phd in experimental psychology

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Doctor of Philosophy in Experimental Psychology (M.S.-Ph.D.)

Applications open for fall 2025.

Deadline is December 1, 2024

GRE tests are not required.

The Experimental Psychology Ph.D. Program at Idaho State University welcomes applications for Fall 2025!

If you have specific questions about our program, you can contact Dr. Erin Rasmussen , the Director of Experimental Training.

Objectives and Scope of the Experimental Psychology Program

• About the Program
• Experimental Faculty
• Program Goals and Objectives

Doctoral training in Experimental Psychology provides students with an education and research training in core areas of psychological science (e.g., behavioral neuroscience, behavioral pharmacology, cognition, developmental psychology, learning, personality, social psychology, research methodology, and statistics). Although each of these areas is not considered a separate degree program, our mentor model does allow for individualized courses of study. Students are encouraged to select a mentor/advisor working in the student's area of interest during their first semester of study. The advisor serves to guide the student's course selections, thesis, and dissertation. Students may also work with other faculty at the same time.

Students who complete the Ph.D. program may pursue academic or non-academic careers. To prepare for their future careers, students need to (i) have a solid foundation in basic areas of psychology (breadth of knowledge) and also (ii) develop an expertise in their research areas (depth of knowledge). Our program offers a wide variety of courses to help students accomplish their career goals.

Professor, Experimental Psychology - ISU Associate Vice President for Research and Economic Development Specialty Areas: Behavioral Neuroscience and Developmental Psychobiology

Professor, Experimental Psychology - Director of Experimental Training Specialty Areas: Behavioral Pharmacology and Behavioral Economics

Kandi Turley-Ames, Ph.D.  Professor, Experimental Psychology - Dean, College of Arts and Letters Specialty Areas: Working Memory and Cognitive Strategies

Maria Wong, Ph.D.  Professor, Experimental Psychology Specialty Areas: Developmental Psychology, Substance Use, Resilience, and Sleep problems

Xiaomeng (Mona) Xu, Ph.D. 

Professor, Experimental Psychology Specialty Areas: Close Relationships, Behavioral Health, and Teaching/Mentoring

Faculty from the clinical program may also serve as mentors to students in the experimental program. To view their research interests, please see the   Faculty   page.

You are encouraged to contact faculty members who you would be interested in working with via email to let them know you intend to apply to the PhD program, are interested in working with them, and how you see your interests overlapping with theirs. You can also ask them if they intend to accept new students for your desired start date.

The Experimental Training Committee (ETC), in conjunction with the Psychology Department, has evolved a finite set of goals and objectives for all graduate students in the Experimental Psychology program. This list is considered dynamic and aspirational. Specific program activities designed to help students meet program goals and objectives are continuously subject to scrutiny and modification. Moreover, program objectives may expand or contract as outcome data inform the ETC of areas of success or relative ineffectiveness. The five program goals (numbered), objective list (lettered), and associated competencies are presented in outline form below.

Goal 1 – Area-Specific Research Knowledge and Expertise:   Students will demonstrate knowledge and skills relevant for conducting independent research in a specialized area.

Objective 1A - Develop knowledge and expertise in a specialty area:   Understand relevant theories and research in a specialized area; develop expertise in the area through completing research projects (e.g., thesis, dissertations and other projects) and disseminating research findings (i.e., publications).

Objective 1B - Active Research Participation:   Consideration, integration, and synthesis of relevant literatures; formulation of defensible hypotheses; delineation of a method of study; implementation of an empirical study; analysis of data; formulation of defensible inferences or conclusions based on a study's findings; and clear communication of findings in written and oral formats.

Goal 2 - Breadth of Knowledge and Integration of Core Areas in Psychology:   Students will demonstrate breadth of knowledge and ability to integrate across several core areas in psychology. 

Objective 2A - Core Psychology Knowledge:   Understand basic principles and critically evaluate major theories of psychology; demonstrate awareness of contemporary scholarly work in several core areas of psychology (e.g., behavioral neuroscience, behavioral pharmacology, cognitive, developmental, health, social, and personality); understand the historical foundations of contemporary psychology; and relate and apply core psychological knowledge to the investigation of research hypotheses.

Objective 2B - Integration of Research and Theories in Core Areas in Psychology:   Understand the relationships among several core areas in psychology; integrate across theories and research in different core areas; identify how these areas complement each other in answering research questions.

Goal 3 – General Competencies in Research Methodology and Analysis:   Students will demonstrate competence in understanding research methods, design, and statistical analyses.

Objective 3 - Competence in Research Methodology:   Understanding of basic research designs and conditions associated with their appropriate use; knowledge of basic and advanced quantitative methods for sampling, describing, and analyzing behavior; critical evaluation of research, yielding informed and critical consumers and producers of published research.

Goal 4 - Effective communication skills:   Students will communicate effectively, in both oral and written form, about their research and issues related to their profession.

Objective 4A - Presentation of Psychological Research:   Formulate specific educational objectives for academic or professional presentations; review psychological research and organize central points; use appropriate media; communicate clearly in a manner appropriate for given audiences and lead question-and-answer discussions.

Objective 4B - Presentation of Psychological Knowledge and Teaching:   Present existing research and theories clearly and systematically to different audiences, including students and lay people; gain experience in teaching and mentoring junior students.

Goal 5 - Professionalism:   Students will conduct themselves in a professional manner.

Objective 5A - Professionalism:   Demonstrate professionalism in classes, communication with colleagues and faculty, and research practices.

Objective 5B - Professional Identification:   Active involvement with local, regional, and national psychology groups and organizations.

Goal 6 - Ethical Research Conduct:   Students will receive training, demonstrate knowledge, and act in accordance with ethical research principles and appropriate codes of conduct.

Objective 6A - Ethical Knowledge:   Knowledge of the APA code of conduct, including awareness and sensitivity to research conditions in which ethical principles may be a concern. Seek appropriate information and consultation when faced with ethical issues.

Objective 6B – Ethical Conduct:   Acquisition of attitudes and skills that facilitate raising ethical concerns when they become apparent. Demonstrate a personal and professional commitment to ethical research conduct.

Goal 7 - Respect for Diversity:   Diversity takes many forms, including of scientific perspectives, and sociodemographic variables, and therefore psychologists must both embrace the commonalities and differences between perspectives and groups.

Objective 7A – Knowledge Regarding Diversity:   Familiarity with the Psychology Department commitment to ethical practices and collegiality, and acquisition of an awareness of the diversity that exists on campus and in the field of psychology.

Objective 7B – Respect Regarding Diversity:   Acquisition of a broad knowledge for commonalities and differences in scientific perspectives and socio-demographic groups in their own work and academic experiences. Demonstration of respect for diverse scientific perspectives and socio-demographic group differences. 

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Experimental Psychology, Ph.D.

• Learning Outcomes
• Requirements
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Saint Louis University’s multifaceted, full-time Ph.D. program in experimental psychology prepares students for academic teaching and research careers in cognitive neuroscience, developmental psychology, and social psychology.

Curriculum Overview

Thirty credits of coursework are required for the master’s degree, which counts toward the 56 credits required for the Ph.D. Students entering the SLU program with a master's degree may present course syllabi or other documentation from previous courses to the experimental psychology graduate program director to request substitutions for specific requirements.

The experimental psychology program includes three concentration areas: cognitive neuroscience, developmental psychology and social psychology. All areas integrate theory and research in courses, research and professional experiences.

Cognitive Neuroscience Concentration

This concentration focuses on the integration of cognitive psychology and neuroscience. It is designed to prepare students for research careers in basic and applied settings and teaching at the college level.

Coursework in the cognitive neuroscience concentration deals with fundamental issues in cognition and neuroscience, while specialty seminars address specific interests. In the laboratory, emphasis is placed on acquiring technical and practical skills in the instrumentation and research methodology associated with a specialization. Writing and presentation skills necessary for the communication of research are emphasized through course assignments, grant writing, presentations at regional and national meetings, and publications.

Students in the cognitive neuroscience concentration participate in the Brain and Cognition Lab, Cognitive Neuroscience of Stress Lab, Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience of Aging Lab and the Luking Lab.

Developmental Psychology Concentration

This concentration investigates developmental processes in childhood and adolescence, emphasizing the social aspects of development, such as parent-child interaction, gender cognitions and socio-moral reasoning. It prepares students to teach and conduct research in academic and research settings. Students complete survey courses exploring social and cognitive development issues and topical seminars more specific to faculty research interests.

Research training for this concentration follows an apprenticeship model. Students begin by immersing themselves in their mentor's research area, conducting collaborative and increasingly independent work throughout their tenure in the program. Many students begin teaching — from assistant duties or guest lectures to full responsibility for a course — to prepare for future academic appointments.

The Gender Cognitions and Development Lab, Child and Adolescent Social Development Lab and Child and Family Research Lab are associated with the developmental psychology concentration.

Social Psychology Concentration

This concentration examines the behavior of groups and individuals in a social context. Areas explored include self-concept structure, self-regulation, close relationships, stereotyping and prejudice, social justice, the social psychology of health, social exclusion, racial and social identification and attitudes.

The social psychology specialty offers academic and research training and an applied component that involves both coursework and professional experience. Students are trained in theoretical and programmatic research as those fields relate to both basic and applied issues. Graduates of the specialty will be prepared for research careers in academic and applied settings and teaching at the college level.

The Applied Social Psychology Lab, Social Justice Lab and Collective Identity Lab are associated with the social psychology concentration.

Fieldwork and Research Opportunities

During each term, students will actively participate in a research vertical team, including individual lab groups, concentration groups and/or full program groups. Through discussions, presentations and other activities, this team will help students stay involved in research and other professional development activities during the program.

This program prepares students for academic teaching and research careers in cognitive neuroscience, developmental psychology and social psychology.

Admission Requirements

All applicants apply to the Ph.D. program. Applicants who have earned a Master of Arts or Master of Science degree in psychology (or a closely associated field) may apply for advanced standing upon matriculation into the program. Students who have not yet earned a Master of Arts or Master of Science degree in psychology (or a closely associated field) with a completed research thesis will complete a Master of Science in Experimental Psychology within the program before advancing to doctoral candidacy. 

Admitted students typically have prior coursework and research experience relevant to psychology and/or neuroscience. Twelve or more credits in psychology or closely related fields are preferred, including coursework in research methods, statistics, and the area of our program in which you want to specialize (e.g., coursework related to cognitive psychology, neuroscience, developmental psychology, or social psychology).

While the criteria listed above are most typical of successful applicants, we invite applications that may fall below any of the criteria, as strengths in some areas may compensate for weaknesses in other areas.

Application Requirements

• Application form (no fee required)
• Academic transcript(s)
• Professional Goal Statement (should describe why you want to enroll in the Experimental Psychology Ph.D. program in your chosen concentration; your relevant prior research, academic, and/or professional experience; your research interests; career goals; and the faculty member(s) with whom you are most interested in conducting research)
• Résumé or Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Three letters of recommendation
• GRE scores are not required or expected 

Requirements for International Students

All admission policies and requirements for domestic students apply to international students. International students must also meet the following additional requirements:

• Demonstrate  English Language Proficiency
• Courses taken and/or lectures attended
• Practical laboratory work
• The maximum and minimum grades attainable
• The grades earned or the results of all end-of-term examinations
• Any honors or degrees received.
• WES and ECE transcripts are accepted.
• A letter of financial support from the person(s) or sponsoring agency funding the student's time at Saint Louis University
• A letter from the sponsor's bank verifying that the funds are available and will be so for the duration of the student's study at the University

Assistantship Application Deadline

Students who want to be considered for an assistantship must submit their application by Dec. 31.

Review Process

Applications are reviewed by a committee of experimental psychology department faculty members representing the concentration to which a student has applied.

Because the program operates on an apprenticeship model, the applicant's research interests must match the expertise of one or more program faculty members, as reflected in their professional goal statement.

Three to four students are accepted into the program each year with each concentration accepting one new student a year, on average. GPA, GRE scores (if submitted), TOEFL scores (if applicable), letters of recommendation, experience and the fit between the applicant's research interests/career goals and program offerings are all considered.

Additional charges may apply. Other resources are listed below:

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Information on Tuition and Fees

Miscellaneous Fees

Information on Summer Tuition

Scholarships, Assistantships and Financial Aid

For priority consideration for a graduate assistantship, apply by the program admission deadlines listed. Fellowships and assistantships provide a stipend and may include health insurance and a tuition scholarship for the duration of the award. 

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• Graduates will be able to demonstrate competency in the conceptualization, design, conducting, analysis and reporting of psychological research.
• Graduates will be able to demonstrate broad professional knowledge in the field of experimental psychology and more specialized knowledge in their area of concentration (i.e., cognitive neuroscience, developmental psychology, social psychology) and in their topic of research expertise.
• Graduates will be able to demonstrate an understanding of diversity and ethics issues as they apply to psychological research, teaching and professional development as experimental psychologists.
• Graduates will be able to demonstrate professional development by acquiring skills in the areas of written and oral communication, teaching and general professionalism.

Continuation Standards

Students must maintain a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.00 in all graduate/professional courses.

Non-Course Requirements

Successful completion of the written preliminary and the oral qualifying exams.

Optional Secondary Concentration Requirements (six additional hours)

For all three secondary concentrations, only one of the extra classes taken to fulfill the secondary concentration course requirements may replace an existing (program or concentration) elective taken as part of the overall degree/primary concentration. As a result, in order to earn a secondary concentration, students will need to take at least one extra course beyond the minimum required for earning only a primary concentration in the program (i.e., for a total of 59 credit hours rather than 56). In addition to these course requirements, at least one faculty member representing the secondary concentration area must serve on the student’s doctoral oral examination committee in order to fulfill all secondary concentration requirements.

Whichever course was not taken to fulfill the program core.

Roadmaps are recommended semester-by-semester plans of study for programs and assume full-time enrollment unless otherwise noted.  

Courses and milestones designated as critical (marked with !) must be completed in the semester listed to ensure a timely graduation. Transfer credit may change the roadmap.

This roadmap should not be used in the place of regular academic advising appointments. All students are encouraged to meet with their advisor/mentor each semester. Requirements, course availability and sequencing are subject to change.

Offered in alternate fall semesters; taken in semester one by students in the cognitive neuroscience concentration

Offered in alternate fall semesters; taken in semester one by students in the developmental psychology concentration 

Taken in semester one by students in the social psychology concentration 

Students in the cognitive neuroscience concentration only

Students in the developmental neuroscience concentration only 

Students in the social concentration only 

Students in the developmental concentration must take PSY 5250 Cognitive Development (3 cr) or PSY 5260 Social Development (3 cr) in semester three (offered in alternate fall semesters) 

The program is designed such that all coursework, including thesis ( PSY 5990 Thesis Research (0-6 cr) ) and dissertation ( PSY 6990 Dissertation Research (0-12 cr) ) credits, may be completed in three years; however, semesters seven and eight may be used to finish any coursework or credits that were missed in previous semesters; students should continue enrolling in PSY 6990 Dissertation Research (0-12 cr) (once the 12 required credits are completed) and in PSY 5840 Experimental Psychology Research Vertical Team (0-6 cr) for 0 credits every semester, including summers, until the degree is completed.

Program Notes

Students may replace PSY 5990 Thesis Research (0-6 cr) or PSY 6990 Dissertation Research (0-12 cr) in any of the summers with three methods/statistics, program elective, or concentration elective credits if offered. However, because such courses are only rarely offered in the summer, students are advised not to complete thesis or dissertation credits during fall or spring semesters (particularly in semesters 1-3) unless they have verified that alternative courses that meet degree requirements will be offered in the upcoming summer, especially if they have tuition scholarship credits available in the summer.

Program or concentration electives may be selected from the following:

The above roadmap applies to students entering the program without a master’s degree, and is designed to culminate in the Ph.D. degree, as we do not offer a terminal master’s degree.  Students who are admitted with a pre-existing master’s degree in psychology from another university (i.e., who are admitted directly to the Ph.D. program) must meet the same course requirements (with the exception of the six credits of PSY 5990 Thesis Research (0-6 cr) , which are not required).  However, because several of the course requirements may be met by courses taken as part of the previous master’s program, the roadmap may be accelerated relative to the one shown above, and will be individualized depending on the equivalent courses that a given student has already completed prior to entering the Ph.D. program.

For additional information about our program, please contact:

Jill Waring Associate professor Coordinator of graduate admissions, experimental psychology [email protected]

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Ready to take the next step? Request more information, schedule a visit or apply for admission.

Department of Psychology

• Degree Programs
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• Ph.D. in Experimental Psychology

The UTA Department of Psychology provides exceptional opportunities to qualified students who are seeking careers in psychology. Our Ph.D. in Experimental Psychology program is a mentor-based experimental research program with concentrations in Psychological Sciences and Health/Neuroscience. Please be advised that we do not offer graduate-level courses or degrees in clinical or counseling psychology.

As a graduate student in our department, you will receive broad training in experimental psychology and will be able to do specialized research in your area of interest in psychological sciences or health/neuroscience as you are matched with a faculty mentor prior to admission. The program has a strong scientific/experimental emphasis in traditional areas of psychology including cognitive, developmental, evolutionary, human learning and memory, neural network modeling, neuroscience, personality, quantitative, industrial/organizational, and social. Graduate students seeking a Ph.D. degree can specialize in the following research areas of our faculty.

Psychological Sciences

• Cognitive Areas ( Neural-Net Modeling and Decision Making , Cognitive Neuroscience of Human Memory)
• Social/Personality Areas ( Group Processes ,  Personality, and Social Interaction , Personality and Social Behavior Research Center, Intergroup Relations)
• Industrial/Organizational Areas (Group Creativity and Team Innovation)
• Developmental Areas (Personality and Social Behavior Research Center)

Health/Neuroscience

• Behavioral Neuroscience and Neurophysiology Laboratory
• Animal Behavior / Animal Learning
• Evolutionary Psychology

Our faculty and their graduate students regularly publish in well-known journals (i.e., Perception and Psychophysics , Journal of Neuroscience , Brain Research , Animal Behavior , Journal of Personality and Social Psychology , Cognition , and others). A large number of our graduate students have had their research published while still in our graduate program. The National Research Council recently ranked the UTA Department of Psychology as the best in North Texas.

Career Opportunities

Many career opportunities exist for experimental and health psychologists. Our students have been successful in obtaining jobs in academia, industry, health facilities, and government. Please visit our  LinkedIn  page for more details on the diverse career paths of our current and former students.

Master's in Passing

Students who are applying to the Ph.D. program without having earned a master's degree can apply as a degree-bound student and earn a master's in passing as a required milestone while working toward their Ph.D. This will include foundational and core courses from our degree plan as well as 6 hours of the thesis to earn the M.S. and 3 hours of research. Students working towards the Ph.D. are also required to take 12 hours of approved electives, additional research/reading hours (as indicated by faculty mentor), at least 6 hours of advanced research, and 9 total hours of a dissertation as they complete the appropriate milestones to earn the Ph.D.

For more details,  a copy of our  Milestone Thesis and Dissertation Sheet  and the most updated version of the Psychology Graduate Student Handbook can be found here:  Graduate Resources - Department of Psychology - The University of Texas at Arlington (uta.edu)

Ph.D. Degree Plan

Graduate students entering the Experimental Psychology Program typically complete 81 hours in a 5-year plan . Current versions of our PHD degree plan and our Psychology Graduate Student Handbook can be found here:   Graduate Resources - Department of Psychology - The University of Texas at Arlington (uta.edu)

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Location : Life Sciences Building, Room 313, 501 S. Nedderman Dr., Arlington, TX 76019 Mailing address : P.O. Box 19528 Phone : 817-272-2281 Fax : 817-272-2364

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