Kent State University

What you'll study

The programme centres on advanced training in experimental methods, statistics and contemporary theoretical issues in psychological science. Course work commonly includes advanced statistics and experimental design, theory and methods in cognitive psychology, perception and attention, developmental experimental methods, social cognition, and courses in biological bases of behaviour such as cognitive neuroscience or psychophysiology.

Students undertake a combination of seminars, core and elective courses, and sustained hands‑on research. Early in the programme students typically join a faculty research lab, participate in research projects, develop an individual programme of study in consultation with their advisor, and progress through qualifying or comprehensive examinations. The doctoral training culminates in the design and completion of an original empirical dissertation and a public dissertation defence.

Training emphasises rigorous experimental design, advanced quantitative analysis (including multivariate statistics and experimental psychometrics), reproducible research practices, and scientific communication. Many students also gain teaching experience through graduate teaching assistantships and opportunities to teach undergraduate laboratory courses.

Entry requirements

• Academic qualifications: A strong undergraduate degree in psychology or a related discipline is normally required; applicants with a relevant master's degree are also welcome. Admissions committees look for evidence of academic preparation in statistics, research methods and experimental coursework.
• Research experience: Demonstrable research experience is highly desirable. This can include honours or master's research projects, published work, conference presentations, or substantive research assistant roles.
• Application materials: A typical application package includes official transcripts, a curriculum vitae, a statement of purpose outlining research interests and fit with the department, and three letters of academic or professional reference.
• English language proficiency: International applicants whose first language is not English must meet the university's English language requirements, demonstrated by an approved test or other institutional measures.
• Additional information: Some applicants may be invited for an interview with faculty. Standardised tests such as the GRE may be considered according to departmental policy; applicants should consult the department for current testing expectations.

Career prospects

Graduates with a PhD in Research and Experimental Psychology pursue a range of careers centred on rigorous scientific investigation and quantitative competence. Common career paths include tenure‑track academic positions, postdoctoral research, and research scientist roles in industry labs (for example in human factors, user experience research, cognitive modelling or applied R&D).

Other opportunities include research roles in government agencies and non-profit organisations, data science and analytics positions that value experimental design and statistical expertise, and roles in science communication or policy. The programme’s emphasis on experimental methods, statistics and publication prepares graduates for positions that require independent research, grant writing and mentoring of junior researchers.

Why study at Kent State University

• Research-active faculty: The department hosts faculty working across a spectrum of experimental and cognitive topics, offering students a range of methodological approaches and theoretical perspectives to support their dissertation work.
• Hands-on facilities: Students have access to well‑equipped behavioural laboratories and psychophysiological research facilities, and opportunities to work with modern data‑collection and analysis tools used in experimental psychology.
• Collaborative environment: Kent State fosters cross‑disciplinary collaboration within the university and region, enabling partnerships with colleagues in neuroscience, engineering, education and healthcare.
• Professional development: The programme provides mentoring for scholarly publication, grant preparation, teaching, and preparing for academic and non‑academic careers. Graduate funding typically includes assistantships that combine research and teaching experience.
• Location advantages: Situated in Northeast Ohio, students benefit from proximity to a diverse set of research organisations, cultural resources and opportunities for field collaborations and internships.