Psychology (PhD)
Department website: http://liberalarts.utexas.edu/psychology/
Graduate work is offered in the following areas of specialization: behavioral neuroscience; clinical psychology; cognition, perception, and brain; developmental psychology; individual differences and evolutionary psychology; and social and personality psychology; Students are admitted for graduate work in one of these areas. The program in clinical psychology has been approved by the Commission on Accreditation of the American Psychological Association (APA) and the Psychological Clinical Science Accreditation System (PCSAS). The program in general psychology is a STEM Designated Degree Program, as identified by the Department of Homeland Security for purposes of the 24-month STEM optional practical training extension.
Graduate Handbook
Graduate handbook information is updated and maintained by each program. Graduate handbooks are available within each program's office and online. Please contact the program with concerns or questions.
Minimum Hours Required: 30
Average total hours for program: 30-99
Requirements
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Statistics (taken in the first year) | 3 | |
| Additional statistics | 3 | |
| Research methods and ethics | 3 | |
| Hours chosen from: Specialization area | 3 | |
| Research | 3 | |
| Hours chosen from: Core coursework | 9 | |
Behavioral neuroscence | ||
Cognitive and perceptual systems | ||
Social, developmental, clinical, evolutionary psychology | ||
Advanced statistics | ||
| PSY 699W | Dissertation (students may take any credit hour combination of Dissertation equaling 6 credit hours) | 6 |
| All students must also follow the requirements and policies below: | ||
| Graduate Liberal Arts Requirements | ||
| Graduate University Requirements | ||
| Total Hours | 30 | |
Additional Requirements and Policy
Graduate training in the department is flexible and every effort is made to permit students to take courses that fit their own interests and professional goals. Students may engage in considerable work in computer sciences, biology, sociology, mathematics, or other fields.
One core course must be taken the first year; the remaining requirements must be fulfilled during the first three years. Students are expected to maintain a 3.0 (B average) in all coursework.
In addition, students are expected to participate in professional development. This includes participation in seminars, workshops, research, and teaching positions. It is also expected that students attend annual conferences and present on their research.
Students are formally evaluated by their faculty supervisor and research area at the end of each year. This evaluation is based on the student’s performance in their coursework, demonstration of research aptitude, and potential for professional competence. Annual evaluations provide students feedback on their progress, areas needing growth, and setting goals for the upcoming year.
The department’s general requirements for the doctoral degree include completion of the core courses and other appropriate courses, research, completion of area requirements, and preliminary and final oral examinations related to a dissertation that gives evidence of the student’s ability to carry out independent investigation in the major field.