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Doctoral Program in Psychology (Ph.D.)

**Please address all Graduate Application questions to Ms. Sherry Cornett at (336) 334-5689.**
Ph.D. Application Deadline:   December 15th

HOW TO APPLY

The Psychology Department offers a Ph.D. with a specialization in clinical, cognitive, developmental or social psychology. (We also offer a terminal M.A. in general experimental psychology; see the M.A. page for details on that program.)

Areas of Specialization

The Department has identified four main areas of graduate training to which it will commit the majority of its resources and recruitment efforts: Developmental, Cognitive, Social, and Clinical. The clinical program is fully accredited by the American Psychological Association. Full approval is the highest level of accreditation possible and reflects: (a) that training in clinical psychology received at UNCG is compatible with other APA approved programs both in terms of training models and curriculum; and (b) that the institutional setting, faculty (both clinical and experimental), and facilities are adequate to meet and support the student’s academic needs. In terms of a student’s career development, graduation from an APA approved clinical program is often a prerequisite for certain block-time internship placements and/or job opportunities. This credential also eases the licensure process and entry into some professional organization.

Students admitted into the Ph.D. track are initially admitted into one of the four area of graduate specialization (clinical, cognitive, developmental and social). All students are encouraged to become familiar with research being carried on throughout the Department by attending colloquia and lab meetings, and by participating in research opportunities in any lab in which facilities can be made available.

Students specializing in clinical psychology typically engage in applied research and learn how to effectively apply the methods and principles of psychology to the treatment of clients having psychological disorders. Students specializing in cognitive, developmental or social psychology engage in basic and/or applied research but not in clinical activities.

How do I apply to a Psychology Ph.D. program?

To apply to the Ph.D. program, you must submit by December 15th: 1) A Graduate School Application with supporting materials, and 2) a Psychology Department Application with supporting materials.

FOR THE UNCG GRADUATE SCHOOL:

• A completed graduate school application {you do not need to attach a resume or your essay to the graduate school's application}
• Official copy of your GRE SCORES
• Two (2) copies of official transcripts from colleges/universities
• Three letters of recommendation
• A $55.00 application fee is required

ONLINE GRADUATE SCHOOL APPLICATION AND INSTRUCTIONS ARE FOUND AT http://www.uncg.edu/grs/prospective/forms.html)

In addition to the Graduate School Application (click “apply online here”), please complete the North Carolina Residency Form, if applicable. For your convenience, a request for transcripts form, a recommendation form, and a McNair fee waiver form are also included on the Graduate School page.

While we prefer to receive online applications, those applicants needing to submit an application on paper will also find a paper application request form.

FOR THE PSYCHOLOGY DEPARTMENT:

Please email the following three things to the psychology department at psyapply@uncg.edu or mail them to the department at the address listed on the top of the applicant information form. Please specify in your psychology department application and research statement which area(s) you are interested in and, if possible, name any specific faculty members you would be particularly interested in working with. The four major areas are clinical, cognitive, developmental, and social. In addition, you may mention biological, behavior analysis, or quantitative interests. 

• A completed applicant application form
• A personal statement (up to 500 words). Include your reasons for pursuing a degree in psychology, including ultimate career goals. [We prefer a Microsoft Word document or Adobe PDF file, but simple text is allowed.]
• A research statement (up to 500 words). Include your research interests and potential faculty person(s) with whom you would like to further develop these interests. Faculty are listed by area with their research interests on our department directory. [We prefer a Microsoft Word document or Adobe PDF file, but simple text is allowed.

Please contact our Graduate Department Secretary, Sherry Cornett (sscornet@uncg.edu), if you have any questions or are having trouble accessing any forms.

WE LOOK FORWARD TO RECEIVING YOUR APPLICATION

Can I begin my training in the spring semester?

No, we only admit students once per year. Entering classes begin their studies in the fall semester.

Can I work part-time toward my PhD?

No. The Department considers graduate training to be a full-time commitment and only accepts students who are able to work full-time toward their degree.

What are the minimum requirements for admission?

There are no specific minimum requirements. You must submit GRE scores and transcripts of all previous college and university work (graduate and undergraduate). Successful applicants generally have undergraduate GPAs of 3.0 or above, and combined verbal and quantitative GRE scores of 1100 or above. For the clinical psychology program, additional statistics about the program can be found on the clinical area page.

Will prior research experience help my chances of admission?

Very much so. The faculty look for evidence that you have a serious commitment to a research career in psychology, and previous research experience both demonstrates that commitment and allows us to evaluate your capabilities in a research setting.

Will prior work experience (in a mental health center, day care, or other human services setting) help my chances of admission to a Ph.D. program?

No. The research focus of the PhD program means that the faculty are more interested in your research experience than in your work experience.

How long does it take to complete the PhD?

The nominal length of the program is five years in non-clinical areas and six years (including a required one-year internship) in the clinical area for students entering with a bachelor's degree. A previous Master's degree may reduce this by one to two years, depending on the relevance of prior course work and other experience. However, the actual time to complete a degree will depend on a number of factors.

Director of Graduate Studies: Dr. Douglas Levine, (336) 256-2472.

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