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The Department of Psychology offers a Doctor of Philosophy degree. Students are not accepted for a terminal master's degree, but doctoral students often complete a Master of Science degree as they progress toward the doctorate.
Typically, the doctorate requires 12-15 semesters, with 9-12 credit units each semester. Continuous enrollment (registration for two of every three semesters) is expected, though students may request a one year leave of absence, if needed, for personal reasons.
Students get in-depth training through coursework and research in their area of specialization. Students are required to achieve breadth in psychological theory and research by attending a first year Seminar in Psychological Science and by completing a minimum of 9 credits outside of their area of specialization. Students complete a written and oral defense of their research for both the M.S. and the Ph.D. In addition, written and oral comprehensive examinations are required for admission to candidacy for the Ph.D.
The Graduate Handbook summarizes the department requirements for completion of the Ph.D. and M.S. degree. In addition to these requirements, each area of specialization has its own course requirements for students, which are outlined in that area’s section of the website (see links on the left of this page). The University Graduate School also has requirements for student registration, coursework, annual progress, theses and dissertations, etc. Students are responsible for familiarizing themselves with all of these requirements.
Regulations governing student progress through the Department of Psychology graduate program were changed in the fall of 2007. All students entering the graduate program on or after the fall of 2007 must complete the most recent set of requirements (see 2008 Graduate Handbook). Many students who entered the program before 2007 have chosen to follow the requirements in place when they started the program (see 2006 Graduate Handbook). After reading these regulations carefully, if you have any questions, please contact the Graduate Coordinator or Graduate Program Assistant.