PhD Program

We confer doctoral degrees in seven foundational areas:

We also confer doctoral degrees in two cross-cutting initiatives:

Structure

While each of our graduate programs is unique, all share some common requirements and expectations.
 

Timeline

Most graduate students complete their program within five years and follow a similar timeline:

Year 1: Core coursework and initial research
Year 2: Core coursework and Master’s thesis/defense
Year 3: Completion of PhD candidacy exam
Year 4: Research, dissertation preparation, and in certain areas, internships and/or practica 
Year 5: Completion of doctoral dissertation and in certain areas, internships and/or practica
Year 6: Off-campus internship (Clinical Psychology area only)
 

Research

All programs have a strong research component and require written and oral examinations, a Master’s thesis, and a doctoral dissertation. Admitted students begin assisting and learning from faculty in the lab their very first semester. As they gain research competence, they become full collaborators on faculty projects, and many also begin pursuing their own projects. Students are expected regularly to present their work to peers and faculty and to pursue opportunities for professional publication.
 

Coursework

All students build a strong foundation in psychological theory and methodology. In addition to completing the unique core curriculum of their specific program, they are required to take a core statistics sequence (Psych 6810 and Psych 6811) before completing the Master’s thesis. Students must also fulfill a breadth requirement by taking at least two courses outside of their program, excluding the core statistics courses. 

 

Master of Science Degree

Although the Department of Psychology does not offer a standalone Master’s degree, our PhD students typically earn a Master of Science degree after defending a Master’s thesis in the second year of their program.

 

Concentration, Certificate, and Minor Options

For Ohio State graduate students who are pursuing degrees in other specialties, the department offers other academic options:

• Certificate in Health Psychology/Behavioral Medicine (HLTPSYC-CR)
• Concentration in Quantitative Psychology

Additionally, psychology graduate students can typically minor in programs outside of their own by completing three program-specific courses. Learn more →

 

Admissions Statistics