Experimental Psychology

All Experimental faculty will review applications for new graduate students to begin Fall 2025 *except* Dr. Anastasia Makhanova. 

The Ph.D. program in Experimental Psychology provides a core base of knowledge upon which students specialize in cognitive psychology, developmental psychology, social psychology, or neuroscience. Our program is rigorous, collegial, and student-centered.

We offer training in diverse and sophisticated methods and conduct first-rate, cutting-edge research. As students’ progress through the program, course work, research, and mentorship become individually tailored to each student’s particular interests.

The first two years of the program are focused on research and coursework, culminating in a written thesis and oral defense of an empirical project in the second year. The thesis and defense satisfy the requirements for a non-terminal master’s degree. The students then develop a third-year project to further specialize their learning. At this time, some students also teach their own classes as an instructor of record. The remaining time is devoted to continuing their program of research, including the doctoral dissertation.

More information about our training philosophy, program milestones, additional training opportunities, department resources, and faculty research interests can be located through the menu on the left.

Our program and department focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion across many domains. We strive to recruit a diverse student body, think deeply about making multiculturalism and intersectionality an intentional element in our teaching, and incorporate questions relating to diversity science into our programs of research. See our Diversity & Inclusion departmental page for more information about our initiatives. 

***The Experimental Training Committee (ETC) is no longer requiring the GRE for admissions. However, we encourage students to consider submitting GRE scores in order to be eligible for university-wide doctoral fellowships. More information can be found here. ***

 

Apply to the Experimental Program >