Indiana University Bloomington

What you'll study

The PhD emphasises sustained, original research alongside advanced coursework and teaching experience. Early years typically combine core coursework in statistics, research methods and disciplinary foundations with specialised seminars in your chosen area. Students work closely with a faculty advisor and a research laboratory; common research areas in the department include clinical science, cognitive neuroscience and cognition, developmental psychology, social and personality psychology, behavioural neuroscience and quantitative methodology.

Typical programme elements include:

• Advanced seminars in your specialism (for example, cognitive processes, lifespan development, psychopathology, social cognition)
• Statistical and methodological training (multivariate statistics, hierarchical models, experimental and psychometric methods)
• Laboratory-based research and data collection, including animal models where relevant to neuroscience work
• Teaching experience as a course instructor or teaching assistant
• Comprehensive/qualifying examinations and a doctoral dissertation proposal and defence
• For clinical-science students: supervised clinical practicum and internship leading to readiness for pre-doctoral clinical placements

The programme typically culminates in an independent dissertation that makes a substantive contribution to psychological science. Many students also produce peer-reviewed publications and present at national and international conferences during their doctoral training.

Entry requirements

Applicants usually hold a bachelor’s degree; many admitted students also have a master’s degree. Strong preparation includes coursework in psychology and statistics, and demonstrable research experience (for example, as a research assistant, honours project or master’s thesis). Typical application materials requested by the department are:

• A detailed curriculum vitae
• A personal statement outlining research interests and fit with faculty
• Academic transcripts from all post‑secondary institutions
• Letters of recommendation, normally three, from academic or research supervisors
• Representative writing samples or research papers

Admission is competitive. While some applicants submit graduate test scores, policies on the GRE may vary by area; consult the department for current guidance. International applicants must demonstrate English proficiency according to the university’s requirements and submit certified transcripts and any additional documentation the Graduate School requires.

Career prospects

Graduates of the PhD in Psychology pursue a range of careers. Many move into tenure-track academic positions in psychology departments or related fields, conducting independent research and teaching. Others take research scientist roles in government laboratories, healthcare systems, non-profit research organisations, or industry (for example, in user experience research, data science, pharmaceutical research, or tech companies). Clinical-science graduates often proceed to accredited internships and licensure pathways, practising as clinical psychologists in hospitals, community mental health settings or private practice. Additional career paths include policy, higher-education administration, and applied research roles in education and public health.

Why study at Indiana University Bloomington

Indiana University Bloomington offers a long-established Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences with a broad faculty whose research spans basic and applied domains of psychology. Doctoral students benefit from close mentorship in active research labs, comprehensive methodological training, and opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration across cognitive science, neuroscience, informatics and public health. The department supports doctoral students through teaching and research assistantships, internal fellowships and access to well-equipped facilities, including neuroimaging and behavioural labs. Bloomington’s campus and scholarly community provide a supportive environment for sustained research development, professional training and networking with national and international collaborators.