Psychology, Ph.D.

The Ph.D. program in Psychological Sciences offers comprehensive training in rigorous scientific research, preparing students to direct their own research lab. Students also receive structured training in pedagogy to support high-quality university teaching. The program also equips students for applied positions in hospitals, industry, and government settings. 

Admittance Requirements

At minimum, all admitted students are expected to have graduated with a bachelor’s degree in psychology or related field from an accredited institution and maintained an overall undergraduate GPA of at least a 3.0. Completion of research methods, quantitative methods/statistics, and coursework in the aspiring field is strongly suggested.  Although not required, we also recommend prior research experience, such as serving as a research assistant, completing independent study research credits, participating in a summer research program (e.g., NSF REU), and/or completing an honors thesis, McNair scholar research project, or senior capstone research project. The GRE is not required; applicants may choose to submit GRE scores if desired.

 Students who completed a thesis-based master’s degree in psychology or related field at an accredited institution with at least a 3.0 GPA can apply.  A student entering the program with an M.S. degree that included a completed thesis may be granted master’s equivalency, pending committee approval and fulfillment of all required criteria.

English language proficiency test scores are required for all non-native English speakers, with the exception of applicants who qualify for one of the following: (a) spent at least three years in the U.S. studying toward completion of an undergraduate degree in psychology or related field, (b) hold an undergraduate or graduate degree in psychology or related field from an accredited institution in a country where English is the official language and the language of instruction, or (c) worked in the U.S. at least two years.  For evidence of English proficiency, a minimum TOEFL score of 80 (internet based), a IELTS score of 6.5, or Duolingo English test score of 110 is required. Only scores earned within the two years preceding the application date will be accepted.

Most applicants are admitted to start the program in the fall semester; spring and summer admittance is rare and requires additional approvals. 

The annual application deadline is January 1st. The application requirements are:

1.        Online application form: https://www.applyweb.com/tcug/index.ftl

2.        $60 Application fee

3.        Curriculum Vitae (CV)

4.        Personal statement of purpose outlining research interests, career ambitions, and motivations for seeking a Ph.D. in Psychological Sciences from TCU. The statement should be 1,000 words or less and include clear identification of a Psychology Graduate Faculty member to serve as the major advisor.

5.        Three academic letters of reference

6.        Unofficial transcripts of all colleges attended. English translation of all international transcripts

7.        Official TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo scores for non-native English applicants

Admission decisions are holistic and based on review of all materials.

Requirements for Obtaining a Ph.D. in Psychological Sciences

The usual timeline for the Ph.D. involves completing required course work and defending the M.S. thesis (or demonstrated equivalent) by the end of the second year; passing the qualifying examination to advance to doctoral candidacy in year three or four and successfully defending the Ph.D. dissertation in year four or five.

1.        Complete non-terminal Master of Science (M.S.) degree or equivalency. The MS requires a minimum of 30 credit hours of coursework at the 50000 level or higher and successful defense of master’s thesis. To pass, students must earn a grade of "B" or higher for each course.

2.        Complete a minimum of 36 additional credit hours of coursework at the 50000 level or higher. To pass, students must earn a grade of "B" or higher for each course.

3.        Pass a qualifying examination.

4.        Successful defense of Ph.D. dissertation.

Required Coursework:

Elective Coursework:

Students must take Four 50000+ level area courses, one from each of the three areas below plus one from any area.

Neuroscience & Learning Psychology

Social & Evolutionary Psychology

Cognitive & Developmental Psychology

Students can also take the courses listed below to meet career goals and reach 66 credit hour minimum for Ph.D.

Optional program

The optional minor in quantitative psychology provides graduate students with advanced training in the application of psychometric, methodological, and state-of-the-art statistical procedures. Students in pursuit of the minor are required to complete two core and three elective courses: 15 total credit hours.

Required Coursework:

Elective Coursework for the optional Quantitative Psychology Minor: