Schools for a PhD in Psychology

Stanford University

• At Stanford University, you will find five different areas of psychology to choose from for your doctoral studies: cognitive, neuroscience, affective science, developmental and social psychology. The school admits new students for the fall quarter only and it requires that students have a bachelor's and a master's degree, both of which can be in any area of study. But you're more likely to be accepted into the program if you worked in research as a student previously. The admissions committee makes its decision based on your statement of purpose, three letters of recommendation from teachers who know you academically, your transcripts and your Graduate Record Examination general test scores. International students must also take the Test of English as a Foreign Language to demonstrate their ability to communicate in English. In addition, the committee expects you to have a general knowledge of the faculty in the psychology department and to list three professors you'd like to work with.

  Stanford University

  Department of Psychology

  Jordan Hall, Building 420, Room 100

  450 Serra Mall

  Stanford, CA 94305

  650-725-2400

  stanford.edu/

University of Chicago

• The University of Chicago offers four PhD programs in psychology--cognition, social, integrative neuroscience and developmental psychology--and admits students once a year for the fall term, with applications always due on December 10. To be considered for one of the spots in this program, you need to hold a bachelor's degree in any discipline and have participated in field or laboratory research pertinent to psychology. The school also gives preference to applicants familiar with statistical principles.

  University of Chicago

  Department of Psychology

  5848 S. University Avenue

  Chicago, IL 60637

  773-702-8403

  psychology.uchicago.edu/

Vanderbilt University

• At Vanderbilt University, a PhD in psychology is available with a focus on cognitive neuroscience studies, clinical science, developmental science, quantitative methods and evaluation, or neuroscience. One of the program's main goals is to train students to teach at the college level. The department also puts emphasis on preparing students to conduct and analyze research. Applications for admissions are due every year on December 15 for the following fall term. The admissions committee considers GPA, GRE test scores and letters of recommendation when making their decisions. They look for students who show the greatest ability for and interest in psychological research.

  Vanderbilt University

  211 Kirkland Hall

  Nashville, TN 37240

  615-322-7311

  vanderbilt.edu/

University of Rochester

• The Department of Clinical and Social Sciences in Psychology at Rochester University offers PhD programs in the areas of clinical, social-personality and developmental psychology. The department also engages its doctoral students in researching developmental psychopathology, children with autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and related developmental issues. Students also study interpersonal relationships, family conflicts, and marital and other intimate relationships. Students are also engaged in studying motivation, including self-determination theory and an approach-avoidance model of achievement.

  Applicants must have at least a bachelor's degree for consideration. Admission depends upon the strength of the general undergraduate record, scores on the Graduate Record Examination, letters of recommendation, personal statement and interests, and relevant laboratory or field research experience. Candidates for admission are expected to have some background in psychology as well as mathematics and statistics.

  University of Rochester

  Department of Psychology

  Rochester, NY 14627

  585-275-2121

  psych.rochester.edu/