Program Overview

Psychology PhD Program

The Psychology PhD program at Temple University offers advanced study leading to the doctoral degree, with training directed toward excellence in scholarship, research, teaching, and practical applications. The focus of the program varies depending on the area of specialization.

About the Program

• Time Limit for Degree Completion: 7 years
• Campus Location: Main
• Full-Time/Part-Time Status: Full-time study is required
• Interdisciplinary Study: The program encourages interdisciplinary coursework
• Ranking: The program has been consistently ranked among the very best Psychology doctoral programs
• Accreditation: The American Psychological Association and Psychological Clinical Science Accreditation System have accredited the Clinical Psychology area of specialization
• Areas of Specialization:
  • Clinical Psychology
  • Cognition and Neuroscience
  • Developmental Psychology
  • Social Psychology
• Job Prospects: The program is dedicated to producing well-trained psychologists with the PhD who work in academic, applied, and industry settings
• Licensure/Certification: The field of Clinical Psychology requires licensure for its practice

Admission Requirements and Deadlines

• Application Deadline: November 15 for Fall Admission
• Application Process: All applicants must apply through the online application for the College of Liberal Arts at Temple University
• Fee Waivers: Available on a first-come, first-served basis for applicants who identify as members of groups underrepresented in academia or who meet NIH guidelines for socioeconomically disadvantaged students
• Letters of Reference: 3 letters required from college/university faculty members and/or employers familiar with the applicant's academic competence
• Coursework Required for Admission Consideration:
  • At least four 3-credit courses in Psychology
  • A statistics course
  • One laboratory course in the sciences
  • A natural sciences laboratory course is also recommended
• Master's Degree in Discipline/Related Discipline: Not required
• Bachelor's Degree in Discipline/Related Discipline: A baccalaureate degree in Psychology is strongly recommended; depending on the area of interest, a bachelor's degree in a biology-related discipline may be appropriate
• Statement of Goals: Approximately 500 to 1,000 words, stating interest in Temple's program, outlining research goals, future career goals, and academic and research achievements
• Standardized Test Scores:
  • GRE General Test: Optional
  • GRE Subject Test in Psychology: Not required
  • English proficiency tests for international students: TOEFL iBT (105), IELTS Academic (7.0), or PTE Academic (72)
• Resume: Current academic CV or professional resume required

Program Requirements

• General Program Requirements:
  • Number of credits required to earn the degree: 32-68, depending on the area of specialization
  • Required courses vary by area of specialization
• Area of Specialization in Clinical Psychology:
  • Core courses include Graduate Statistics I and II, Professional Development and Research Ethics, and others
  • Clinical practicum and internship required
• Areas of Specialization in Cognition and Neuroscience, Developmental Psychology, and Social Psychology:
  • Core courses include Graduate Statistics I and II, Teaching of Psychology, and Professional Development and Research Ethics
  • Electives and topical seminars, as well as research courses, are required
• Optional Concentration in Quantitative Methods:
  • Number of credits required to complete the concentration: 3
  • Coursework includes Graduate Statistics I and II, and two advanced multivariate methods courses

Culminating Events

• Preliminary Examination: Demonstrates critical and interpretive knowledge in a specialized area of Psychology
• Dissertation Proposal: Demonstrates knowledge of and ability to conduct the proposed research
• Dissertation: An original empirical study that makes a significant contribution to the field of Psychology
• Dissertation Defense: Evaluates the student's dissertation and oral defense

Financing Opportunities

• Teaching and Research Assistantships: Carry a stipend, full tuition remission, and health insurance benefits
• Principal Duties: Assist faculty members in classroom instruction, conduct tutorials and discussion sections, grade, and devote time to research obligations