University of Kansas

What you'll study

The PhD curriculum emphasises original research, advanced methodological training and disciplinary breadth. Students specialise within areas such as Clinical Psychology (APA-accredited doctoral track), Behavioural Neuroscience, Developmental Psychology, Social Psychology, and Cognition & Cognitive Neuroscience. Typical early-stage work includes core coursework in statistics, research methods, and theoretical foundations, along with advanced seminars in your chosen specialty.

• Research methods and quantitative courses (e.g. multivariate statistics, experimental design)
• Specialist seminars tailored to your area (e.g. neurobiology of behaviour, lifespan development, social cognition, clinical assessment and intervention)
• Laboratory rotations and closely mentored research projects that lead to dissertation proposals
• Teaching practicum and opportunities to serve as a teaching assistant to develop instruction skills
• Clinical practicum and supervised patient contact for clinical-track students, culminating in internship preparation
• Comprehensive examinations and a defended dissertation based on original empirical work

Students typically progress from coursework and supervised research to independent dissertation work under the guidance of a faculty adviser. They also have access to core research facilities and specialised equipment (e.g. neuroimaging, psychophysiology, animal behavioural labs) through departmental and campus resources.

Entry requirements

Applicants should normally hold a bachelor's degree in psychology or a related discipline; a master’s degree with research experience can strengthen an application but is not always required. The department looks for evidence of research potential and fit with faculty interests.

• Transcripts demonstrating strong academic performance in undergraduate and any graduate study
• A personal statement describing research interests, career goals and fit with specific faculty or research groups
• Recent CV detailing research experience, publications or presentations if applicable
• Letters of recommendation from academic or research supervisors who can attest to research ability
• For international applicants, proof of English language proficiency (such as TOEFL or IELTS) where required

Some faculty or subprograms may expect prior laboratory experience and coursework in statistics or experimental methods. The department evaluates applications holistically; relevant research experience, clear alignment with faculty research areas, and strong recommendations are key. Standardised test requirements (e.g. GRE) vary by admission cycle and should be confirmed on the department website.

Career prospects

Graduates from the PhD programme pursue a range of careers depending on their specialty and training experiences. Common pathways include:

• Academic positions as tenure-track faculty, postdoctoral researchers or lecturers in psychology and related fields
• Clinical psychologists working in hospitals, community mental health centres, or private practice after completing internship and licensure requirements (for clinical-track graduates)
• Research scientists in industry, government agencies, non-profit research organisations and contract research organisations
• Applied roles in educational assessment, public policy analysis, programme evaluation and human factors
• Data science and analytics positions that leverage strong quantitative and experimental skills

The programme's emphasis on rigorous research design, statistical competence and supervised practicum/teaching experience prepares graduates to be competitive for positions that require independent scholarship and methodological expertise.

Why study at University of Kansas

The University of Kansas Department of Psychology offers a collaborative research environment with faculty active across a broad array of empirical domains. Students benefit from close mentorship, interdisciplinary connections across campus, and access to specialised research centres such as institutes focused on lifespan development and neuroscience.

• APA-accredited clinical training for students pursuing clinical practice, with structured practicum and internship support
• Strong laboratory infrastructure and opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration with allied units on campus
• Funding support opportunities through teaching and research assistantships that provide professional development in research and instruction
• A cohort model that fosters peer mentoring, professional networking and collaborative projects

Prospective students who prioritise empirical rigour, a breadth of methodological training and mentorship for an academic or applied research career will find the University of Kansas a supportive setting to complete doctoral study in psychology.