University of Colorado Boulder

What you'll study

The PhD is a research-led programme combining advanced coursework, supervised laboratory research, teaching experience and a dissertation based on original empirical work. Students follow a programme of core and area-specific courses in statistics, research methods and ethics alongside specialised seminars and practicum training where relevant.

• Core training: advanced statistics and quantitative methods, experimental design, research ethics and reproducibility, and professional development (grant writing, pedagogy).
• Area specialisms: students typically join one of the department's primary research areas—behavioural neuroscience, clinical psychology (APA-accredited clinical training track), cognitive and affective science, developmental psychology, or social and personality psychology—and take focused seminars and laboratory rotations within that area.
• Research practicum and clinical training: clinical-track students complete supervised practicum and assessment work leading toward licensure eligibility in most jurisdictions; other students gain extensive hands-on experience through lab-based projects, neuroimaging or psychophysiology methods, longitudinal field studies, or computational modelling depending on their focus.
• Teaching and professional development: graduate teaching assistantships provide experience in undergraduate instruction, while workshops and mentoring support skills in scientific communication, grant acquisition and career planning.
• Qualifying assessments and dissertation: students typically complete milestone assessments (such as comprehensive exams or a proposal defence) and a doctoral dissertation that contributes new knowledge to their field under faculty supervision.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to hold a bachelor's degree in psychology or a related discipline; many entering students also hold a relevant master's degree or substantial research experience. Strong preparation in research methods and statistics is essential. Admissions decisions consider academic transcripts, research experience, letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose outlining research interests and fit with faculty, and a curriculum vitae.

• Demonstrated research experience (e.g. honours thesis, laboratory work, publications) is highly desirable.
• Evidence of quantitative competence through coursework or research is important, particularly for lab- and methods-focused areas.
• Three academic or professional references are normally required.
• International applicants must meet the university's English language proficiency requirements.
• The programme may ask for supplementary materials such as a writing sample, and standardised tests (e.g. GRE) are considered according to current department policy.

Career prospects

Graduates of the PhD in Psychology pursue a range of careers in academia, research and applied settings. Common pathways include university faculty positions, postdoctoral research, and research scientist roles in government or private research institutes. Clinical-track graduates move into licensed practice, clinical supervision and clinical research roles.

• Academic careers: tenure-track faculty, postdoctoral researcher, lab director.
• Applied research and industry: research scientist, data scientist, user experience researcher, neurotechnology and health‑tech roles.
• Clinical practice and healthcare: licensed clinical psychologist, clinical supervisor, hospital- or community-based clinician (for clinical-track graduates who complete licensure requirements).
• Policy, government and non-profit: research and evaluation roles, programme evaluation, science policy and consulting.

Why study at University of Colorado Boulder

CU Boulder is a research-intensive university with active, collaborative psychology faculty and a range of interdisciplinary centres that support cognitive science, neuroscience and applied research. The department offers strong mentorship, opportunities for hands-on neuroimaging and psychophysiological work, and a clinical training track with practicum placements that connect students to community mental health providers.

Students benefit from a supportive graduate community, multiple funding opportunities through research and teaching assistantships, and proximity to a vibrant regional ecosystem of technology companies, research institutes and governmental agencies. The university's emphasis on cross-disciplinary collaboration and professional development helps prepare graduates for diverse careers in research, practice and leadership.