Program Overview
Psychology Graduate Program
The University of Kansas offers a single doctoral degree in Psychology, which may be earned in one of the following programs: Clinical Psychology, Social Psychology, or Brain, Behavior, and Quantitative Science. All programs boast distinguished and award-winning faculty, notable research publications, and a deep foundation in the historical progress of psychological advances.
Program Overview
The Psychology Graduate program offers a single MA/Ph.D. program. Students admitted to one of the concentrations enter with the expectation of continuing graduate study through the Ph.D. as the department does not offer a terminal Master's degree.
Admission
Application Deadline
The application deadline for the Fall 2026 admission is December 3, 2025. Our concentrations may have priority deadlines.
Required Materials
- A current C.V. (Curriculum Vitae) or resume
- A Statement of Purpose
- Name and email addresses for 3 references, preferably from those who have worked with you and know your research interests and abilities
- List of psychology courses taken and grades received
Transcripts & English Proficiency
- Transcripts from all institutions from which a degree was obtained, or any institutions attended post-bachelors
- Non-native English speakers must demonstrate proof of English proficiency before gaining admission to a graduate program
Program Requirements
Each concentration has a unique set of requirements. To learn more, please refer to the Degree Requirements in the Academic Catalog for specifics.
Financial Support
Students admitted to the Psychology Graduate Program are eligible for a variety of opportunities for financial support, including:
- Graduate Teaching Assistantships (GTA) & Graduate Research Assistantships (GRA)
- University Fellowships
- Outside Fellowships
Application Fee Waivers
The Department has historically accepted requests for application fee waivers. To request a fee waiver, please complete the Application Fee Waiver form by November 15th, 2025.
Department Graduate Student Handbook
The Graduate Student Handbook outlines expectations, requirements, and resources our students use to progress through our Doctoral Degree Program.
Health Psychology Certificate
The Graduate Certificate Program in Health Psychology is designed to provide exposure to theoretical and empirical research in Health Psychology that will augment a student’s primary course of study and provide certification of the completion of the program on a graduate transcript.
Non-Degree Seeking
If you completed a Bachelor’s degree with a demonstrated academic competence in psychology or a related discipline and wish to take an upcoming graduate-level course in the Department of Psychology, you may apply as a non-degree seeking (NDS) student.
Course Selection
Students admitted to the NDS program are encouraged to contact the Director of Graduate Studies to discuss course selection. Please be aware that the department does not allow NDS students to enroll in certain courses.
Admission
Application Deadlines
- Applications are accepted on a rolling-basis.
Application Materials
- A brief Personal Statement indicating your academic preparedness and personal or professional motivation for taking coursework in the Department of Psychology
- Transcripts from all institutions from which a degree was obtained, or any institutions attended post-bachelors
- Proof of English proficiency, as required by the Office of Graduate Studies, for applicants who indicate English is not their native language
Program Concentrations
- Brain, Behavior & Quantitative Science
- Clinical Psychology
- Social Psychology
Students who have earned a MA or MS Degree
We often admit students who have completed a master's degree in another program. Students who are admitted with MA or MS degrees in psychology (or closely related fields) may be credited with a maximum of 30 hours toward our Ph.D. degree. The number of hours that actually count toward our requirements depends on how well the students' MA program courses map onto our program requirements.