Emory University

What you'll study

Coursework and research training provide both breadth and depth across psychological science. Typical components include:

• Core methodology and statistics: advanced courses in experimental design, multivariate statistics, longitudinal methods and computational approaches.
• Specialist seminars: focused seminars in your chosen area (for example, cognitive processes, lifespan development, social cognition, clinical assessment and intervention, or neural systems and behaviour).
• Laboratory research: sustained work in a research lab with opportunities for collaboration on funded projects, authorship of journal articles, and conference presentations.
• Clinical practicum and supervised training: for clinical-area students, supervised assessment and intervention practicum in university-affiliated clinics and local community settings, progressing toward pre-doctoral internship readiness.
• Teaching experience: opportunities to develop pedagogical skills through leading tutorials, lecturing, and supervising undergraduate research.
• Qualifying and comprehensive assessments: written and/or oral exams that evaluate readiness to begin independent dissertation research, followed by a dissertation proposal and final defence.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to demonstrate strong academic preparation and clear research potential. Typical application elements are:

• Academic record: a bachelor’s degree in psychology or a related discipline; many successful applicants also hold a master’s degree, but this is not uniformly required.
• Research experience: substantial hands-on research experience in psychology or a closely related field, documented via a CV and descriptions in the statement of purpose.
• Letters of recommendation: several academic or professional references who can speak to research ability and potential for doctoral study.
• Personal statement: a statement of research interests, career goals, and fit with Emory faculty and resources.
• Transcripts and supporting materials: official transcripts and any additional materials requested by the programme (for some areas, writing samples or examples of research work may be helpful).

Clinical-area applicants are generally expected to have prior clinical exposure (e.g. practicum, volunteering or work in clinical settings). Admission is competitive and based on the alignment of interests with faculty expertise and the applicant’s demonstrated research promise.

Career prospects

Graduates of the PhD programme pursue a range of careers in academia, research and applied settings. Common pathways include:

• Academic careers: tenure-track and teaching positions in universities and colleges, combining research and instruction.
• Research roles: positions at research institutes, government laboratories, and industry R&D groups focusing on cognitive science, social behaviour, developmental processes or neuroscience.
• Clinical practice and healthcare: for clinically trained graduates, licensed practice, leadership roles in mental health services, and clinical research positions in hospital or community settings.
• Applied psychology and policy: roles in organisations that apply psychological science to education, public health, human factors, user experience, and organisational consulting.

Why study at Emory University

Emory offers doctoral students access to a strong network of faculty across basic and applied psychology, world-class research resources and partnerships within a major academic medical centre. Students benefit from interdisciplinary collaborations across campus and with nearby research institutions, clinical practicum placements through university clinics and health systems, and specialised facilities for behavioural and neuroscience research. The department’s emphasis on mentorship, grant-supported projects and professional development prepares graduates for diverse career trajectories in research, teaching and clinical work.