHINGTON, DC ,

2 Niche users give it an average review of 5 stars.

Featured Review: Master's Student says The program is highly practical. The professors explain concepts in class and give us home works to submit on each topic discussed on a weekly basis. This enables us to grasp the concepts more. We... .

UCLA College of Letters and Science

University of California - Los Angeles •

• • Rating 3 out of 5   1 review

University of California - Los Angeles ,

1 Niche users give it an average review of 3 stars.

Krieger School of Arts & Sciences

Baltimore, MD •

Johns Hopkins University •

• • Rating 4.53 out of 5   19 reviews

Master's Student: I have yet to enroll for Fall 2023 after receiving my acceptance letter due to a delay in my need-based financial aid from JHU. However the Homewood Campus in Baltimore is beautiful and my Student Advisor, Alexis has been extremely helpful in initiating my enrollment process and answering all of my questions in a timely matter. My intended Advanced Academic Program is the accelerated (2 semester), dual-modality, 40-credit M.S. in Biotechnology, Biodefense concentration. All of the anticipated course subjects are diverse and there's even a customizable core lab course on campus (at least until Summer 2024). I can't wait and I wish you all the best in your search for academic programs or professional certifications. ... Read 19 reviews

Johns Hopkins University ,

BALTIMORE, MD ,

19 Niche users give it an average review of 4.5 stars.

Featured Review: Master's Student says I have yet to enroll for Fall 2023 after receiving my acceptance letter due to a delay in my need-based financial aid from JHU. However the Homewood Campus in Baltimore is beautiful and my Student... .

Read 19 reviews.

Dietrich College of Humanities & Social Sciences

Pittsburgh, PA •

Carnegie Mellon University •

Carnegie Mellon University ,

PITTSBURGH, PA ,

The Graduate School of Arts & Sciences - University of Virginia

Charlottesville, VA •

University of Virginia •

• • Rating 4 out of 5   1 review

Alum: Very good in some areas, excellent in other areas, many academic choices available in all areas of study ... Read 1 review

University of Virginia ,

CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA ,

1 Niche users give it an average review of 4 stars.

Featured Review: Alum says Very good in some areas, excellent in other areas, many academic choices available in all areas of study .

Laney Graduate School

Atlanta, GA •

Emory University •

Master's Student: I chose the graduate programs at Emory because they are ranked among the best in the country. The school of nursing also provides the clinical experiences, something many of the online only nurse practitioner programs do not do. ... Read 2 reviews

Emory University ,

ATLANTA, GA ,

Featured Review: Master's Student says I chose the graduate programs at Emory because they are ranked among the best in the country. The school of nursing also provides the clinical experiences, something many of the online only nurse... .

UC Berkeley College of Letters & Science

Berkeley, CA •

University of California - Berkeley •

University of California - Berkeley ,

BERKELEY, CA ,

Wake Forest University Graduate School of Arts and Sciences

Winston-salem, NC •

Wake Forest University •

• • Rating 4.63 out of 5   8 reviews

Current Master's student: The academic program is great. The size of each class gives students the perfect opportunity to make connections with professors and other faculty. There could be an improvement in helping students understand the organization of the program. I love that there are multiple paths you can take within the program. ... Read 8 reviews

Wake Forest University ,

WINSTON-SALEM, NC ,

8 Niche users give it an average review of 4.6 stars.

Featured Review: Current Master's student says The academic program is great. The size of each class gives students the perfect opportunity to make connections with professors and other faculty. There could be an improvement in helping students... .

Read 8 reviews.

College of Arts & Sciences - University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill, NC •

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill •

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill ,

CHAPEL HILL, NC ,

Morrissey College of Arts and Sciences

Chestnut Hill, MA •

Boston College •

Boston College ,

CHESTNUT HILL, MA ,

College of Liberal Arts - University of Texas - Austin

Austin, TX •

University of Texas - Austin •

University of Texas - Austin ,

AUSTIN, TX ,

Wesleyan University

Middletown, CT •

• • Rating 4 out of 5   3 reviews

Graduate Student: I attended as a graduate student and my son is there now. I have never met professors who were more passionate about their profession. I loved every one of my classes and was so inspired. My son is having an even better experience than I did. He has loved every moment of his college career. ... Read 3 reviews

MIDDLETOWN, CT ,

3 Niche users give it an average review of 4 stars.

Featured Review: Graduate Student says I attended as a graduate student and my son is there now. I have never met professors who were more passionate about their profession. I loved every one of my classes and was so inspired. My son is... .

College of Arts and Sciences - Lehigh University

Bethlehem, PA •

Lehigh University •

Lehigh University ,

BETHLEHEM, PA ,

BETHLEHEM, PA

Kenneth P. Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences

University of Pittsburgh •

PITTSBURGH, PA

Xavier University

CINCINNATI, OH

• • Rating 4.57 out of 5   30

Showing results 1 through 25 of 463

APA-Accredited Programs

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IMPORTANT NOTE REGARDING 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 SITE VISITS: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, site visits for the majority of programs scheduled to be visited in 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023 have been shifted. Please note that the “next site visit date” listed for each program does not represent an expiration of accreditation. It represents a timeline for a program’s next periodic review. The accreditation status of the 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023 programs will not be impacted by site visit delays. Cycle shifts are listed here . 

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PhD Program

The PhD is conferred upon candidates who have demonstrated substantial scholarship and the ability to conduct independent research and analysis in Psychology.

A student typically concentrates in one of several areas within Psychology. Across all areas, the training program emphasizes the development of research competence, and students are encouraged to develop skills and attitudes that are appropriate to a career of continuing research productivity.

Two kinds of experience are necessary for this purpose. One is the learning of substantial amounts of theoretical, empirical, computational and methods information . A number of courses and seminars are provided to assist in this learning, and students are expected to construct a program in consultation with their advisor(s) to obtain this knowledge in the most stimulating and economical fashion.

A second aspect of training is one that cannot be gained from the courses or seminars. This is first-hand knowledge of, and practical experience with, the methods of psychological investigation and study . Therefore, students are expected to spend half of their time on research and to take no more than 10 units of course work per quarter, beginning in the first quarter.

Students achieve competence in unique ways and at different rates. Students and advisors work together to plan a program to accomplish these objectives.

If current students have any questions about the PhD program, please email the Student Services Manager, Dena Zlatunich, at  denamz [at] stanford.edu (denamz[at]stanford[dot]edu) . The current Director of Graduate Studies is Professor Hyo Gwoen.

If you are interested in applying for our PhD program, please carefully review the information on the  PhD Admissions website . Follow-up questions can be directed to the admissions staff at  psych-admissions [at] stanford.edu (psych-admissions[at]stanford[dot]edu) .

Psychology Headlines

From around the world.

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• Meta's AI Image Generator Struggles to Create Interracial Couples
• Group Launches Holocaust Survivor Speakers Bureau to Fight Antisemitism
• Idaho Lawmakers Pass Bills Targeting LGBTQ+ Citizens
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• AI Study Shows How Personality Affects the Expression of Genes

Source: Psychology News Center

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Psychology Graduate Program

• Psychology Department

Welcome to the Psychology PhD program at Harvard University!

Our work is united in the focus on the science of mental life, yet highly interdisciplinary.

The Psychology Department is organized into four research areas: 

• Clinical Science/ Experimental Psychopathology  
• Developmental Psychology  
• Social Psychology
• Cognition, Brain, and Behavior (CBB)

Students enrolled in the PhD program may follow one of two tracks: Clinical Science or the Common Curriculum, which includes Social Psychology, Developmental Psychology, and Cognition, Brain, and Behavior (CBB). Students may only be considered for Clinical Science during the graduate school application process, and may not transfer in at a later date.

Click here to view our current graduate student profiles. 

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Psychology PhD

The Psychology PhD degree program offers advanced study and research training for students seeking to become leading scientists and scholars in the field

The Psychology PhD degree program offers advanced study and research training for students seeking to become leading scientists and scholars in the field. The program encompasses a wide array of specialty areas within psychology, including developmental, cognitive, social and personality psychology, and spans the study of both healthy and clinical populations from infancy through older adulthood.

From the start of their training, doctoral students in psychology work closely in research laboratories with faculty mentors. Although the department is highly interdisciplinary, there are three primary areas of research focus:

• Developmental psychology, which spans topics in children’s social-emotional, cognitive, and language development;
• Cognitive psychology, including topics in traditional cognitive psychology such as attention, motivation, perception, learning and memory, and face perception ranging from basic science perspectives to applied approaches including interventions to improve cognitive function.
• Social and personality psychology, including work focused on cultural differences in socio-emotional processing, moral decision making, the formation and evolution of interpersonal relationships between romantic partners and friends, and research on health disparities.

In addition, a number of research labs conduct research with implications for clinical science, including the effects of stress on health, adolescent mood disorders, and social cognition in autism and schizophrenia populations. We also offer strong training in advanced statistical techniques critical for psychology research including courses on dyadic group analyses, longitudinal growth curve modeling, multilevel modeling, and advanced multivariate analyses.

Doctoral students in psychology benefit from a rich intellectual climate at the School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences (BBS), including weekly lectures and research presentations by students, faculty, and visiting scholars. The school hosts an annual colloquium series presented by internationally known scientists, and its four research centers periodically offer symposia and workshops that are freely available to doctoral students. Doctoral students receive funding support for presenting their research at professional meetings and conducting their dissertation research. Finally, doctoral students are provided with a variety of other professional development experiences, including opportunities to develop their teaching skills.

The BBS offices and research facilities are located on the Richardson campus and in centers located in Dallas near the campus of the UT Southwestern Medical Center. Facilities at all locations include classrooms and research laboratories for studies of neuroscience, psychology and communication across the lifespan in both typical and clinical populations.

The PhD program in psychology offers exceptional research facilities on the Richardson campus, including state-of-the-art laboratories equipped for studies of event-related potentials, eye tracking, infant visual and auditory preferences, child learning and development, parent-child interactions and adult interpersonal relationships. In addition, the school’s Center for Children and Families , housed at the Callier Center-Richardson location, offers an array of clinical and community outreach activities organized around three main initiatives: promoting healthy families, strengthening interpersonal relationships and enhancing children’s thinking and learning. Partnerships with area hospitals, clinics, agencies and schools further expand student research opportunities. Students also benefit from working with faculty mentors in the Center for BrainHealth and the Center for Vital Longevity.

Degree Requirements

The PhD program in psychology requires a minimum of 75 semester credit hours beyond the baccalaureate degree. Students declare a concentration in developmental psychology, cognitive psychology or social/personality psychology. Students are expected to complete the program coursework and research requirements in four to five years. The research requirements include a qualifying thesis research project and a dissertation research project. Students work collaboratively with their faculty mentor and committee to successfully complete all program milestone projects.

The UT Dallas graduate catalog provides information on degree requirements for the PhD in psychology . For updates, please contact [email protected] . The university’s course look-up site, CourseBook , describes some of the program’s specific courses. The Office of Graduate Studies provides information on academic and other policies .

The psychology admissions committee evaluates applications using a holistic review, which includes prior GPA, letters of recommendation, quantitative and verbal scores for the Graduate Record Exam (GRE), and a close examination of the statement of purpose. Admission is contingent on a match between the research interests of the applicant and faculty. Applicants are strongly encouraged to identify faculty with similar research interests and to contact them about current opportunities for admission.

Typically, applicants have an average undergraduate cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above, and completion of an undergraduate degree in a related major is advisable. Completion of a master’s degree is not required. Applicants without a prior degree in psychology should contact the program head for prerequisite coursework.

Applications to the PhD program must include official transcripts, GRE scores, three letters of reference from people qualified to evaluate your potential for successful doctoral study, and a statement of purpose detailing your previous research and professional experiences, your current research interests, and your career goals. The statement of purpose is an extremely important part of your application.

International applicants must provide proof of English proficiency via TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE meeting University minimum requirements.

* GRE scores waived for Fall 2022-24 applicants. Submission of GRE scores (general or subject tests) are optional.

To Submit an Application

Please see the enrollment page of the UT Dallas Office of Graduate Admissions for details on how to submit an application to the PhD program in psychology .

Completed applications must be received on or before December 1 for admission the following fall. There are no spring or summer admissions.

You can check the status of your application using the university’s Orion program.

Questions about the application process can be directed to:

Psychology Doctoral Program School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences The University of Texas at Dallas 800 W. Campbell Rd., GR41 Richardson, TX 75080 [email protected]

Graduate Application Fee Waiver Program

The Office of Graduate Education and the Office of Admission and Enrollment at The University of Texas at Dallas are pleased to offer a Graduate Application Fee Waiver Program to  qualified participants  (past or present). To qualify, students must be applying for a PhD or Master’s degree at UT Dallas. Non-degree applicants are not eligible for fee waivers. Only U.S. citizens and permanent residents are eligible to request a fee waiver.

Financial Aid

Financial support of full-time doctoral students in psychology is awarded through teaching or research assistantship stipends and tuition scholarships. Admitted students are automatically considered for teaching and research assistant positions.

Other information on financial aid for graduate students is available on the UT Dallas graduate admissions page.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Financial support of full-time doctoral students in psychology is awarded through teaching or research assistantship stipends and tuition scholarships. Admitted students are automatically considered for these sources of financial support, and most admitted students receive some type of support. Please see the UT Dallas Graduate Admissions site for information on other sources of financial aid for PhD students.

UT Dallas’ main campus is located in Richardson, Texas, about 15 miles north of downtown Dallas; some of the centers of the School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences are located in Dallas, near the campus of the UT Southwestern Medical School. Both Richardson and Dallas are vibrant communities, with opportunities for art, drama, music, athletics, and other activities. Visit the UT Dallas visitors website for more information about the University.

Richardson and Dallas are richly diverse cities located in one of America’s largest and fastest growing metropolitan areas. The Dallas area boasts 50,000 acres of public park land, the nation’s largest urban arts district with excellent symphony, opera, and art museums, five major sports franchises, multiple entertainment districts, and a thriving culinary scene. The DART rail system runs from the suburbs of Plano and Richardson to the arts district, downtown Dallas, and DFW airport. Yes, it is hot in the summer, but the average daily temperature is 65 degrees (spring, fall, and winter are great!). The area offers a reasonable cost of living and an abundance of sunshine.

Most doctoral classes are held on the main UT Dallas campus in Richardson, but some class offerings may be held in Dallas, at the Callier Center for Communication Disorders, the Center for Brain Health, or the Center for Vital Longevity. Your duties as a teaching assistant or research assistant likely will take place on the main campus in Richardson or at one of the centers in Dallas. Because locations of classes and duties may change over semesters it can be difficult to choose a place to live. Public transportation options are improving, but because commuting by car is relatively easy, many students choose to live in areas between Richardson and Dallas. Some student housing is available on the main campus in Richardson, but on-campus housing caters primarily to undergraduates. You can use online search engines to find housing options that fit your price range and target location, and the program office can also provide information and recommendations from current doctoral students.

Applicants are strongly encouraged to contact potential mentors prior to submitting application materials. The admissions committee evaluates applications on several dimensions, including not only prior GPA and GRE scores, letters of recommendation, and personal statements, but also the fit between the research interests of the applicant and faculty, and the willingness and ability of the proposed mentor or mentoring team to accept new PhD student supervision responsibilities.

Prior to being admitted, students are invited to visit UT Dallas, to meet with prospective faculty mentors and see their laboratories.

Completed applications must be received on or before  December 1  for admission the following fall. There are no spring or summer admissions.

Yes. We strongly encourage you to identify faculty who share your research interests and to contact them about current opportunities for admission. A primary consideration in PhD admission is a faculty member’s agreement to serve as a student’s mentor.

Decisions on admission are made in mid- to late-February.

The psychology PhD program is an experimental psychology program and provides training for a career in teaching and research. Former graduates have successfully acquired university faculty positions, as well as research positions in hospitals, school systems, healthcare start-ups, and research institutes. Graduates also have worked in applied research settings, conducting program evaluation research with education and intervention programs.

No, we do not offer a clinical or counseling master’s or PhD degree.

This depends on your goals. The master’s degree is appropriate for students interested in broad psychology training beyond the undergraduate level or additional training to prepare them for applying to doctoral programs in clinical psychology and other areas of psychology. The PhD program is appropriate for students interested in careers in research and teaching and involves extensive training in research design and methodology.

These two programs have a lot in common. There is overlap in the coursework of these programs and many of the faculty members are involved with both programs. The psychology program allows for broader training in psychology; students can select a concentration in developmental psychology, cognitive psychology, or social/personality psychology. The cognition and neuroscience program focuses more narrowly on cognitive psychology or neuroscience. One way to decide what program may be best for you is to think about what type of department you see yourself affiliated with in the future and which degree best serves your career goals.

Program Contacts

Program head.

Karen M. Rodrigue, PhD [email protected]

Program Coordinator

Alice Presti Office: JO 4.310 Phone: 972-883-2697 [email protected]

For Additional Program Information

Phd student guide.

The PhD student guide provides information on policies and procedures in the PhD programs in the School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences.

PhD Student Forms and Information

Degree Plan Psychology Registration and Related Forms Graduate Change of Program Register, Add, Drop, Withdraw Repeated Course Grade Adjustment Transfer of Credit Request Milestones and Annual Reporting Forms Milestones Agreement Form Psychology Guidelines for Completing Theses and Dissertations Psychology Annual Report Qualifying Papers and Projects Qualifying Plan 1: Thesis Overview of Qualifying Plan 1 Psychology Guidelines for Completing Theses and Dissertations Qualifying Thesis Committee Membership Qualifying Thesis Proposal Approval Qualifying Thesis Final Approval Public Presentation of Research Project Request for Extension Dissertation Committee Appointment Form Dissertation Proposal Meeting Public Presentation of Dissertation Proposal Request for Final Oral Exam In Absentia Registration Memo – Absent Committee Member Memo – Committee Member Attending Remotely Checklist for Final Submission of Doctoral Dissertation UTDPP1052

Teaching and Research Assistantship Forms and FAQs UTDPP1075

Requests for Student Travel and Dissertation Support Student Request for Travel Support PhD Research Small Grants Program Application

Program Resources

Psychology PhD Fast Facts This document provides a quick, printable overview of the program.

Please visit the Office of Graduate studies for additional information on academic policies , PhD deadlines , PhD forms , guidelines for preparing dissertations , and a profile of characteristics of doctoral programs at UT Dallas.

Student Achievement Data

View the Student Achievement Data on the Callier Center for Communication Disorders page.

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Mailing Address

School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences GR41 | 800 W Campbell Road | Richardson, TX 75080-3021

Explore the 10 Best Graduate Clinical Psychology Programs

Graduates with Ph.D. degrees in clinical psychology often work in academia.

(Getty Images) |

Clinical psychologists help treat mental illness.

With the rise in mental health awareness, clinical psychology has become an attractive career path for those who care about mental health issues. Clinical psychologists diagnose and treat mental health problems and often work in private practice or health care facilities. These are the Best Graduate Clinical Psychology Doctorate Programs , based on the results of peer assessment surveys sent by U.S. News to academics in the field in fall 2019.

Scott Goldsmith | Aurora for USN&WR

• 10 (tie). Harvard University

Location: Cambridge, Massachusetts

Peer reputation score (scale of 1-5) : 4.3

Key facts about the program: "The main emphasis of the program is research, especially on severe psychopathology," Harvard's website explains. "The program includes research, course work, and clinical practica, and usually takes five years to complete." Required courses for the program include classes in psychological testing, diagnostic interviewing and psychometric theory.

Learn more about Harvard University .

Indiana University |

• 10 (tie). Indiana University—Bloomington

Location: Bloomington, Indiana

Key facts about the program: This graduate program is very small and highly selective; it usually admits between three and five students per year. The curriculum of each student is tailored to the needs of that student, which means that students can define their own majors. "We have minimal course requirements, which enables our students to learn by doing," the program website states.

Learn more about Indiana University—Bloomington .

Andy Colwell |

• 10 (tie). Pennsylvania State University—University Park

Location: University Park, Pennsylvania

Key facts about the program: This clinical psychology Ph.D. program offers two tracks, one that focuses on adults and another that focuses on children. Doctoral students generally spend three to four years on coursework, and then spend a year apiece on producing a dissertation and completing a predoctoral internship. "The program includes courses in clinical psychology, neuroscience, personality, research design, psychopathology, psychotherapy, clinical assessment, and statistics," the Penn State website explains.

Learn more about Pennsylvania State University—University Park .

Temple University photography |

• 10 (tie). Temple University

Location: Philadelphia

Key facts about the program: "The overarching mission of the program is to train creative and accomplished clinical scientists who produce, consume, and disseminate psychological science and who function successfully in academic, research, and applied settings," the program website states. From the start of their Ph.D. program, Temple University clinical psychology graduate students gain research and clinical experience, and they receive education on mental, behavioral and emotional disorders, according to the university.

Learn more about Temple University .

Photo by Glenn Asakawa | University of Colorado

• 10 (tie). University of Colorado—Boulder

Location: Boulder, Colorado

Key facts about the program: The university's clinical psychology Ph.D. students are encouraged to work on interdisciplinary projects, according to the university website, which notes that the school has several interdisciplinary academic institutes that relate to clinical psychology. These include the Institute for Behavioral Genetics, the Institute of Behavioral Science and the Institute of Cognitive Science. The clinical psychology graduate program also operates several clinics, such as The Raimy Psychology Clinic, Sutherland Center for Bipolar Disorder, The Attention Behavior and Learning Clinic, and Brain Behavior Clinic.

Learn more about the University of Colorado—Boulder .

Daryl Marshke | MichiganPhotography

• 10 (tie). University of Michigan—Ann Arbor

Location: Ann Arbor, Michigan

Key facts about the program: Alumni of this program often find jobs at top-flight academic institutions. "Our recent graduates have obtained post-doctoral appointments at some of the most prestigious programs such as the University of Minnesota, UCLA, and the University of Pittsburgh Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic," the program website states. "Our graduates also hold tenure track positions at leading universities such as the University of Michigan, the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, Emory University, and NYU."

Learn more about the University of Michigan—Ann Arbor .

The University of Texas at Austin |

• 10 (tie). University of Texas—Austin

Location: Austin, Texas

Peer reputation score (scale of 1-5): 4.3

Key facts about the program: Doctoral students must complete four years of graduate-level coursework, a second-year research project and a clinical practicum sequence to gain hands-on experience interacting with patients. They also need to finish a one-year predoctoral internship at a specific treatment site and successfully defend a dissertation in order to qualify for a doctorate. It typically takes six years, particularly for students who want to compete for academic positions, to complete the program, according to university faculty.

Learn more about the University of Texas—Austin .

Joe Angeles | WUSTL Photo

• 10 (tie). Washington University in St. Louis

Location: St. Louis

Key facts about the program: This clinical science training program is accredited by the American Psychological Association and the Psychological Clinical Science Accreditation System, according to the program website. Students sometimes specialize in neuropsychology, clinical aging or health psychology. "Our students do not need to choose whether they will be scientists or practitioners; they must see these activities as being inherently intertwined, and they must be able to function in both roles," the program website states.

Learn more about Washington University in St. Louis .

University of Pennsylvania | University Communications

• 8 (tie). University of Pennsylvania

Peer reputation score (scale of 1-5) : 4.4

Key facts about the program: This program is tailored to the needs of aspiring clinical researchers, according to the program website. "Clinical training (in assessment, diagnosis and psychotherapy) is seen as an integral part of the education of highly qualified, creative clinical scientists," the website states, adding that "the principal goal of Penn clinical students is to become expert psychological scientists, not simply expert clinicians, and the program is designed to support that goal."

Learn more about the University of Pennsylvania .

University of Pittsburgh |

• 8 (tie). University of Pittsburgh

Location: Pittsburgh

Key facts about the program: The mission of this program is to prepare future research scientists to conduct groundbreaking research on mental health issues and to advance understanding of those issues, according to the university. "Program faculty members include presidents of national organizations, journal editors, and members of federal grant review committees," the program website states. "Faculty research funding was several million dollars for the past year, which supports extensive laboratory facilities."

Learn more about the University of Pittsburgh .

University Relations Department, University of Minnesota Crookston |

• 5 (tie). University of Minnesota—Twin Cities

Location: Minneapolis

Peer reputation score (scale of 1-5) : 4.5

Key facts about the program: According to the university, the Clinical Science and Psychopathology Research program's faculty particularly excel in personality and behavioral genetic research, as well as research into psychological disorders. The program's faculty conduct psychological experiments and epidemiological studies. "Our program is designed to train students who wish to become academic clinical psychologists or research scientists, although of course graduates will also find themselves well-prepared for various careers as clinicians or more applied researchers," the university website states.

Learn more about the University of Minnesota—Twin Cities .

Dennis Wise | University of Washington

• 5 (tie). University of Washington

Location: Seattle

Key facts about the program: A goal of the Ph.D. program in clinical psychology is to prepare students to become excellent researchers who can discover new information about mental health conditions and potential treatments, according to the university website. "Our training program is primarily an apprenticeship for a career that will encompass making significant contributions to scientific clinical psychology," the university website states. "The program is not appropriate for those interested solely in clinical practice and not in research."

Learn more about the University of Washington .

Bryce Richter | UW-Madison

• 5 (tie). University of Wisconsin—Madison

Location: Madison, Wisconsin

Key facts about the program: Because this program involves mentorships between faculty and students, one of its admissions criteria is the alignment of student and faculty research interests, according to the university website. Most students selected for the program majored in psychology, but some have majors in other related academic disciplines. The university encourages prospective clinical psychology students to conduct research on the school's faculty in this field.

Learn more about the University of Wisconsin—Madison .

Stony Brook University |

• 3 (tie). Stony Brook University—SUNY

Location: Stony Brook, New York

Peer reputation score (scale of 1-5) : 4.6

Key facts about the program: This Ph.D. program in clinical psychology is most appropriate for students interested in either a research or academic career, according to the Stony Brook University website. The program historically placed a heavy emphasis on behavioral psychology, but it has evolved to embrace a broader array of psychological perspectives while still providing a strong foundation in behavioral psychology. The program is designed to teach students how to take an empirical approach to the practice of psychology, according to the university.

Learn more about Stony Brook University .

Steve McConnell | UC Berkeley Public Affairs

• 3 (tie). University of California—Berkeley

Location: Berkeley, California

Key facts about the program: Doctoral students are matched with a faculty mentor at the beginning of their first year, and that person oversees the student's research, according to the university. The psychology clinical science program involves a combination of research and "hands-on clinical experience," according to the program website. It includes a one-year clinical internship. Berkeley's program is a member of the Academy of Psychological Clinical Science, a coalition of doctoral programs that is focused on advancing clinical science.

Learn more about the University of California—Berkeley .

Dan Sears UNC-Chapel Hill |

• 2. University of North Carolina—Chapel Hill

Location: Chapel Hill, North Carolina

Peer reputation score (scale of 1-5) : 4.7

Key facts about the program: Students in this program have a choice between two tracks, one focused on adult mental health and the other on the mental well-being of children and families. "We emphasize training in clinically-informed research and evidence-based clinical work and recognize that students have varying career aspirations that may evolve over the course of graduate training," the program website states.

Learn more about the University of North Carolina—Chapel Hill .

• 1. University of California—Los Angeles

Location: Los Angeles

Peer reputation score (scale of 1-5) : 4.8

Key facts about the program: This is a six-year, full-time-only Ph.D. program. UCLA's psychology department does not offer separate M.A. or Psy.D. programs. The Ph.D. course of study includes a full-time, one-year internship. The Ph.D. program's mission is to train influential experts in the field of clinical psychology.

Learn more about the University of California—Los Angeles .

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Psychology, PhD

Zanvyl krieger school of arts and sciences, program requirements .

The Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences emphasizes training and experience in the research methods essential to the development of new knowledge in the various sub-fields of psychology. Our core program for doctoral students emphasizes scientific methodology and provides rigorous research training. Each doctoral candidate is expected to become familiar with both a relatively narrowly defined area and a broad spectrum of knowledge related to the student’s topic of specialization.

In addition to general university requirements, the Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences has the following regulations:

A thorough understanding of statistics is useful in virtually all research settings.  Two statistics courses are required during the first year of graduate training.  The normal sequence is AS.200.657 Advanced Statistical Methods during the first semester and AS.200.658 Advanced Research Design and Analysis during the second semester. Students with exceptional statistical training should take two more advanced courses by arrangement with the Director of Graduate Studies.  Students are encouraged to take more statistics, as appropriate.

Fundamentals and Core Topics in PBS

AS.200.613 Fundamentals of Biopsychology , AS.200.617 Fundamentals of Cognitive Psychology ,  AS.200.654 Psychological & Brain Sciences Core Topics A , and AS.200.655 Psychological & Brain Sciences Core Topics B  offer an introduction to the fundamental principles and methods of the psychological & brain sciences. Students will read seminal and contemporary papers in topics that cover the breadth of the field. In addition, students become versed in the careful consideration of data and in formulating written and oral arguments.

First-Year Research Report

During the first year, the student, together with the faculty advisor, identifies a research project that will provide extended research experience. Normally, the student designs a study as part of a larger ongoing project. A project proposal must be submitted by April 15 of the first year; this proposal introduces the nature of the scientific problem, reviews the relevant literature, and describes the proposed study in detail, together with the anticipated data, means of analysis, and interpretations. A final written version of this report must be submitted by December 15 of the student's second year; ideally, this "first year project" report includes all the information that would be appropriate for submission to a scientific journal.

Advanced Examination

The Advanced Examination is designed to assess expertise in the student’s area of concentration. This examination, which includes both a written and oral part, is graded by a committee of at least two faculty members. The written and oral portions of the advanced examination offer the student an opportunity to demonstrate both in-depth, focused knowledge in their specialty area of study, and also a breadth of knowledge outside of their area of expertise. The student must pass the advanced examination by the beginning of the third year of study.

Advanced Seminars

Advanced seminars are more specialized in content than a Core Topics course, but are still geared to students with interests both inside and outside the area.  Students are required to complete one advanced seminar outside their concentration area.  Completion of an additional advanced seminar is strongly recommended.

Topical Seminars

The Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences offers topical seminars in which one or more faculty members leads seminars on topics of special interest, such as cognitive processes, developmental psycholinguistics, neuro-physiological aspects of behavior, mathematical psychology, and information processing. Through participation in these seminars, students are exposed to findings in subfields of psychology. Topics vary from semester to semester and are determined by the interests of both faculty and graduate students.  The format of the seminar is optional, and the course may or may not require formal tests of knowledge.  Students are urged to complete topical seminars as appropriate.

Research Seminars

Students and faculty engaged or interested in research in particular areas organize these seminars. Participants discuss their own research and other current research in the area.

Teaching Assistantships

Teaching requirements are fulfilled by graduate students serving as teaching assistants to members of the department's faculty, in courses taught in the School of Arts and Sciences.  All graduate students are expected to TA a total of four semesters, beginning in the first semester of their second year, continuing consecutively through the second semester of the third year.  The Department Chair, Director of Graduate Studies, Department Administrator, and Academic Program Administrator collaborate to assess the instructional support needs of the department and assign these teaching duties.

Advanced students may apply for a Dean’s Teaching Fellowship . This prestigious fellowship provides graduate students an opportunity to grow both as educators and scholars by allowing them to propose, design, and offer an undergraduate seminar course.

Literature Review

Students complete a written literature review in preparation of the completion of their dissertation. The literature review is modeled on articles appearing in professional journals, and it should be suitable for publication in such a journal. Typically, the review provides a background for the thesis plan, but for some students it may be prepared on a topic other than the one selected for the thesis. The literature review is evaluated by the same committee that will evaluate the thesis plan.

Thesis Plan

At least one calendar year before receiving the Ph.D. degree, each doctoral candidate must develop a plan for the dissertation research and present the plan before a departmental committee.  The thesis plan is a detailed document stating the issue the student wishes to address in a dissertation, the experimental design to be used, and the way the student will interpret the various possible results.  In essence, it is a proposal for a research project with predictions and preliminary data, rather than results.  The outline of the experiments should be sufficiently clear that the readers will fully understand the procedures; the plan should also include a timeline.

This plan should be completed as soon as possible, but no later than the end of the fourth year.  Dissertation research cannot proceed until the Thesis Plan has formally been approved.  With the committee’s approval, the student then prepares a dissertation.

Dissertation

The dissertation represents the student’s culminating piece of scholarly work. It establishes the start of a research career and the basis for postgraduate employment. The Graduate Board of the University administers the final oral examination, a defense of the thesis. The doctoral dissertation must be in a form suitable for and worthy of publication.

Financial Support

Support for graduate students comes from many different sources. Domestic and international students in good standing can expect to receive tuition remission and a stipend.

Stipend support is competitive with that at other institutions and provides sufficient funds to live modestly. Stipends may come from research grants held by faculty members, allowing students to collaborate and be paid as research assistants. The university also provides funds for teaching assistants, as well as special fellowships.

All students are encouraged to apply for national awards, fellowships, and scholarships (e.g., NSF Graduate Fellowships). Our students have been remarkably successful at winning these honors.

The Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences is also affiliated with two diverse training programs supported by the Center for Hearing and Balance and the National Institute on Aging , including the NIA-supported training grant titled “Research Training in Age-Related Cognitive Disorders.” Qualified graduate students are encouraged to discuss relevant and appropriate training grant applications with their advisors. Stipend and tuition remission may be provided to accepted applicants through these and other training programs.

For further information on graduate study in psychology, contact the Academic Program Administrator for the Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences .

Master of Arts in Psychology

A student who has been admitted into the Ph.D. program can earn a Master of Arts degree in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Ph.D. degree. Normally, candidates for the Ph.D. degree in psychology will qualify for the M.A. degree at the end of their second year, after having completed two area seminars and at least two courses in psychological research design and/or advanced statistics, provided that their performance is of the quality judged satisfactory for the M.A. level. There is no terminal master’s program.

• Department of Psychology >
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Doctoral (PhD) Programs

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long do these programs typically take to complete.

The PhD in Clinical Psychology program takes an average of seven (7) years to complete. The PhD programs in Behavioral Neuroscience, Cognitive Psychology and Social-Personality Psychology take approximately five (5) years.

Are all the PhD programs APA accredited?

Only the Clinical Psychology PhD Program is currently APA accredited. Questions related to the program’s accredited status should be directed to:

The Commission on Accreditation Office of Program Consultation and Accreditation American Psychological Association 750 1st Street, NE Washington, DC 20002

Phone: (202) 336-5979 E-mail: [email protected]   www.apa.org/ed/accreditation

I'm interested in a counseling career. Is this the right department for me?

Although the Clinical Psychology PhD Program is APA accredited and includes training in clinical practice, the program has a far stronger research emphasis. The program is designed to develop the skills necessary for becoming a clinical researcher and to prepare students for careers in academic settings, such as psychology and psychiatry departments.

Applicants who do not have a strong interest in research may want to consider the counseling-based doctoral and master’s level psychology programs offered at UB within the Graduate School of Education , along with the graduate programs offered by UB’s School of Social Work . Our Cognitive Psychology PhD, Social-Personality PhD, Behavioral Neuroscience PhD and General Psychology MA programs do not offer clinical training, nor provide the credentials necessary for graduates to be eligible to be a licensed therapist or counselor.

Fields include clinical psychology; cognitive psychology; developmental psychology; neuroscience; and social/personality psychology.

• Programs of Study
• PhD - Doctor of Philosophy
• Combined PhD
• Department of Psychology

Melissa Ferguson

Director of Graduate Studies

• [email protected]

Fredericka Grant

Departmental Registrar

• [email protected]
• 203-432-4500

Admission Requirements

Standardized testing requirements.

GRE is optional. 

English Language Requirement

TOEFL iBT or IELTS Academic is required of most applicants whose native language is not English.

You may be exempt from this requirement if you have received (or will receive) an undergraduate degree from a college or university where English is the primary language of instruction, and if you have studied in residence at that institution for at least three years.

Combined Degree Program Application Deadline

*The deadline to submit an application to a combined program is always the earlier deadline of the two individual programs, or December 15, whichever comes first.

Academic Information

Combined phd information.

Psychology offers a combined PhD in conjunction with Philosophy .

Program Advising Guidelines

GSAS Advising Guidelines

Academic Resources

Academic calendar.

The Graduate School's academic calendar lists important dates and deadlines related to coursework, registration, financial processes, and milestone events such as graduation.

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Registration Information and Dates

https://registration.yale.edu/

Students must register every term in which they are enrolled in the Graduate School. Registration for a given term takes place the semester prior, and so it's important to stay on top of your academic plan. The University Registrar's Office oversees the systems that students use to register. Instructions about how to use those systems and the dates during which registration occurs can be found on their registration website.

Financial Information

Phd stipend & funding.

PhD students at Yale are normally full-funded for a minimum of five years. During that time, our students receive a twelve-month stipend to cover living expenses and a fellowship that covers the full cost of tuition and student healthcare.

• PhD Student Funding Overview
• Graduate Financial Aid Office
• PhD Stipends
• Health Award
• Tuition and Fees

Alumni Insights

Below you will find alumni placement data for our departments and programs.

Offered by the Department of Psychology   , College of Arts and Sciences   , the Clinical Psychology (PhD) program is fully accredited by the American Psychological Association Committee on Accreditation (COA) and has been accredited since 1972. COA is part of the Office of Program Consultation and Accreditation (OPCA).

OPCA contact information is as follows:

Office of Program Consultation and Accreditation 750 First Street, NE Washington, DC 20002-4242 Phone: 202-336-5979 TDD/TTY: 202-336-6123 Fax: 202-336-5978 Email: [email protected] https://www.apa.org/ed/accreditation

Admission to the Program

In addition to meeting the minimum university requirements for graduate study, applicants must submit a completed graduate application form, Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores for the General examination (Verbal, Quantitative, and Analytic) and Advanced Psychology test, three letters of recommendation, and copies of all college transcripts. The GRE Advanced Psychology test is recommended but not required. Those applicants to the Clinical Psychology program judged to be among the top applicants are invited for an interview, and the final selection is based on all information, including the interview. Students are admitted for full-time study only.

Degree Requirements

• Students who have been admitted to the doctoral program in psychology but do not have an MA in psychology that has been accepted by the department must complete the degree requirements for the Psychology (MA)    (thesis option; thesis seminar not required) before they can be awarded the doctorate
• One tool of research is required but does not result in course credit toward the degree. The tool requirement is defined as the dissemination of a research tool. Please see the Department of  Psychology    for further information
• Two comprehensive examinations, which involve students in the kinds of activities they will later engage in as professional psychologists. The written comprehensive is an examination on supervision and consultation. The oral comprehensive is a specialty examination, which involves a clinical presentation
• Dissertation: A written proposal for the dissertation must be submitted and signed by the student’s dissertation committee before the student can apply for internship. The dissertation, when completed, must be accepted by the dissertation committee, the department chair, and the university
• As part of the doctoral requirements, clinical students serve a one-year externship and a one-year internship in an appropriate setting outside the university

Course Requirements

Required (48 credit hours).

Note: 3 credit hours of assessment coursework approved by the director of clinical training may be used as substitute for  PSYC-618 Principles of Neuropsychological Assessment (3)   .  

• PSYC-600 Advanced Memory and Cognition (3)
• PSYC-618 Principles of Neuropsychological Assessment (3)
• PSYC-621 Ethnic and Minority Issues in Psychology (3)
• PSYC-622 Stress, Coping, and Emotion (3)
• PSYC-630 Psychotherapy: Theory, Research, and Practice (3)
• PSYC-633 Psychological Assessment I (3)
• PSYC-641 Advanced Social Psychology (3)
• PSYC-650 Psychological Research (3)
• PSYC-651 Psychopathology: Theory and Research (3)
• PSYC-652 Assessment of Intellectual Function and Personality (3)
• PSYC-660 Advanced Developmental Psychology (3)
• PSYC-680 Experiential/Psychodynamic Psychotherapy Practicum I (3)
• PSYC-681 Experiential/Psychodynamic Psychotherapy Practicum II (3)
• PSYC-710 Cognitive-Behavior Therapy Practicum I (3)
• PSYC-711 Cognitive-Behavior Therapy Practicum II (3)
• PSYC-797 Master’s Thesis Research (1-3) (3 credit hours required)

Practicum Sequence (6 credit hours)

Complete one of the following practicum sequences:

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy with Youth

• PSYC-780 Advanced Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy with Youth I (3)
• PSYC-781 Advanced Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy with Youth II (3)

Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies

• PSYC-793 Advanced Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies Practicum I (3)
• PSYC-794 Advanced Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies Practicum II (3)

Biological Bases of Behavior (3 credit hours)

Complete 3 credit hours from the following:

• PSYC-518 Advanced Human Neuropsychology (3)
• PSYC-601 Physiological Psychology (3)
• PSYC-613 Neuropharmacology: The Biochemistry of Behavior (3)

Statistics (6 credit hours)

Complete 6 credit hours from the following:

• DATA-612 Statistical Programming in R (3)
• DATA-613 Data Science (3)
• GOVT-618 Bayesian Statistics (3)

 / STAT-618 Bayesian Statistics (3)  

• PSYC-640 Statistical Methods for Mediation and Moderation in Psychology (3)
• STAT-516 Design of Experiments (3)
• STAT-517 Special Topics in Statistical Methodology (3)
• STAT-519 Nonparametric Statistics (3)
• STAT-520 Applied Multivariate Analysis (3)
• STAT-521 Analysis of Categorical Data (3)
• STAT-522 Time-Series Analysis (3)
• STAT-615 Regression (3)
• STAT-616 Generalized Linear Models (3)
• STAT-622 Advanced Biostatistics (3)
• STAT-623 Topics in Biostatistics (3)
• STAT-625 Statistical Software (3)
• STAT-627 Statistical Machine Learning (3)

Electives (7 credit hours)

• 7 credit hours from approved electives

Internship (0 credit hours)

Complete the following while away on internship (in addition to PSYC-899 Doctoral Dissertation (9)   ):

• PSYC-091 Internship (0) (taken 2-3 times)

Dissertation

• PSYC-899 Doctoral Dissertation (9) (only after advancement to candidacy)

Ph.D. in Psychology

• Academic Programs

About this Program

The Department of Psychology in the College of Liberal Arts offers the Ph.D. in Psychology, with emphases in Clinical Psychology and Experimental Psychology.

The emphasis in Clinical Psychology is based on the scientist-practitioner model and thus designed to prepare an individual to become a professional psychologist capable of working in clinical and/or research settings.

The emphasis in Experimental Psychology provides rigorous and supportive scientific training that prepares graduates for careers in a broad spectrum of fields such as academic careers in teaching and research or corporate careers in health, behavioral, or social sciences. Experimental psychology students specialize in cognitive psychology, developmental psychology, or social psychology.

On this Page…

Program information, program type.

Doctorate Program

Area of Study

Social Sciences, Law, and Policy

College of Liberal Arts

Program Location

Clinical Psychology; Experimental Psychology

Required Credit Hours

Program details.

The Department of Psychology welcomes student applications with the following materials. Additional details are found on the department website .

• Complete the Graduate School’s Online Application.
• Pay the application fee ($50).
• Submit official transcripts.
• International applicants whose first language is not English may be required to submit scores from an acceptable English language proficiency test .
• Upload Supplemental Application materials for the Department of Psychology to the link provided by the online application.
• Statement of purpose. See guidelines on webpage for Clinical Psychology and on the webpage for Experimental Psychology
• Three letters of recommendation: provide contact information for three recommenders  
• Psy 505: Conditioning and Learning
• Psy 703: Quantitative Methods in Psychology I
• Psy 704: Quantitative Methods in Psychology II
• Psy 709: Advanced Conditioning and Learning
• Psy 710: Cognitive Assessment
• Psy 711: Personality Assessment
• Psy 729: Advanced Psychopathology
• Psy 730: Evidence-based Clinical Interventions
• Psy 731: Theories of Psychotherapy
• Psy 741: Ethics & Prof Standards of Clinical Psychology
• Psy 748: Research Design
• Psy 751: History and Systems of Psychology
• multicultural psychology
• physiological psychology
• developmental psychology
• cognitive psychology
• social cognition
• 2 elective classes

Students in the Ph.D. in Psychology complete 54 credit hours. 

The emphasis in experimental psychology includes 12 graduate-level courses (covering foundational content in methods, statistics, and psychology) and a doctoral dissertation. Additional minors and/or concentrations in gender studies and applied statistics are also available. See details on the experimental emphasis webpage . 

• Psy 717: Individual Experimental Research
• Psy 735: Seminar on College Teaching
• Psy 755: Research Colloquium every semester
• Psy 707: Advanced Cognitive Psychology 
• Psy 712: Advanced Social Psychology
• Psy 713: Advanced Social Cognition
• Psy 715: Physiological Psychology
• Psy 718: Advanced Developmental Psychology  
• two elective courses, excluding Psy 747 (Problems), 697 (Thesis), and 797 (Dissertation)

Historically we have been able to provide a full tuition scholarship, subsidized health insurance , and monetary stipend each year to every student while enrolled on campus, so long as they are making satisfactory progress and matriculate through the program in a timely manner. Additional financial support is available through the Graduate School Recruiting Fellowships, and each year we nominate multiple eligible individuals for these awards. The Department also provides funds to help with graduate student travel costs to conferences.

The Graduate School’s financial aid webpage lists a variety of funding possibilities, including summer support and a recruiting fellowship program that promotes academic excellence and access to graduate education to groups who are historically underrepresented.  

Faculty are working on a wide variety of research topics encompassing areas such as:

• Contextual influences on psychological outcomes, including how lay-theories influence individual and interpersonal outcomes, cultivating youth environmental leadership and civic engagement, and understanding the mental health effects of disasters.
• Development across the lifespan from understanding social and cognitive development in early childhood, to dissemination of evidence-based services for children and adolescents, to adolescent anxiety disorders and substance use within a family context, to health behaviors and activity engagement in aging.
• Interpersonal influences on well-being including stigma and discrimination, social ostracism, interpersonal relationships, and sexuality.
• Health psychology, including psychological and social factors that contribute to poor health in adults with chronic health conditions.
• Psychopathology including cognitive-behavioral therapies, understanding and treatment of anxiety disorders across the lifespan, dimensional models of personality disorders and antisocial behavior, misophonia, and the role of meaning and purpose in life.
• Self Regulation including choice, self-knowledge, rule governance, behavior acquisition, behavior analysis; facial and verbal expressions of emotion and self-regulation of emotion; impulse control and psychopathology; and the development of executive function.
• Visual perception focused on understanding low-level visual processes.

What is Psychology?

Interested in Our Clinical Program?

We’re Here to Help! If you have any questions about the Ph.D. in Psychology with a Clinical emphasis, don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Todd A Smitherman

Professor of Psychology and Director of Clinical Training

• [email protected]
• 662-915-1825

Interested in Our Experimental Program?

If you have any questions about the Ph.D. in Psychology with a Experimental emphasis, don’t hesitate to get in touch!

Stephanie Miller Graduate Program Coordinator

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We have a variety of scholarships and financial aid options to help make college more affordable for you and your family.

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What Are the Different Types of Psychology Degrees?

May 10, 2021 

Interested in a career that focuses on how the mind, brain and behavior work together? Earning a psychology degree may place you on the path to pursuing a variety of roles in the field. Professionals in this area observe, interpret and record individuals’ cognitive, emotional and social skills. They focus their work on how humans interact with one another and their environments. And in turn, they provide their clients with the resources to cope more effectively with challenging life issues. 

Different psychology degrees can be earned at every level of higher education. An associate degree may fulfill requirements for jobs as a medical assistant or preschool teacher, while a bachelor’s degree in psychology can lead to potential opportunities to be a training specialist or market research analyst. A master’s degree may satisfy requirements for psychologist positions in settings including industrial organizations. A master’s can also prepare individuals for jobs as marriage and family therapists or applied behavior analysts, or it can be a step toward a doctoral degree, which some states require to become a licensed therapist.

According to the American Psychological Association (APA), the two most common doctoral degrees are the Doctor of Philosophy, or PhD, and the Doctor of Psychology, or PsyD . The former is designed for students looking to engage in research and produce new knowledge and the latter focuses on the application of psychological science to provide a service to individuals or groups. 

Types of Psychology Graduate Programs

The APA explains that professionals may pursue master’s degrees in psychology to receive more training and credentials to qualify for a doctoral program or to gain skills and knowledge for advancement in a specific career or organization—from marriage and family therapy to applied behavior analysis. Graduates with master’s degrees may find employment in a variety of sectors, including private business, government, education and healthcare. They may pursue doctoral programs for greater depth of knowledge and to make new discoveries through scientific research.

Pepperdine University Graduate School of Education and Psychology (GSEP) offers master’s degree programs that provide skills for graduates to be able to become licensed and work as marriage and family therapists, clinical psychologists or applied behavior analysts. With a mission to prepare people to inspire change and enrich lives in their organizations and communities, Pepperdine’s online psychology graduate programs are available to students all over the world.

Learn about different psychology degrees to determine which type matches your professional goals.

Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology (LPC or LMFT)  

Clinical psychology programs may lead to a career as a licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT) or licensed professional counselor (LPC). 

MA in clinical psychology programs usually require a bachelor’s degree. In addition, transcripts, a minimum undergraduate GPA, GRE scores, letters of recommendation, personal statements, a resume and application fee may be required.

Academic Experience: 

Curriculum for an MA in clinical psychology may cover a variety of topics including diagnosis and treatment of mental health disorders, multicultural counseling, theory of counseling and psychotherapy, trauma in diverse populations, research methodology, psychological assessment and intervention science. Students can expect to complete a practicum where a practicing clinical psychologist supervises their work in a clinical setting.

Program Outcomes:  

Graduates of clinical psychology MA programs may pursue a doctoral degree in clinical psychology. They can also become research coordinators or research assistants, building their credentials to enter a doctoral program. Those interested in employment options can use their knowledge of research methods, analysis and intervention techniques in workplace settings that involve counseling, behavioral research or treatment development plans. In some states, MA clinical psychology graduates may apply for MFT licensure. Contact your state’s licensing board for more specifics.

As mentioned, Pepperdine offers online psychology graduate programs, including an MA in clinical psychology that offers paths to licensure for LPC or LMFT careers. The licensure paths available to students outside of California depend specifically on the program’s ability to operate within certain states. 

Master of Arts in Psychology (MAP)

Master of Arts in Psychology programs may lead to doctoral study in psychology, a career in the field of human services or professional advancement in a related field.

MAP programs typically require a bachelor’s degree. Other requirements may include transcripts, a minimum undergraduate GPA, GRE scores, letters of recommendation, personal statements, a resume and application fee. 

Curriculum for MA in psychology programs may encompass topic areas such as research methods, data collection and analysis, core psychological concepts, mental and emotional disorders, professional ethics and scientific writing in psychology. Students may learn how psychological principles can be used to evaluate behavior, personality and intelligence. Multiple electives may be offered, allowing a customized graduate program experience.

Professionals who have a MAP degree may use the breadth of knowledge that they acquired in graduate school in various settings. Their skills may be applied to high-level research, which can lead to doctoral degrees. Graduates who want to enter the workforce may find employment in areas such as behavioral counseling, human resources, advertising and market research.

Pepperdine offers online psychology graduate programs, including an MA in psychology. You are not required to provide GRE scores to apply to an online psychology program from Pepperdine’s GSEP.

Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)

Applied behavior analysis master’s programs may lead to careers involving the application of behavioral psychology. Students acquire skills to work with individuals diagnosed with impairments such as autism, developmental disabilities or traumatic brain injury.

MS in ABA programs usually require a bachelor’s degree. In addition, transcripts, a minimum undergraduate GPA, GRE scores, letters of recommendation, personal statements, a resume and application fee may be required.

Students in MS in applied behavior analysis programs typically take courses in areas such as concepts and principles of applied behavior analysis, autism spectrum disorders, assessment procedures, interventions, ethical and professional conduct, research methods and child psychopathology. Students usually are required to complete clinical training that helps them learn to observe and assess behavior patterns, identify target behaviors, consider evidence-based treatments and determine strategies to promote positive changes.

Some MS in ABA programs help prepare graduates to sit for the Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBA) exam. Graduates who become certified behavior analysts may seek employment in a sector of their choice—government, private industry, schools and colleges, hospitals and mental health clinics. They also may be qualified for a variety of roles, including behavior analyst, clinical director, educational consultant, instructional designer and organizational consultant. Applied behavior analysts often provide assessment and intervention services to people with autism spectrum disorders.

Pepperdine offers online psychology graduate programs, including an MS in ABA designed for students who want to learn more about human behavior to help those in need. 

Master of Science in Forensic Psychology

Master of Science in forensic psychology programs may open doors to careers that merge mental health and criminal justice. 

MS programs in forensic psychology usually require a bachelor’s degree. In addition, transcripts, a minimum undergraduate GPA, letters of recommendation, personal statements, a resume and application fee may be required.

Master’s in forensic psychology programs typically will include coursework in criminal law, psychopathology, criminal behavior, behavioral interventions, research methods and witness testimony. Graduates are generally expected to complete supervised field work that provides them with hands-on training in a forensic setting where they may perform administrative tasks and make clinical observations.

An MS in forensic psychology may open the door to opportunities for people looking to begin a career or advance in the realms of law enforcement, corrections, mental health advocacy and administration, criminal analysis, victim advocacy and policy analysis.

PhD in Psychology

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in psychology programs may prepare graduates to pursue careers in academia, where the emphasis is on engaging in research and producing new knowledge.

PhD in psychology programs, which often have areas of specialization, typically require a bachelor’s degree, and applicants may have a master’s degree. Professionals seeking PhDs in psychology usually have completed coursework in psychology and statistics and are able to show competence as researchers. In addition, transcripts, a statement of purpose, GRE scores, letters of recommendation, a resume, writing samples and an application fee may be required.

Professionals who earn a PhD in psychology may have a specialty area of graduate study. Specialities include clinical psychology, developmental psychology and quantitative psychology. They may be required to have teaching experience and will complete coursework on experimental procedures. A dissertation, internship experience, comprehensive written exam or oral examination may be required before graduation.

While licensing laws vary by state, most clinical and counseling psychologists need a doctoral degree, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Doctor of Psychology PsyD

Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) programs may lead to careers that are focused more on administering psychological services rather than engaging in research. 

Applicants to PsyD programs typically have a bachelor’s degree in psychology or another subject, with additional classes such as general psychology, psychopathology, statistics, research methods and learning theory. In addition, transcripts, a statement of purpose, GRE scores, letters of recommendation, a resume, writing samples and an application fee may be required.

PsyD programs typically offer a curriculum that covers advanced psychotherapy and research methods, case studies and clinical training with supervision. Students are generally expected to complete a dissertation with guidance from faculty.

Professionals with PsyD degrees may pursue state licensure to work as practicing psychologists, according to an APA article.

Different Types of Psychology Fields

Psychology is an area of science that encompasses several specialties. While more ubiquitous areas include clinical psychology, applied behavioral analysis and counseling, other types of psychology and their concentrations include: 

Cognitive: Processes of thinking, remembering and learning.

Climate and environmental: Interaction of people with their environment.

Counseling: People’s development so they can be independent and thrive at all stages of life.

Developmental: Improving the lives of people with developmental challenges.

Experimental: Behavior of humans and animals.

Health: Improving people’s health and wellness using psychology.

Industrial and organizational: Behavior of people in organizations and at work.

Sports and performance: Improving psychological obstacles impeding athletic performance.

For professionals interested in pursuing a master’s degree in psychology, Pepperdine GSEP offers the following online graduate degree programs: MA in clinical psychology, MA in psychology and MS in applied behavior analysis.

The same master’s degree programs are available to those interested in earning a degree in person. Professionals who wish to further their education can consider Pepperdine GSEP’s Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) in Clinical Psychology program.  

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Counselors vs. Therapists vs. Psychologists: Key Differences

Industry Advice Healthcare

While emotional health concerns have gained visibility in recent years, many people still struggle to find the support they need in their daily lives. According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America , an estimated 4.1 million adolescents aged 12 to 17 in the United States had at least one major depressive episode in 2022. As a result, these current challenges in providing the right emotional care for individuals with emotional disorders are promising for young professionals hoping to become a mental health professional in the coming years.

If you are considering a career as a mental health professional, it can be exciting (and potentially overwhelming) to learn of the many job titles and career paths available to pursue. While the wide variety of jobs increases your chances of aligning your career goals and interests, understanding the differences between counselors and therapists can make choosing the “right” path a daunting task. 

Three of the most common job titles in the mental health industry are counselor, therapist, and psychologist. But what is the difference between these job titles? Are counselors, therapists, and psychologists really that different from one another, or are they more similar than different?

While there is overlap between these three career options, there are specific differences that you should understand before embarking on a career in the field. Here, we explore those differences. 

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What Is a Counselor?

The term counselor is used to broadly refer to a professional trained in the fields of psychology, counseling, social work, or a range of medical fields such as nursing. Mental health counselors , specifically, are those professionals working in a mental health capacity. 

Mental health counselors perform many functions and responsibilities. Their duties include conducting patient evaluations, providing educational resources around mental health conditions, and making recommendations that the client or patient can use to address mental health issues.

Often, mental health counselors will specialize in addressing a particular issue, such as substance abuse, sexual abuse, marriage and relationships, or family counseling, among others.

There are various types of counselors; here are some common job titles you can pursue in this field:

• Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC)
• Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)
• Substance Abuse Counselor

What Is a Therapist?

A therapist is an individual that has been professionally trained to provide some form of therapy to a patient or client that addresses either a mental or physical disorder.

Examples of the types of therapy used in the context of physical medicine can include physical therapists and occupational therapists. In the context of mental health, the terms mental health therapist and psychotherapist are common.

As with counselors, therapists will often specialize in addressing particular client issues, such as marriage and family issues, substance abuse, etc. There are various types of therapists; here are some common job titles you can pursue in this field:

• Counseling Therapist
• Family Therapist
• Rehabilitation Psychology Therapist

The Difference Between Therapists and Counselors

If the two definitions above sound very similar, it’s because they are. Mental health counselors and therapists occupy the same professional space, treating the same issues within the same patient populations. Even within the industry, you can find the terms used interchangeably in some contexts.

However, here are some of the key differences between counselors and therapists you should keep in mind when choosing which career is right for you.

1. Treatment Plans

Perhaps the biggest difference between the role of a counselor and therapist is their approaches to treatment. A s a practice, counseling services often address specific problems, emotional challenges, or behavioral struggles in a patient’s life in a very practical way.

A licensed counselor working with a patient who suffers from anxiety might, for example, provide the patient with different therapeutic practices that they can use to ward off a pending panic attack. Or they might give a patient with alcoholism a set series of steps to follow when they feel a craving coming on. In this regard, there is a certain problem-solving approach inherent in counseling.

Therapists, however, take a slightly different approach to mental health treatment. They work to help their patients address similar issues, and often provide the same advice that counselors might. However, a key difference is that therapists often seek to go deeper by helping the patient understand the how and why behind a challenge. For example:

• What scenarios tend to bring on addictive issues and why?
• What situations are more likely to trigger a panic attack and why?
• What is the root of these issues?

Therapists seek to identify the source of these issues through a combination of talk therapy and other frameworks.

As such, counseling is often (though not always) a short-term approach, arming the patient with tools they can put into action immediately to begin living a more healthy life. Therapy, on the other hand, is often a longer-term process that can last months or even years as the therapist and client seek out the root of the issues being addressed to make lasting change.

It is important to note that despite these differences in treatment, however, counselors and therapists will often borrow from each other’s playbook.

2. Education

While the required education levels for these various positions overlap, there are some counseling certifications that don’t require advanced degrees. For example, some states certify addictions counselors with an associate degree, or a combination of college credits, professional seminars, and years of professional experience working in addiction. However, if you hope to become a licensed mental health counselor or own a private practice, you must earn a master’s degree to gain licensure.

According to our analysis of job postings data, 71 percent of advertised LMHC jobs require at least a master’s degree. If you hope to become a master’s-level counselor, it’s recommended that you hold a Master of Science in Counseling Psychology . However, there are a few additional options available to you if you are interested in alternative paths.

Therapists also need to earn at least a master’s degree through a psychology, social work, or counseling program. During this graduate program, students choose a field of specialty while completing their degree, including:

• Family Issues
• Couple Issues
• Eating Disorders

According to our analysis of job postings data, 68 percent of advertised therapist jobs require at least a master’s degree in one of these programs. For some, this career path can be enticing for those who are interested in having more control over what they learn in the classroom, but there are additional differences to consider before making a final decision.

3. Licensure

Licensure is an important factor in any career in healthcare. For example, master’s-level counselors are expected to gain licensure if they hope to legally practice in the state they work in. Some of these common licenses include:

• Licenced Mental Health Counselors (LHMCs)
• Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs)
• Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSWs)

To qualify for your license, you’ll need to complete a certain amount of clinical work, and the exact amount often depends on the state you hope to work in as well as the license you are applying for. For example, in Massachusetts, at least 3,360 hours of mental health counseling over a period ranging between two and eight years need to be completed to gain licensure.

Therapists are also required to complete an extensive level of training that focuses on developing a wide range of clinical skills needed to properly address patients’ needs. This is done through professional experience supervised by a licensed therapist.

Depending on the type of therapy you hope to work in, here are a few examples of licenses you may want to obtain:

• Licensed Marital and Family Therapist (LMFT)
• Licensed clinical social workers (LCSWs)

The supervision period for these licenses largely depends on the state in which you hope to gain licensure, but this can range anywhere from 1,000 to 4,000 hands-on hours.

While the licensing requirements may create two different timelines for these professions, it is important to note that both a licensed counselor and therapist must pass a comprehensive licensing exam in order to legally practice.

Salary is a common factor in the decision-making process when it comes to choosing a future career path. This is particularly important when considering the salary discrepancy between therapists and licensed mental health counselors.

According to our analysis of job posting data, the median salary of therapists is $62,300 per year. On the other hand, LMHCs can expect a median annual salary of $83,300. Despite this salary difference, it’s important to note that the same report shows significant growth in the advertised wage trend of each job title. Therefore, these career paths may offer different median salaries, but both provide stable growth in annual earnings over time.

5. Employment Opportunities

Every career path has different levels of employment opportunity. The good news is that both therapists and counselors can expect steady growth in unique job posting trends. According to our analysis of job posting data, therapists have seen an 11 percent increase in unique job postings over the past two years. Licensed mental health counselors experienced a 26 percent increase from April 2021 to April 2023.

This can be incredibly encouraging for anyone interested in going into the fields, but it’s also important to consider the states with the most job openings for each job title. For example, according to our job postings report the top five states that are hiring therapists are:

In contrast, the top states that are currently hiring LMHC include:

• Massachusetts

While you may have already chosen what state you hope to work in, this information can be incredibly valuable when thinking about what career path fits your professional needs.

What Is a Psychologist?

Another common job title within mental health counseling is that of a psychologist. Whereas therapists and counselors hold similar responsibilities, the difference is more pronounced for psychologists and the mental health services they provide.

A psychologist is similar to mental health counselors and therapists in that they also work to improve their patients’ mental and emotional health. The techniques and frameworks that they use tend to differ, however. For example, while both counselors and therapists use various therapeutic approaches, psychologists generally draw on one or more theories of psychotherapy.

Some forms of psychotherapy include:

• Psychoanalysis and psychodynamic: Focuses on changing problematic behaviors, feelings, and thoughts by discovering their unconscious motivations
• Behavioral: Concentrates on learning’s role in developing behaviors and habits Cognitive therapy: Emphasizes what people think rather than what they do
• Humanistic: Highlights people’s capacity to make rational choices and reach their maximum potential

These types of psychotherapy tend to play a bigger role in licensed psychologists’ treatment plans.

Additionally, psychologists are likely to deal with more complex issues than counselors. This is largely due to the fact that psychologists work with patients with severe mental health disorders, such as clinical depression, borderline personality disorder, and bipolar disorder. With this in mind, becoming a counseling psychologist will typically require a higher level of education, such as earning a PhD in Counseling Psychology . In fact, according to our analysis of job posting data only 17 percent of psychologist job postings require a master’s degree, while 59 percent require a PhD.

In addition to the type of degree, psychologists also have different licensing requirements. Much like certain counselors and most therapists, psychologists are required to work under licensed supervision for at least one year. This supervised experience tends to be longer than what is expected of counselors and therapists. These additional hours on top of the additional training and education makes becoming a psychologist a more time-consuming career path.

However, this additional work in both education and licensure is rewarded financially. According to our analysis of job posting data, the median annual salary of psychologists is $104,300. Not only that, psychologists have seen a substantial increase in unique job postings of over 40 percent since April 2021. As a result, it is important to consider all of these factors before making a final decision.

Choosing The Right Career For Your Future

If you’re considering entering the mental health field, it’s important to understand the various available job functions so you can choose a career path that aligns with your interests and goals. While there are many different variations of the titles discussed above, the most common will be counselor, therapist, and psychologist. Though these are related in many ways, the differences are also significant and can substantially change the trajectory of your career. Pursuing a degree in counseling psychology is one way you can ensure you are ready for whatever path you choose.

Jumpstart your career today by   learning more about the skills and experience needed to succeed in counseling psychology.

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• CORRESPONDENCE
• 02 April 2024

How can we make PhD training fit for the modern world? Broaden its philosophical foundations

• Ganesh Alagarasan 0

Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Tirupati, India.

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You have highlighted how PhD training assessment has stagnated, despite evolving educational methodologies (see Nature 613 , 414 (2023) and Nature 627 , 244; 2024 ). In particular, you note the mismatch between the current PhD journey and the multifaceted demands of modern research and societal challenges.

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