courses required for phd in psychology

Clinical Psychology PhD

Ph.d. in clinical psychology.

Welcome to the doctoral program in Clinical Psychology Program at Teachers College, Columbia University. The Clinical Psychology Program was founded in 1947-1948. It was APA-accredited in the first group of programs that were reviewed for accreditation in 1948 and that status has been uninterrupted. Our most recent site visit from the APA occurred in 2021, and we have been accredited until June 2031.

Our program operates according to a scientist-practitioner model. We are, thus, dedicated to training students to generate empirically-based knowledge in clinical psychology and to perform clinical work that is constantly informed by traditional and emerging scholarship in the field. We expect our students to learn to expertly produce, analyze, and discuss scientific material. We also expect our students to become proficient at providing clinical services to a diverse population. And, most importantly, we expect our students to learn to integrate these two goals. As our mission statement in the TC catalog notes, “The driving goal of our Clinical Psychology Program is to provide rigorous training in both contemporary clinical science and clinical assessment and intervention.”

A good deal of the training, especially that related to research, occurs through intensive participation in a research lab directed by a specific faculty mentor. It is this context, through this lab, that students develop their scientific skills and begin presenting their work at professional conferences and publishing in professional journals. Each student, of course, is also part of a cohort of doctoral students with whom they learn, collaborate, and socialize.

In recent years, graduates of our doctoral program have gained employment in tenure-track academic positions, as research scientists in medical schools, and as clinical researchers in a broad range of treatment settings. In addition, many of our graduates practice independently as well as in community settings for under-served populations.

The list of faculty reviewing and potentially accepting applicants for each cycle is listed on the application itself. Please check the application itself or email the admissions office at 

[email protected] for clarification.

Doug Mennin, Ph.D.

Professor, Director of Clinical Training

Research Centers

Dean Hope Center for Educational and Psychological Services

The Dean Hope Center for Educational and Psychological Services (DHCEPS) is an integral part of the teaching and training programs in Clinical, Counseling, School Psychology, Learning Disability and Reading Specialist. The Center works in a two-folded way; first it offers students the opportunity to integrate theoretical coursework with practicum experience within a multidisciplinary setting. This training is foreseen by highly qualified supervisors. Simultaneously, the DHCEPS offers affordable psychological and educational services to individuals, couples, and families residing in the nearby neighborhood of the New York City area. The emphasis is on respecting and working with clients from diverse, multicultural contexts regardless of age, racial and ethnic background, socio-economic status, sexual orientation, and religious or cultural affiliations. Additionally, DHCEPS is committed to maintaining a liaison with community-based agencies and organizations such as schools, hospitals, and mental health clinics, among others.

Teachers College Resilience Center for Veterans and Families

The Resilience Center for Veterans & Families pairs groundbreaking research on human emotional resilience with clinical training of therapists to assist veterans and their families as they transition back to civilian life.

Dean Hope Center for Psychological Services

The Dean Hope Center for Educational and Psychological Services (DHCEPS) is an integral part of the teaching and training programs in Clinical, Counseling, School Psychology, Learning Disability and Reading Specialist. The Center works in a two-folded way; first it offers students the opportunity to integrate theoretical coursework with practicum experience within a multidisciplinary setting. This training is foreseen by highly qualified supervisors.  Simultaneously, the DHCEPS offers affordable psychological and educational services to individuals, couples, and families residing in the nearby neighborhood of the New York City area. The emphasis is on respecting and working with clients from diverse, multicultural contexts regardless of age, racial and ethnic background, socio-economic status, sexual orientation, and religious or cultural affiliations.  DHCEPS also commits to maintaining a liaison with community-based agencies and organizations such as schools, hospitals and mental health clinics.

Admissions Information

Displaying requirements for the Spring 2025, Summer 2025, and Fall 2025 terms.

Doctor of Philosophy

• Points/Credits: 95
• Entry Terms: Fall
• Enrollment Formats: Full-Time

Application Deadlines

Select programs remain open beyond our standard application deadlines , such as those with an extended deadline or those that are rolling (open until June or July). If your program is rolling or has an extended deadline indicated above, applications are reviewed as they are received and on a space-available basis. We recommend you complete your application as soon as possible as these programs can close earlier if full capacity has been met.

Application Requirements

Requirements from the TC Catalog (AY 2023-2024)

Displaying catalog information for the Fall 2023, Spring 2024 and Summer 2024 terms.

View Full Catalog Listing

The Program requires the following:

The completion of 95 points of academic credit during three to four years of residence at the College.

A full-time, twelve-month clinical internship during the fourth or fifth year of study.

An original piece of empirical research, which also serves as a qualifying paper, to be completed during the second year of study.

A passing grade on the certification examination (on Research Methods) during the third year of study.

A Clinical case presentation as well as a research presentation, during the third year, each demonstrating the student’s ability to integrate theory, research, and practice.

A doctoral dissertation, which must be completed no later than the seventh year after matriculation.

During the first year of study, in addition to participating in a research lab, doctoral students typically take the following didactic courses: Ethical and professional issues in clinical psychology (CCPX 5030); Psychological measurement (HUDM 5059); courses on statistics and modeling; Research methods in social psychology (ORLJ 5040); Child psychopathology (CCPX 5034); Adult psychopathology (CCPX 5032); History and systems of psychology (CCPX 6020); and Dynamic psychotherapies (CCPX 5037). Students also take two semesters of psychological testing and diagnostic assessment (CCPX 5330, CCPX 5333) and a course in clinical interviewing (CCPX 5539).

Second Year

During their second year, students’ didactic courses include Brain and behavior (BBS 5068, 5069); Cognition, emotion, and culture (CCPX 5020); Psychotherapy with children (CCPX 5531); Cognitive, behavioral, and interpersonal therapies (CCPX 5038); Clinical work with diverse populations (CCPX 5036); and Seminar on life course development (HUDK 6520). In addition, students sign up for a full year of research practicum with a faculty member (culminating in an empirical second- year project), a full-year adult psychodynamic psychotherapy practicum (CCPX 6335), and an additional elective full-year clinical rotation (e.g., on child and adolescent psychotherapy; on neuropsychological assessment).

Third-year didactic courses include Group dynamics: A systems perspective (ORL 5362); and Dissertation seminar (CCPX 7500). There is also a full-year advanced psychodynamic clinical practicum (CCPX 6336) and a one-semester supervision and consultation practicum (CCPX 6333). Most students also elect a full-year family therapy practicum (CCPJ 6363).

Fourth and Fifth Year

The fourth year is typically focused on clinical externship (CCPX 5230) and extensive work on the dissertation. A full-year fourth year psychotherapy practicum (CCPX 6338) is recommended, though not required. Year five is usually spent on a full- year clinical internship (CCPX 6430).

The program allows only 12 points of graduate work from another institution to be transferred. No transfer credits are awarded for practica, workshops, or independent study.

• View Other Degrees

Teachers College, Columbia University 328 Horace Mann

Contact Person: Rebecca Shulevitz

Phone: (212) 678-3267 Fax: (212) 678-8235

Email: shulevitz@tc.columbia.edu

Applying to Graduate School

Graduate psychology programs can have different admission requirements, training specializations, and financial resources. Find the program that is the best fit for you.

Get your questions answered

FAQ: Graduate education

Find answers to commonly asked questions about pursuing graduate education in psychology.

FAQ: Online education

Learn more about how the advantages and disadvantages of online education in psychology.

FAQ: PSYCAS application process

Understand what to expect from the PSYCAS application process if your graduate program uses this service.

Choose your program

Finding fit: A roadmap to graduate school

Webinar series that breaks down the graduate program application process.

Researching psychology graduate programs

Search and compare admissions information for more than 900 masters and doctoral programs.

Paying for graduate school

Funding for dissertations, graduate school, and research can come from many sources.

Submit your application

Apply to multiple graduate psychology programs with a single application.

PSYCAS participating programs

List of all graduate psychology programs that currently accept PSYCAS applications.

PSYCAS application instructions

Get an overview of the PSYCAS application process and learn about important deadlines.

Training and webinars

Advice and tips from experts on navigating the application process.

Becoming a psychological scientist

The application process for doctoral programs for psychological science has several steps. This eight-part video series offers advice for navigating the process, discusses important considerations for selecting a program, and highlights resources for funding your graduate education.

Watch the series

Strategies for applying to psychology graduate school

Expert panelists discuss how prospective students can strategically approach the graduate school application process and highlight APA resources to help students find and apply to the program that best meets their professional goals.

Watch the video

Preparing and applying for graduate school in psychology

This series of 12 videos takes prospective graduate students step-by-step through the preparation, application, interview, and admission processes. The presenters combine decades of advising experience and research findings with evidence-based and anxiety-reducing strategies for mastering each step.

APA publications

Psychology in Higher Education

Journal of Counseling Psychology

Journal of Diversity in Higher Education

Internships in Psychology, 4th ed.

What Psychology Majors Could (and Should) Be Doing, 2nd Ed

You’ve applied to graduate school and been accepted...now what?

Explore APA’s resources to help students succeed in graduate school, including tools for academic success, information about how to get involved as a student, and helpful resources guides.

Succeeding in graduate school

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) .

Doctorate in Psychology (Ph.D. and Psy.D.) – everything you need to know in 2024

What’s in this guide, ph.d. or psy.d..

• Why get a doctorate in psychology?

Entry Requirements

• PhD in psychology jobs
• How long does it take to study?

How to choose a program

How much does it cost, earning potential , find your degree.

By psychologyjobs.com Staff Writer

A doctorate in psychology is a terminal degree typically lasting 4-7 years. It prepares graduates for independent research, clinical practice, or university-level teaching careers in psychology.

There are many reasons you may want to pursue a doctorate degree in Psychology, the following guide will provide everything you need to know; from the options, costs, timeframes, career advantages and more.

First up, what are the two types of doctorate degree you can get and what are the differences?

The two doctorate degrees you can get in psychology are Ph.D. and Psy.D.

In simple terms, a Ph.D. in psychology is more research-focused, while a Psy.D. emphasizes clinical practice. The best choice between the two depends on your career goals and whether you prefer research and academia or direct clinical work.

Why study for a doctorate in psychology?

• Doctorate-level psychologists typically have higher earning potential compared to those with a master’s degree or bachelor’s degree in the field.
• Gain in-depth knowledge and expertise in your chosen area of specialization within psychology.
• Potentially make significant contributions to the field.
• Advanced career opportunities in various settings, such as academia, research institutions, government agencies, hospitals, and private practice.
• Connect with other professionals, researchers, and academics in the field of psychology, expanding your professional network

The minimum requirements to study a doctorate degree in psychology will vary from institution to institution. However, there are several common requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree:  all programs require applicants to have completed a  bachelor’s degree , in psychology or a related field. Some programs may accept candidates with a degree in another discipline if they have completed prerequisite coursework in psychology.
• Master’s degree : Some doctoral programs require applicants to have a  master’s degree in psychology  or a related field. Others may admit students directly from their bachelor’s degree and incorporate a master’s degree into the doctorate program.
• GPA : Many programs have a minimum GPA requirement, usually 3.0 or higher. Some competitive programs require a higher GPA.
• Letters of recommendation : Applicants typically need to submit letters of recommendation from professors or professionals who can speak to their academic and research abilities.
• Research experience : Prior research experience is often valued by doctoral programs in psychology. This may include experience working on research projects, completing a thesis, or participating in research internships or assistantships.
• Personal statement:  Applicants usually need to submit a personal statement or statement of purpose that outlines their academic and research interests, career goals, and why they are interested in the specific doctoral program.

Doctorate in psychology jobs

• Addiction Counselor
• ABA Therapist
• Mental Health Therapist
• Licensed Mental Health Conselor
• Licensed Professional Counselor
• Licensed Clinical Social Worker
• Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
• School Psychologist
• Organizational Psychologist
• Forensic Psychologist
• Sports Psychologist
• Clinical Psychologist
• Counseling Psychologist
• Research Psychologist
• Professor of Psychology
• Child Psychologist

*Outside of the licensed psychologist jobs listed above many of the above roles  do not require a doctorate but it is important to note that employers for these roles are increasingly favoring candidates with a doctorate. 

How Long Does It Take To Study?

For the majority of students, a doctorate in Psychology may take anywhere from 4-7 years to finish, which will include a research dissertation and most likely residency or an internship in clinical or medical environments.

By far and away the question our career coaches get asked most frequently about doctorate degrees is how to choose a program. The choice of institutions and programs is truly overwhelming.

Here are some key factors to consider:

• Accreditation – Ensuring the program is accredited by the American Psychological Association . Accreditation affects the quality of education you will receive, your eligibility for professional licensure, and your job prospects after graduation.
• Program Focus and Curriculum –  Different programs may emphasize various aspects of psychology, such as clinical practice, counseling, research, or specific subfields like neuropsychology or health psychology. Match the program’s strengths and curriculum to your career interests and goals. Investigate whether the program offers courses and training that are critical to your desired career path.
• Faculty Expertise – Look into the backgrounds and areas of expertise of the faculty within the program. Consider how these align with your research interests or the professional skills you wish to acquire. Having mentors who are experts in your area of interest can provide invaluable guidance and opportunities for collaboration.
• Research Opportunities – For those interested in research, evaluate the resources available, such as labs, funding, and support for attending conferences or conducting fieldwork. Check if the program encourages or requires publications and what kind of support it offers to achieve these milestones.
• Clinical Training and Internships – For clinically oriented programs, look at the quality and variety of their practicum and internship placements. These are often required for licensure.
• Funding and Financial Support – Understand the types of financial support offered by the program, including teaching and research assistantships, fellowships, and grants. Funding can significantly impact your experience by allowing you to focus more fully on your studies and research without needing to seek employment externally.
• Alumni Success and Networking Opportunities –  Investigate where alumni of the program are currently working. This can give you a sense of the program’s reputation and effectiveness in placing graduates in jobs. Additionally, networking opportunities through alumni networks, professional associations, and academic conferences can be critical for career development.
• Program Size and Student Support Services – Consider the size of the program and the ratio of faculty to students, which can affect the amount of individual attention and mentoring you receive.
• Location – Certain locations might offer better practicum, internship, and employment opportunities in your field of interest due to the presence of significant healthcare facilities, research institutions, or industries.

Depending upon the institution, method of study, location and type of program then you can expect to pay $25,000-$80,000 per year to study for a doctorate in psychology.

An online program would likely fall at the lower end of this range whilst an out of state student in a private university might expect to pay the upper end of this range.

Many psychology doctoral programs, particularly in research-oriented universities, offer funding packages to their students. These can include full or partial tuition waivers, health insurance coverage, and a stipend to help with living expenses

The average salary for an individual with a doctorate in psychology is $114,768.

Earning potential varies considerably by specialty, location and industry but we see roles requiring a doctorate advertised in the $80,000-$130,000 range.

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Getting a Ph.D. in Psychology

Verywell / Evan Polenghi

Ph.D. vs. Psy.D.

Job opportunities, earning a degree, specialty areas, alternatives.

Getting a Ph.D. in psychology can open up a whole new world of career opportunities. For many careers paths in psychology-related career paths, a doctoral degree is necessary to obtain work and certification. A Ph.D. is one option, but it is not the only educational path that's available to reach some of these goals.

A Ph.D., or doctor of philosophy, is one of the highest level degrees you can earn in the field of psychology . If you're considering pursuing a graduate degree, you might be wondering how long it takes to earn a Ph.D. in psychology . Generally, a bachelor's degree takes four years of study. While a master's degree requires an additional two to three years of study beyond the bachelor's, a doctoral degree can take between four to six years of additional graduate study after earning your bachelor's degree.

Recently, a new degree option known as the Psy.D. , or doctor of psychology, has grown in popularity as an alternative to the Ph.D. The type of degree you decide to pursue depends on a variety of factors, including your own interests and your career aspirations.

Before deciding which is right for you, research your options and decide if graduate school in psychology is even the best choice for you. Depending on your career goals, you might need to earn a master's or doctoral degree in psychology in order to practice in your chosen field. In other instances, a degree in a similar subject such as counseling or social work may be more appropriate.

A doctorate in psychology is required if you want to open your own private practice.

If you want to become a licensed psychologist, you must earn either a Ph.D. or a Psy.D. in clinical or counseling psychology.

In most cases, you will also need a doctorate if you want to teach and conduct research at the college or university level. While there are some opportunities available for people with a master's degree in various specialty fields, such as industrial-organizational psychology and health psychology , those with a doctorate will generally find higher pay, greater job demand, and more opportunity for growth.

In order to earn a Ph.D. in psychology, you need to first begin by earning your bachelor's degree. While earning your undergraduate degree in psychology can be helpful, students with bachelor's degrees in other subjects can also apply their knowledge to psychology Ph.D. programs . Some students in doctorate programs may have a master's degree in psychology , but most doctorate programs do not require it.

After you’ve been admitted to a graduate program, it generally takes at least four years to earn a Ph.D. and another year to complete an internship. Once these requirements have been fulfilled, you can take state and national exams to become licensed to practice psychology in the state where you wish to work.

Once you enter the graduate level of psychology, you will need to choose an area of specialization, such as clinical psychology , counseling psychology, health psychology, or cognitive psychology . The American Psychological Association (APA) accredits graduate programs in three areas: clinical, counseling, and school psychology.   If you are interested in going into one of these specialty areas, it's important to choose a school that has received accreditation through the APA.

For many students, the choice may come down to a clinical psychology program versus a counseling psychology program. There are many similarities between these two Ph.D. options, but there are important distinctions that students should consider. Clinical programs may have more of a research focus while counseling programs tend to focus more on professional practice. The path you choose will depend largely on what you plan to do after you complete your degree.

Of course, the Ph.D. in psychology is not the only graduate degree option. The Psy.D. is a doctorate degree option that you might also want to consider. While there are many similarities between these two degrees, traditional Ph.D. programs tend to be more research-oriented while Psy.D. programs are often more practice-oriented.

The Ph.D. option may be your top choice if you want to mix professional practice with teaching and research, while the Psy.D. option may be preferred if you want to open your own private psychology practice.

In the book "An Insider's Guide to Graduate Programs in Clinical and Counseling Psychology," authors John C. Norcross and Michael A. Sayette suggest that one of the key differences between the two-degree options is that the Ph.D. programs train producers of research while Psy.D. programs train consumers of research. However, professional opportunities for practice are very similar with both degree types.

Research suggests that there are few discernible differences in terms of professional recognition, employment opportunities, or clinical skills between students trained in the Ph.D. or Psy.D. models. One of the few differences is that those with a Ph.D. degree are far more likely to be employed in academic settings and medical schools.

Social work, counseling, education, and the health sciences are other graduate options that you may want to consider if you decide that a doctorate degree is not the best fit for your interests and career goals.

A Word From Verywell

If you are considering a Ph.D. in psychology, spend some time carefully researching your options and thinking about your future goals. A doctoral degree is a major commitment of time, resources, and effort, so it is worth it to take time to consider the right option for your goals. The Ph.D. in psychology can be a great choice if you are interested in being a scientist-practitioner in the field and want to combine doing research with professional practice. It's also great training if you're interested in working at a university where you would teach classes and conduct research on psychological topics.

University of Pennsylvania; School of Arts and Sciences. Information for applicants .

American Psychological Association. Doctoral degrees in psychology: How are they different, or not so different?

U.S. Department of Labor.  Psychologists . Occupational Outlook Handbook .

Norcross JC, Sayette MA. An Insider's Guide to Graduate Programs in Clinical and Counseling Psychology (2020/2021 ed.) . New York, NY: The Guilford Press; 2020.

Davis SF, Giordano PJ, Licht CA. Your Career in Psychology: Putting Your Graduate Degree to Work . John Wiley & Sons; 2012. doi:10.1002/9781444315929

US Department of Education. Bachelor's, master's, and doctor's degrees conferred by postsecondary institutions, by sex of student and discipline division: 2016-17 .

By Kendra Cherry, MSEd Kendra Cherry, MS, is a psychosocial rehabilitation specialist, psychology educator, and author of the "Everything Psychology Book."

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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 the 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 2025 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.

Personal Statement

Standardized tests.

GRE General: Optional for Cognition, Brain, and Behavior, Developmental, and Social Psychology. Required for Experimental Psychopathology and Clinical. GRE Subject: Optional

Theses and Dissertations

Theses & Dissertations for Psychology

See list of Psychology faculty

APPLICATION DEADLINE

Questions about the program.

Department of Psychology

You are here, overview of the program.

These are remarkable times for psychology. Scientific breakthroughs concerning the biological, emotional, cognitive, and social basis of normal and abnormal behavior are reported in the media almost daily. The faculty associated with the Department of Psychology at Yale University represents the cutting edge of research and scholarship in this broad and exciting field.

The primary goal of graduate education in psychology at Yale University is the training of researchers, for academic and applied settings, who will broaden and deepen the knowledge base on which the science of psychology rests. The graduate program in the Department of Psychology annually enrolls about 15 new Ph.D. students. When applying to the Department, each potential graduate student indicates one of five areas of concentration, and usually has a “home” in a particular lab, but it is also possible to collaborate with faculty and students in other labs and participate in programs that cut across these traditional areas (e.g., cognitive, affective and social neuroscience; health sciences).

Our Department has an illustrious history, but, more important, continues to reinvigorate itself by recruiting the most outstanding scholars we can identify in clinical psychology, cognitive psychology, developmental psychology, neuroscience, and social-personality psychology, with special efforts to attract those whose interests bridge these areas. These scholars include faculty, research scientists, postdoctoral fellows, graduate students, and undergraduates in Psychology and other programs (e.g., the School of Management, Interdepartmental Neuroscience Program).

A primary objective of our graduate program is to encourage research that follows from an understanding of the substantive and methodological bases of scientific psychology as well as from other social and biological sciences. We encourage students to appreciate the multiple historical and theoretical contexts from which the field has emerged, and to create an environment that facilitates student and faculty interest and participation in research activities. Moreover, many members of the faculty are committed to exploring the impact of their work on individual, community, and societal problems. Consequently, faculty and student interests and research often bridge basic science to issues of public policy, providing opportunities for students to develop broad areas of expertise.

We are deeply committed to graduate education and are eager to work closely with students to help them take advantage of the rich offerings of our Department and University in ways that suit their interests and talents. Our department is a thriving and diverse intellectual community that is committed to a culture of inclusiveness. The relatively small size of our graduate program and the large number of primary and affiliated faculty ensure that each student receives extensive attention in following an individualized curriculum. Over the years, we have cultivated a supportive environment that provides rigorous training. Our program is an active, exciting, flexible, and challenging setting in which qualified students who share our interests thrive. We welcome your application.

PhD in Psychology

Our program trains graduate students to make original contributions to knowledge in the field of psychology. We offer intensive research training with the aim to foster competence in seven domains as follows:

• Written scientific communication.
• Oral scientific communication.
• Evaluating and synthesizing relevant psychological research literature.
• Designing and conducting independent, ethical, and rigorous scientific research.
• Statistical techniques common to psychological research.
• Professional visibility in the broader research community.
• Teaching techniques common in psychology courses.

Graduate students in our program achieve competence in these domains primarily by planning, doing, presenting, and publishing their research. For example, they write manuscripts for publication in academic journals and to satisfy program requirements. They revise their written work with the benefit of feedback from faculty reviewers in our department and via peer review at academic journals. They also present their research to faculty members of milestone committees, to all members of our community in departmental conferences, and to outside scientists at academic conferences.

Graduate students in our program also take courses that build expertise in statistics, various topics in psychology, and in other fields, depending on their interests. Most graduate students in our program obtain teaching experience by serving as a teaching assistant in one or more courses or, occasionally, teaching their own independent courses.

Ultimately, graduate students emerge from our program as experts in their chosen area of psychology. Our program is an excellent fit for applicants interested in pursuing the intensive research training and coursework that facilitates this expertise.

Advancing to PhD Stage

After completion of the master's degree, students formally request to advance to the PhD stage of our program. The decision to advance is made by a majority vote of the department faculty based on satisfactory progress in meeting master’s degree requirements (including performance in classes and as teaching and/or research assistants, laboratory experience, and statistical competence) and scholarly potential.

Although most students enter the program with a bachelor's degree, students may be admitted with a master's degree from another institution and receive advanced standing in the program pending departmental approval and successful completion of first-year program requirements (see Transfer Students section below).

All students are expected to be full-time and actively involved in research throughout their graduate studies.

Research Requirements

The program is based around  five major annual milestones :

• Year 1:  First year project
• Year 2:  Propose master's thesis and at least 6 months later defend master's thesis.   *Request to advance to the PhD stage of the program.
• Year 3:  Conceptual review paper
• Year 4:  Conceptual presentation
• Year 5:  Propose dissertation and at least 6 months later defend dissertation

General Requirement (Years 1-4):  Grant/Publication submission

Besides providing an easy way for you to measure your progress in the program, these major projects are designed, along with the associated coursework, to provide you with a strong research oriented background in your specialty. The specific requirements for these milestones are described in detail in the  Psychology Department Graduate Handbook .

Course Requirements

Graduate students in our program earn credit in class-based courses and by doing lab-based research in the master’s and PhD stages of our program. The credit requirements are as follows: 

Master’s Degree (30 credits):

• Two semesters of proseminar (Psy 201, 202) (3 credits)
• Two semesters of statistics (Psy 207, 208) (9 credits)
• One Psychology core course (3 credits)
• One 100- or 200-level course* (3 credits)
• Graduate Research I (Psy 289 Fall) (3 credits)
• Graduate Research II (Psy 290 Spring) (3 credits)
• Master's Thesis (Psy 295 Fall) (3 credits)
• Master's Thesis (Psy 296 Spring) (3 credits)

PhD Degree (39 credits):

• One 200-level Psychology course (3 credits)
• One 200-level course* (3 credits)
• One career preparation course (3 credits)**
• One 100- or 200-level course*, or research*** (3 credits)
• Graduate Research Advanced I (Psy 291) (3 credits)
• Graduate Research Advanced II (Psy 292) (3 credits)
• Graduate Research Advanced III (Psy 293) (3 credits)
• Graduate Research Advanced IV (Psy 294) (3 credits)
• Dissertation Research I (Psy 297) (4 credits)
• Dissertation Research II (Psy 298) (4 credits)
• Dissertation Research III (Psy 299) (4 credits)

* Psychology or another department ** One of Psy 260, 261, or 262 OR 200-level course of student's choice (PSY or another department) *** Students may take Psy 293/294 twice for credit

Transfer Students

Students entering the program with a master's degree in psychology from another institution should discuss with the Director of Graduate Studies which course and program requirements remain to be met.

Students entering the program with some graduate credits but without a master's degree may transfer up to two graduate-level courses toward the MS in our department unless the courses have already been counted toward another degree, as described on the university’s Graduate Student Transfer Credit page. If approved by the Director of Graduate Studies, graduate courses that have already been counted toward another degree may be used to waive one or more course requirements in our program.

Students who did not do an empirical thesis as part of earning an MS degree in psychology elsewhere must do a thesis project at Tufts. All students who earned an MS degree in psychology elsewhere must still do a first-year project and demonstrate statistical competence. Review the Psychology Department Graduate Handbook for more details.

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• PhD in Psychology

The PhD program in Psychology trains students at the highest level in one of three specialty areas of psychology: Brain, Behavior, and Cognition (BBC), Developmental Science (DS), and Clinical (C). Upon completion of the PhD, students will be thoroughly prepared for postgraduate training and to eventually assume teaching and/or research positions in academia or industry or to obtain clinical positions. An undergraduate degree in psychology or a related discipline (e.g., neuroscience) is recommended.

Learning Outcomes

Students graduating with a PhD in Psychology (Brain, Behavior & Cognition) are expected to:

• Demonstrate mastery of existing theory and research.
• Develop the ability to conduct sound, independent ethical research.
• Demonstrate abilities to conduct scholarly and other activities in a professional and ethical manner.
• Demonstrate teaching abilities.

Students graduating with a PhD in Psychology (Clinical) are expected to:

• Learn to evaluate existing research and theory and to conduct independent clinical research.
• Develop ability to write grants.
• Develop the skills and knowledge necessary for communicating with patients, conducting clinical interviews and assessments, and providing treatment.
• Acquire and apply knowledge of issues of individual and cultural diversity.

Students graduating with a PhD in Psychology (Developmental Science) are expected to:

• Develop the ability to conduct sound, independent research.
• Demonstrate abilities to conduct scholarly and other professional activities.
• Demonstrate knowledge of professional ethical standards.

Course Requirements

Doctoral students must complete a minimum of 16 term courses (64 units) of graduate work for the Brain, Behavior, and Cognition and the Developmental Science PhD tracks. A minimum of 20 courses of graduate work (80 units) is required for the Clinical PhD track. Required courses for all tracks are as follows:

• CAS PS 711 Statistics in Psychology I
• CAS PS 712 Statistics in Psychology II

For specific course requirements for each track, please visit our website . Courses are selected in consultation with the major advisor, who may determine that additional work is required.

Language Requirement

There is no foreign language requirement for this degree.

Qualifying Examinations

PhD candidates must also satisfy a qualifying requirement or pass a qualifying examination in the area of specialization.

Dissertation and Final Oral Examination

Candidates shall demonstrate their abilities for independent study in a dissertation representing original research or creative scholarship. A prospectus for the dissertation must be completed and approved by the readers, the Director of Graduate studies, and the Department Chair/Program Director. Candidates must undergo a final oral examination in which they defend their dissertation as valuable contributions to knowledge in their fields and demonstrate a mastery of their fields of specialization in relation to their dissertation. All portions of the dissertation and final oral examination must be completed as outlined in the GRS General Requirements for the Doctor of Philosophy Degree .

Research Requirement

Each student must satisfy a research requirement during the first year, which is initiated by the director of the program and the student’s advisor.

Two categories of requirements are necessary for the MA degree en route to all the PhD programs. They should be completed within three years of admission. Specific graduate programs may have their own additional requirements:

• Courses: A minimum of eight graduate-level courses, including PS 711 Statistics in Psychology I. Students must obtain prior departmental approval for any course they wish to take outside the department or the University. Please contact Dr. Joanne Hebden Palfai, Director of Academic Affairs, Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences, at [email protected] for additional information.
• Research Activity: Requirements vary by program. All students are engaged in research beginning in their first year.

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PhD in Psychology Degree Programs

• Author: Audrey Stoffle
• Expert Reviewer: Jonathan Adams, PhD
• Editorial Process

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Psychology degree prepares graduates to practice as licensed clinical psychologists or to work in academia or research. This degree is usually offered at public or private research universities and trains students in research methods, perception, cognition, neuroscience, and behavior. PhDs in Psychology are typically focused on one of the specialties and proficiencies within the field. PhD programs in Clinical and Counseling Psychology are more research-focused than Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) programs , but both qualify students for licensure in applied psychology . According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), there are 191 non-profit colleges and universities that offer an advanced degree in clinical psychology (including master’s degrees, PsyDs, and PhDs) in the United States. 1

Table of Contents

• Reasons to Pursue a PhD in Psychology
• Program Options

Admission Requirements

• Core Concepts

Top-Rated PhD in Psychology Programs

• Select Program Profiles
• Jobs With a PhD in Psychology Degree

Frequently Asked Questions

Reasons to pursue a phd in psychology degree.

A PhD in Psychology degree represents a significant investment of time and money; therefore, most people who enter PhD programs do so to pursue one of the following career paths:

1. To become licensed practitioners. PhDs in Clinical Psychology prepare graduates to evaluate, diagnose, and treat patients in private, hospital, or other settings. All 50 states and Washington DC require a doctoral degree to become a licensed clinical psychologist, and a PhD is one of the primary degrees (in addition to the PsyD and the Doctor of Education (EdD) in some states, for school psychologists) that qualify candidates for clinical licensure.

2. To work in an academic or research setting. PhDs in Psychology equip graduates to work in academic or laboratory settings, where they can conduct research to learn about our most basic human functions and behaviors. If you are interested in becoming a college professor of psychology or a researcher, obtaining a PhD in Psychology may be the best way to begin your journey.

PhD in Psychology Program Options

In PhD in Psychology programs, students take courses in quantitative research theories and methodologies, and conduct research with the supervision of faculty mentors. A PhD in Psychology can take as little as four years to complete if you already have a master’s degree in a related area. If you enter the program with a bachelor’s degree, it usually takes five to seven years to complete. Typically, the degree is offered on campus since there are many hands-on research and teaching requirements.

Some common areas of specialization (also known as concentrations, specialties, or emphases) for PhD in Psychology programs include:

• Cognitive Behavioral Psychology
• Clinical Psychology
• Counseling Psychology
• Industrial-Organizational Psychology
• Neuropsychology
• School Psychology

Online Degree Formats

If you need a more flexible study option, an online PhD in Psychology program may be a good option. Keep in mind that the American Psychological Association (APA) does not accredit doctoral programs that are fully online; it does, however, accredit some hybrid programs that offer some coursework or content online. If you are choosing an online doctoral program, you should ensure that:

• The school has been accredited by an agency recognized by the US Department of Education or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation
• Online students have similar access to resources and services as traditional students
• The faculty teaching online courses are the same or equal to the ones teaching on-campus
• You will receive assistance in choosing a practicum placement
• The online program will qualify you for licensure in your state if you are interested in licensure

To read more about getting your psychology degree online, you can visit our Guide to Earning an Online Psychology Degree . While the guide focuses more on earning your bachelor’s degree in psychology online, it also includes some helpful tips for the PhD level.

PhD in Psychology applicants should have an undergraduate degree with in-depth psychology training including laboratory experience, statistics, and research methods. Requirements vary depending on the school, but applicants do not usually need a degree in psychology if all prerequisite courses are met. The minimum grade point average (GPA) for admittance is typically 3.0, but the average GPA of admitted students may be considerably higher due to strong competition for upper-level graduate degree programs. High marks in math and statistics are considered favorable. Some schools require applicants to submit transcripts, letters of recommendation, a personal statement, references, and GRE scores (though many schools are waiving this requirement).

Admission to traditional psychology PhD programs is more competitive than PsyD programs, with reportedly only 11% of applicants being admitted annually (compared to 40% of those applying to PsyD programs). 2 One reason for this selectivity could be because PhD students in psychology programs often depend on limited research assistantships, where schools offer students funding in exchange for research, teaching, or administrative work. In fact, according to a survey by the APA, 80-100% of PhD in Psychology students receive some funding and 60-90% receive full funding (tuition waiver plus stipend). 3 Since more applicants are vying for assistantships than schools have to offer, only a low percentage of applicants are admitted.

Core Concepts and Coursework

In the first three to four years of a psychology graduate degree program, students take courses in theory, research methods, and statistics, depending on the student’s prior experience and degrees. Required courses also include a student’s area of specialization, such as assessment and intervention for clinical psychology, statistical modeling for quantitative psychology, or laboratory skills for neuroscience. The final year of the program is typically devoted to independent research and the final dissertation. Common coursework in a PhD in Psychology program includes:

• Advanced Statistical Modeling
• Advances in Neuroscience
• Affective Science
• Attitudes and Social Judgement
• Developmental Psychology
• Foundations of Cognition
• Graduate Research Methods
• Perception and Reality
• Psychopathology
• Statistics for Psychology

US News & World Report’s Best Clinical Psychology Doctorate Programs 2020

• University of California-Los Angeles (#1)
• University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill (#2)
• Stony Brook University-SUNY (#3 tie)
• University of California-Berkeley (#3 tie)
• University of Minnesota-Twin Cities (#5 tie)
• University of Washington (#5 tie)
• University of Wisconsin-Madison(#5 tie)
• University of Pennsylvania (#8 tie)
• University of Pittsburgh (#8 tie)
• Harvard University (#10 tie)
• Indiana University-Bloomington (#10 tie)
• Pennsylvania State University-University Park (#10 tie)
• Temple University (#10 tie)
• University of Colorado-Boulder (#10 tie)
• University of Michigan-Ann Arbor (#10 tie)
• University of Texas-Austin (#10 tie)
• Washington University in St. Louis (#10 tie) 4

Select PhD in Psychology Programs

Traditional programs.

Stanford University

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) program at Stanford University is open to students with wide psychology interests as it offers five different specialization areas in Cognitive, Developmental, Affective, Neuroscience, and Social Psychology. Students can also include a minor from another department at Stanford to further specialize their training. The psychology program teaches students the skills and techniques necessary to conduct rigorous and focused psychology research. It requires hands-on learning through the development and completion of a first-year project and a dissertation. Students must achieve at least a “B-” grade in all courses, or they may need to repeat courses. Opportunities to teach classes in undergraduate psychology and statistics are encouraged to prepare students for academic careers. A variety of funding opportunities, such as graduate scholarships, fellowships, and research and teaching assistantships are offered each year to help students pay for the program and gain valuable work experience.

University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign

In addition to bachelor’s and master’s degree programs in psychology, the Department of Psychology at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign offers a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) with nine possible concentrations in Attention & Perception; Behavioral Neuroscience; Cognitive Neuroscience; Clinical-Community; Cognitive; Developmental; Industrial-Organizational; Quantitative; and Social-Personality. The degree is designed to prepare students for research and academic careers, with the exception of the clinical/community concentration, which prepares students for practitioner careers and includes an internship in clinical psychology. Students with prior psychology graduate coursework may transfer up to 32 credits toward the doctoral program. All admitted students in good standing are offered financial support in the form of a nine-month, 50%-time research or teaching assistantship, traineeship, or fellowship. Teaching is mandatory in the program, and students must complete at least two semesters of teaching assistance.

University of Michigan

The University of Michigan (U of M) offers a PhD in Psychology with an embedded master’s degree that prepares graduates for either research or clinical careers. The degree takes five years to complete and students can customize their experience based on their chosen area of interest. The program offers six concentrations including Biopsychology; Clinical Science; Cognition and Cognitive Neuroscience; Developmental Psychology; Personality and Social Contexts; and Social Psychology. Joint programs are also offered with social work; education; and women’s and gender studies. Finally, PhD students in Psychology can engage with six affiliated programs including Culture and Cognition, Decision Consortium, the Detroit Initiative, Diversity in Psychology, Intergroup Relations, and the LIFE Course. The school offers an accelerated master’s program for high-achieving undergraduate students, although no stand-alone master’s degree is available. Teaching positions are offered, including the opportunity to design and teach a 400-level undergraduate class for upper-year PhD students, which can be advantageous for those wishing to pursue an academic career.

Hybrid and Online Programs

Fielding Graduate University

Fielding Graduate University offers a PhD in Clinical Psychology that can be completed partially online in a hybrid format. The New Student Orientation (NSO) portion of the program is an online component that lasts one month and includes an introduction to the program. The clinical practicum and clinical internship must be done in person, and training sites are often in your local community. The research and training portion is the final component of the PhD program. Concentrations are offered in Forensic Psychology; Health Psychology; Neuropsychology; and Social Justice and Diversity. To be admitted, students must submit an online application and fee, official transcripts, a Curriculum Vitae (CV), a critical thinking writing sample, and three recommendations. Fielding also offers PhDs in Infant and Early Childhood Development; Clinical Psychology; and Media Psychology.

Michigan State University

The College of Education at Michigan State University’s Department of Counseling, Educational Psychology & Special Education offers a hybrid Educational Psychology and Educational Technology (EPET) PhD program for students who need flexibility as they pursue their doctoral degrees. Students can choose to emphasize in either Educational Psychology or Educational Technology. Much of the coursework in the EPET PhD program can be completed online in an average of five years. Graduates are trained in how online learning and technology are transforming the educational model. They will be prepared to become leaders in the K-12 school system or colleges and universities. Two integrated hybrid courses are taken each summer starting the first year, and one online course is taken each fall and spring semester for all five years. Hybrid students are encouraged to arrange an annual campus visit at a time that is convenient for their studies. Students enrolled in the Hybrid Mode usually enroll in one to two courses per semester and continue working full-time. Hybrid students may qualify for teaching or research assistantships depending on their schedules and the funding available.

Jobs with a PhD in Psychology

Psychology PhD graduates need not feel limited to academic careers, as psychology knowledge and skills are valued by businesses, governments, and the nonprofit sectors. Examples of career options for PhD in psych grads include:

• Academic Researcher
• Clinical Psychologist
• Independent Consultant
• Industrial-Organizational Psychologist
• Laboratory Manager
• Neuroscientist
• Policy Advisor
• School Psychologist
• User Experience (UX) Researcher

Can I complete a PhD in Psychology part-time?

Yes. Some schools may offer PhD in Psychology programs on a part-time basis, but most students complete the program full-time due to the program’s demanding schedule and additional requirements, such as teaching or working in the labs.

How much can I make with a PhD in Psychology?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), clinical and counseling psychologists earned an average annual salary of $99,640 in May 2021. 5 Postsecondary psychology teachers earned an average annual salary of $88,390. 9 Wages for psychologists vary depending on the work setting and the specialization, with industrial-organizational psychologists earning the highest average salary at $113,320. 6

Projections Central predicts employment for clinical, counseling, and school psychologists to grow by 10% from 2020 to 2030. 10 Postsecondary psychology teachers are also expected to see high job growth of 10% through 2030. 10 Industrial-organizational and all other psychologists can expect slower growth of around 2% through 2030. 10

How do I become a licensed psychologist?

To become a licensed psychologist, you generally need an APA-accredited doctoral degree, supervised professional experience including a qualifying internship, and a passing score on the Exam for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP) . However, licensure requirements vary by state. Students in research-based psychology degree programs do not need to be licensed to conduct research or teach upon graduation. You can read more about licensure in psychology and about how to get licensed in your state on our How to Become a Psychologist page.

Is it worth getting a PhD in Psychology?

If you plan to work in an academic setting, earning a PhD in Psychology will help you gain experience and move into management positions later in your career. Without a PhD, you may still find work as a research assistant but your career growth potential may be limited. Even if you do not plan to work in an academic setting, a PhD in Psychology can help you gain insight and expertise into a particular issue or population. A PhD will also qualify you to become licensed in clinical psychology should you choose to practice in the field.

Do I need to take the GRE Psychology subject test to apply?

While some schools require GRE test scores, it is becoming more common for the GRE score requirement to be waived. Even when GRE scores are required, it is not usually necessary to take the GRE Psychology subject test. Check the requirements of each school where you plan to apply for more information.

What’s the typical salary for a psychology professor?

Postsecondary psychology teachers (professors at colleges, universities, junior colleges, professional schools, and technical schools) earned an annual average wage of $88,390 as of May 2021. 9 You can read more about PhD in Psychology jobs and their respective salaries on our careers page.

References: 1. National Center for Education Statistics College Navigator: https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/ 2. American Psychological Association, Commission on Accreditation 2018 Annual Report Online, Summary Data: Doctoral Programs: https://irp-cdn.multiscreensite.com/a14f9462/files/uploaded/2018-ARO-doctoral-summary.pdf 3. American Psychological Association, Funding Stats: https://www.apa.org/gradpsych/2010/01/funding-stats 4. US News & World Report Best Clinical Psychology Doctorate Programs 2020: https://www.usnews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-health-schools/clinical-psychology-rankings 5. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2021 Occupational Employment and Wages, Clinical and Counseling Psychologists: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes193033.htm 6. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2021 Occupational Employment and Wages, Industrial-Organizational Psychologists: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes193032.htm 7. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2021 Occupational Employment and Wages, School Psychologists: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes193034.htm 8. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2021 Occupational Employment and Wages, Psychologists, All Other: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes193039.htm 9. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2021 Occupational Employment and Wages, Psychology Teachers, Postsecondary: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes251066.htm 10. Projections Central Long Term Occupational Projections: https://projectionscentral.org/Projections/LongTerm

Psychology Degree Guide: Courses, Careers And Online Options

Updated: 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.

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.

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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With more than two decades of experience in higher education, cultural criticism and politics, Horacio Sierra's writing and public speaking aims to demystify higher education and promote the democratic values of the arts and humanities.

APA-Accredited Programs

Find a program that's right for you., search for accredited programs.

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 . 

Other Accreditation Statuses

Accredited program lists, related pages.

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Counseling Psychology, Ph.D.

110 credits

American Psychological Association

November 15, 2024

June 30, 2025

• In-State - $12,540
• Out-of-State - $26,490

Tradition meets innovation in Counseling Psychology, Ph.D., a collaborative program that is jointly housed in the Department of Counseling, Higher Education, and Special Education and the Department of Psychology. This unique partnership offers students a diverse and interdisciplinary learning environment. You will receive rigorous training through a variety of modalities, including general psychology courses, small counseling psychology seminars, research, and applied counseling experiences with intensive personalized supervision.

Counseling Psychology, Ph.D. is recognized as one of the oldest programs in the nation, having been continuously accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA) since 1953.

Ideal candidates possess a blend of academic excellence, a passion for psychological research and practice, and a commitment to multicultural competence and social justice.

Are you ready to become a well-rounded psychologist equipped to make a real-world impact?

Key Features

• Scientist-Practitioner Model : Integrates rigorous research training with advanced clinical practice, preparing students for careers in academia, research, and clinical settings.
• Comprehensive Curriculum : Includes general psychology courses, small-group counseling seminars, research methods, and supervised counseling experiences tailored to individual career goals.
• Proximity to Resources : Located near Washington, D.C. and Baltimore, students benefit from access to major research institutions and cultural diversity.
• Departmental Collaboration : Enjoy a supportive cohort environment, with tailored experiences and funding opportunities.
• Develop skills in conducting independent scholarly research that advances psychological and professional knowledge.
• Establish effective therapeutic relationships and demonstrate competence in delivering psychological services.
• Apply the scientist-practitioner model to integrate empirical research with clinical practice in counseling psychology.
• Demonstrate awareness and proficiency in working with diverse populations, integrating individual and cultural differences into therapeutic approaches.
• Gain multicultural and social justice advocacy tools to be able to provide culturally competent individual therapy, group therapy, and systems-levels interventions to diverse populations.

Information on admissions and application to this program can be found on the University Graduate Admissions website. We admit 3-6 students per year. 

Admission Requirements           Guide to Applying

Our program is a big commitment. If your answers to the following questions are "yes," then our program may be a good fit for you.

Are you interested in developing your research skills?  Research is a part of everyday life in our program. Students are expected to be active in research throughout their doctoral program, and coursework is designed to encourage students to discover connections between research and practice. Students whose research interests match one or more of our faculty members may find our training program particularly rewarding. Conversely, our program probably would not be a good fit for people who have little interest in conducting research and building their research skills.   Are you most interested in counseling adult populations? Our courses on counseling and assessment focus on working with clients who are young adults or older. Most of our practicum courses involve working with clients in the University of Maryland Counseling Center, all of whom are university students. For these reasons, our program is not a good choice for people who wish to focus their training on children and adolescents.  Are you more interested in counseling than assessment and testing? Our training program emphasizes counseling over assessment and testing. We do offer a solid introduction to assessment and testing; however, our two course assessment sequence is designed only to help students achieve basic competence in cognitive, personality, and career assessment. In contrast, our curriculum gives students intensive training in counseling over their first three years of the program; students gain additional counseling experience in externship placements (typically starting in their third year). Students with a strong interest in assessment can seek outside training experiences in psychiatric settings, such as the Veterans Affairs hospitals and state psychiatric hospitals. Do you resonate with the values and traditions of counseling psychology? Our curriculum, training model, and research all reflect a strong connection to the main unifying themes of counseling psychology: focus on assets and strengths, person–environment interactions, educational and career development, social justice and diversity, and a focus on intact personalities. As a result, little class time is spent studying severe psychopathology and the medical model of assessment and treatment. Our students with a strong interest in psychopathology can seek outside training experiences in psychiatric settings, such as the Veterans Affairs hospitals and state psychiatric hospitals.   Do you want to be part of a multicultural training environment? We strive to create an inclusive training environment that promotes multicultural self-awareness, knowledge, skills, and experiences that enable our graduates to develop and share knowledge regarding multicultural issues as well as to provide culturally sensitive services to a variety of individuals in our society and abroad. The process of deepening one’s awareness and understanding of multicultural diversity is inherently challenging. Our program is a good match for students who wish to embrace this challenge. Are you ready for at least 5 years of graduate training? Most of our students complete their doctorate in 6 years, though a minority earn their degree in 5 years (< 10% in recent years). Our program fits best for people who enjoy being in school. People who prefer a briefer graduate school experience might be more satisfied in a master's program in counseling or related fields, which are typically designed to be completed in two years. Links to directories of master's programs are available on our FAQ page . 

Sharon Fries-Britt, Distinguished University Professor

Courses, research and practical elements in this program are carefully selected to give you a well-rounded education, preparing you to excel in your career and make meaningful contributions to your field. 

For full details on curriculum and program requirements, view the handbook.

Counseling Psychology Handbook

Our distinguished faculty bring expertise in areas such as psychotherapy outcomes, multicultural psychology, vocational psychology and interpersonal relationships.

View Faculty List

Sep 17 Graduate Fair Expo Sep 17, 2024 4:00 – 6:00 pm

• Undergraduate

Psychology Capstone

• Field Experience
• Careers in Psychology

The Psychology Capstone Experience is intended to provide the psychology student with an intensive exploration into an aspect (e.g., teaching, service, research) and area (e.g., clinical, developmental, behavior analysis, behavioral neuroscience) of psychology as a means for enhancing learning and integrating the knowledge and experiences acquired as a psychology major.

Experiential learning experiences are critically important for baccalaureate graduates of Psychology to be competitive for graduate or professional programs or to seek employment. One goal of the Capstone requirement is that the student will become well-rounded professionally.  

The capstone must be completed within the 12 months prior to graduation.

There are 5 types of Psychology Capstone courses.

• Teaching Practicum - PSYC 490A
• Professional Field Experience Capstone - PSYC 491A
• Behavior Analysis Field Experience Capstone – PSYC 486
• Behavior Analysis Research Experience – PSYC 487
• Independent Study (Research) - PSYC 495A, PSYC 498A, or PSYC 487: Research and PSYC 498A: Honors Thesis

Selecting a Capstone

Start with what you want to do after you graduate. Your capstone can be used to help you develop the valued skills necessary for that next step related to your career path.

Mental Health

Students interested in an applied area of mental health, like Counseling or Social Work, should prioritize a PSYC 491A capstone.

Research or Medicine

Students interested in careers involving research or medicine should plan on completing several semesters of research with a faculty member, culminating in a PSYC 495A, PSYC 498A, or PSYC 487 capstone.

Behavior Analysis

Students interested in careers in Behavior Analysis, and all those pursuing the undergraduate Certificate in Behavior Analysis should complete a PSYC 486 or PSYC 487 capstone.

Human Resources or Business

Students interested in careers in Human Resources or Business should consider a PSYC 491A capstone.

Students planning to pursue a career in education should complete with a PSYC 490A or PSYC 491A capstone.

Capstone Requirements

Students must have completed PSYC 204 – Research Methods and Analysis II and be in their last year of study before they will be allowed to register for a capstone experience.

Credits: Capstone courses are necessarily 3 credits. Each credit will equate to 3 hours a week of activity in Fall or Spring semesters. Therefore, students should expect to complete 9 hours of activity a week during their capstone semester. If a student is completing a capstone over the 12-week summer session, they should expect to spend at least 12 hours a week engaged in their capstone work.

Project: As a requirement of their Capstone Experience, students complete a capstone project. The nature of the project will vary based on the type of capstone. For example, a PSYC 491A capstone project might be a case study of a particular child or adult at your site. A PSYC 495A capstone project would be completing a research study under the supervision of their faculty supervisor. The project will culminate in a 10-page paper and presentation of a professional paper at the department Capstone Poster Session.

Poster: At the end of the fall and spring semesters, the Department of Psychology hosts a Capstone Poster Session. At this event, all students completing their capstone requirements will produce a professional poster, with the supervision of their supervising faculty, and have their poster evaluated by members of the Department of Psychology. This is one of the most exciting and fun events of the semester. Students in their earlier years are encouraged to attend this poster session. Some PSYC courses may offer extra credit for attending this event.

ACAT: Around mid-semester, all Capstone students must complete the ACAT, a standardized assessment of psychology content.

PSYC 490A: Teaching Capstone

Students completing the PSYC 490A capstone will be involved in proctoring, tutoring, and depending on the course, lecturing or leading in-class activities and discussions. Students will complete a research or equivalent study on issues related to teaching/pedagogy.

This capstone can benefit those students who want to develop their presentational skills, tutoring skills, and are interested in examining topics related to pedagogy, student success, or other topics.

To arrange a PSYC 490A experience, email course supervisors for PSYC 101, PSYC 241, PSYC 251, or another course 1) that you find interesting and 2) in which you earned an A. Find out if that faculty has GPA requirements for their Teaching Practicum students. Some students will reach out a year in advance to secure their spot as a Teaching Practicum student with a faculty. These opportunities can be limited. Once approved to set up a PSYC 490A, you and the faculty member fill out a contract and once this is done, you will send this contract to our Undergraduate Records Assistant. After that, you will be allowed to register for the course.

PSYC 491: Field Experience

Please review the PSYC 491 page for more information about field experience options. 

Student completing the PSYC 491A capstone option will be expected to work at a site for 9 hours a week in Fall or Spring semesters or 12 hours a week if completed over the summer session. Sites can be related to treatment of addictions, persons with autism spectrum disorders or neurodivergence, human resources, psychological testing, and many other areas of interest to students. Students will also meet weekly with their PSYC 491A faculty and GTA to complete work on eCampus.

Most Psychology majors complete this capstone option. It is beneficial for allowing students to gain practical experiences and develop skills valued by employers and many graduate programs. This is a popular capstone choice for students considering careers in Counseling or Clinical Mental Health.

Plan this at least year in advance . Check the due dates for the application and related forms. The application is usually due by the 4 th week of the previous semester. The steps setting up a Professional Field Experience will also include having a background check completed before a student can register for credits. 

PSYC 486: Behavior Analysis Field Experience

Like PSYC 491A, student completing the PSYC 486 capstone option will be expected to work at a site for 9 hours a week in Fall or Spring semesters or 12 hours a week if completed over the summer session. The difference is that the site will be specifically focus on applications of behavior analysis, allowing students to use the PSYC 486 course to meet the experiential requirements for the undergraduate Certificate in Behavior Analysis as well as the Psychology major capstone.

Contact Dr. Brennan Armshaw ( [email protected]  ) well in advance of the semester in which you wish to enroll. Spaces in PSYC 487 are limited.

PSYC 495A, PSYC 498A, or PSYC 487: Research

Students completing a research capstone are typically completing advanced research training in a faculty research lab within the Department of Psychology. Students may have already developed foundational skills in that faculty research lab from previously completing PSYC 497 or PSYC 487 credits. Students may be involved in recruiting, collecting data or coding data, running additional analyses, and assisting in manuscript writing.

PSYC 495A is a research capstone. PSYC 498A is an Honor’s thesis. PSYC 487 involves research in behavior analysis.

Students will develop important research skills and may engage in professional experiences, such as presenting research at colloquia and professional meetings. Students will be working with graduate students and often enjoy important mentoring as they prepare for jobs or graduate programs after they graduate.

Contact faculty members whose research interests you (using the Faculty Directory or Research page as a resource) to learn more about that person’s specific requirements.

PSYC 498A: Honors Thesis

This program is distinct from the Honors College. Students do not need to be members of the Honors College to engage in this capstone option.

Completing a PSYC 498A Honors Thesis generally requires 2 semesters. During the first semester, students typically register for the non-capstone section of PSYC 498. Then during the second semester, students will register for the Capstone section of PSYC 498A. Faculty often require that the student work in their lab for PSYC 497 credit previously. PSYC 498 positions are primarily available in the fall and spring semesters. However, some faculty members will work with students completing a PSYC 498A Capstone Experience during the summer.

In this option, students create a 3-person Honors Thesis committee, usually made up of their supervising faculty member, a second faculty member from outside the lab, and a graduate student. Honors Thesis students develop their own study, propose the study to their Honors Thesis committee, carry out the study, write up their findings, and then defend their study to their committee at the conclusion. As with other capstone students, Honors Thesis students will write a research paper and present their poster at the Department of Psychology Senior Poster Session. Most Honors Thesis papers are “manuscript quality,” that is, the student and the faculty may plan to submit the paper to a professional journal.

With the experience of forming a committee, proposing and defending the research, presenting the research and perhaps seeking a publication, students completing this capstone option are developing skills and experiences that will allow them to be competitive at the highest levels.

Students interested in the PSYC 498A Honors Capstone Experience should discuss this with their research faculty supervisor and their major advisor. A completed and approved PSYC 498 Application, an overall GPA of 3.4 and a Psychology GPA of at least 3.5 are required to apply for the Honors Capstone. Related application and contract forms are provided by the student’s major advisor.  

Setting up a Capstone course will require the approval of the application, completion of a contract (and any other related materials) and submitting form(s) to the Undergraduate Student Records Administrator, Vee Lewis ( [email protected] ). Vee Lewis will lift the departmental approval restriction to allow students to enroll in their experiential course.

Psychology PGCE

London, Bloomsbury

This is the programme information for 2024 entry

If you require details of this year's programme, Psychology PGCE (2025), click here

The Psychology PGCE programme has been designed to enable all students to demonstrate that they have met the Teachers' Standards across Key Stages 4 and 5 (14-19 age range). This programme prepares students to teach Psychology in a flexible and exciting way.

UK tuition fees (2024/25)

Overseas tuition fees (2024/25), programme starts, applications accepted.

Applications closed

Please see IOE Lead Partner Direct vacancies.

Please note: applications are also still open for Citizenship PGCE.

Start teaching

IOE, UCL's Faculty of Education and Society, has been ranked 1st for Education in the QS World University Rankings by Subject since 2014.

• Entry requirements

First degree

A minimum of a lower second-class UK Bachelor’s degree or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard with at least 50% Psychology content.

Preferably Psychology at grade C, plus an additional social science or humanities subject.

English Language and Mathematics at grade C or 4. We do not accept "applied" or "additional" GCSE subjects. Applicants who do not offer a GCSE in English Language or Mathematics may demonstrate an equivalent standard by completing a test via Equivalency Testing or A Star Equivalency and achieving at least a grade 4. For Mathematics, equivalency tests in Mathematics Foundation or Mathematics Higher with grade 4 are accepted. BTEC, Functional Skills or Access course qualifications are not accepted in place of GCSEs.

School experience

We recommend that you aim to gain some experience in a classroom prior to interview.

Skills tests

Trainees will be assured against a set of fundamental Mathematics and English skills by the end of their teacher training.

Relevant experience and background

Applicants whose degree qualifications are below a lower second-class standard may be admitted if they can demonstrate an appropriate academic background at Master's level and above and/or significant postgraduate experience in the relevant field.

Country-specific information, including details of when UCL representatives are visiting your part of the world, can be obtained from the International Students website .

International applicants can find out the equivalent qualification for their country by selecting from the list below. Please note that the equivalency will correspond to the broad UK degree classification stated on this page (e.g. upper second-class). Where a specific overall percentage is required in the UK qualification, the international equivalency will be higher than that stated below. Please contact Graduate Admissions should you require further advice.

The English language level for this programme is: Level 2

Further information can be found on our English language requirements page.

This programme is suitable for international students on a Student visa - study must be full-time, starting September.

DBS and occupational health

If you are made an offer you will be required to successfully complete Occupational Health and Disclosure Barring Service (DBS) Enhanced Disclosure checks. The Occupational Health Check is £90, and depending on your DBS requirements, there may be an additional fee of £15.00 if you can submit your DBS Enhanced Disclosure check via a UK Post Office. These checks are required to ensure you meet the Department for Education’s requirements for physical and mental health to teach, as well as assessing your suitability for access to children and vulnerable adults. More details can be found on the Entry requirements page.

About this course

We draw on current research at IOE and elsewhere to inform student's Psychology teaching, encouraging them to engage with recent debates, literature and policy in the field. Our underlying aim is to develop reflective, inquiring, empathetic Psychology teachers who are committed to social justice, equity, inclusion and diversity. The PGCE Psychology programme will feature four ‘Intensive Teaching & Practice’ (ITAP) sequences designed to establish and develop students’ Psychology teaching through the year.

Who this course is for

The Secondary PGCE full-time programme is suited to those wishing to gain Qualified Teaching Status (QTS) for teaching in a UK maintained (state-funded) school and who have fulfilled the appropriate entry requirements.

What this course will give you

Tutors on the Psychology PGCE are skilled classroom practitioners with extensive experience in secondary schools and colleges, in school leadership, educational research and consultancy.

At IOE, students will participate in a range of lectures and seminars designed to enhance their development as a teacher. These interactive sessions will cover how children learn, assessment, lesson planning, behaviour management and subject-specific matters. They will also be supported with sessions from experts working in partnership schools and PGCE Alumni.

Our approach to ITAP is proudly subject-specific. Our ITAP sequences are embedded through the PGCE Psychology programme and will give students the opportunity to build their practice and confidence in pivotal areas of Psychology-specific pedagogy. Closely linking theory and practice, and enabling students to observe, deconstruct, plan, practice and progress in specific areas of teaching, these focus on:

• Behavioural expectations and establishing a positive learning environment
• Planning, developing, and sequencing psychological knowledge, concepts and skills
• Teaching for assessment for 14-19 (KS4 & KS5)
• Teaching for social justice and anti-discrimination in Psychology

A collaborative ethos is encouraged, with Psychology and Social Science PGCE student teachers working closely together, so that materials, resources and ideas are shared.

During their teaching practice placements, students benefit from our partnership with over 300 secondary schools and colleges in Greater London and beyond, which enables each of our students to become a skilled and confident teacher in their chosen subject specialism.

The teacher you want to be

Graduates of the Secondary PGCE programme are highly employable and sought after by schools and colleges in London and further afield. Almost all student teachers secure their first teaching post by the time they complete the programme. Many graduates become a head of department or head of year within 2-5 years, frequently progressing to senior leadership in schools. Several are now headteachers. Others have developed their careers by becoming lead teachers in the classroom, engaging in further study and research or by writing, blogging and advising other teachers.

Overall, the Secondary PGCE Programme aims to provide a springboard into a rewarding career as a skilled subject-specialist teacher and future educational leader.

The tools of a great educator

• Understanding of theory and subject or phase pedagogy
• Creating a successful climate for learning, including behaviour management
• Planning and teaching classes that engage pupils
• Using assessment to inform planning
• Working with the wider school community, including parents

Employability

Graduates of this programme are expected to work across a broad range of areas. Some will work as Psychology teachers, while others will become heads of department and heads of year. Graduates in this area can also go on to work as senior leaders and subject leads.

Accreditation

Students who successfully complete this programme will be recommended for Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).

The programme is taught through a mix of face-to-face and online sessions, (including keynote lectures and debates, presentations, discussions, and classroom group tasks), and a practical teaching element based in two schools. Students are required to read widely and to carry out written assignments in their own time. 

Students will also take part in specific activities that provide the opportunity to focus on specific, pivotal areas of our curriculum. These opportunities (totalling 20 days of ITAP) will strengthen the link between theory and practice and provide students with specific feedback to support their progress in these pivotal areas. 

We have identified four placement days for ITAP. The remaining 16 days for ITAP will take place during IOE timetabled time.  

Assessment is through practical teaching, written assignments and portfolio tasks.  

The Psychology PGCE course is a full-time programme. During university taught sessions, students are expected to be present all day. Students spend a minimum of 124 days on school placement and will be required to attend for full and entire school days, including pre- and post-teaching sessions as expected of a normal, full-time teacher at their placement school.

You will undertake two modules at level 7 (Masters level) of 30 credits each and one Professional Practice module at level 6. The level 7 credits can be carried forward onto some full Masters programmes at IOE (check individual programme requirements)

When you are not undertaking face-to-face teaching at IOE, you will be undertaking at least 124 days of teaching practice in various Partnership Schools.

Throughout the year, you will also participate in specific activities at IOE and in school that focus on important areas of our curriculum. These activities (totalling 20 days with at least 4 days in school) will help you to better understand links between theory and practice. They will also involve feedback from experts so that your progress is supported in these pivotal areas. These days form part of your 124 days on placement.

Compulsory modules

Please note that the list of modules given here is indicative. This information is published a long time in advance of enrolment and module content and availability are subject to change. Modules that are in use for the current academic year are linked for further information. Where no link is present, further information is not yet available.

Upon successful completion of 60 credits and the Professional Practice module, you will be awarded a PGCE in Psychology.

School placements

You will spend most of your time in schools, working with Psychology and Social Science mentors who support you through your two school placements. In our partner schools and colleges, students teach psychology at A level. At GCSE, most student teachers teach Psychology and/or Sociology. In some placements, there are opportunities to contribute to teaching relevant vocational qualifications and Key Stage 3 Humanities. Your responsibilities will be equivalent to a practicing teacher but on a reduced timetable.

The Professional Practice Module is assessed through these placements, associated tasks and a portfolio.

During placement periods Students should be prepared to travel to and from each school placement. It should be noted that there is variation in how accessible schools are, and whether they have parking facilities. However, if you let us know of any particular accessibility needs you have, we will endeavour to accommodate them.

We ensure your placement will provide fulfilling and valuable experiences through:

• A dedicated team who will identify the best schools for your placements
• Support and guidance from your university tutor and your school-based mentor
• School experience that allows you to progress at an appropriate pace for you
• Reasonable travel times from your home to your school

Making the most of your placement

Teaching is a demanding profession and student teachers can feel nervous about school placements or anxious about the workload. Your tutor and school-based mentor will help you navigate your school experience, ensuring that you have the input you need. Empathetic feedback and discussion about your developing professional practice will support you to be successful.

Accessibility

Details of the accessibility of UCL buildings can be obtained from AccessAble accessable.co.uk . Further information can also be obtained from the UCL Student Support and Wellbeing Services team .

Online - Open day

Graduate Open Events: PGCE Secondary Teacher Training

Are you interested in a career in teaching? Join our virtual events to find out more about Teacher Training at UCL, including admissions and student funding information.

Fees and funding

Fees for this course.

The tuition fees shown are for the year indicated above. Fees for subsequent years may increase or otherwise vary. Where the programme is offered on a flexible/modular basis, fees are charged pro-rata to the appropriate full-time Master's fee taken in an academic session. Further information on fee status, fee increases and the fee schedule can be viewed on the UCL Students website: ucl.ac.uk/students/fees .

Additional costs

Students are responsible for funding their travel to and from placements.

For more information on additional costs for prospective students please go to our estimated cost of essential expenditure at Accommodation and living costs .

Funding your studies

Bursaries and Scholarships are available for some subjects, subject to eligibility. Visit the Department for Education website for information.

For a comprehensive list of the funding opportunities available at UCL, including funding relevant to your nationality, please visit the UCL Scholarships and Funding website .

IOE-Clarke Scholarships

Deadline: 3 May 2024 Value: Tuition fees, return flights and stipend (1 year) Criteria Based on both academic merit and financial need Eligibility: EU, Overseas

IOE-ISH Centenary Masters Scholarships

Deadline: 3 May 2024 Value: Tuition fees and accommodation (1 year) Criteria Based on both academic merit and financial need Eligibility: EU, Overseas

Application and next steps

Students are advised to apply as early as possible due to competition for places. Those applying for scholarship funding (particularly overseas applicants) should take note of application deadlines.

Got questions? Get in touch

Curriculum, Pedagogy and Assessment

[email protected]

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