Loyola University Chicago

What you'll study

The PhD is grounded in rigorous training in psychological theory, research methods, and statistics, combined with sustained original research leading to a doctoral dissertation. Students tailor their programme through coursework, seminars and laboratory rotations in core areas such as clinical psychology, cognitive and affective neuroscience, developmental psychology, social psychology, and health psychology. Typical coursework covers advanced research design, multivariate statistics, psychometrics, biological bases of behaviour, and specialty seminars aligned to the student’s research focus.

• Core research methods and statistics (e.g. experimental design, multilevel modelling)
• Advanced seminars in your chosen concentration (for example: clinical assessment and intervention, cognitive neuroscience, lifespan development, social cognition)
• Practicum and supervised clinical training components for clinical-track students
• Teaching practicum and opportunities to guest-lecture or lead tutorial sections
• Research rotations, lab meetings and grant-writing workshops
• Qualifying/comprehensive examinations and dissertation research

The programme emphasises training in empirical methods and reproducible research practices; students typically begin a sustained line of research early in the programme under the supervision of a faculty mentor and contribute to publications and conference presentations during their training.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to have a strong academic background in psychology or a related discipline. Typical requirements include:

• A bachelor’s degree in psychology or a closely related field; applicants with a master’s degree may be considered for advanced standing
• A solid record of undergraduate and/or graduate coursework in research methods, statistics and core areas of psychology
• Demonstrable research experience (e.g. honours thesis, research assistantships, publications or conference presentations)
• Academic transcripts, curriculum vitae, a personal statement outlining research interests and fit with faculty, and three academic or professional references
• A sample of scholarly writing, and participation in an interview as part of the selection process

Some programmes and specialisations may invite or require additional documentation (for example, evidence of clinical experience for clinical training pathways). Standardised test requirements vary; consult the department for current guidance on whether tests such as the GRE are requested or optional.

Career prospects

Graduates typically move into careers in academic and research settings, clinical practice (for those who complete the clinical training components and meet state licensure requirements), and applied research roles in healthcare, government, industry and non-profit organisations. Specific career pathways include:

• University faculty positions with research and teaching responsibilities
• Postdoctoral research positions in academic, hospital or institute settings
• Clinical psychologist roles in hospitals, community mental health centres and private practice (clinical track graduates must meet licensure requirements)
• Research scientist or data-science roles in healthcare, pharmaceutical, and technology sectors
• Policy, evaluation and applied research roles in government and non-government organisations

Why study at Loyola University Chicago

Loyola offers doctoral training within a research-active department that emphasises the scientific-practitioner model and values community engagement and social justice. Students benefit from close mentorship by faculty whose expertise spans basic and applied psychology, access to research infrastructure and labs, and clinical training opportunities across a range of urban settings in Chicago. The university’s Jesuit mission encourages interdisciplinary collaboration and ethical scholarship, while the city provides a diverse population and numerous practicum and research partnerships that enhance real-world training.

Doctoral students also have access to professional development resources, teaching opportunities, and a network of alumni working in academia, clinical practice and applied research. Prospective applicants should review faculty profiles and current research groups to identify potential mentors whose interests align with their own.