phd psychology california

PhD Admissions

The PhD program in Psychology trains students for careers in research and teaching. In addition to a wide range of courses, the PhD program is characterized by close collaboration between students and their faculty advisors. 

General Information

The Department of Psychology holistically reviews each candidate's complete application to assess the promise of a career in teaching and research. Consideration is based on various factors, including courses taken, grade point average, letters of recommendation, and the statement of purpose. Additionally, the Department of Psychology places considerable emphasis on research training, and admitted students have often been involved in independent research as undergraduate students or post-baccalaureate settings. Although there are no course requirements for admission, all applicants should have sufficient foundational knowledge and research experience to engage in graduate-level coursework and research.

We accept students with undergraduate degrees and those with both undergraduate and master's degrees. An undergraduate psychology major is not required; the Department welcomes applicants from other academic backgrounds.

Our application portal is now closed for the AY24-25 admissions cycle.  Please consider applying during next year's AY25-26 admissions cycle, which opens on September 15, 2024.

How to Apply

Application and deadline.

Our 2025-26 Admissions application will open on September 15, 2024.

Applications will be due on November 30, 2024

The deadline for letters of recommendation will be  November 30, 2024 . 

Once an applicant submits the recommenders' information, the recommenders will receive an automated email with instructions for submitting the letter. Late letters should be sent directly to psych-admissions [at] stanford.edu (psych-admissions[at]stanford[dot]edu) . Staff will add them to the application file if the review process is still underway. Still, the faculty reviewers are not obligated to re-review files for materials submitted after the deadline.

The status of submitted applications can be viewed by logging in to the   application portal . 

The deadline to apply for the Stanford Psychology Ph.D. program is  November 30, 2024 . 

Applicants who are admitted to the program will matriculate in autumn 2025. 

In addition to the information below, please review the  Graduate Admissions  website prior to starting your application. The Department of Psychology does not have rolling admissions. We admit for the Autumn term only.

Requirements

• U.S. Bachelor's degree or its  foreign equivalent
• Statement of Purpose (submitted electronically as part of the graduate application). You will be able to specify three  Psychology Department faculty members , in order of preference, with whom you would like to work. 
• Three  Letters of Recommendation  (submitted electronically). A maximum of six letters will be accepted.
• Unofficial transcripts from all universities and colleges you have attended for at least one year must be uploaded to the graduate application. Applicants who reach the interview stage will be asked to provide official transcripts as well; Department staff will reach out to these applicants with instructions for submitting official transcripts. Please do  not  submit official transcripts with your initial application.
• Required for non-native English speakers: TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) scores, submitted by the Educational Testing Service (ETS) electronically to Stanford. 

Application Fee

The fee to apply for graduate study at Stanford is $125. Fee waivers are available for some applicants. Please visit Graduate Admissions for information on applying for an  Application Fee Waiver .

Application Review & Status Check

The Department of Psychology welcomes graduate applications from individuals with a broad range of life experiences, perspectives, and backgrounds who would contribute to our community of scholars. The review of applications is holistic and individualized, considering each applicant’s academic record and accomplishments, letters of recommendation, and admissions essays to understand how an applicant’s life experiences have shaped their past and potential contributions to their field.

To check the status or activity of your application, please log into your  application account . You can also send reminders to recommenders who have not yet submitted their letter of recommendation.

Due to limited bandwidth, the Department of Psychology staff will not answer any phone or email queries about application status, including requests to confirm the receipt of official transcripts.

Our faculty will interview prospective students before making final admission decisions. Candidates who progress to the interview round will be informed in January. Interviews are generally conducted in February.

The Department of Psychology recognizes that the Supreme Court issued a ruling in June 2023 about the consideration of certain types of demographic information as part of an admission review. All applications submitted during upcoming application cycles will be reviewed in conformance with that decision.

• Diversity and Engagement in Psychology PhD Programs 
• Vice Provost for Graduate Education
• Stanford IDEAL
• Graduate Application Fee Waiver Information

For More Information

Please see our  list of Frequently Asked Questions  and  psych-admissions [at] stanford.edu (contact us)  should you have additional questions.

Graduate Program

• Program Requirements
• Course offerings
• Professional Development
• Teaching Preparation
• Student Funding and Awards
• Student Success
• Quantitative Methods Certificate
• Developmental
• Quantitative Methods, Measurement and Statistics (QMMS)
• Conferences in the Psychological Sciences
• Post-Doctoral Career Opportunities

Psychological Sciences Ph.D. Program

Thank you for your interest in the Psychological Sciences Ph.D. program at UC Merced. We will be accepting applications for Fall 2024. Applications are due Dec. 1, 2023, and admissions decisions will be made in late December and early January.

GRE scores are not required for applications to our Ph.D. program for 2024 admission but can be optionally reported by applicants. The decision to include or not include GRE scores in the application will not affect admissions decisions.

UC Merced offers doctoral graduate training in Psychological Sciences, culminating in the Ph.D., with emphases in developmental , health , and quantitative methods, measurement, and statistics . We welcome applications for Ph.D. studies in any of these three areas.

Guiding Principle

We create, cherish, and champion a culture of community, collegiality, and compassion. 

Program Goal

Our goal is to prepare sophisticated and creative independent researchers who can apply the qualitative distinctions of our program in a variety of professional settings, including academic institutions, public or private agencies, and industry. To that end, our Program Learning Outcomes  indicate the most prominent skills and knowledge that our graduates will possess to enable them to start successful research careers. Graduates have gone on to a range of positions  upon graduation where they utilize their research competence.

What Distinguishes Us

Having opened its doors in 2005, UC Merced is one of the youngest research universities in the United States. The Psychological Sciences Ph.D. program has grown rapidly since then, with 18 faculty and 44 graduate students in 2018. Our highly productive  faculty conduct impactful research and have gained national and international recognition.

Our program’s national stature has likewise grown rapidly. In the 2018 US and World News Report , our Ph.D. program ranked 90 th (tied with UC Santa Cruz) out of over 200 Ph.D. programs in psychology. We are by far the youngest program ranked this high. We were ranked as 190+ in 2013 and 158 in 2015, indicating a remarkable increase in recognition and influence in a very short time.

We are a congenial group of faculty and graduate students who enjoy creating a supportive work environment that gives everyone here the opportunity to succeed. We strive to maintain a positive, supportive environment for all members of our academic community. This starts with faculty actively practicing kindness, civility, and empathy with one another and with students. We believe that by applying and modeling these values, students more often feel respected and empowered to do their best.

With nine members, we claim the largest identified health psychology faculty group in a regular academic department of psychology (discounting universities with research medical schools) and certainly one of the strongest such research and training programs anywhere in the world. Among strengths in this group is our focus on understanding disparities in health, especially as relevant to our unique region.

Likewise, we feature one of the largest and arguably strongest quantitative methods, measurement, and statistics  research and training programs anywhere. Our five quantitative scientists conduct research from both frequentist and Bayesian approaches applied to a wide range of methods.

Developmental psychology  at UC Merced seeks to achieve world-class recognition for strong empirical research on cognitive, language, and socio-emotional development that relies on advanced quantitative methods and emphasizes the unique contextual and biological factors that may promote or hinder healthy development.

View the Psychological Sciences digital brochure

To apply, visit the UC Merced Graduate Division website .

Updated 2023

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Psychological Science Ph.D. Program

Program overview.

The department offers a Ph.D. in Psychological Science, with students specializing in one of 5 areas. Students are trained with a strong foundation in theory, research methods and advanced statistics, as well as in classic and contemporary issues relevant to their specific area.

Students collaborate with faculty on research from the very beginning of their graduate training and are encouraged to gain research experience with more than one faculty member. As student’s interests and skills develop, they pursue more independent research projects.

With 36 full-time faculty to serve as mentors for approximately 80 graduate students, our students enjoy the benefits of a program with an excellent faculty-to-student ratio and with a strong sense of community. Since students work closely with faculty throughout their graduate careers, they regularly have opportunities to co-author conference presentations, journal articles, and book chapters.

Ph.D. students select a primary (major) specialization in one of the following five core areas:

• Affective Science  (not admitting new students at this time)
• Developmental Psychology
• Health Psychology
• Social and Personality Psychology
• Clinical Psychology  (There is a different admissions process for this area. See below for information.)

Specialty 

• Psych and Law

​ For an overview of the curriculum please visit our program information in the UCI catalogue . Please see below for application requirements and instructions for non-clinical areas.

Program Learning Outcomes

Develop Knowledge of the Discipline

• Answer questions concerning history, principles, and theories in the student’s area of specialization (Social/Personality, Health, Development, or Affective Science).
• Discuss central concepts, principles, and ideas in their major area from a broad, historical perspective, including major theoretical constructs, and important emerging themes.
• Master current research within their own area of interest (social/personality psychology, health psychology, developmental psychology, or affective science).  

Research Methods and Statistics

• Master analytical and statistical techniques in psychological research.
• Identify appropriate methods and statistics to address different types of research questions.
• Ability to design studies in their research area.
• Communicate effectively to large and small groups in pedagogical settings in both lecture and discussion formats.
• Identify and effectively deploy suitable digital media for use in all aspects of instruction.
• Assess students effectively, including developing and using appropriate measures.

Scholarly Communication

• Structure a coherent academic argument that rigorously presents and evaluates evidence to support claims.
• Review and cogently synthesize relevant literature.
• Write in a level and style of English consistent with that found in leading academic journals.
• Understand and properly use styles of citing, referencing, and formatting found in psychological research outlets.
• Make clear and cogent oral presentations, including effective use of digital media.
• Cogently summarize their research and its significance for non-specialist audiences.

Professionalism

• Select appropriate conference venues for their research.
• Prepare a presentation suitable for a research conference.
• Prepare manuscripts that meet the standards of psychological research journals and respond appropriately to recommendations for revision.
• Select appropriate fellowship or grant opportunities and prepare competitive proposals.
• Make effective contributions to research teams and lab groups.

Independent Research

• Develop their own research projects that meet high standards of theoretical and methodological rigor.
• Produce scholarship that is comparable in scope and format to articles and books that appear in leading peer-reviewed journals and presses in the field of psychology.
• Supervise research assistants effectively.

Application Requirements for the Ph.D. in Psychological Science

Application requirements and deadline for the Clinical area can be found here. The application deadline for the clinical area is December 1st.

Applications for all other areas (Developmental, Health, Social/Personality) are due December 1st.  Psychological Science applicants will complete an online application  via SLATE. 

PLEASE NOTE - UCI has multiple psychology programs, be sure to select the correct program to avoid a delay in processing your application. If you are interested in Cognitive Neuroscience, please visit the School of Social Sciences.

Statement of Purpose  (essay format, 1200 words maximum)

In your statement of purpose, please describe your aptitude and motivation for graduate study in your area of specialization. We expect applicants to include:

• A description of your background, research experience, current and future research interests, future goals, and how you see yourself fitting in our department.
• The area of interest you plan to pursue (Developmental, Health or Social/Personality) and if you wish to pair an area of interest with a specialty in Psychology & Law .
• Name(s) of the faculty member(s) with whom you are interested in working and why.

Personal History Statement  (essay format, 1200 words maximum)

• Any educational, familial, cultural, economic or social experiences or opportunities relevant to your academic journey
• Challenges and/or obligations you have had to address in order to achieve your educational goals and how you addressed them
• Prior employment, as a student or as a working professional, that is relevant to your pursuit of a graduate degree
• Discuss any leadership roles or plans, outreach, or community service experiences and goals that have or will benefit others or the community
• How your perspectives, activities, or goals have or may contribute to inclusivity and/or broaden your understanding of the experiences of diverse groups of people

We expect applicants to include the following in the context of the above:

• Any experience(s) you have in advocating for diversity in organizations or communities of which you have been a member (3-5 sentences).
• Any significant challenge(s) you have faced and your ability to demonstrate resilience and achievement despite the challenges (3-7 sentences).
• Your interest in an academic career in teaching/research and/or other professional goals and interests you may have (3-5 sentences).
• GRE scores for the upcoming admissions cycle are optional.  We do not require applicants to our graduate program to submit a GRE score report as part of their application. Applicants may choose to submit GRE test scores, and they will be reviewed as one part of the application evaluation. Applications with GRE scores will not be given greater consideration than those without scores. For applicants who wish to include their scores to supplement their application, please note that the Educational Testing Service (ETS) code for UCI is: 4859. Please visit the  Graduate Division Website  for more information.

Transcripts

• Unofficial transcripts from all institutions attended after high school. Applicants must upload unofficial transcripts directly into the online application.

Application Fee

• Fee waivers are available to qualified domestic applicants only. Eligibility to apply for a fee waiver is determined by program participation, US veteran status, or demonstrated financial need based on information requirements specified on the application.

Letters of Recommendation

• Three letters of recommendation . Paper letters will not be accepted. They must be uploaded digitally. These letters should speak to your academic and/or professional achievement, describe your strengths and weaknesses, and comment on your character, integrity and motivation are especially useful. Additional information regarding letters of recommendation can be found  here .

English Language Proficiency Requirement

• All graduate applicants, except those who have earned an undergraduate or master's degree from an institution at which English was the sole language of instruction according to the  World Higher Education Database , are required to demonstrate English proficiency for admissions consideration. If English is not the sole language of instruction listed or if no language is listed at all, the waiver does not apply and the applicant is required to take and pass an approved English proficiency test (TOEFL or IELTS).
• English proficiency for Teaching Assistantship - All international students, including those with Permanent Resident status, who wish to serve as a Teaching Assistant or Teaching Associate must pass an oral English proficiency exam approved by UCI. Exemptions to this exam are ONLY given to students who meet specific criteria listed on the  Graduate Division website for English Proficiency for Teaching Assistantships . For more detailed information on these exams of spoken English proficiency, including the respective passing scores, please review the  English Proficiency Summary Chart.

Program Duration

The normative time-to-degree is six years. 

Financial Support

We offer guaranteed support for the first five years of the program, which includes tuition, most fees, and a stipend. Funding  comes from a variety of sources, including  teaching assistantships ,  graduate student research assistantships , and  fellowships

Information Sessions

Online information sessions will be hosted by UCI Social Ecology representatives and are designed for prospective students to learn more about the Psychological Science Ph.D. programs, application requirements, tuition & funding. Archived information sessions and application workshop registration can be found here .

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

If you would like additional information, please review our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) or contact us here.

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Psychology PhD

Psychology as a scientific discipline aims to describe, understand, and predict the behavior of living organisms. In doing so, psychology embraces the many factors that influence behavior-from sensory experience to complex cognition, from the role of genetics to that of social and cultural environments, from the processes that explain behavior in early childhood to those that operate in older ages, and from typical development to pathological conditions. The Department of Psychology at Berkeley reflects the diversity of our discipline's mission covering six key areas of research: Behavioral and Systems Neuroscience; Clinical Science; Cognition; Cognitive Neuroscience; Developmental, and Social-Personality Psychology. Our program learning goals focus on honing methodological, statistical and critical thinking skills relevant to all areas of Psychology research, enabling students with sufficient breadth to retain perspective in the field of psychology and sufficient depth to permit successful independent and significant research.

• The major academic objectives of the PhD program are for students to:
• Develop an understanding of the different theoretical and empirical frameworks that have defined and shaped the field
• Develop an understanding of the central questions and issues in contemporary psychology
• Develop expertise in one or more relevant research methodologies
• Build expertise in formulating testable hypotheses and designing appropriate studies
• Hone ability to critically evaluate scientific research
• Develop expertise in statistics and advanced data analytic approaches
• Develop an awareness of the importance of science to humanity while recognizing its limits (i.e., some scientific knowledge is culture-specific and may not be applicable to the human condition universally)
• Develop competence as a teacher of undergraduates and mentor to graduate students

Students select one of the following concentrations:

Behavioral and Systems Neuroscience: The Behavioral and Systems Neuroscience area encompasses faculty and students united by a common interest in the neurobiological/physiological bases of behavior, including but not limited to circadian and seasonal rhythms, decision-making, sex differentiation and behavior, energy balance, birdsong and animal communication, animal spatial orientation and navigation, gene-environment interactions, selective attention and visual perception, social behavior, attachment, developmental processes, physiological substrates of emotion and stress, and motivation. The methodologies currently employed by faculty and students cover the entire spectrum from the behavioral study of animals and humans to computational, cellular, molecular and neuroimaging analyses.

Clinical Science: Graduate students in Clinical Science combine rigorous research with hands-on clinical experience. In addition, students take courses that cover general areas of psychological science as well as more specialized areas based on a students interests. Most students will spend four to six years in residence at Berkeley plus one year at a Clinical Internship site, at or near the completion of the dissertation. Degrees are awarded after completion of the internship, even if the dissertation is completed earlier. The faculty advisor/mentor plays an important role in a students training. At the beginning of Year 1, each student is matched with a faculty advisor, usually one of the core Clinical Science Program Faculty, who supervises the student's research. In subsequent years, the student is free to continue working with that person or to seek a new research advisor. In addition to research supervision, the advisor works with the student in planning a program that fits that student's interests, while at the same time meeting program requirements. If a student is conducting research under the supervision of someone other than a core Clinical Science Program Faculty member (e.g., a faculty member in another area of the Psychology Department), then a core Clinical Science Program Faculty member is assigned to advise that student in matters related program requirements.

Cognition: The Cognition Program brings together faculty and students engaged in behavioral and computational investigations of fundamental cognitive processes, including learning, memory, categorization, reasoning, language, and perception. Our interdisciplinary approach borrows methods and insights from the cognitive sciences and other areas within the department.

Cognitive Neuroscience: Programs in Cognitive Neuroscience focus on neuroimaging and neuropsychological approaches to human behavior. Functional neuroimaging techniques, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), electroencephalography (EEG), and intracranial EEG (iEEG) are used to study the neural bases of human behavior. Neuropsychological methods assess varieties of psychological dysfunction associated with brain damage or disease. Areas of specialty within this track include Sensory and Perceptual Processes, Attention and Working Memory, Learning and Memory, Emotion, and Motor Control.

Developmental: Our research goal is to understand how the organism and its capabilities develop throughout the lifespan. Our interdisciplinary approach is multi-species, multi-system, and multidisciplinary in nature. We study change over time in cognitive, linguistic, social, emotional, and neural processes. Our explanations include both neural accounts of the plasticity that is observed in the developing brain and other systems, and computational and psychological accounts of development. The bi-directionality of these processes is emphasized, with the organism's genetically program development being influenced by its physical and social environments and in turn influencing those environments. Thus, our research is situated at the interface between the fields of developmental psychology, computational modeling, psycholinguistics, cognitive psychology, developmental cognitive neuroscience, social psychology, cultural psychology, and clinical psychology. Our research examines numerous areas of development, plasticity, and change including sensory processes, cognitive capacities, language, reasoning, everyday knowledge of the world, emotions, and social relationships. We examine both typical and atypical development, each providing rich insights for better understanding the other and suggesting new approaches for effective treatments and preventive interventions.

Social-Personality Psychology: The social-personality program is devoted to training graduate students for careers in research and teaching. The program faculty and several affiliates conduct research and provide intensive training in six core areas of the field: (1) Self and identity; (2) Social cognition; (3) Emotion, emotion regulation, and affective neuroscience; (4) Personality processes and adult development; (5) Interpersonal, intergroup, and intercultural processes; and (6) Power, hierarchy, and social class. In addition to training in these core areas, the program encourages graduate students to develop their own research interests and build an independent research program. The program is characterized by considerable breadth and diversity. It provides students with special research opportunities, such as access to unique longitudinal databases, multi-method approaches (self-report, observational, archival, life-data, physiological), and biological perspectives on social behavior (e.g., evolutionary, neuroimaging).

Contact Info

[email protected]

2121 Berkeley Way University of California

Berkeley, CA 94720-1650

At a Glance

Department(s)

Admit Term(s)

Application Deadline

December 4, 2023

Degree Type(s)

Doctoral / PhD

Degree Awarded

GRE Requirements

• Graduate Program

The goal of the graduate program in Psychology at Berkeley is to produce scholar-researchers with sufficient breadth to retain perspective in the field of psychology and sufficient depth to permit successful independent and significant research. The members of the department have organized themselves into six training units. The requirements for each unit vary but always involve a combination of courses, seminars and supervised independent research. Students are also encouraged to take courses outside the Psychology Department, using the unique faculty strengths found on the Berkeley campus to enrich their graduate training. We are a STEM designated program.

For the Latest updates on COVID-19 related exceptions to policy relevant to Graduate Students, please see Graduate Division's Resource Page.

The areas offered to students to specialize in are the following: 

• Behavioral and Systems Neuroscience
• Clinical Science
• Cognitive Neuroscience
• Developmental
• Social-Personality

To learn more about each offered area visit: Research Areas

Here are answers to most commonly asked questions about the process of applying to graduate school.

How do I find a program that is right for me? – See this handy  decisions tree , reposted from University of Houston Psychology website, to help you determine a route to your desired Psychology career.

For those interested in our Clinical Program, visit Mitch's Uncensored Advice for Applying to Graduate School in Clinical Psychology to answer many of your questions, including those you may have not previously considered.

• GRE scores (please note; the GRE is not required for FA24 Applications)
• Transcripts
• Resume or A curriculum vita (CV)
• Well-written personal statement(s)
• Letters of recommendation

You will want to check requirements for each school to which you plan to apply, but the above links to Cal's graduate program will give you an idea of what to expect.

Psychology Ph.D. Program Components  - with Christine Mullarkey - Student Services Advisor

Ph.D. Program through the Perspective of Professor Sheri Johnson - Head Graduate Advisor

Find your fit at Berkeley.

You are invited to Berkeley's Graduate Diversity Admissions Fair on October 30 - November 3 . This virtual event will help prospective professional, master's, and doctoral students:

• learn more about our top ranked graduate programs and award winning faculty
• gain a deeper understanding of Berkeley's culture and resources available
• understand the application process, and important deadlines
• consider funding options and opportunities

You can expect a lot to choose from. Over 50 sessions from UC Berkeley graduate programs in one hour info sessions, and discussion groups.

Register now to customize your fair schedule by signing up to the sessions that interest you.

Berkeley is a place that fosters a supportive community that is at the heart of our students' success. Our graduate diversity programs aim to create a culture of belonging for all students. This fair is one example of that. Though the fair is open to all – it's designed specifically for prospective students from historically excluded, and underrepresented backgrounds.

We hope you will join us.

Fall 2022 - Prof. Serena Chen (Social Personality), Prof. Aaron Fisher (Equity Advisor), and featuring graduate students

Fall 2021 - Prof. Serena Chen (Social Personality), Prof. Sheri Johnson (Clinical), Harumi Quinones (Student Services Director), and featuring graduate students 

Visit the Graduate Division website to learn more about the Fall 2023 Diversity Admissions Fair and register in the graduate application portal !

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Graduate Program

If you are considering applying to a PhD program, you'll have many options. We humbly believe that your best option is UC San Diego Psychology. In fact, there are 17 reasons that support this belief. But in the interest of space, we'll focus on the Top 5 here. If you want to know the other 12, you'll have to come to UC San Diego.

1. Five years fully funded, with TA duties

All of our graduate students, including international students, are fully funded . This means that all tuition and fees are covered and graduate students receive $30,000 in additional support per year. This base level of support is provided by the Department, not individual faculty or student grants, which means that our graduate students can work across labs to collaborate, dabble, and experiment. 

As part of this support package graduate students serve as a teaching assistant (TA) for undergraduate courses during the academic year. Teaching Assistantships  provide students with opportunities to work across research areas, grow their teaching expertise, and build relationships with department faculty and lecturers.

There are other sources of funding from the Department as well, such as a large departmental fund, created by UC San Diego’s own Norman H. Anderson, that supports annual travel to conferences for all graduate students, the McGill Research account, which provides $2,000 in your first year for research-related expenses, and the McGill Post-Advancement Research account which provides $1,000 for additional research-related expenses. 

2. A large campus-wide community

Psychologists at UC San Diego interact with researchers in Human Development, Philosophy, Linguistics, Cognitive Science, and Neuroscience. In Psychology, students in each research area - Cognitive, Social, Developmental, and Cognitive Behavioral Neuroscience  (see below) - get together weekly at Brown Bag meetings to discuss their research with other students and faculty. Although we don't train Clinical Psychology graduate students , researchers with an interest in interacting with clinicians can find colleagues and friends in the UC San Diego Medical School. Upshot: We interact with each other a lot. 

3. Holistic review

We care about your research interests and experience - not just your grades and GRE scores . If you have an undergraduate degree and a strong track record of research experience , we want to hear from you ( no previous master’s training is required ) . Sure, we'll look at the numbers, but we're much more interested in your research training and your match to our program. Reach out to us individually and we'll help you figure out whether UC San Diego is the right place for you. 

4. New faces

This year all of our labs are accepting students, but we're especially excited to consider graduate student applicants for our newest labs. New faculty members accepting students include Chujun Lin ,  Dhananjay Bambah-Mukku , and Nadia Brashier . These faculty study topics including social cognition, person perception, computational modeling, neurobiology of social behavior, molecular analysis of neural circuits, and memory and misinformation across the adult lifespan. These, and other faculty, can be checked out here .

5. We're happier

UC San Diego isn't just a productive place to do a PhD. It's a happy place, too. Year-round outdoor meetings. A 5 minute walk to the beach. Cycling, hiking, surfing, and just feeling the warm sun on your face all year round.

To apply to our program, please visit our admissions page for details. The application deadline for Fall 2024 admission is December 6th, 2023.   

Please contact any of us for details on our labs, the application process, or life in San Diego; contact information can be found on our Department website as well as individual lab websites. If you apply, we'll connect you to current PhD students to talk about their experience, who can help you decide which lab is best for you and your interests.

Program Emphases

The Department of Psychology at the UC San Diego, provides advanced training in research in core subfields of Experimental Psychology. Having modern laboratories, an attractive physical setting, and distinguished faculty, both within the Department of Psychology and in supporting disciplines, provides research opportunities and training at the frontiers of psychological science. Our graduate training program emphasizes and supports individual research, starting with the first year of study.

The Department offers the following emphases:

• Cognitive & Behavioral Neuroscience

Graduate students in the psychology doctoral program may also expand their degree and apply to enroll in interdisciplinary PhD programs after being accepted into our program.

• Financial Support

University of California, Santa Barbara / College of Letters & Science

• Graduate Studies

The Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences is a top-ranking program consisting of four graduate research training areas:

• Cognition, Perception, and Cognitive Neuroscience
• Developmental and Evolutionary Psychology
• Neuroscience and Behavior
• Social Psychology

The graduate program is large enough to field a full range of graduate courses and seminars, but small enough to provide a sense of community and a high level of faculty attention per student. Currently, there are 42 faculty members supervising approximately 70 graduate students. This student-to-faculty ratio ensures an enriched and personal graduate experience.

One of ten campuses of the prestigious University of California system, and currently ranked as one of the top ten universities in the world, UCSB provides an exciting intellectual and cultural environment in a setting of natural beauty. Nestled between the Santa Ynez Mountains and the Pacific Ocean on an 815 acre promontory, the campus includes a scenic lagoon and a landscape of native and exotic flora, 10 miles north of the city of Santa Barbara. Los Angeles is about two hours south by car, and San Francisco is six hours to the north.

Psychological & Brain Sciences

University of California, Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara, CA 93106-9660

Cognition, Perception + Cognitive Neuroscience

Developmental + Evolutionary Psychology

Neuroscience + Behavior

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What are you looking for?

Suggested search, phd program.

Doctoral students are trained through a mentorship model, working closely with faculty on research. Students are expected to engage in research activities and scholarship throughout their graduate training, leading up to and culminating in the doctoral dissertation. Expertise is also acquired by participating in courses, seminars, and colloquia. Most students also gain experience with teaching through guest lectures and teaching assistantships.

The Department of Psychology is composed of five groups, or areas. Within each of these groups, the faculty share a primary interest in a specific branch of psychology. Select an area to see more information and its faculty members in our doctoral program.

Brain and Cognitive Science

Addresses fundamental questions about the brain and mind in human and animals in areas such as creativity, decision, emotion, learning and memory, linguistics, motivation, and perception.

Clinical Science

Applies scientific theories and methods to understand adaptive and maladaptive functioning, to alleviate human suffering, and to promote adjustment. Specialization available in clinical-aging, child and family clinical, and adult clinical.

Developmental Psychology

Studies developmental change in social behavior, cognition, language, neurological structure and emotions from childhood through early adulthood.

Quantitative Methods and Computational Psychology

Studies basic and advanced methodology used in psychometrics and measurement, multilevel and longitudinal data analysis, behavior genetic methods, decision making, robust statistical methods, and computational tools for analyzing multivariate data.

Social Psychology

Studies the thoughts, feelings and actions of individuals as they are influenced by other individuals and by groups. Topics include attitude change, aggression, intergroup relations, decision making, safe sex, gender differences, and self-regulation.

However, this division does not reflect our approach to research questions. Many of our faculty are affiliated with more than one area or collaborate across areas. Many students work with multiple faculty members during their doctoral studies.

Prerequisites for Admission

The Admissions page describes how to apply and the background needed for a competitive application.

Course Requirements

The following is a brief outline of requirements. Details of requirements for doctoral students in the USC Graduate School can be found at General Requirements for graduate degrees. Additional information about Psychology department requirements is provided in the Handbook for Graduate Students. Additional information about the Clinical Science Program can be found in the Clinical Science Handbook.

Residency and Time Limits

The doctoral program is designed with the expectation that a student can complete all requirements within five years, except for the clinical area, wherein a requirement for internship training extends the period by one year.

Student progress is monitored through annual reviews and formal evaluations that occur at the first-year screening, second-year project, qualifying examination, and dissertation.

• First-Year Screening: Students are evaluated based on performance in courses and progress in research, as judged by the faculty of the student’s specialty area.
• Second-Year Project: Master’s thesis or a research report of comparable scope and quality. The student’s performance in planning, conducting, and reporting the study is evaluated by a committee of three faculty members.
• Qualifying Exam: During the fourth year of residence, students are expected to pass a Qualifying Exam. This has two components; the dissertation proposal and a written examination or review paper. These are evaluated by a guidance committee that consists of faculty members from two or more areas within Psychology, and a faculty member from outside the Psychology department.
• Dissertation: By the end of the fifth year, the student should submit and defend a dissertation that describes the research that was done, with analysis of the findings in relation to the relevant literature. If this is judged to be acceptable by the guidance committee and the Graduate School, the degree of Doctor of Philosophy is conferred.

Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology Program

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The admissions cycle for Fall 2024 is now CLOSED! 

Applications for the next admissions cycle (Fall 2025) will be accepted starting October 1, 2024. Deadlines for the next admissions cycle will be updated by the end of August 2024. See below for this year’s application deadlines as a reference. Thank you!

JDP Information Day

Our program held an online information session for prospective applicants on  Saturday, September 9, 2023 from 9:00-10:30AM PST . For anyone who was unable to attend, we have posted a copy of the presentation slides below. Thank you!

JDP Information Day Presentation for Fall 2024 Admission

Application Deadlines

Deadlines for fall 2024:.

• November 15, 2023 (11:59 PM EST): Supplemental Program Application Deadline (including letters of recommendation)
• December 1, 2023: Cal State Apply Application Deadline
• January 2024 (check SDSU account for specific dates): Deadline to Submit Transcripts to SDSU
• Mid-January 2024: Interview Offers Extended (Note: You will be notified by email either way)
• February 5 & 6, 2024: Two-Day ONLINE Interview Process

The Application Process has two Steps:

• The Supplemental Program and the Cal State Apply applications may be filled out concurrently.
• DO NOT send any application materials to UC San Diego at this time. Only students who are admitted to the joint-doctoral program must submit a UC San Diego application. After formal notification from SDSU, students will receive material from UC San Diego.

Step 1: Supplemental Program Application

November 15, 2023, at 11:59 PM EST (including letters of recommendation)

Submit your Fall 2024 Supplemental Program Application online: http://apply.interfolio.com/128030

Application materials may be submitted beginning Oct 01, 2023

Faculty Mentors

Choose faculty mentors to include on your application: Faculty Mentorship

Supplemental Program Application: Required Documents

NOTE: The SDSU/UC San Diego Joint Doctoral Program has decided to  waive consideration of all scores from the GREs (General and Psychology Subject Test) for the 2023-2024 application cycle  (for entry to the doctoral program in Fall 2024). We will not review any GRE scores for admission to the program.

1. Statement of Purpose

• Limit your statement to no more than 3 pages, single-spaced, 12-point type.
• In your essay, state your purpose in deciding to pursue a Ph.D. in clinical psychology. Describe your scholarly and research areas of interest and your plans for your future profession. You are encouraged to indicate specific research interests and potential JDP faculty mentors with whom you would be interested in working during your graduate training.
• In addition, briefly describe characteristics of your background or training that speak to your likely success in graduate school and your chosen career path. You do not need to restate your CV. Instead, highlight the experiences you view as most relevant, formative, or illustrative of your potential and any aspects of your experiences that may not be summarized well on a CV or in a checklist.
• In addition, we are interested in learning about any challenges or adversities you have overcome during your academic journey. Further, describe any aspects of your personal or professional experiences that demonstrate your commitment to justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion. Examples include advocacy, community service with diverse populations, and research examining inequities.

2. CV/Resume

3. unofficial transcripts (for all colleges/universities attended), 4. three letters of recommendation.

(requested through the online Supplemental Program Application and received by the application deadline: November 15, 2023)

Recommenders may include:

• Supervisors or managers
• Colleagues from professional organizations
• Colleagues from charitable agencies
• No friends or relatives, please.

5. Current or Planned Coursework Form (if applicable)

Current or Planned Coursework Form

Interested in also applying to the SDSU Psychology Masters Program? You must submit a separate online Interfolio application to their Department of Psychology Master’s Program .

Having Technical Difficulties? For help signing up, accessing your Interfolio account, or submitting your application, please visit the help and support section or get in touch via email at [email protected] or phone at (877) 997-8807.

Program-Related Questions? For any questions about our program or the Supplemental Program Application that cannot be answered on our website, you may contact us at [email protected] .

Step 2: CAL State Apply Application

Please follow the “Cal State Apply Graduate Student Application Guide” located on the Cal State Apply website when completing your Cal State Apply application.

Applying to Multiple Programs? Applicants are only allowed to select one major per Cal State Apply application. If you wish to apply to additional programs, you can do so by simply completing a Supplementary Program application for each program. If the other program does not have a Supplemental Program application and only uses the Cal State Apply application to review applications, go ahead and select that program on your Cal State Apply application and just submit a Supplemental Program application (through Interfolio) for our program. 

Supporting Information Section: Our Selection Committee ONLY reviews information included in the Supplemental Program application; therefore, we recommend that you complete this section as follows (this only applies when you select our program “ Clinical Psychology San Diego Graduate ,” on your Cal State Apply application).

Experiences Select “I Am Not Adding Any Experiences”

For questions or help using Cal State Apply, visit the Cal State Apply Applicant Help Center .

Note: Application Fee Waivers are no longer available. Refer to our Admission FAQs page for more information.

SUBMITTING OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPTS

Please refer to the SDSU Graduate Admissions website for general admission requirements and how to submit official transcripts.

International students completing a degree at an institution outside the United States should review and follow the  International Graduate Steps to Apply .

For questions about Cal State Apply or general admission documents (e.g. transcripts, TOEFL scores, etc.), contact the Graduate Admissions Office at (619) 594-6336 or [email protected] . International applicants may contact the International Recruitment Office at (619) 594-6336 or [email protected] .

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PhD in Clinical Psychology

At the forefront in clinical psychology.

It takes a unique mindset to be a clinical psychologist. Students at PAU are taught to be science-minded while appreciating the broader role of psychology in alleviating suffering in the world.

If you are a curious student dedicated to using psychology to improve lives, pursuing a PhD in Clinical Psychology at PAU is your next step towards effecting change in the world.

The PhD in Clinical Psychology Program at Palo Alto University is deeply committed to educating well-rounded clinical psychologists capable and competent as both researchers and clinicians.

Rigorous Evidence-Based Curriculum

The PhD program at PAU includes intensive study in five areas: Basic theoretical concepts in psychology, research, psychological evaluation, psychotherapy theory and process, and clinical foundations and field experience.

You will learn to value evidence-based clinical models while maintaining the responsibilities psychologists have to their community, society, and profession.

The goals and key themes of our program:

• To produce students and graduates who are critically reflective and informed consumers and producers of psychological knowledge and associated clinical sciences
• To produce clinicians with the requisite clinical knowledge, skills, and attitudes to successfully practice as entry PhD-level clinical psychologists in a variety of clinical settings and with a variety of clinical problems.
• To produce researchers with the requisite scientific knowledge, skills, and attitudes to both consume and generate research.
• To produce culturally competent clinical psychologists.
• To produce clinical psychologists whose conduct exemplifies excellence in professionalism and ethics.

Every PhD candidate at PAU takes pride in their capability and competence as both researcher and clinician. If you are ready to focus on your future, connect with PAU today.

PAU alumni go on to have successful and rewarding careers as clinical psychologists or in research-focused academics. Still others find their calling in the corporate and nonprofit sectors.

• With a PhD in Clinical Psychology, you can work in various settings, such as in hospitals and medical centers, community mental health clinics, private practice, and universities.
• With balanced training for competency as a clinician and as a researcher, you will have the training for clinical work, research, or teaching – or even a combination of all three.
• PAU areas of emphases enable our students to be board-certified in specialized psychology careers, including Neuropsychology and Forensic Psychology.

Fully Accredited Training

The program of study for the PhD is informed by the American Psychological Association’s (APA’s) guidelines for doctoral education in clinical psychology and emphasizes the integration of scientific research and clinical practices.

The PAU PhD in Clinical Psychology program has been accredited by the American Psychological Association since 1988.

Office of Program Consultation and Accreditation:

American Psychological Association 750 First Street NE Washington, DC 20002-4242 202-336-5979 [email protected] www.apa.org/ed/accreditation

Learn more about Licensing and Accreditation @ PAU

APA IRC-26 Student Admissions, Outcomes, and Other Data

The PhD Clinical Psychology program faculty is a talented and highly distinguished group of psychologists from across the globe, with wide-ranging clinical and research specialties.

PhD Area of Emphasis

Your core PhD training at PAU provides broad and general preparation through the integration of scholarship, professional experience, and research with our practitioner-scientist training model.

We also offer optional specialized training in seven key emphasis areas – all in high demand and focused on building additional knowledge and experience within a focused field of clinical psychology.

The Diversity and Community Mental Health (DCMH) area of emphasis at PAU gives you specialized knowledge and clinical training to provide psychological services for the public mental health sector.

The PhD emphasis in Forensic Psychology at PAU trains specialists in the clinical application of psychology to the legal system.

PAU’s Health Psychology Area of Emphasis will prepare students with foundational knowledge and skills to conduct cutting-edge assessment, treatment, and consultation in interprofessional care environments.

At Palo Alto University, we are committed to ensuring that the next generation of clinical psychologists is competent in clinical practice and research with diverse lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) populations.

The Meditation and Psychology Emphasis in the PhD Clinical Psychology program involves clinical and research training concerning the interplay of mind-body factors in health and well-being.

The impact of brain function on human behavior is endlessly fascinating – and it’s a great career path for science-minded psychology students.

Why choose pediatric behavioral health? It’s life-changing work – and the demand for highly-trained specialists continues to grow.

Combat veterans. Mass casualty events. Domestic violence. Child abuse. The potential long-term – and immediate – psychological costs of trauma exposure can be catastrophic.

As a student at PAU, you will have access to specialized research groups and clinical training opportunities through the Gronowski Center, a community-based psychology training clinic and treatment center dedicated to providing high quality, evidence-based, clinical services to adults, older adults, adolescents, children, and families in the community.

Admission and Graduation Requirements

The PhD Program is a full-time program and requires a minimum of three years in residence. The program is structured to be completed in five years: three years for academic coursework, one year for the dissertation and one year for internship.

Graduation Requirements

The PhD in Clinical Psychology program takes an average of five years to complete and is open to individuals who hold a bachelor's or master's degree and have completed the required prerequisites prior to applying for admission.

The PhD in Clinical Psychology program at PAU requires that candidates complete 150 units of required coursework and 18 elective units for a total of 168 units, which typically takes three years for full-time attendees.

During their final two years of full-time enrollment, students complete other graduation requirements.

Publication and Presentation : Students must make a significant contribution to a peer-reviewed journal article, book chapter, or literary contribution to another scholarly publication.

Milestones : In addition to the Oral Clinical Competency Exam, three written exams on research competency, clinical competency, and assessment competency must be taken. Additionally, students are required to complete a dissertation of 30 minimum units, a 12-unit internship , and at least two years of practicums . 

Students enrolled in the PhD in Clinical Psychology program are required to complete clinical practicum training.

Provides mentoring and clinical placement services to the PhD Clinical Psychology program students. PhD Clinical Training Faculty provide: Close faculty advising for students applying to practicum and internship Mentoring and intensive professional development advising throughout clinical training. Review of practicum sites for quality assurance

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Research labs.

All students in the PhD Clinical Psychology Program are required to participate in faculty-led research groups during their second and third years in the program – for 6 consecutive quarters.

You won’t spend all your time in the classroom – you’ll gain direct experience providing supervised therapy while working in a practicum or internship setting.

Student Admissions, Outcomes, and Other Data

Each year, the PAU psychology faculty participate in a thorough strategic review of our curriculum, processes, student learning, and student and program outcomes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Enrolling in a PhD program is a significant life choice – Palo Alto University faculty and staff will answer all your questions before you apply and after you are accepted.

1. Where can I find information on first year student orientation? 

You will receive an email from the PhD program office during the summer before Fall Quarter begins. You may contact  [email protected]  for additional information regarding orientation. 

2. Where can I find the academic calendar?

The Academic Calendar can be found on the  Registrar’s office page.

3. How do I get my PAU email address and access to the PAU Intranet ( https://my.paloaltou.edu/ics/ )? (Access email at gmail.paloaltou.edu)  From the  IT Helpdesk . Contact  [email protected]  with any questions.

4. Where are the classrooms?

At the PAU Allen Calvin Main Campus, Classrooms 1 and 3, and the computer lab, are located on the top floor of Building Three. Classroom 2 is located on the middle floor of Building Three.

At the PAU Los Altos/Gronowski Center Campus, rooms D11A and D11B are on the first floor of the Kurt and Barbara Gronowski Psychology Clinic located at  5150 El Camino Real, Suite 22, Bldg C, Los Altos, California 94022 . 

5. Where do I park for classes?

PAU encourages students to carpool to class as parking availability at the Los Altos/Gronowski and PAU Main Allen Calvin Campus is very limited. Directions to PAU campuses are available on the Locations, Transportation & Parking  web page.

The PhD program at Palo Alto University operates on two main campuses: The  Allen Calvin Campus at 1791 Arastradero Road in Palo Alto  and the Gronowski Center Campus at 1172 Castro Street, Mountain View   

Detailed Driving Directions:

At the Allen Calvin/Main Campus, drive through the gates and up the hilly driveway. There are several different areas for parking, including lower, middle, and upper level areas. You are welcome to park in any of these spaces. On days when there are campus events, parking may be limited. You may also park at the bottom of the driveway or at the nearby Alpine Inn parking lot, but be aware that those areas are not part of the campus and therefore not secure. The campus is in a remote area and there is no public transportation. Please carpool whenever possible.

If you ride a bicycle as your primary mode of transportation, please be extremely cautious when riding on Page Mill Road and Arastradero Road. There are sharp, blind turns, which may be especially dangerous at night or during heavy traffic hours. If you do travel at night, wear reflective clothing and use a light on the front and back of your bicycle. For your safety, always wear a helmet. Please lock and secure your bicycle at the upper parking level, near the cul-de-sac and Building One.

6. What if I have questions?

Please feel free to contact the PhD program or  PAU staff  should you have questions.

April House - PhD Program Manager ( [email protected] )

7. Where can I access basic information about the PhD program?

Please visit the  PhD Program Website . Your most important resource is the PhD Student Handbook. The website also provides links to PhD program forms, information on competency exams, dissertations, important contacts, course schedule archives, grievance procedures, additional program handbooks, and information on TA opportunities.

Other important links related to the PhD program include  the PAU Office of Professional Development and Advising  and  the PAU Institutional Review Board . All of these websites are accessible via  the PAU portal.

8. Who can I talk to about academic support at PAU, curriculum requirements, and program expectations to advance to candidacy?

The PAU Academic Advising Center (PAAC)  is a space where PhD students can  make appointments  to talk to advanced students when they are unsure about any aspect of academic progress at PAU. PAAC aims to support students in thriving academically and professionally throughout the PhD Program. These advanced students assist first year students in many ways, including:

• Reviewing research group application materials
• Providing a general overview of the PhD program curriculum
• Answering questions about academics and research
• Offering advice on surviving and thriving in grad school

PAAC hours shift each academic quarter. Please visit the website for the most-up-to-date hours.

9. How long will it take to earn my PhD at PAU?

Although the PhD program is designed to be completed within five years of coursework and practica, many students choose to take an additional year to complete their degree. Students must complete their degree within 7 years. The number of years it takes to complete the PhD program will depend on your individual needs and professional goals:

• Post-graduate career goals
• Competitiveness of clinical and research training sites
• Internship asirations and restrictions
• Practicum placements and performance
• Research opportunities, dissertation progress, publications and presentations
• Satisfactory academic progress

The PhD program is accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA) and follows their  Benchmark Evaluation System  to assess whether a student has met the competency benchmarks in professional psychology. 

10. How do I register for classes? How do I change my schedule?

For the first year of the PhD program, you are pre-registered for all of your courses based upon the required first-year coursework in the  PhD curriculum . Information about registration can be found at the  Registrar’s Office on the Portal , including  downloadable course schedules , and  academic calendars .

In subsequent years of the program, you will  use the portal for online registration . If you would like to change your schedule, you will need to email the registrar Nora Marquez ( [email protected] ) for further instruction. For additional questions about registration, including wait-listing, sequences, and other concerns, see the PhD Program Handbook. 

11. How do I obtain a copy of my course schedule?

You may always access  your current course schedule on the portal . Additionally, students can request a hard copy in-person from the Registrar’s Office at the PAU Allen Calvin Campus. 

12. Why am I required to attend 8 hours of therapy? Is the cost covered by PAU? How do I find a good therapist on a graduate student budget?

According to the PhD Student Handbook, all PhD students are required to complete 8 hours of individual psychotherapy with a doctoral-level licensed psychologist (PhD, ED, PsyD) or board-eligible psychiatrist prior to registration for the Oral Clinical Competency Exam (which typically occurs in the third year of the program). It is the perspective of PAU that the personal experience of psychotherapy is critical to the ability to work therapeutically with others. The cost of psychotherapy is not covered by PAU and is not part of the financial aid package.

Additional information about this requirement can be located in the PhD Student Handbook. There is an aggregate list of recommended low cost and sliding scale therapists noted under  Student Resources on the portal . You may also want to consult websites such as  Psychology Today  to select the right therapist.

13. How early do I have to decide if I want to complete a PhD  area of emphasis ? 

The first quarter of the first year is a good time to meet with a faculty advisor, as well as other PAU faculty and advanced students, to determine whether an area of emphasis will fit long term professional goals. As the year proceeds, students will have a better idea of their interests and the requirements for completing each area of emphasis. If you are still unsure, schedule an appointment with the PAU Academic Advising Center (PAAC).

14. When are financial aid refund disbursements available?

To receive the status of your financial aid, please visit the portal or email  [email protected] .

PAU alumna Amanda Harris (née Feldman), JD, PhD, a psychologist and attorney representing domestic violence survivors.

Psychology Graduate Programs in California

1-25 of 61 results

Stanford University Department of Humanities and Sciences

Stanford, CA •

Stanford University •

Graduate School

Stanford University ,

Graduate School ,

STANFORD, CA ,

Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences

Los Angeles, CA •

University of Southern California •

University of Southern California ,

LOS ANGELES, CA ,

UCLA College of Letters and Science

University of California - Los Angeles •

• • Rating 3 out of 5   1 review

University of California - Los Angeles ,

1 Niche users give it an average review of 3 stars.

Read 1 reviews.

Tarleton State University

Graduate School •

STEPHENVILLE, TX

• • Rating 4.67 out of 5   55

San Francisco State University

SAN FRANCISCO, CA

• • Rating 4.19 out of 5   52

Russell Sage College

• • Rating 4.28 out of 5   25

UC Berkeley College of Letters & Science

Berkeley, CA •

University of California - Berkeley •

Blue checkmark.

University of California - Berkeley ,

BERKELEY, CA ,

College of Letters and Science - UC Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara, CA •

University of California - Santa Barbara •

University of California - Santa Barbara ,

SANTA BARBARA, CA ,

Gevirtz Graduate School of Education

Isla Vista, CA •

ISLA VISTA, CA ,

• Find college scholarships

School of Social Ecology - University of California - Irvine

Irvine, CA •

University of California - Irvine •

• • Rating 4.33 out of 5   3 reviews

Master's Student: enrolled as a student within the MAS Criminology program online. It was over all a great experience and as a full time employee, the program fit well with work schedules. I eventually got married and had my first child during the time I was studying within the program and being online I did not have to worry about missing so much class time. ... Read 3 reviews

University of California - Irvine ,

IRVINE, CA ,

3 Niche users give it an average review of 4.3 stars.

Featured Review: Master's Student says enrolled as a student within the MAS Criminology program online. It was over all a great experience and as a full time employee, the program fit well with work schedules. I eventually got married and... .

Read 3 reviews.

UC Davis College of Letters and Science

Davis, CA •

University of California - Davis •

• • Rating 5 out of 5   2 reviews

Master's Student: Very informative and hard-working staff, graduate students and faculty. Anthropology department is robust, first-rate and diverse. Faculty are continuously researching and dedicating time to advancing the field. ... Read 2 reviews

University of California - Davis ,

DAVIS, CA ,

2 Niche users give it an average review of 5 stars.

Featured Review: Master's Student says Very informative and hard-working staff, graduate students and faculty. Anthropology department is robust, first-rate and diverse. Faculty are continuously researching and dedicating time to... .

Read 2 reviews.

UC San Diego Division of Social Sciences

La Jolla, CA •

University of California - San Diego •

University of California - San Diego ,

LA JOLLA, CA ,

Graduate School of Education and Psychology - Pepperdine University

Pepperdine University •

• • Rating 4.75 out of 5   108 reviews

Alum: Overall, I found that I was one of the most adequately prepared students at my practicum site, including clinical skills, documentation, and treatment planning. The program was sufficient and I remember the experience fondly and learned a ton. Due to the online nature of the program, however, busy work wasn't uncommon, and it was particularly heavy in certain courses. Generally, though, the program was a positive experience, I learned a lot, and I feel that my success as a clinician can be connected back to my graduate education at Pepperdine GSEP. ... Read 108 reviews

Pepperdine University ,

108 Niche users give it an average review of 4.8 stars.

Featured Review: Alum says Overall, I found that I was one of the most adequately prepared students at my practicum site, including clinical skills, documentation, and treatment planning. The program was sufficient and I... .

Read 108 reviews.

College of Liberal Arts - Cal Poly - San Luis Obispo

San Luis Obispo, CA •

California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly) - San Luis Obispo •

California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly) - San Luis Obispo ,

SAN LUIS OBISPO, CA ,

School of Leadership and Education Sciences - University of San Diego

San Diego, CA •

University of San Diego •

• • Rating 4.17 out of 5   6 reviews

Alum: The MALS and other Leadership Graduate programs provided by USD prepares academics and professionals alike to generate the best possible organizational outcomes across industries. Balancing theory, research, pedagogy, and applied practice students develop their leadership skills to serve individuals and groups in a variety of settings. The innovative perspective of business has made a significant impact on management structures in recent year and offers a spectrum of career opportunities for multi-dimensional individuals. ... Read 6 reviews

University of San Diego ,

SAN DIEGO, CA ,

6 Niche users give it an average review of 4.2 stars.

Featured Review: Alum says The MALS and other Leadership Graduate programs provided by USD prepares academics and professionals alike to generate the best possible organizational outcomes across industries. Balancing theory,... .

Read 6 reviews.

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University of San Francisco School of Education

San Francisco, CA •

University of San Francisco •

• • Rating 4.5 out of 5   8 reviews

Master's Student: I feel that this program is heavily committed to social justice which is something that is extremely important to me. Going into the mental health field, it is important to be attuned to what is going on in the "real world" and USF does a great job at making things "real". The professors are actively working in the mental health field, and a lot of them are doing community mental health which really ties in the social justice aspect of the profession. It has made my academic experience much livelier and relatable. ... Read 8 reviews

University of San Francisco ,

SAN FRANCISCO, CA ,

8 Niche users give it an average review of 4.5 stars.

Featured Review: Master's Student says I feel that this program is heavily committed to social justice which is something that is extremely important to me. Going into the mental health field, it is important to be attuned to what is... .

Read 8 reviews.

University of San Francisco School of Nursing and Health Professions

• • Rating 4.13 out of 5   8 reviews

Alum: The program is rigorous and well defined. Expectations are clearly communicated. Advisors and staff go above and beyond to help students succeed. ... Read 8 reviews

8 Niche users give it an average review of 4.1 stars.

Featured Review: Alum says The program is rigorous and well defined. Expectations are clearly communicated. Advisors and staff go above and beyond to help students succeed. .

College of Liberal Arts - California State University - Long Beach

Long Beach, CA •

California State University - Long Beach •

California State University - Long Beach ,

LONG BEACH, CA ,

College of Sciences - San Diego State University

San Diego State University •

San Diego State University ,

Division of Social Sciences - UC Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz, CA •

University of California - Santa Cruz •

University of California - Santa Cruz ,

SANTA CRUZ, CA ,

University of the Pacific College of the Pacific

Stockton, CA •

University of the Pacific •

University of the Pacific ,

STOCKTON, CA ,

College of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences

Riverside, CA •

University of California - Riverside •

• • Rating 4.25 out of 5   4 reviews

Master's Student: I hope to learn a lot from the Teacher Education Program at UCR! I love the opportunities that are offered to me and my peers. ... Read 4 reviews

University of California - Riverside ,

RIVERSIDE, CA ,

4 Niche users give it an average review of 4.3 stars.

Featured Review: Master's Student says I hope to learn a lot from the Teacher Education Program at UCR! I love the opportunities that are offered to me and my peers. .

Read 4 reviews.

School of Behavioral and Applied Sciences - Azusa Pacific University

Azusa, CA •

Azusa Pacific University •

Master's Student: My Master of Social Work program is well designed. Classes are designed to help professionals to practice in the field. In addition, the internship is designed to help students practice social work in different populations of their comfort zone. There is a lot of reading and homework. Research papers are always due. ... Read 2 reviews

Azusa Pacific University ,

AZUSA, CA ,

Featured Review: Master's Student says My Master of Social Work program is well designed. Classes are designed to help professionals to practice in the field. In addition, the internship is designed to help students practice social work... .

College of Liberal Arts and Sciences - Azusa Pacific University

College of humanities and social sciences - california state university - fullerton.

Fullerton, CA •

California State University - Fullerton •

• • Rating 3.5 out of 5   2 reviews

Alum: The ENST (Environmental Studies Masters Program) at CSUF is great for the flexibility of having mostly evening classes and the ability to chose a project, thesis, or a test-out option. A student can complete this program in two years if attending fulltime for at least 3 semesters. I would recommend that the student have an advisor and project or thesis idea already planned out before attending this program so that the student will be ready to begin their research as soon as they enter the program. This greatly improves the outcome of the experience and lessens the stress of having to find an advisor while taking classes. I do feel that the program is more worthwhile when a student is completing graduate research verse just taking an exit exam. The exit exam is not something I would recommend for those who want the full graduate school experience. ... Read 2 reviews

California State University - Fullerton ,

FULLERTON, CA ,

2 Niche users give it an average review of 3.5 stars.

Featured Review: Alum says The ENST (Environmental Studies Masters Program) at CSUF is great for the flexibility of having mostly evening classes and the ability to chose a project, thesis, or a test-out option. A student can... .

College of Behavioral and Social Sciences - California State University - Chico

Chico, CA •

California State University - Chico •

• • Rating 4 out of 5   2 reviews

Master's Student: It had been great so far! Due to covid, I have not experienced the in person experience of the school but the online course have been great. ... Read 2 reviews

California State University - Chico ,

CHICO, CA ,

2 Niche users give it an average review of 4 stars.

Featured Review: Master's Student says It had been great so far! Due to covid, I have not experienced the in person experience of the school but the online course have been great. .

Saint Mary's College of California

Moraga, CA •

• • Rating 4.26 out of 5   34 reviews

Alum: As a former student at Saint Mary's College, I can confidently say that the best part of my experience was my exceptional education. The dedicated and supportive teachers fostered a stimulating learning environment, encouraging us to think critically and strive for academic excellence. The picturesque campus provided a tranquil setting for studying and reflection. Most importantly, the coursework was thoughtfully designed, balancing theoretical knowledge and practical application. However, what truly made my time at Saint Mary's memorable was the strong sense of camaraderie among students, creating a supportive and inclusive community. Overall, the education I received at Saint Mary's College was unparalleled and prepared me for future success in my career. ... Read 34 reviews

MORAGA, CA ,

34 Niche users give it an average review of 4.3 stars.

Featured Review: Alum says As a former student at Saint Mary's College, I can confidently say that the best part of my experience was my exceptional education. The dedicated and supportive teachers fostered a stimulating... .

Read 34 reviews.

College of Letters, Arts and Social Sciences - California State Polytechnic University - Pomona

Pomona, CA •

California State Polytechnic University - Pomona •

California State Polytechnic University - Pomona ,

POMONA, CA ,

Miami University - College of Education, Health, and Society

Miami University •

• • Rating 5 out of 5   1

LaFetra College of Education

University of La Verne •

LA VERNE, CA

• • Rating 4.44 out of 5   9

College of Liberal and Creative Arts - San Francisco State University

San Francisco State University •

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PhD in Clinical Psychology

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Clinical Psychology

pictured alum: Dr. Emily Eccles, Class of 2020

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Program Director

Connie Veazey, PhD

Fielding’s doctoral program in Clinical Psychology is accredited by the American Psychological Association. It is the only distributed learning program accredited by the APA. The Psychology PhD serves adults, many of whom who have trained or worked in the mental health field. Our unique distributed learning model blends the best of in-person learning opportunities with digital formats.

Questions related to the program’s accredited status should be directed to the Commission on Accreditation: Office of Program Consultation and Accreditation American Psychological Association 750 1st Street, NE, Washington, DC 20002 Phone: (202) 336-5979 / E-mail: [email protected] Web: www.apa.org/ed/accreditation

For questions regarding the Clinical Psychology PhD Program contact [email protected].

About the Clinical Psychology Program

Application requirements.

Earning your doctorate in Clinical Psychology includes online and in-person seminars, meetings with faculty and other students in your region, weeklong residential sessions, as well as research and clinical training experiences.

The unique mix of online and residential learning provides flexible opportunities for individuals with career, family, and community responsibilities to achieve their advanced educational goals. Faculty are active scholars and practitioners with a wide variety of expertise, making it possible to offer training in a variety of therapeutic orientations and specialized concentrations in some of the most exciting growth areas of psychology.

• Conferred Bachelor’s Degree
• Minimum GPA of 3.0
• Online Application Form
• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Statement of Purpose
• Critical Thinking Writing Sample
• 3 Letters of Recommendation
• Official Transcript
• No GRE Required

Start your application NOW!  

Apply now for fall 2025, student admissions, outcomes, and other data.

In accordance with requirements of the American Psychological Association (APA), Fielding Graduate University provides Student Admissions, Outcomes, and Other Data pertaining to the education of our graduate students.

The Fielding Experience

• Become a member of a dynamic and diverse community of colleagues
• Interact with and learn from our expert faculty located all across the country
• Attend monthly professional development seminar in your geographic area
• Engage with alumni, faculty, and other students at sessions

Mission & Aims of the Program

Fielding’s APA accredited Clinical Psychology Ph.D. program is strongly aligned with the university’s mission to create a more humane, just, and sustainable world, and the university’s values that include academic excellence, community, diversity, and social justice.

Consistent with these values, a core mission of our program is to foster the inclusion of students from under-represented populations. These populations include students living in small communities, rural, or remote locations of the United States, students currently in the military or spouses of military members, adult learners with families, and students whose ongoing participation in their current communities cannot be halted for doctoral study elsewhere. These are student populations who are often unable to enter the field through preparation at a traditional university campus, yet these are the future psychologists for which the discipline and profession have expressed an urgent need.

In addition, our program aims to graduate entry-level scholar-practitioner psychologists who bring social justice values to their work as licensed health service professionals. Consistent with this overarching aim, we have four specific aims for our students, which must be achieved by the time of graduation.

• Students will demonstrate doctoral-level discipline-specific knowledge that represents the scientific and theoretical knowledge areas of the discipline of psychology (i.e., history and systems of psychology and the affective, biological, cognitive, developmental, and social bases of behavior).
• Students will demonstrate doctoral-level conceptualization, evaluation, analysis, and integration of discipline-specific knowledge across the curriculum.
• Students will demonstrate doctoral-level ability to understand and critique research; design, conduct, analyze, and communicate theoretically informed research; and conduct research in a manner that is culturally sensitive and consistent with legal code and ethical standards, including the APA ethics code.
• Students will demonstrate doctoral-level competence in the profession-wide competencies, including conducting an evidence-based diagnosis, assessment, and psychotherapy; and applying theory and research to develop case conceptualizations, treatment plans, and interventions that are consistent with legal and ethical standards and individual and cultural diversity factors.

Serving adults, many of whom have trained or worked in the mental health field, our unique distributed learning model blends the best of face-to-face learning opportunities with digital formats.

Faculty are active scholars and practitioners with a wide variety of expertise, which allows us to offer specialized concentrations and training in a variety of therapeutic orientations.

Geographic Eligibility

The program only considers applicants who reside in the contiguous United States and Canada. The program is not available to those residing internationally (except Canada). Applicants from Alaska and Hawaii may be considered pending confirmation of their ability and resources to attend local professional development seminars in contiguous U.S. on a regular basis, access to acceptable practicum training sites, and ability to relocate for internship. (Contact [email protected] to be put in touch with the Program Director for consideration prior to applying.)

Due to state licensing requirements, graduates of the program are not eligible for licensure in Oklahoma. For licensure information on your particular state of interest, please visit our Professional Licensure page [CLICK HERE].

School of Psychology News

The latest news, announcements, and special events from Fielding’s School of Psychology.

• Fielding University Press’ Struggling with Infertility Explores Devasting Effects of Infertility

By Kaylin Staten | 2024-05-10T07:48:56-07:00 May 10th, 2024 |

• AWC-SB Honors Four Leaders in Education at Fielding Graduate University Sponsored Women of Achievement 2024 Awards Luncheon

By Fielding News | 2024-05-09T08:50:53-07:00 May 9th, 2024 |

• Two Chosen as 2024’s Clinical Psychology Program DEI Award Recipients

By Kaylin Staten | 2024-05-07T10:07:37-07:00 May 7th, 2024 |

Why Choose Fielding for Your Psychology Degree?

A conventional APA-accredited doctoral program delivered in an unconventional way

Join Over 7,500 Fielding Alumni Located Around The World!

Change the world. Start with yours.™

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Contact Info

Fielding Graduate University 2020 De la Vina Street Santa Barbara, California 93105

Phone: 1-800-340-1099 Admissions: 805-898-4026

Email: [email protected]

Web: Fielding.edu/apply-now

Recent Posts

Psychology Doctoral Programs in California - PhD

PhD Programs in Psychology

Alliant international university – fresno, california school of professional psychology.

Alliant International University is a private, non-profit university that is strongly committed to preparing students for professional careers where they can make positive contributions to their community. Alliant has been named the Top Producer of Graduate Degrees for Minorities by Diverse Issues in Higher Education. The Alliant California School of Professional Psychology (CSPP) has also been recognized as awarding the most doctoral degrees in psychology to Hispanics, Native Americans, and Asian Americans. In fact, the school has trained almost half of all the practicing psychologists in the state.

PhD in Clinical Psychology

At the Fresno campus, the Clinical Psychology PhD program focuses on clinical training and research with a strong emphasis on preparing students to teach psychology in academia. In the third year of training, students are required to complete a minimum of 1,600 hours at the on-campus Psychological Services Center, which provides numerous diagnostic and therapeutic training opportunities. Students in the program have the option to choose an emphasis area of Clinical Forensic Psychology, Ecosystemic Child Psychology, and Health Psychology to develop a focused subject of expertise.

Accreditations

• American Psychological Association Commission on Accreditation (CoA)
• American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT)
• Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)

Contact Information

5130 East Clinton Way Fresno, CA 93727 559-252-2200 [email protected] https://www.alliant.edu/psychology/clinical-psychology/phd

Alliant International University – Los Angeles

Selected as the “Best for Vets” college in the nation for the third consecutive year by Military Times Edge magazine, Alliant International University is well-known for offering students high-quality financial assistance, academic flexibility, and support services to help all succeed. The California School of Professional Psychology on the Los Angeles campus is highly regarded in the profession and attracts some of the leading field experts to the faculty. With a small student-teacher ratio, graduate students in the programs are able to thrive with hands-on training, academic mentoring, and innovative curriculum based on multiculturalism.

Situated in the unique global hub of Los Angeles, the PhD in Clinical Psychology program offers plentiful opportunities for research, practice, and community service learning outside the classroom. Students in the program are required to select one of the four available emphasis areas to focus their studies on, including Clinical Health Psychology, Family and Couple Therapy, Multicultural-Community Psychology, and Multi-Interest Option. Although it is not required, the CSPP strongly encourages students to participate in a full-time internship experience in an accredited clinical setting for the fifth year to gain valuable real-world application before graduation.

1000 South Fremont Avenue Unit 5 Alhambra, CA 91803 626-270-3300 [email protected] https://www.alliant.edu/psychology/clinical-psychology/phd

Alliant International University – San Diego

First formed in 2001, Alliant International University is comprised of the combination of two highly regarded institutions, the California School of Professional Psychology (CSPP) and the United States International University (USIU). Founded by the president of the American Psychological Association, CSPP is strongly focused on seamlessly integrating academic excellence, multiculturalism, mentoring by experts in the field, and hands-on training in a variety of clinical settings. For a competitive edge, the school requires all students to specialize in a certain professional niche of interest to give their career a jumpstart.

The Clinical Psychology PhD program at the San Diego campus has developed a unique integrated blend of both research and clinical practice for well-rounded professionals. As students progress through the program, they are able to work closely with established applied researchers to discover increased understanding on principles, such as traumatic brain injuries, autism, mind-body disorders, pediatric psychology, and mindfulness. Each student enrolled in the program is assigned a faculty advisor to help them formulate a customized plan for practicum and internship training that aligns with their schedule and future career goals. Students are required to complete 800 hours in the second year and 1,000 years in the third year in one of the 80 different partnering agencies in the San Diego area.

10455 Pomerado Rd. San Diego, CA 92131 866-825-5426 [email protected] https://www.alliant.edu/psychology/clinical-psychology/phd

Alliant International University – San Francisco Bay

The California School of Professional Psychology on the Alliant International University at San Francisco Bay campus is committed to preparing students for professional careers in the rewarding field of psychology. Since real-world practicum is so vital to the school’s goals, students are given placements in mental health clinics, rehabilitation facilities, hospitals, day care programs, correctional facilities, governmental agencies, and many more clinical settings. All of the doctoral programs offered by CSPP exceed all of the state and national accreditation requirements in California, so graduates are automatically eligible to sit for the examination to become licensed as a professional psychologist.

As the perfect blend of psychological theory and research with a heavy dose of fieldwork, the Clinical Psychology PhD program at the San Francisco Bay campus emphasizes training in cutting-edge strength areas. Depending on their individual interests, students can elect to specialize in LGBT Psychology/Gender Studies, Multicultural Community Psychology, Health Psychology, or Child and Adolescent Psychology. Over the course of the five-year program, students will be able to participate in student-led research projects to apply their skills in collaboration with other institutions, including the University of California at San Francisco, Stanford University, and the San Francisco Department of Public Health.

2030 West El Camino Avenue, Suite 200 Sacramento, CA 95833 916-565-2955 [email protected] https://www.alliant.edu/psychology/clinical-psychology/phd

Biola University

Rosemead school of psychology.

Located in sunny Southern California, Biola University is a private Christian university dedicated to delivering exceptional biblical-centered education and spiritual development to fulfill students’ vocations. As one of the leading Christian universities, it is no surprise that Biola has been recognized as the 177th best college in the nation by U.S. News and World Report. The Rosemead School of Psychology offers reputable, accredited programs that have had a proven track record of preparing graduates for success in the highly competitive field. Through a biblical understanding of human nature and truths from God’s written Word, the programs seek to produce balanced psychologists who will make a difference in areas of teaching, counseling, research, or clinical practice.

Within the Clinical Psychology PhD program at Biola University, students are required to complete a minimum of 133 semester hours in four years of residency. In addition to the major course requirements, students must complete a minor in theology and a minimum of 17 semester hours in biblical coursework. Enrolled students in the program need to satisfactorily complete a full-time clinical internship for one year, as well as compose a dissertation with an oral defense before the doctoral committee before graduation.

• Association of Independent California Colleges and Universities
• Council of Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU)

13800 Biola Ave. La Mirada, CA 90639 562-903-4867 [email protected] https://www.biola.edu/degrees/g/clinical-psychology-phd

Fielding Graduate University

School of psychology.

As one of the top 100 graduate degree producers in the country for minority groups by Diverse Issues in Higher Education, the Fielding Graduate University in Santa Barbara is committed to programs in psychology, educational leadership, and organizational development. The School of Psychology offers the only accredited doctoral programs in the nation that utilize the innovative distributed delivery method to support students’ other daily obligations. Although some master’s degrees are offered entirely online, the doctoral programs are blended with in-person class sessions, independent studies, online seminars, and meetings with colleagues or faculty. Since being founded in 1974, the school has developed the core values of lifelong learning, social justice, and research innovation.

Fielding Graduate University offers a high-quality Clinical Psychology PhD program within a diverse, challenging, and dynamic community of professionals in psychology. Although all of the faculty instructors are active scholars and practitioners in the field, many have even been nationally recognized in their area of specialization. Students in the program have the option to concentrate in Forensic Psychology, Health Psychology, Neuropsychology, Violence Prevention and Control, or Parent-Infant Mental Health. If students follow the curriculum sequence that is recommended, the 175.5 semester units can be completed within six years.

• California Board of Behavioral Sciences

2020 De La Vina St. Santa Barbara, CA 93105 805-687-1099 [email protected] https://www.fielding.edu/our-programs/school-of-psychology/phd-clinical-psychology/

Fuller Theological Seminary

With more than 4,300 students hailing from 67 international countries and 108 denominations, the Fuller Theological Seminary has been described as one of the most influential seminaries in the nation and the largest multi-denominational seminary on the globe. After it first opened its doors in 1965, the Fuller School of Psychology became the first seminary-based program in psychology to receive full accreditation from the APA. Today, the School is home to the 164th best graduate clinical psychology program and the 214th best graduate psychology program in the nation by U.S. News and World Report. In the Lee Edward Travis Institute, students and faculty members of the School of Psychology are consistently involved in research across the full spectrum of behavioral sciences.

Within the six-year Clinical Psychology PhD program, students are required to complete a minimum of 300 semester units with a seamless integration of clinical practice and innovative research experience. Students are awarded a Master of Arts in Psychology after finishing 88 units in major courses, and then a Master of Arts in Christian Leadership when the required 76 units of theology courses are completed. The program also involves more than 1,000 hours engaging in clinical training through a variety of field placements scattered across the diverse greater Los Angeles metropolitan area.

• Association of Theological Schools in the United States and Canada

135 North Oakland Ave. Pasadena, CA 91182 626-584-5200 [email protected] https://www.fuller.edu/phd-clinical-psychology/

Loma Linda University

School of behavioral health.

Loma Linda University is a Seventh-day Adventist institution with more than 4,000 students completing studies in health and science majors. Previously called the School of Science and Technology, the School of Behavioral Health has undergone a recent transformation to specify its goal of delivering high-quality graduate level education for professionals in behavioral health practices. It now consists of three distinct departments that have matured for the past decades, including Social Work, Psychology, and Counseling and Family Services. The School is currently home to the 164th best graduate clinical psychology program in the nation, according to the U.S. News and World Report.

The LLU Clinical Psychology PhD program strongly adheres to the guidelines and regulations that have been established by the APA. With the largest medical facility in the Inland Empire at Loma Linda University Medical Center, students enrolled in the program receive significant training in behavioral health across diverse populations. Students are encouraged to select one area of professional emphasis, such as neuroscience, health psychology, child and adolescent psychology, or social-cultural behavioral health. Before receiving the degree, students must complete a minimum of 204 semester units, typically within five years.

Griggs Hall 11065 Campus St. Loma Linda, CA 92350 909-558-8722 [email protected] https://behavioralhealth.llu.edu/academics/psychology/clinical-psychology-phd

University of California – Berkeley

Department of psychology.

Overlooking the beautiful San Francisco Bay stands the 20th best college in the nation, the University of California at Berkeley. As one of the premier public universities in the world, the faculty of UC Berkeley is comprised of 22 Nobel Prize winners, 32 MacArthur fellows, and 4 Pulitzer Prize winners. Over the past ten years, the National Science Foundation has awarded more Graduate Research Fellowships to this university’s students than any other in the nation. The Department of Psychology aims to produce high-achieving scholar research students with a significant understanding of psychology and ability to conduct independent research for further knowledge in the field.

The UC Berkeley Clinical Psychology PhD program is currently ranked as the 11th best graduate psychology program in the nation by U.S. News and World Report. Students in the program are expected to complete the degree within five or six years, after successfully finishing the required full-time clinical internship and dissertation. At the beginning of day one, students are matched with a faculty advisor who will supervise the student’s research and provide assistance in scheduling their clinical training.

PhD in Social Psychology

Currently ranked as the 8th best Social Psychology PhD program in the entire nation, the program endeavors to prepare students for professional careers in research and teaching at the university level. Through the rigorous curriculum, students gain expertise in the six core areas of social psychology, which are self identity, social cognition, emotion/motivation, personality development, interpersonal relations, and organizational behavior.

• Psychological Clinical Science Accreditation System (PCSAS)

3210 Tolman Hall #1650 Berkeley, CA 94720 510-642-5292 [email protected] https://psychology.berkeley.edu/research/clinical-science

University of California – Los Angeles

Commonly referred to as UCLA, the University of California at Los Angeles is situated in the Westwood neighborhood of downtown LA, just five short miles from the sparkling Pacific Ocean. Renowned for its legacy of academic excellence in Southern California and beyond, it is currently ranked as the 23rd best university and 2nd top public school in the nation. At the UCLA Psychology Clinic, students enrolled in the Department of Psychology gain valuable experience by providing low-fee therapy and assessment services to diverse populations. Students can also conduct individual or supervised research at the Fernald Child Study Center, which is intended to bolster the department’s commitment to childhood learning and behavior disorders.

Doctoral in Psychology Training Program

PhD in Clinical Psychology – The UCLA Clinical Psychology PhD program has been recognized as the best in the nation by the U.S. News and World Report. The doctoral training program enables students to choose from a variety of distinct areas of concentration, including Behavioral Neuroscience, Developmental Psychology, Cognitive Psychology, Learning and Behavior, and Social Psychology. Although the program must be completed within seven years, it provides flexibility for individual variation spanning from four to seven years.

1285 Franz Hall Box 951563 Los Angeles, CA 90095 310-825-2961 [email protected] https://www.psych.ucla.edu/grads

University of California – Riverside

Graduate school of education.

The University of California at Riverside is currently ranked as the 112th best college and 55th top public school in the nation by U.S. News and World Report. It has also been named as the 5th best college in the United States for contributing to the public good by Washington Monthly magazine. Widely recognized among the most ethnically diverse research campuses in the country, the university has more than 21,000 students pursuing more than 65 different degree programs. Since opening in 1969, the UCR Graduate School of Education (GSOE) has prepared researchers, teachers, school psychologists, and administrators for success in education.

PhD in School Psychology

Leading to a state of California Pupil Personnel Services (PPS) credential, the PhD in School Psychology is a five-year, full-time degree program that includes a one-year internship opportunity in a school or university setting. Using the innovative eco-behavioral theoretical model, the program is designed to help students develop skills for reform and implementation of the Response to Intervention (RTI) approach.

• National Association of School Psychologists (NASP)

1207 Sproul Hall 900 University Ave. Riverside, CA 92521 951-827-5225 [email protected] http://education.ucr.edu/schoolpsych/schpsychmain.html

University of California – Santa Barbara

Gevirtz graduate school of education.

One of only 61 institutions elected to be members of the prestigious Association of American Universities, the University of California at Santa Barbara is ranked as the 41st best college and 11th top public school in the nation by U.S. News and World Report. In addition, the Gevirtz Graduate School of Education is ranked as the 40th best school of education in the nation. The school is committed to educating scholar researchers and practitioners for excellence and equality in education.

Combined PhD in Counseling, Clinical, and School Psychology

Designed to prepare well-rounded psychological service providers to provide direct service to their clients, the PhD in Counseling, Clinical, and School Psychology program blends the three different service areas and employment settings. In order to develop research-oriented and academic psychologists, the UC Santa Barbara department helps students develop knowledge unique to counseling, clinical practice, and school psychology. After completing the program, graduates will meet the California PPS School Psychology credentials and be able to sit for the examination to become licensed.

552 University Rd. Santa Barbara, CA 93106 805-893-3375 [email protected] https://education.ucsb.edu/ccsp/combined-doctoral-program

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School Psychology Virtual Information Session: 06/20/2024

Event Date and Time:    Thursday, June 20, 2024 - 4:00PM - 5:00PM  

Virtual:  

This information session will be hosted via Zoom Video Conferencing.  Reservations for these information sessions are required, please RSVP .  

Overview:  

The School Psychology Program Information Session will be an opportunity to learn about the application process, degree requirements, and exciting grant opportunities from current students in the program and Graduate Studies Office staff. Reservations for these information sessions are required, please RSVP .  

If you would like to request accommodations, please contact the Bob Murphy Access Center at least 72 hours in advance before the information session at 562.985.5401 or  [email protected]  

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The Center for Professional Counseling Honored with CAMFT Outstanding Agency Award

The Center for Professional Counseling has been awarded the prestigious CAMFT Outstanding Agency Award for 2024 by the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (CAMFT). This recognition celebrates the center's significant psychotherapy contributions and unwavering dedication to community service.

Led by Dr. Jack Mayhall , an adjunct faculty member at Pepperdine University, the center has been instrumental in training future therapists since its founding in 1976. Over the years, it has provided over 215,000 hours of counseling to more than 28,000 clients, offering accessible mental health care through a sliding scale fee structure.

A key initiative of the center is its School-Based Mental Health services, which support 75 youths across five Title-one (low-income) and ethnically diverse schools, funded by a Kaiser grant.

The award will be presented at the CAMFT Annual Conference Membership Meeting on May 4, 2024, at the LAX Marriott. For more information on the conference, visit their website .

The Center for Professional Counseling's recognition underscores its commitment to excellence and community impact, setting a standard of compassionate care in psychotherapy.

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Information for Prospective Students

Welcome to the department of psychology.

The graduate admissions office is operating on a hybrid schedule.  Please email  [email protected]  with any questions or to request an advising appointment.

Prospective Students

Students are admitted by one of the department’s seven areas:  Behavioral Neuroscience , Clinical , Cognitive , Developmental ,  Health ,  Quantitative , and  Social Psychology . With rare exception, this area affiliation is retained throughout a student’s stay in the program. Much of the program is administered by the areas. For example, the area has immediate responsibility for directing the student’s progress. However, students can take courses from all other areas, except certain courses in Clinical. The department also has several cross-area research programs.

The department DOES NOT OFFER A MASTERS ONLY, PSY.D. PROGRAM, PPS CREDENTIAL, OR BCBA COURSEWORK.   A Bachelor’s degree (Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Sciences) or its equivalent from an accredited university worldwide is not required to apply to our program, but is required to enter our program.  A Master’s degree is not required to apply or enter our program (with exception for some international students). The Ph.D. program is a six-year, full-time only program. All areas are research-oriented. This applies to the Clinical area as well: although this area offers excellent clinical training, the emphasis lies in research, not in training private practitioners.

The program begins with the core curriculum. These courses have dual roles: they provide breadth and they serve as a basis for subsequent specialized study. The core curriculum has three components: a two-quarter statistics series, courses required by specific major areas, and a three-quarter research sequence. In the latter sequence the student designs, conducts, and writes up a research project under the direction of two faculty members. 

Much of the course work in the second and third year is devoted to the requirements of the student’s major area. In addition, an optional minor area of coursework can be Diversity Science, Health Psychology, and/or Quantitative Psychology. A student may also petition to formulate an individualized minor.

Throughout the program, students are involved in research working with one or more faculty advisors (see Faculty Research Interests). Some students are paid research assistants in an ongoing research program related to the student’s area of concentration. Students develop their teaching skills by participating in a Teaching Practicum Program working as paid teaching assistants and, in some cases, teaching their own courses.

Clinical program students continue their specialized work through courses closely coordinated with laboratory and practicum experience in a clinical setting. Although the primary prerequisite for beginning specialization in any area is successful completion of the core program, some additional screening is required in clinical psychology. Continuation into the second year of the Clinical program must be approved by the Clinical Area Committee.

When sufficiently prepared through courses, research, and (in some cases) practicum experience, some students take major area written qualifying examinations. The requirements for these examinations are set by the areas.

By the fourth year a student should have enough experience and knowledge of current research issues to begin formulating a dissertation proposal.

Thereafter, the student concentrates primarily on dissertation research. The oral qualifying examination, focusing on the dissertation proposal, must be completed no later than the end of spring quarter of the fourth year. Upon completion of the dissertation, the student takes a final oral examination, defending his/her research and explaining its contribution to his/her field of knowledge.

Although this program is described as spanning six years of graduate study, it is flexible enough to permit considerable individual variation. The dissertation must be filed within three years of the oral qualifying examination.

For a more detailed outline of the course of study, please see the UCLA Division of Graduate Education’s Program Requirements for Psychology  or the Psychology Graduate Handbook.

It is UC policy that students who have earned a previous Master’s Degree in Psychology are not permitted to earn a duplicate Master’s Degree in Psychology at UCLA. However, once admitted to our program, students with extensive prior training in a given area, such as an M.A. in Psychology or another major, may petition the Department for exemption from courses. To learn more about possible course exemption, please contact the  Graduate Advising Supervisor .

Please note, the department no longer prints information to be mailed. Prospective students can download or print information about our program from this website.

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Birth: 1945

Death: 2024

Dr. VeLora J. Lilly, Ph.D. OBITUARY

VeLora Lilly, a psychologist with expertise in a wide range of clinical modalities, passed away in San Francisco on February 27, 2024, after a four-year battle with cancer. VeLora was born in Chicago, Illinois on June 1, 1945. For over four decades, VeLora was a clinician in Chicago and San Francisco adept at dealing with multicultural and women’s issues as well as career transitions and program design and development. In the 1970’s, VeLora was a Youth Guidance social worker who played a pivotal role in establishing a youth guidance program at Clemente High School in Chicago, during a time when school-based social services was a radical idea. VeLora, along with her colleagues, spearheaded innovative approaches to reaching teenagers by establishing group counseling sessions in schools, and pioneering creative arts and culinary arts programs. In California, VeLora worked in mental health institutions, in private practice and as a consultant to the San Francisco Department of Human Services. She was on the faculty as an Assistant Clinical Professor at the UCSF Langley Porter Psychiatric Institute. In whatever professional capacity VeLora worked, the lives she touched were impacted positively. VeLora loved to travel and experienced new cultures and ideas. She lived part of every year in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico and visited her family and friends in Europe every year. Wherever she went, VeLora brought her buoyant energy and love of life that she particularly expressed in music and dance. She was an avid believer in human and civil rights. Even while she was battling cancer, she would take part in marches and protests to support human rights causes.VeLora was a gifted individual in so many respects and was a force of nature. She is missed by her family and friends the world over. VeLora is survived by her brother Wilhelm Lilly (Bill) of Chicago Ill, her nephews, Brandon Lilly of Chicago, Ill and Hendrik and Marvin Koenig of Germany.A celebration of VeLora’s life will be held on June 8th, 2024, at Glide Memorial Church from 12 2pm. Service at Glide will be live Streamed.

Honor with Flowers

In memory of VeLora J. Lilly

Plant a Living Memorial

Zombie colleges roam the internet, here's how to spot a legitimate, living university

A USA TODAY investigation has exposed websites set up for closed universities posing as viable colleges.

Whoever is behind the copycat sites has been collecting application fees and personal student identity information. Once USA TODAY reached out to them for comment, some of the sites and their application links came down.

The investigation also found a network of fictitious colleges claiming to be accredited, generally the gold standard of legitimate universities in the U.S., however, those accreditors appear to be fabricated as well.  (Do you know more about these colleges, tell us. )

Investigation: Zombie colleges? These universities are living another life online, and no one can say why

So how can prospective students know which schools actually offer an education and which may be fronts for something else?  Luckily, there are telltale signs.  But it may take some sleuthing. 

Is it accredited?  

If a university wants to offer federal student aid, it has to be:

◾ Approved by a college accreditor.

◾ Approved by the state it resides in.

◾ Certified by the U.S. Department of Education, based, in part, on the first two.

Oversight of a school’s academic offerings falls to the accreditor, who is expected to review curriculums regularly. These accrediting agencies also visit schools in person.  

Prospective students can see if a school is truly accredited by looking it up on the federal government’s consumer guide to schools, the College Scorecard . Universities also often list their accreditors on their websites, which students can check against the accreditors’ own lists. Many states maintain a list of schools they have authorized as well. 

Check the web address 

It can be as simple as just checking the end of the university’s web address. 

Generally, only accredited colleges can use a .edu domain in their URL. Domains ending in .college, .education, or .university aren’t restricted to educational institutions, though. The website backed by former staffers at Marymount California University is marymountcalifornia.edu whereas the imposter website is at marymountcalifornia.education.  

Or pick up your phone and try to reach someone in college admissions. Legitimate colleges have entire staffs eager to talk to prospective students. It’s their job.

Some of the questions to ask: 

◾ When is the next application deadline?

◾ What do you need for the application? An essay? Test scores? Do you accept the Common Application , a form used by hundreds of colleges?

◾ How much does your program cost? Do you offer federal financial aid?

How do I tell if a college accreditor is real?  

Some of the imposter websites appeared to have created their own accreditors. Skeptical applicants can verify an accreditor's legitimacy by checking the Education Department’s list of approved agencies .

Note: Some accreditors are set up to approve only specific academic programs. Look instead for institutional accreditation, i.e., approval of all of the schools’ operations.  

Pay close attention to accreditors’ names too. Some counterfeit schools claimed accreditation by the “United States Higher Learning Commission.” That is close to the actual accrediting organization known as “The Higher Learning Commission.”   

Does the school have an address? Google it 

Some of the counterfeit universities claim strange addresses. The original Stratford University, for example, was in Virginia, but the imposter says the university is in Kentucky. In that case, a Google Street View search of the Kentucky address reveals no signage for a university.  

Many of the fictitious universities on the website of the Ministry of Higher Education Commission, one of the made-up accreditors, list unusual physical addresses too. The address for “Dakota Hill University,” for example, is actually home to Black Hills State University, a school that is accredited. USA TODAY found other schools with addresses that showed up on Google as nondescript office buildings, even parking garages. 

Be aware of the university’s size too. Some legitimate and smaller schools focused on career skills can be in office parks. But such a location would be unusual for large state or private colleges.  

Has anyone else attended this college? Who teaches there?  

Try to find past students. With LinkedIn, it’s easy to locate graduates of any college. Some schools also have alumni associations where prospective students may be able to learn more about the institution.  

Be wary of student testimonials that live solely on a college’s website because those could be fabricated by the operators of the university. Apply the same skepticism to sites that gather anonymous reviews such as Yelp – or even the reviews you might find on Google or Facebook.   

University professors should also have a web presence. Legitimate colleges often have individual web pages for their faculty members. Some college websites also feature past course catalogs. The new Stratford website, in contrast, listed only broad descriptions of its degree offerings and did not indicate who would be teaching those courses. That also was true of other zombie sites.  

Chris Quintana is a reporter on the USA TODAY investigations team with a background in higher education and student loans. Contact him at  [email protected] , @CquintanaDC on Instagram and X, or by Signal at 202-308-9021.