Georgetown University

What you'll study

The PhD in Psychology at Georgetown is centred on intensive research training combined with advanced coursework and mentored practical experience. Students take seminars in core areas — including research methods, statistics, and the philosophy of science — and specialised seminars aligned with their research focus such as clinical science, cognitive neuroscience, developmental processes, and social and personality psychology.

• Core research methods and statistics: advanced experimental design, multivariate statistics, longitudinal methods, and reproducible science practices.
• Area-specific seminars: topics vary by speciality and may include cognitive processes, neural mechanisms of behaviour, lifespan development, psychopathology, social cognition and personality theory.
• Laboratory research: sustained, faculty-supervised research leading to publications and conference presentations.
• Practicum and clinical training: for students in clinical-science tracks, supervised assessment and intervention experience in clinical settings, combined with coursework in psychopathology and assessment.
• Teaching and professional development: opportunities to develop pedagogical skills through teaching assistantships, seminars on grant writing and career planning, and interdisciplinary collaborations.
• Qualifying examination and dissertation: students demonstrate readiness for independent research through a qualifying exam or portfolio and complete an original doctoral dissertation under faculty supervision.

Entry requirements

Applicants typically hold a bachelor’s degree and many hold a master’s in psychology or a related discipline. Successful candidates present strong evidence of research potential, such as prior research experience in a laboratory, publications or conference presentations. Additional materials include academic transcripts, a personal statement describing research interests and fit with departmental faculty, curriculum vitae, and letters of recommendation from academic or research supervisors.

Applicants should have solid preparation in experimental methods and statistics; specific coursework expectations may vary by area of study. Standardised test policies and other application requirements are set by the department and can change, so prospective applicants should consult the department admissions page for current guidance.

Career prospects

Graduates of the PhD programme pursue a range of careers in academia, research institutes, healthcare and industry. Typical pathways include tenure-track faculty positions, postdoctoral research appointments, leadership roles in clinical services (with appropriate licensure), positions in government and policy organisations, and research or data-science roles in technology and private-sector organisations.

The programme’s emphasis on rigorous empirical training, grant-writing and teaching prepares graduates for roles that require independent research, programme development and evidence-based practice.

Why study at Georgetown University

Georgetown offers doctoral training within a research-intensive department located in Washington, DC, providing proximity to federal agencies, research hospitals and policy organisations that expand research and practicum opportunities. Faculty interests span basic and applied topics and students can collaborate across disciplines, including neuroscience, public policy, and global health.

The department emphasises close faculty mentorship, small cohort sizes and personalised training plans, enabling tailored research trajectories. Clinical-science students benefit from practicum partnerships with local hospitals and clinics, while experimental and cognitive students can access core facilities and interdisciplinary research centres.

Overall, Georgetown’s combination of rigorous methodological training, interdisciplinary collaboration and access to a diverse clinical and policy environment supports doctoral students preparing for research-intensive careers and leadership roles in psychology.