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Fully Funded PhD Programs in Psychology

Last updated February 11, 2022

Next in my series on  How To Fully Fund Your PhD , I provide a list of universities that offer full funding to all students admitted to their doctoral programs in Psychology. A PhD in Psychology provides you the credentials to join or start your own practice in clinical psychology, or pursue academic or practitioner careers in school psychology, health psychology, social psychology and organizational psychology. Jobs in these fields include social work, counseling, teaching, research, human resources, marketing, public health and behavioral science.

It’s important to note that when seeking funding for the duration of your doctoral studies, it is ideal to be accepted to programs offering full funding to all admitted students. When a university indicates that they provide full funding to their PhD students, in most cases this means they provide each admitted doctoral student full tuition and a stipend for living expenses for the four to six-year duration of the student’s doctoral studies. Not all universities provide full funding to their doctoral students, so be sure to research the financial aid offerings of all the potential PhD programs in your academic field, including small and lesser-known schools both in the U.S. and abroad. A great place to look for external funding is our  fellowships database , which lists several competitive fellowships for graduate and doctoral study.

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

Columbia University, PhD in Psychology (New York, NY): All students accepted to the five-year program receive a fellowship, which supports tuition, health and insurance fees, and an annual stipend through the fifth year, provided that they maintain good academic standing.

Harvard University, PhD in Psychology (Cambridge, MA): All admitted PhD students are provided with fellowship packages with up to 6 years of tuition, 3 years of 10-month support, 4 summers of research fellowships, and the guarantee of a Teaching Fellowship for the 3rd and 4th years. Depending on their advisor’s funds, students may also be supported as a Research Assistant in addition to, or as an alternative to, a Teaching Fellowship.

University of Liverpool, Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (Liverpool, UK): Available to EU citizens only, the Doctorate in Clinical Psychology is a 3-year full-time programme fully funded by the National Health Service (NHS). Trainees are registered postgraduate students in the Faculty of Health and Life Sciences and employed within Mersey Care NHS Trust.

University of Maryland, PhD in Psychology (College Park, MD): All admitted PhD students are given assistance in the form of a fellowship or graduate assistantship for the first 5 years, which includes tuition remission of up to 10 credits per semester.

New York University (NYU), PhD in Psychology (New York, NY): All admitted PhD students are guaranteed 5 years of funding (4 years for those with a Master’s degree). The award package typically includes a full tuition scholarship, comprehensive health insurance and a stipend.

Northwestern University, PhD in Psychology (Evanston, IL): All admitted PhD students receive full funding, including tuition and a stipend, for 5 academic years and 4 summers.

Rutgers University, PhD in Psychology (Piscataway, NJ): All admitted PhD students are guaranteed 5 years of funding (4 years for those with a Master’s degree), provided they remain in good standing. Financial aid covers tuition and includes a 10-month stipend or salary. Additional summer funding is available through teaching or grant funding.

University of Vermont, PhD in Psychology (Burlington, VT): The Department of Psychological Science attempts to fund all of its eligible full-time graduate students for at least 5 years, and has successfully since the inception of the PhD program in 1965.

Fordham University, PhD in Applied Developmental Psychology (New York, NY): Virtually all students in their doctoral program receive financial support throughout their graduate school career. Financial aid typically includes a full-tuition waiver and a work-related stipend. Assistantships can be research, teaching, administrative support, or some combination of these.

For application tips on applying to a PhD program, see  How To Get Into a Fully Funded PhD Program: Contacting Potential PhD Advisors .

To learn about other opportunities to fund graduate, doctoral and postdoctoral studies, sign up to view our fellowships database , which lists more than 1300 funded fellowship programs.

© Victoria Johnson 2020, all rights reserved.

Related Posts:

• Fully Funded PhD Programs in School Psychology
• Fully Funded Master's Programs in Psychology
• Fully Funded Master's Programs in School Psychology
• Fully Funded PhD Programs in the United Kingdom
• Fully Funded PhD Programs in Clinical Psychology

Doctoral Fellowships , Fully Funded PhD Programs , PhD Funding , PhD in Psychology

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About the Program

The Graduate Program in Psychology at Georgetown University offers a fully funded five-year, full-time program of study leading to a Ph.D. in Psychology. Students in the program concentrate in either Human  Development and Public Policy (HDPP) or Lifespan Cognitive Neuroscience (LCN). The program is fundamentally a research program. Students are expected to meet rigorous research milestones and receive training in conducting independent scholarly research. Students in the HDPP track also take core courses at the McCourt School of Public Policy, while students in the LCN track take core courses in the Interdisciplinary Program in Neuroscience at The Georgetown University School of Medicine. Students in both concentrations also take core and elective courses in the Psychology Department. A dual degree in Psychology (Ph.D.) and Master of Public Policy (MPP) is also offered in collaboration with the McCourt School of Public Policy to students in the HDPP concentration.

Degrees Offered

• Ph.D./Master’s in Public Policy (M.P.P.)

Admissions Requirements

For general graduate admissions requirements, visit the Office of Graduate Admission’s Application Information  page. Review the  program’s website  for additional information on program application requirements.

Application Materials required:

• Application Form
• Non-refundable Application Fee
• Academic Statement of Purpose
• Optional: Statement on Diversity, Personal Background & Contributions
• Writing Sample
• Letters of Recommendation (3)
• Transcripts  – Applicants are required to upload to the application system copies of official  transcripts  from all undergraduate and graduate institutions attended. Visit the Office of Graduate Admission’s  Application Information  page for additional details and FAQs.
• TOEFL = 80 minimum
• IELTS = 7.0 minimum

Application Deadlines

Degree requirements.

The core graduate curriculum includes coursework in statistics/methodology; advanced theory and evidence; applications of developmental science; and scientific ethics, as well as experience and instruction in teaching, grant writing and other practical skills.

The requirements of the graduate program are designed to:

• Ensure that students receive solid grounding in the interdisciplinary roots and methods of developmental science.
• Involve students in research immediately upon starting their graduate education and, over the course of their education, encourage them to develop an original line of inquiry.
• Instruct students in the critical analysis, teaching and communication skills that are critical to success in an array of post-Ph.D. positions.

Credits Required

• Ph.D. with a concentration in Human Development and Public Policy: 36 credits
• Ph.D. with a concentration in Lifespan Cognitive Neuroscience: 39 credits
• Ph.D./M.P.P. (Master’s in Public Policy): 48 credits

There is no option of part-time study in this graduate degree program.

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Program Contact: Bonnie Ginsberg: [email protected]

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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

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Welcome to APF’s Program Match Tool! Below you will find a full listing of APF programs ordered by application deadline. Use the dropdowns to narrow your search based on eligibility, topic, sponsor, or program type, or search for a specific program! Please note that programs for which the current funding year deadline has passed will not appear in the search.

Visit our program FAQs for more information on completing your applications. If you have questions about a program or submitting your application, use our contact form to get in touch.

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We have 44 Psychology (fully funded PhD) PhD Projects, Programmes & Scholarships

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Psychology (fully funded PhD) PhD Projects, Programmes & Scholarships

Heat, health and human geographies: exploring caribbean responses to urban heat stress through creative ethnographic methods, phd research project.

PhD Research Projects are advertised opportunities to examine a pre-defined topic or answer a stated research question. Some projects may also provide scope for you to propose your own ideas and approaches.

Funded PhD Project (Students Worldwide)

This project has funding attached, subject to eligibility criteria. Applications for the project are welcome from all suitably qualified candidates, but its funding may be restricted to a limited set of nationalities. You should check the project and department details for more information.

PhD Studentship in the Centre for Equalities in Uniformed Public Services

What is the role of non-executive directors in patient safety oversight in the nhs in england, funded phd project (uk students only).

This research project has funding attached. It is only available to UK citizens or those who have been resident in the UK for a period of 3 years or more. Some projects, which are funded by charities or by the universities themselves may have more stringent restrictions.

Funding for the Executive Dean’s PhD Studentship. A Comprehensive Characterisation of Mentally-Disordered Offenders and Prediction of Treatment Outcomes

Funded phd project (european/uk students only).

This project has funding attached for UK and EU students, though the amount may depend on your nationality. Non-EU students may still be able to apply for the project provided they can find separate funding. You should check the project and department details for more information.

Community Connectedness and Decision Making: Investigating the role of community cohesion building in the delivery of GDF Community Partnerships

Understanding changes in wellbeing at work through the lens of adaptation theory, join our team: fully funded 4-year phd position in cognitive and social neuroscience, language access and conceptual development in deaf and hearing infants (gligat_u24psy), phd in international business and strategy at henley business school, funded phd programme (students worldwide).

Some or all of the PhD opportunities in this programme have funding attached. Applications for this programme are welcome from suitably qualified candidates worldwide. Funding may only be available to a limited set of nationalities and you should read the full programme details for further information.

Business Research Programme

Business Research Programmes present a range of research opportunities, shaped by a university’s particular expertise, facilities and resources. You will usually identify a suitable topic for your PhD and propose your own project. Additional training and development opportunities may also be offered as part of your programme.

Human speech production: From the brain to the vocal tract

Fully funded epsrc centre for doctoral training (cdt) in cyber security, funded phd programme (uk students only).

Some or all of the PhD opportunities in this programme have funding attached. It is only available to UK citizens or those who have been resident in the UK for a period of 3 years or more. Some projects, which are funded by charities or by the universities themselves may have more stringent restrictions.

EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training

EPSRC Centres for Doctoral Training conduct research and training in priority areas funded by the UK Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council. Potential PhD topics are usually defined in advance. Students may receive additional training and development opportunities as part of their programme.

Psychology: Fully Funded Swansea University PhD Scholarship: Stressful or supportive? Women’s Biopsychosocial Experiences of Exercise and Fitness tracking

Psychology: fully funded swansea university phd scholarship: improving student mental health and educational outcomes, the design and evaluation of immersive experiences with and for the creative industries, competition funded phd project (students worldwide).

This project is in competition for funding with other projects. Usually the project which receives the best applicant will be successful. Unsuccessful projects may still go ahead as self-funded opportunities. Applications for the project are welcome from all suitably qualified candidates, but potential funding may be restricted to a limited set of nationalities. You should check the project and department details for more information.

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DEPARTMENT OF PSYCHOLOGY

  Hello and welcome to the Graduate Student section of our website.

Northwestern University's Psychology Department is one of the strongest and most prestigious departments in the United States. We offer Ph.D. programs in five areas: Clinical Psychology; Personality, Development, and Health Psychology; Cognitive Psychology; Brain, Behavior, & Cognition (BBC); and Social Psychology. Faculty and graduate students in all five areas are conducting some of the most exciting and influential research being done in the psychological sciences today. Graduate students in our program receive rigorous training in methodology, statistics, and broad content areas in psychology and the behavioral sciences. From the first year onward, graduate students are involved in research projects under the supervision of Psychology Department faculty members. Early in their graduate school careers, they present the findings of their work at professional conferences and publish their research in leading psychological journals. They also receive invaluable experience as teachers and mentors of undergraduate students. Northwestern's Psychology Department aims to train the best and brightest of the next generation's scientists in Psychology and the related behavioral sciences. Our graduates have gone on to attain prestigious academic and research positions in universities, colleges, hospitals, and other venues where psychological research is conducted.

All Ph.D. students in the Psychology Department receive full funding (tuition and stipend) for five academic years (including four summers). Many graduate students also receive outside funding through NSF fellowships and other awards. Students work closely with faculty in the Psychology Department in class work and in the laboratory. In addition, students may take courses and do research with faculty in other departments at Northwestern University, including those in the Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences, the School of Education and Social Policy, and the Medical School. Many students are involved in interdisciplinary research.

Northwestern's Psychology Department offers an exciting, dynamic, and friendly community of scientists and scholars, set on the beautiful lakefront campus of a world-class university, minutes from one of the world's greatest cities, Chicago. If you would like to learn more about our community and our programs, please contact us.

Program Areas for Graduate Study

• Brain, Behavior, and Cognition
• Personality, Development, and Health

For more information about graduate study at Northwestern:

The Graduate School http://www.tgs.northwestern.edu/

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.

Featured Resource

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

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Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology (Ph.D.)

Doctoral Degree Apply for Admission FAQ Contact Us

The Department of Psychology is one of ten programs and departments in the College of Behavioral and Social Sciences (BSOS). Students are accepted into the following specialty areas:

• Clinical (CLIN)
• Cognitive and Neural Systems (CNS)
• Counseling (COUN)
• Developmental (DEV)
• Social, Decision and Organizational Science (SDOS)

Academic Program Requirements

The Department expects each doctoral candidate to be conversant in the field of psychology as well as expert in his or her specialty area. All students entering with a Baccalaureate degree are required to take three quantitative courses and three core courses in areas outside their specialty area. These courses may be chosen from a group of courses designed to provide graduate level introductions in a variety of specialty areas. The remaining time is devoted to research and coursework required by the student’s specialty area as well as coursework chosen by the student in consultation with his or her advisor on the basis of the student’s interests.

To be admitted to the doctoral program, students must demonstrate “research competence.” Admission to the doctoral program also requires satisfactory completion of certain coursework, and favorable recommendations, from both the research committee and the specialty area, with the final approval made by the Graduate Committee. Research competence may be evidenced by the completion of an acceptable Master’s thesis.

Sometime in the third or fourth year of the program, students take Comprehensive Examinations. The nature of this exam varies by specialty area. Admission to doctoral candidacy requires successful completion of the comprehensive examination, completion of certain course requirements, and the recommendation of the specialty area. After being admitted to candidacy, students begin formally to work on dissertations. The Ph.D. degree requires 12 hours of dissertation credits. Students in the Clinical and Counseling areas also complete an APA required pre-doctoral internship prior to receiving the Ph.D.

For those students who enter with advanced degrees (e.g., M.A., M.S.) the basic requirements are the same. In the event that the student has already had a course comparable to one of our core courses, the student may petition to have that course credited as a core course, or the student may elect to take an advanced course in that area for purposes of satisfying the core requirement. In either case, the student must consult with his/her advisor and the Director of Graduate Studies.

Graduate Student Evaluation Procedure

Each student's performance is monitored by his or her advisor on an ongoing basis. The faculty of each specialty area regularly evaluates the grades, research involvement and competency, and, where appropriate, the applied skill developed by each student within the area. Once each year, the student’s specialty area provides the student with a written summary evaluation of his/her progress.

Diversity refers to differences in race, ethnicity, culture, gender, sexual orientation, religion, age, abilities, class, nationality, and other factors. The Department of Psychology at the University of Maryland is committed to creating a respectful and affirming climate in which all students, staff, and faculty are inspired to achieve their full potential. 

We believe that actively fostering an affirming environment strengthens our department as a whole. A department that values and celebrates diversity among its students, staff and faculty is best able to develop the strengths and talents of all members of the department community.

We take a multi-pronged approach to creating an affirming climate within the Department of Psychology by:

• Attracting, supporting and retaining faculty, students, and staff that represent the diversity of our community and field
• Cultivating a culture of acceptance and inclusionin which diversity is integral, authentic, intrinsically valued, and visible
• Welcoming honest and open discussion regarding diversity issues
• Incorporating diversity as a central component of our academic curriculum
• Enhancing awareness of diversity issues through ongoing research and applied work
• Developing and strengthening relationships with diverse community and international partners

Financial Support

The Department generally has been able to provide support for incoming students. As noted earlier, because of the demanding nature of the doctoral program, the Department does not permit students to hold jobs off campus unless they are directly related to the student's education and have been approved by the student's specialty area. Therefore, the need to arrange funding through the Department is essential. Fellowships, teaching and research assistantships are the most common kinds of financial support.

Teaching and Research Assistantships. Teaching and research assistantships provide for remission of tuition of up to 10 credits per semester. Teaching assistants have a 20 hour per week commitment. They generally assist a faculty member with undergraduate courses. Summer stipends are available for some students as well. Research assistantships carry the same stipend as teaching assistantships and require the same number of hours of work per week. The recipient of a research assistantship works under the supervision of a faculty member. Most research assistantships come from grant or contract funds awarded to faculty members in support of their research. Teaching and research assistants are also eligible for the same health insurance options as all other University employees. Insurance premiums are subsidized.

Assistantships from Other Academic Units. There are assistantships offered by other Academic Units (e.g., Departments, Colleges, Centers, etc.) in the university to which psychology graduate students may submit applications for consideration, e.g.,. the University Counseling Center, Office of Student and Employee Services, Resident Life, Judicial Affairs, Career Development Center, BSOS Advising Office, Women's Studies Program, and Human Relations Office. A description of the responsibilities and minimum qualifications and applications may be obtained from the various units.

Fellowships. Fellowships are available for students with outstanding credentials. Graduate Fellowships provide a stipend for the academic year and 12 credits of tuition remission. Health insurance, the cost of which is subsidized by the University, is available. Applicants are nominated on the basis of their credentials by the Department.

The University's location in the metropolitan Washington area affords many opportunities for relevant summer employment for students, whose specialty areas permit them to work off-campus during the summer.

Research and Professional Development Facilities on Campus

The building in which the Department is housed was designed by the faculty to incorporate research and educational facilities for all specialty areas. The building contains special centers for research, with acoustical centers, observational units, video equipment, computer facilities, surgical facilities, and radio frequency shielding. Departmental laboratories are well equipped for research in animal behavior, audition, biopsychology, cognition, coordinated motor control, counseling, industrial/organizational psychology, learning, life-span development, psycholinguistics, psychophysiology, psychotherapy, social psychology, and vision. Listed below are descriptions of some of the on-campus facilities available to both faculty and students in the Department:

Animal Research Laboratories - The animal facilities include housing for colonies of several species, together with testing rooms, histology rooms, surgery, shielded recording facilities, library, and electronic and woodworking shops.

Auditory Research Laboratory - The laboratory contains soundproof rooms, sound generation equipment, and control and programming equipment.

Computer Facilities - The University and the Department have extensive computer facilities. The University computer center, i.e., Academic Information and Technology Services, has mainframe computers, workstations, extensive desktop and color graphics facilities and supports the campus networking systems. The Department and BSOS have their own servers for faculty and graduate students and the BSOS Office of Academic Computing Services (OACS) supports a Novell-based Local Area Network that includes the Department of Psychology. There are ample workstations and PC's for use by all faculty and graduate students. The Department maintains a website at: https://psyc.umd.edu.

Cognitive Research Laboratories – There are laboratories devoted to cognitive research and a laboratory is equipped for classroom instruction. The Cognitive Research laboratories are equipped with Apple and IBM based personal computers with network capability and one of the laboratories is also equipped with soundsynthesis, recording and playback capability.

Developmental Research Laboratories - Three laboratories are devoted to developmental research across the lifespan. Each laboratory contains personal computers with network capabilities, and the infant and childhood laboratories also contain modern video and sound equipment for supplementing observational research.

Libraries - The libraries on the College Park campus contain nearly 2,000,000 volumes and subscribe to more than 15,000 periodicals and newspapers. Additional collections of research materials are available on microfilm, microfiche, phono records, tapes and films. The Theodore R. McKeldin Library, the largest on campus, is especially strong in the behavioral and biological sciences. In addition, there are a number of other specialty libraries on campus.

Maryland Revolving Field Monitor (MRFM) is a unique instrument that makes accurate measurements of eye/hand/arm coordination under natural conditions. The MRFM consists of 3 subsystems: The Revolving Field Monitor/sensor-coil subsystem(RFM) measures head and eye rotations., the Sparker Tracking subsystem (STS) measures 3-D head translations, and the "Worktable" subsystem combines the RFM and STS systems for measuring eye-hand coordination (see the description of the SNAPP specialty area for more details).

Neurochemistry Laboratory - The laboratory houses equipment for a wide variety of research in behavioral neurochemistry, such as subcellular tissue fractionation, polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and autoradiography.

Psychology Clinic - serves as the training site for doctoral students in clinical psychology through their first three years in the program. The Clinic provides services to both University students and the suburban Maryland and greater Washington, D.C. community. Students have the opportunity to train in individual, group and family therapies as well as specialized training in assessment. The latter includes diagnostic interviewing, behavioral assessment and neurophysiological assessment. Supervision primarily is provided by clinical program faculty. The clinic is equipped with audio visual equipment including a “bug in the ear” device, which is used for both research and clinical supervision. In addition, computers are available for diagnostic testing, neuropsychological assessment purposes, and report writing.

Psychophysiological Laboratory - The laboratory contains programming and psychophysiological equipment for research in biofeedback and psychophysiology, including studies of EEG alpha, eye movements, and various other physiological indices. Soundproof chambers are available for use in sleep research, and tachistoscopes are available for use in research in perception and information processing.

University Counseling Center - The University Counseling Center is a multipurpose mental health facility located on campus for the University community. It provides individual and group counseling, educational skills programs, testing, research consultation, and training. The Center is the primary campus facility for practicum instruction of students in counseling, clinical, and consultation skills. Students gain experience with a college student population who have personal, social, and vocational concerns.

Research, Educational and Development Facilities of the Community

The Department of Psychology has all of the advantages of a large state university, and also has advantages offered by the many resources available in the metropolitan Washington-Baltimore area. The University is approximately 15 miles from the center of Washington, D.C. and is in close proximity to a number of libraries, and state and federal agencies. Students are able to benefit from the excellent additional library resources of the community, such as the Library of Congress, National Library of Medicine, and the National Archives (which is located on the UMCP campus).

The metropolitan area also has many psychologists who can provide students with excellent opportunities for collaboration and/or consultation. The specialty areas have established collaborative relationships with several federal and community agencies and hospitals as well as with businesses and consulting firms, where it is possible for students to arrange for research, practicum and internship placement. These opportunities are available for Clinical and Counseling students at the National Institutes of Health, Veteran's Administration clinics and hospitals in Washington, D.C., Baltimore Perry Point (MD), Coatesville (PA), Martinsburg (WV), Kecoughton (VA), and a number of others within a hundred mile radius of the University. Experiences include a wide range of research activities, as well as psychodiagnostic work, psychotherapy, and work within drug and alcohol abuse clinics. Various other hospitals, clinics and research facilities in the Washington, D.C. and Baltimore metropolitan area are also available. Industrial/Organizational students also have opportunities for practitioner experiences in organizations such as The U.S. Office of Personnel Management, GEICO, Bell Atlantic, and various consulting firms.

In addition, because of the University’s location students have excellent access to national resources. The National Institute of Mental Health, the American Psychological Association, American Psychological Society, State Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, and many specialized agencies with national headquarters in the area increase the educational resource and job placement opportunities for students.

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Doctor of Philosophy Counseling Psychology

The principles underlying our Counseling Psychology doctorate are a focus on a developmental understanding of clients; commitment to a health model of intervention; and appreciation of the gendered, cultural, and institutional contexts of people’s lives, as these contexts affect both clients and counselors.

Degree Details

Official degree title.

PhD in Counseling Psychology

About the Program 

The program follows the basic pattern of a scientist-practitioner model. The major components of the Counseling Psychology doctorate are course work, clinical training (practica, externships, internship), and research training (including dissertation). Solid training in teaching and mentoring, giving students the professional background toward a career in academics, is another key feature of our program. Across all components, attention is given to the integration of practice, theory, and research.

Licensure and Accreditation

The PhD in Counseling Psychology was first registered with the New York State Department of Education for the professional preparation of psychologists in 1971. Graduates of the program become fully qualified psychologists with specialized training in counseling and are eligible for licensure by the state. Learn more about licensure requirements in those states in which students are doing learning placements.

The Counseling Psychology program has been fully accredited since 1981 by the American Psychological Association, Office of Program Consultation and Accreditation, 750 First Street, NE, Washington DC 20002-4242 (202-336-5979). Questions related to the program's accreditation status may be directed to this office.

Center for Counseling and Community Wellbeing

The Center is part of the teaching and training program in Counseling Psychology and provides services to meet the local community's social, emotional, and behavioral health. We provide a range of services to children, adolescents, adults, and families.  Learn more about the Center , an important part of the Department of Applied Psychology at NYU Steinhardt.

Admissions Information

Careers and outcomes.

CNPS Student Handbook

Counseling Psychology Doctoral Program Online Info Session

Individuals interested in learning about and applying for the Doctoral Program in Counseling Psychology in the Department of Applied Psychology at New York University will have the opportunity to hear from the Chair of the Admission Committee, Dr. Anil Chacko, about the process. This will include information about the mission of the program, requirements for applying, and what makes for a successful candidate/application. There will also be an opportunity for Questions and Answers.

Registration Required. 

GRE Requirements: 

Although the GRE is typically required for this program, for the 2025 admissions cycle, the GRE general test score is optional, and the GRE subject test is not required. The Admissions Committee will review all applications holistically, and the applications submitted without GRE scores will not be disadvantaged in the review.

Research Mentors:

The doctoral program in counseling psychology at NYU is a small, individualized scientist-practitioner training program; thus, we pay close attention to the match between the candidate and the program’s faculty and resources. In particular, we seek to admit students whose professional interests align with the program as a whole and whose research interests are well-matched with those of more than one faculty member. Each new student will be matched with a primary research mentor and will also be supported by secondary faculty mentors in other research and clinical roles.

The faculty who are available to serve as primary research mentors for the Fall 2025 admissions cycle are:

• Anil Chacko
• Shabnam Javdani
• William Tsai
• Jordan Wright  

Other faculty are potentially available to serve as secondary mentors, so we encourage you to write about your interests and experiences that demonstrate that you are a good match with the program as a whole as well as with your potential primary mentor.

Questions: 

If you have questions regarding admission requirements, please review our How to Apply  page.

If you have any additional questions that are not addressed on the "How to Apply" page, please contact us at  [email protected] .

NYU Steinhardt offers a competitive funding package for PhD students who study full time.   Learn more about Steinhardt's funding opportunities .

Our program will prepare you for diverse roles in academia, social research, and clinical practice. In the academic arena, our students can go on to jobs in schools of psychology, public health, and public policy. In the area of social research, students are prepared to obtain positions in research, advocacy, and social service organizations. 

Additionally, our students are well-positioned for jobs in private-practice and healthcare organizations. Indeed, there is increasing demand for evidence-based strategies in health and social service organizations and our students are qualified to contribute to the design and implementation of such strategies, and the delivery of evidence-based interventions.

Learn more about Students Admissions, Outcomes, and Other Data .

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PhD Clinical Psychology

Year of entry: 2024

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We require applicants to hold, or be about to obtain, an Upper Second class Honours degree, or the equivalent qualification gained outside the UK, in a related subject area for entry to a PhD programme. A Lower Second class Honours degree may be considered if applicants also hold a Master's degree with a Merit classification.

Full entry requirements

See full guidance on how to choose a project and submit an application on our websi te . You should then complete the online admissions application form to apply for this programme. Ensure you include all required supporting documents at the time of submission, or this may delay the processing of your application.

Application deadlines

You must submit your application for a postgraduate research programme before the relevant deadline to be considered. You will not be able to apply after these deadlines have passed.

• January entry: 15 October (of the year prior entry)
• April entry: 15 January (year of entry)
• September entry: 15 June (year of entry)

Programme options

Programme overview

• Learn from some of Europe's leading researchers while undertaking your own project.
• Access some of the best research facilities in the world at both the University and in hospitals around Greater Manchester.
• Undergo training in transferable skills critical to developing early-stage researchers and professionals through the Doctoral Academy's training programme.
• Conduct research at a university ranked 6th in the UK (QS World University Rankings 2023).

For entry in the academic year beginning September 2024, the tuition fees are as follows:

• PhD (full-time) UK students (per annum): Standard £4,786, Low £11,000, Medium £17,500, High £23,000 International, including EU, students (per annum): Standard £27,000, Low £28,500, Medium £34,500, High £40,500
• PhD (part-time) UK students (per annum): Standard £2393, Low £5,500, Medium £8,750, High £11,500 International, including EU, students (per annum): Standard £13,500, Low £14,250, Medium £17,250, High £20,250

Further information for EU students can be found on our dedicated EU page.

Contact details

Programmes in related subject areas.

Use the links below to view lists of programmes in related subject areas.

Entry requirements

Academic entry qualification overview, english language.

For applicants whose first language is not English, or if you have not studied recently in the UK, you must provide evidence of how you meet the English Language requirement.

We mainly accept IELTS or TOEFL tests. Please note IELTS and TOEFL are only valid for two years.

We require a minimum IELTS score of 7.0 overall or TOEFL iBT 100. For the writing component, we expect that you have achieved a minimum of 7.0 (IELTS) or 25 (iBT). 

If your IELTS or TOEFL expires before the start of your programme, you will need to take another official English test before we can issue you with a CAS for your visa application. This is a requirement of UKVI.

For more information about English language tests see  English language requirements .

Please contact us at [email protected] for further information.

English language test validity

Other international entry requirements, application and selection, how to apply, advice to applicants.

In addition to the formal online application, candidates should send all supporting documents (CV, transcripts, certificates, confirmation of funding, English language ability (if applicable) and a personal statement).

Applicants will need to write an outline of their proposed research study to attach to their application (1,000 words maximum).

The proposal forms a very important part of your application and, if the applicant is eligible, will be used in any decision process associated with funding your research.

Further advice on the application can be obtained by contacting the Admissions team directly.

Candidates are encouraged to both identify and contact a suitable academic supervisor prior to applying. Help in establishing a suitable supervisor is available from the Admissions Team if required.

See further guidance on how to submit an application on our website .

Interview requirements

Candidates will be required to attend an interview with their prospective supervisor as well as an independent Postgraduate Tutor. If it is not possible for you to attend in person, we are able to interview by Zoom/video conferencing.

Disclosure and Barring Service check

Programme details, programme description.

Our PhD/MPhil Clinical Psychology programme enables you to undertake a research project that will improve understanding of Clinical Psychology.

Research within clinical psychology spans the spectrum of key research themes integral to improving our understanding of psychological disorders. These include:

• the integration of psychological explanation to derive understanding and intervention;
• interpersonal and family environments;

Research training within clinical psychology provides a flexible platform for career development while offering structured progression to ensure study objectives are met.

You will join a research group and quickly be immersed in the current research activity being conducted. With your supervisory team, you will follow an intense induction, including agreeing on the key objectives of the study, resources available, relevant seminars and opportunities for personal development.

Within the wider research group, you will have the opportunity to discuss your research with fellow students, post-doctoral candidates and academics. Divisional seminars and research group journal clubs will provide background to recent developments within the discipline and there will be ample opportunity to share personal research findings, contribute to publications and attend/present at prominent conferences. Most academics are clinical academics and as such have clinical posts within local NHS Trusts, helping to ensure that research ideas and findings are grounded in clinical practice. NIHR (National Institute for Health Research) is also an important funder for clinical psychology PhDs.

All research students are encouraged to attend course units from within the programme that are relevant to their research topic.

Typical units include:

• Practical Issues in Psychological Research;
• Advanced General Methods in Psychology;
• Structured Approaches to Qualitative Data in Psychology;
• Philosophical and Conceptual Issues in Psychology;
• Using Advanced Statistics in Psychology;

If you intend to pursue doctoral study in clinical psychology (i.e. a three-year programme of academic and clinical training) then please note that the entry route for this is different to that for a PhD; please click here for information on the Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (ClinPsyD).

Special features

Training and development

All of our postgraduate researchers attend the Doctoral Academy Training Programme delivered by the Researcher Development team . The programme provides key transferable skills and equips our postgraduate researchers with the tools to progress beyond their research degree into influential positions within academia, industry and consultancy. The emphasis is on enhancing skills critical to developing early-stage researchers and professionals, whether they relate to effective communication, disseminating research findings and project management skills.

Teaching and learning

Applicants are specifically matched with a Primary Supervisor and individual project based on their research interests and background.

International applicants interested in this research area can also consider our PhD programme with integrated teaching certificate .

This unique programme will enable you to gain a Postgraduate Certificate in Teaching and Learning, whilst also carrying out independent research on your chosen project.

Scholarships and bursaries

Funded programmes and projects are promoted throughout the year. Funding is available through UK Research Councils, charities and industry. We also have other internal awards and scholarships for the most outstanding applicants from within the UK and overseas.

For more information on available the types of funding we have available, please visit the  funded programmes  and  funding opportunities  pages.

What our students say

Disability support, career opportunities.

Your postgraduate research degree will open up a range of career opportunities after you graduate. Find out more on the  Careers  page.

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Psychology Graduate Program

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Harvard Griffin GSAS typically offers the following financial support to PhD students in the Social Sciences:

• Tuition and health fee grants for Years 1 through 5
• Summer research awards  in Years 1 through 4
• Financial support via guaranteed teaching  in Year 3 and Year 4
• Dissertation completion fellowships

Students confirm their funding in the Student Aid Portal each year during the annual financial aid acceptance process. 

All PhD students in our PhD training program receive a stipend for living expenses provided by Harvard/GSAS in the first, second, and final year of PhD training. This stipend is intended to support students so that they can focus on their studies without the requirement to engage in employment. Students are not required to perform any work for Harvard in exchange for this stipend.

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Graduate Program

If you are considering applying to a PhD program, you'll have many options. We humbly believe that your best option is UC San Diego Psychology. In fact, there are 17 reasons that support this belief. But in the interest of space, we'll focus on the Top 5 here. If you want to know the other 12, you'll have to come to UC San Diego.

1. Five years fully funded, with TA duties

All of our graduate students, including international students, are fully funded . This means that all tuition and fees are covered and graduate students receive $30,000 in additional support per year. This base level of support is provided by the Department, not individual faculty or student grants, which means that our graduate students can work across labs to collaborate, dabble, and experiment. 

As part of this support package graduate students serve as a teaching assistant (TA) for undergraduate courses during the academic year. Teaching Assistantships  provide students with opportunities to work across research areas, grow their teaching expertise, and build relationships with department faculty and lecturers.

There are other sources of funding from the Department as well, such as a large departmental fund, created by UC San Diego’s own Norman H. Anderson, that supports annual travel to conferences for all graduate students, the McGill Research account, which provides $2,000 in your first year for research-related expenses, and the McGill Post-Advancement Research account which provides $1,000 for additional research-related expenses. 

2. A large campus-wide community

Psychologists at UC San Diego interact with researchers in Human Development, Philosophy, Linguistics, Cognitive Science, and Neuroscience. In Psychology, students in each research area - Cognitive, Social, Developmental, and Cognitive Behavioral Neuroscience  (see below) - get together weekly at Brown Bag meetings to discuss their research with other students and faculty. Although we don't train Clinical Psychology graduate students , researchers with an interest in interacting with clinicians can find colleagues and friends in the UC San Diego Medical School. Upshot: We interact with each other a lot. 

3. Holistic review

We care about your research interests and experience - not just your grades and GRE scores . If you have an undergraduate degree and a strong track record of research experience , we want to hear from you ( no previous master’s training is required ) . Sure, we'll look at the numbers, but we're much more interested in your research training and your match to our program. Reach out to us individually and we'll help you figure out whether UC San Diego is the right place for you. 

4. New faces

This year all of our labs are accepting students, but we're especially excited to consider graduate student applicants for our newest labs. New faculty members accepting students include Chujun Lin ,  Dhananjay Bambah-Mukku , and Nadia Brashier . These faculty study topics including social cognition, person perception, computational modeling, neurobiology of social behavior, molecular analysis of neural circuits, and memory and misinformation across the adult lifespan. These, and other faculty, can be checked out here .

5. We're happier

UC San Diego isn't just a productive place to do a PhD. It's a happy place, too. Year-round outdoor meetings. A 5 minute walk to the beach. Cycling, hiking, surfing, and just feeling the warm sun on your face all year round.

To apply to our program, please visit our admissions page for details. The application deadline for Fall 2024 admission is December 6th, 2023.   

Please contact any of us for details on our labs, the application process, or life in San Diego; contact information can be found on our Department website as well as individual lab websites. If you apply, we'll connect you to current PhD students to talk about their experience, who can help you decide which lab is best for you and your interests.

Program Emphases

The Department of Psychology at the UC San Diego, provides advanced training in research in core subfields of Experimental Psychology. Having modern laboratories, an attractive physical setting, and distinguished faculty, both within the Department of Psychology and in supporting disciplines, provides research opportunities and training at the frontiers of psychological science. Our graduate training program emphasizes and supports individual research, starting with the first year of study.

The Department offers the following emphases:

• Cognitive & Behavioral Neuroscience

Graduate students in the psychology doctoral program may also expand their degree and apply to enroll in interdisciplinary PhD programs after being accepted into our program.

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Funding opportunities

We regularly receive funding for PhD projects from research councils (ESRC, MRC, BBSRC), charities, the EU, and private companies. Funding normally covers research costs and tuition fees, and provides a maintenance grant for living expenses.  Some PhD projects already have specific funding allocated to them (e.g., from a grant). In other cases, supervisors do not have pre-arranged funding - these students can enter the departmental studentship competition.

If you have any questions about any of the funding or procedures please contact  [email protected]

PhD funding available (beginning September 2024) 

Departmental studentships.

Departmental studentships cover home fees and provide a stipend of about for three years starting in September 2024.  The studentships are open to all UK (home) students.  Recipients of these awards will be encouraged to complete 100 hours of teaching (tutorials, demonstrating in practicals, marking) each year in return for the studentship.

Applying for departmental studentships

Submit your  online application  before the deadline of  12 January 2024 . Initial interviews will be completed before 19 January 2024. Individuals with the strongest academic record, interview performance, relevant work experience, endorsement from their potential supervisor and summary research proposal (in terms of rigour and clarity) will be shortlisted and invited for a second interview on 7 or 8 February 2024.  We expect that successful candidates will be offered these awards by mid-March 2024. 

Before submitting your departmental studentship application

We select applicants whose interests fit closely with those of our staff, so research students can benefit from expert supervision. We cannot offer places to individuals who wish to work outside the areas of research expertise within the department. Postgraduate researchers join a research team composed of one or two faculty, postdoctoral scientists and other graduate students working on related topics. 

Before applying please look at the  research  and  staff webpages  and make contact with individuals who share your research interests and may be able to offer you supervision. Early contact with potential supervisors is critical, so that the supervisor can provide guidance and input into the research proposal, which forms a critical part of your application.

White Rose Doctoral Training Partnership ESRC studentships

In addition to submitting an application for departmental funding, you may be eligible to submit an application to the  WRDTP ESRC scheme , specifically the Advanced Quantitative Methods award. Please speak to your potential supervisor about your eligibility, and if eligible work with your supervisor to produce an application. 

University funding for international applicants

Further information on funding for international students is available from the  International Office .

Opportunities for self-funding students

Funding is very competitive, so if you are not successful in obtaining a full studentship and decide to join us on a full or partial self-funding basis there are a number of ways in which you can aid your financial situation and gain valuable experience on the way.

Graduate teaching positions

Each semester our PostGraduates Who Teach (PGWT) coordinator matches PhD students who want to teach with teaching jobs in the department.  The teaching roles available will vary, but may include leading tutorials with small groups of undergraduates, demonstrating in undergraduate practical classes and marking and providing feedback on undergraduate work.  All teaching work is paid at around £15 per hour + holiday pay. 

College life advisor positions

For postgraduates who have a keen interest in student welfare there are opportunities to become college life advisors. College life advisors are a vital part of the team, responsible for the welfare of undergraduates.  This role usually requires 15 hours of your time each week and you are expected to live in the college (where accommodation is provided at reduced cost).

Published: Jun 7, 2024, 4:43pm

Key Takeaways

• Psychology degrees offer students an array of valuable skills they can use to work as psychologists or in other related professions.
• Psychology degrees combine the quantitative rigors of the natural sciences with the qualitative analyses of the humanities and social sciences.
• Psychology students can specialize in subfields such as neuroscience, clinical psychology and behavior analysis.

Why do we feel, think, and act the way we do? Psychologists offer science-based insight into the enigmas that surround the human condition.

More than any other field, psychology can be viewed as the study of human behavior and what motivates us to live our lives the way we do. Psychology combines the empirical rigors of the hard sciences with the sociocultural qualitative analysis of the social sciences and humanities.

If you have ever made a “Freudian slip” while speaking, talked about someone doing something “unconsciously” or tried to interpret your dreams, you’ve been influenced by the vocabulary and theories of psychology.

Although the origins of psychology as a scientific field of study can be found in 19th-century Germany, philosophers and scientists have been hypothesizing for millennia about the way our behavior is engendered by the dynamic relationship that exists between our brains and our emotions. The formalization of such inquiries has led to an ever-growing field that now includes studying children, adults, animals and even machines.

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What Is a Bachelor’s in Psychology?

A bachelor’s degree in psychology provides students with a holistic understanding and appreciation for the myriad ways in which psychology is used in the medical, therapeutic and professional worlds. Broadly defined as the science of human and animal behavior, psychology is currently being redefined by cutting-edge undergraduate programs to include the behavior of machines and artificial intelligence.

Psychology students are immersed in the theoretical and experiential foundations of psychological science by taking courses that focus on the behavioral, cognitive, developmental and social aspects of psychological studies. In other words, psychology aims to figure out why we feel, think and do the things we feel, think and do.

A bachelor’s degree in psychology is typically seen as the most effective gateway to earning the graduate degrees that allow you to become a psychiatrist or psychologist. However, because psychology majors are seen as individuals with multiple skill sets, more than 70% of recent graduates with a bachelor’s degree in psychology work outside of the field.

According to the American Psychological Association (APA), psychology degree holders work in areas as diverse as web development, architecture, journalism and education. After all, a psychology major’s keen insight into the human mind can prove beneficial to many businesses and organizations looking to build their customer and client base.

Degree Finder

Types of psychology degrees.

Below, explore the various types of degrees you can earn in psychology.

Associate of Arts (A.A.), Associate of Science (A.S.) or Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.)

An associate degree in psychology usually takes two years to earn at a community college. Because job options in psychology are limited for those who only have an associate degree, most associate in psychology graduates use this degree as an affordable stepping stone to earning a bachelor’s degree.

An A.A. approaches psychology with a liberal arts focus. A.S. and A.A.S. programs in psychology are similar to A.A. programs, but with a more practice-focused approach.

Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) or Bachelor of Science (B.S.)

A B.A. in psychology usually requires a more well-rounded liberal arts education with a mix of courses in the humanities, the social sciences and general education. A B.A. is a good option for students who want to enter career fields where understanding human behavior is a strong asset. This degree usually takes four years to earn.

A B.S. in psychology usually requires more math and natural science courses that emphasize quantitative analysis. A B.S. is a good option for students who want to work in laboratories and do research that requires empirical methodologies. This degree usually takes four years to earn.

Typical courses for both the B.A. and B.S. tracks at most universities can include cognitive psychology, developmental psychology, statistics, psychopathology and mental health, social psychology and research methods.

Master of Science (M.S.) or Master of Arts (M.A.)

Typically lasting two to three years, the M.S. in psychology tends to take a practice-based approach to advanced education in psychology. Learners who plan to enter the workforce directly after earning their master’s might benefit from a Master of Science in psychology.

The psychology M.A., on the other hand, caters to students who plan to transfer into doctoral programs after completing their master’s. An M.A. in psychology delivers advanced education in the field through a liberal arts-focused lens.

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) or Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.)

A Ph.D. in psychology delivers research-based psychology education at the doctoral level. Students seeking careers in academia or research may benefit most from earning a Ph.D. in psychology. This degree typically takes four to seven years to complete, though completion times vary drastically depending on each student’s program, area of emphasis and enrollment status.

A Doctor of Psychology is another doctoral-level psychology degree, but it’s more practiced-focused than a Ph.D. in psychology. Students who want to practice clinical psychology may benefit most from earning a Psy.D. Though they often include practice requirements, Psy.D. programs often run shorter than Ph.D. programs, taking four to five years to complete.

Psychology Specializations

Aspiring psychology majors may consider the following specializations. This list represents only a few possible areas of emphasis for psychology students.

Counseling Psychology

Counseling psychology focuses on our everyday interactions with others and ourselves. A great specialization for students who want to be social workers and mental health counselors, a counseling psychology specialty combines theoretical approaches and research methods to provide students with the opportunity to conduct clinically relevant research.

Neuroscience

A neuroscience specialty, also known as a behavioral and cognitive neuroscience specialty, expands upon environmental life sciences to closely examine the entire nervous system with a focus on cognitive, behavioral and brain functions.

Behavior Analysis

Behavior analysts study how environmentally influenced behavior is established and how it can be modified. With a focus on creating practical solutions to various behavioral problems, these programs often help students become Board Certified Behavior Analysts®.

What Can You Do With a Psychology Degree?

We sourced salary data for this section from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics in June 2024.

Psychologist

Median Annual Salary: $92,740 Minimum Required Education: Master’s degree in psychology or a related field Job Overview: Psychologists study and help modify how individuals, families and organizations interact with one another from cognitive, emotional and behavioral perspectives. Psychologists can work in clinical, educational and industrial-organizational settings to offer insight and support on individual or group levels.

Social Worker

Median Annual Salary: $58,380 Minimum Required Education: Bachelor’s degree, but usually a master’s degree in psychology or a related field Job Overview: Social workers provide individuals, groups and families with the support they need to navigate the problems they encounter in their everyday lives. This support can take the form of helping a family receive food stamps, getting a battered spouse into a domestic abuse shelter or providing a student who is suffering from depression with mental health counseling.

Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder or Mental Health Counselor

Median Annual Salary: $53,710 Minimum Required Education: Bachelor’s degree in psychology or a related field Job Overview: Substance abuse, behavioral disorder and mental health counselors provide education and training on how to prevent and treat problematic behaviors related to alcoholism, substance abuse and addiction. They also provide support to individuals who are dealing with depression and other mental health issues.

Human Resources Specialist

Median Annual Salary: $67,650 Minimum Required Education: Bachelor’s degree in human resources or a related field Job Overview: Human resources specialists help organizations manage employees from the recruitment and hiring phase to training and development and retention and retirement. Human resources specialists ensure that employers and employees are in compliance with labor laws and company policies and also help arbitrate and settle disputes and grievances.

Registered Nurse

Median Annual Salary: $86,070 Minimum Required Education: Associate in nursing , some employers may require a Bachelor of Science in Nursing Job Overview: Registered nurses provide critical care to patients in hospitals and other healthcare settings. Nurses also provide education and training on health issues to help prevent negative health outcomes in the community. Holders of a bachelor’s degree in psychology can either take an accelerated undergraduate nursing program or enroll in a master’s program that accepts the clinical hours of a psychology program, internship or job.

School and Career Counselor and Advisor

Median Annual Salary: $61,710 Minimum Required Education: Master’s in counseling psychology or a master’s in school counseling Job Overview: Working primarily in K-12 schools and colleges and universities, school and career counselors provide students with the academic and personal support they need to do well in their classes. School counselors can connect students with academic tutors and provide them with guidance on the courses they need to graduate.

Career counselors can help high school and college students who need to work outside of school balance their school and work schedules while maintaining an eye on long-term career goals. Counselors can also provide students with support when facing social or behavioral challenges.

Should You Earn a Degree in Psychology Online?

Degrees earned from online programs are just as reputable as degrees earned from in-person programs as long as they are from accredited universities and psychology departments. The most important factor in deciding on whether to earn your degree online is what type of learning format best suits your learning style and day-to-day scheduling needs.

You should also consider whether an online program offers networking, internship and group project opportunities that might only be available in in-person settings.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Psychology Degrees

Are psychology degrees worth it.

Yes. You cannot become a licensed psychologist, a clinical social worker or a certified mental health therapist without a formal degree. While you may not need a bachelor’s degree in psychology to earn an advanced degree in psychology, it helps. At a minimum, though, you need a bachelor’s degree to pursue a graduate degree in psychology or a related field.

What degree is best for psychology?

The best degree depends on your career goals because psychology is such a broad field. While a bachelor’s degree in psychology will cover many areas, a bachelor’s degree in sociology or social work may be more suitable for laying the foundation for an advanced degree more closely aligned to your desired career.

However, if you want to be a licensed psychologist, a bachelor’s degree in psychology will prepare you for the coursework you will need to complete in graduate school.

Are psychology degrees difficult?

Psychology degrees are just as challenging to earn as other bachelor’s degrees that combine the social and natural sciences with the humanities. However, a psychology degree requires more math- and science-intensive courses than majors such as social work and sociology. Those who prefer qualitative analysis over quantitative analysis should reconsider majoring in psychology.

What grades do I need to study psychology?

Generally speaking, the higher your GPA, the stronger your chances are of being accepted into the university and program of your choice. Research the requirements of the programs in which you are interested. More competitive programs may require certain minimum grades in psychology, biology and mathematics classes.

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Admission criteria for graduate psychology programs are changing

There’s less emphasis on standardized testing and more on applicants’ lived experiences

Vol. 55 No. 4 Print version: page 23

Over the last few years, graduate psychology degree programs, both at the master’s and doctoral levels, have shifted their admission criteria from an emphasis on standardized testing to components that reflect applicants’ experiences. According to the most recent edition of Graduate Study in Psychology , 1 for 2022–23 applications, doctoral programs placed the highest importance on letters of recommendation (85%), personal statements (84%), and interviews (74%). Master’s psychology programs, by contrast, placed the highest importance on undergraduate GPAs (72%), letters of recommendation (71%), and statements of goals and objectives (68%).

In general, large percentages of graduate psychology programs reported that the GRE Verbal, Quantitative, Writing, and Subject scores were not criteria used in the admissions process for the 2022–23 admissions cycle. This represents a continuation of the trend of graduate psychology programs prioritizing criteria other than GRE scores in an attempt to remove potential systemic barriers and create a more equitable admissions process. 2, 3

View a full-size version with a detailed description of the importance of admission criteria for psychology doctoral programs infographic

View a full-size version with a detailed description of the importance of admission criteria for psychology Master's programs infographic

1 Data is from Graduate Study in Psychology , an annual survey conducted by APA’s Education Directorate. For the 2022–23 cycle, a total of 332 departments and schools in the United States and Canada provided responses on 893 graduate programs in psychology.

2 Assefa, M., et al. (2023, March). How the pandemic has impacted psychology graduate programs . Monitor on Psychology , 54 (2), 20.

3 Assefa, M., et al. (2024, January). Masters’ and doctoral program applications increase as GRE requirements drop . Monitor on Psychology , 55 (1), 26.

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Educational Psychology - M.Ed.

Program overview.

Educational Psychology is an academic program in the Department of Educational Psychology, Leadership, & Counseling. The program equips students with a comprehensive knowledge of learning, motivation, development, and educational foundations. Additionally, students learn to apply quantitative and qualitative research skills in a manner that promotes educational improvement while valuing individual differences. Thus, educational psychology attracts students from various educational and professional backgrounds including education, psychology, human sciences, business, sports sciences, and health sciences.

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Program work within Educational Psychology is developed and guided by a strong conceptual framework, the standards from the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE), guidelines from the American Psychological Association (APA), American Educational Research Association (AERA), and National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) and the sound professional judgment of an experienced and caring faculty.

The master's program is designed to provide students with content knowledge that facilitates the application of research in educational psychology to educational settings. Teachers are especially encouraged to select the applied master's degree plan that is designed to prepare highly effective, culturally sensitive educators.

Degrees Offered

M.Ed., offered as a face-to-face or hybrid program.

Career Opportunities With This Degree

Most graduates teach in colleges or universities or are in positions conducting research.

Application Materials

College Transcripts – Unofficial transcripts can be uploaded to the Graduate School application . Information on submitting official transcripts will be provided to you by the Graduate School. Grade reports or unofficial transcripts from university web portals will not be accepted. Please redact the Social Security Number anywhere it appears on your transcript. If documents are written in a language other than English, a copy of a complete and official English translation must be provided with the original language records.

Required Supplemental Application Materials

GRE Scores, Resume, Three Professional Recommendations, Academic Writing Sample, Response to Applicant Statement Prompt. Download a comprehensive list of requirements.

Application Process

Please visit the Graduate Application Process for more information on how to apply.

This program requires official GRE scores. Scores must no more than 5 years old at the time of application. Official GRE scores must be sent from Educational Testing Services (ETS) to the Texas Tech Graduate School. To register for the examination please visit the GRE Testing website . Texas Tech University's code is 6827.

• Due to ongoing accessibility concerns, the Graduate School has suspended GRE test score requirements for applications through at least Summer 2025. For more information, please contact the Graduate School .

Semester in which the program can be started

It is recommended that students start in the fall but applications will be considered on a rolling basis.

Estimated Hours to Completion

45 credit hours

Allowable Transfer Hours

6 credit hours if completed in the last 7 years with a grade of B or better.

Financial Aid

TTU Graduate School and COE scholarships, research assistantships, student loans

To be competitive for funding support, the recommended deadline for Fall is December 1 st . However, applications received at other times will be reviewed.

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Use the Student Business Services Tuition Estimator to estimate your costs.

Chance Webb Academic Advisor/Admissions Office of Graduate Admissions & Enrollment [email protected] 806-834-6768

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Educational psychology and foundations, school psychology.

• Delivery : Face-to-Face or Hybrid
• Hours to Completion: 45
• Now accepting applications for: All Semesters
• Maximum Transfer Hours: 6

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