The Ohio State University Department of Psychology

Graduate

Graduate

The Ohio State Department of Psychology offers one of the top-ranking psychology graduate programs in the world. We provide training in foundational theory and methodology, experience with innovative tools and techniques, and a collaborative atmosphere—with the overriding goal of training leading scholars who make substantive contributions to the field and advance understanding of the human mind, brain, and behavior. Ohio State psychology graduates are represented in the psychology departments of almost every major university in the US.

PhD Program

The Department of Psychology confers doctoral degrees across seven foundational areas and two cross-cutting initiatives. Program Overview →

Foundational Areas

Students in these programs train in fundamental disciplines of the field and take a primary approach to psychological questions and research.

Computer illustration of dendrites, the branch-like projections extending from neurons in the brain.
Behavioral Neuroscience
A person wearing a white cap with multicolored circles and wires looks at a computer monitor displaying multicolored dots.
Cognitive Psychology
A therapist speaks to a client as the two of them sit opposite each other in a room
Clinical Psychology

Cross-Cutting Initiatives

Students in these programs train under faculty from across foundational areas and take an interdisciplinary psychological approach to research.

Four views of fMRI brain imaging with highlights in green, yellow, and red.
Cognitive Neuroscience
Grocery store produce section, with rows of yellow peppers, cabbage, eggplant, and broccoli.
Decision Psychology
Orton Hall bell tower with yellow autumn foliage in the foreground

Certificates, Concentrations and Minors

The Department of Psychology offers academic options for Ohio State graduate students who are pursuing degrees in other specialties, including a certificate in Health Psychology/Behavioral Medicine (HLTPSYC-CR) and concentrations in Decision Psychology and Quantitative Psychology. Learn more about certificate and concentration options →

Additionally, psychology graduate students can often minor in psychology areas outside of their enrolled program by completing three area-specific courses. Contact program coordinators for further detail.

Resources for Current Students

Learn about funding options, explore university and program handbooks, read frequently asked questions and more.

Funding

Information about graduate associateships, fellowships and other funding opportunities

Department Handbook

Information about the Department of Psychology's rules, policies and guidelines

Graduate School Handbook

Information about The Ohio State University's rules, policies and guidelines

Course Catalog

Information about courses offered by the Department of Psychology

Conference Award Program

Request funding to assist with conference presentation costs

FAQ

Responses to common questions about admissions, funding and more