Psychology, PhD
Addiction, Behavioral Psychology, Cognitive Neuroscience, Cognitive science, Data Analysis, Developmental, Health, Neuroscience, Psychology, Quantitative Science, Quantitative data, Research Methods, applied, approved for STEM-OPT extension, clinical, social
Experience collaborative and interdisciplinary training through six highly ranked doctoral areas of study. You'll work closely with renowned faculty members to advance our understanding of the mind, brain, thinking, feeling and behavior while conducting vital research, from cellular processes to societal impact.
The Doctor of Philosophy program in psychology offers comprehensive training in innovative research methods and the application of psychological principles across various human conditions. This program stands out with six highly ranked areas of study:
- behavioral neuroscience and comparative psychology
- clinical psychology
- cognitive psychology
- developmental psychology
- quantitative research methods (formal degree concentration)
- social psychology
Each specialization shapes the core curriculum for its students, encouraging interdisciplinary learning opportunities across the university.
Faculty members engage students in groundbreaking research, fostering theoretical exploration in areas such as evolution and behavior; cognitive processes such as attention and memory; personality studies; and societal issues such as stigma and prejudices. Students investigate diverse topics, including individual resilience, cultural influences, neurobiological and psychosocial factors impacting behavior and health, child mental health prevention and life span developmental aspects of emotion and cognition.
A distinct strength of this doctoral psychology program is the wealth of outstanding faculty members who excel in quantitative methods. No matter their specialized area of focus, students gain access to a wide variety of courses and hands-on experiences, seamlessly integrating quantitative methodologies into their work.
This program may be eligible for an Optional Practical Training extension for up to 24 months. This OPT work authorization period may help international students gain skills and experience in the U.S. Those interested in an OPT extension should review ASU degrees that qualify for the STEM-OPT extension at ASU's International Students and Scholars Center website.
The OPT extension only applies to students on an F-1 visa and does not apply to students completing a degree through ASU Online.
- College/school:
The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
- Location: Tempe
- STEM-OPT extension eligible: Yes
84 credit hours, a written comprehensive exam, an oral comprehensive exam, a prospectus and a dissertation
Required Core (3 or 4 credit hours)
PSY 502 Professional Issues in Psychology (3) or
PSY 531 Multiple Regression in Psychological Research (4)
Electives and Research (68 or 69 credit hours)
Culminating Experience (12 credit hours)
PSY 799 Dissertation (12)
Additional Curriculum Information
In addition to required coursework pertaining to the training area, students take courses related to their area of interest, as determined in consultation with their supervisory committees. Requirements vary across training areas.
General university admission requirements:
All students are required to meet general
university admission requirements.
U.S. applicants | International applicants | English proficiency
Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.
Applicants must have earned a bachelor's or master's degree in psychology or a related field from a regionally accredited institution.
Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program or a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program. Due to the competitiveness of the program, applicants to the clinical area must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.30 rather than 3.00 in either their first bachelor's or applicable master's degree program.
All applicants must submit:
- graduate admission application and application fee
- official transcripts
- SlideRoom application and fee
- statement of purpose form
- curriculum vitae or resume
- GRE scores
- three letters of recommendation
- proof of English proficiency
Additional Application Information
An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency.
ASU does not accept the GRE® General Test at home edition.
To apply to the doctoral programs, applicants must follow the instructions on the doctoral program admission instructions and checklist. It is strongly recommended that applicants download and print this form to ensure completion of the application process and to include all of the required supplemental forms.
The Department of Psychology application process is completed online through ASU's graduate admission services, which includes the application form and official transcripts. Application to the Department of Psychology doctoral programs is also completed via SlideRoom, for processing of supplemental application materials. The SlideRoom account requires an additional fee.
Applicants must submit three academic letters of recommendation from faculty members who know the student well. Three letters are required, but four letters of recommendation may be submitted.
| Session | Modality | Deadline | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Session A/C | In Person | 12/01 | Final |
Program learning outcomes identify what a student will learn or be able to do upon completion of their program. This program has the following program outcomes:
- Critically evaluate existing psychological literature to identify novel research questions within their area of specialization.
- Design an independent study to test theoretical models of human behavior, utilizing appropriate statistical methods.
- Integrate their research findings within the larger context in their field to identify limitations and provide areas for future direction.
- Effectively communicate research findings through written publications and oral presentations.
The PhD in psychology opens up diverse career opportunities across academia, education, health care, industry, government and community organizations. This program equips graduates with a versatile skill set in research design, data analysis, measurement, mental health assessment, treatment and program evaluation.
Graduates are prepared for impactful roles such as consultants, data scientists-biostatisticians, program evaluation specialists, licensed clinical psychologists, psychology professors, research associates, research professors, senior analysts, staff psychologists and teaching faculty.
ASU programs that may lead to professional licensure or certification are intended to prepare students for potential licensure or certification in Arizona. Completion of an ASU program may not meet educational requirements for licensure or certification in another state. For more information, students should visit the ASU professional licensure webpage.
Department of Psychology
|
PSY 201
psychgrad@asu.edu
480-727-4561
3 year programs
These programs allow students to fast-track their studies after admission and earn a bachelor's degree in three years or fewer while participating in the same high-quality educational experience of a 4-year option. Students should talk to their academic advisor to get started.
Accelerated master's
These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).
Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master’s during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
