PhD in Psychology

Degree Requirements

The PhD qualifying examination requirement is satisfied by successful completion of the MA degree. A master’s degree with an empirical thesis is required for doctoral study. The master’s with thesis is typically completed as part of a student’s normal progress through the doctoral program.

General requirements for the PhD include nine hours of distribution courses, 11 hours in statistics, 24 hours in the area of concentration, other elective courses, and research. Students must earn 83 hours to graduate with the PhD. Practica, internship and additional course work are required for the clinical program. Other requirements include a dissertation and comprehensive and final oral examinations. More detailed information about the rules and regulations for degree completion can be found in the Department of Psychological Sciences Graduate Student Handbook.

Students with Degrees from Other Universities

Students who enter the doctoral program with a master’s (thesis) degree from another university can satisfy the MA requirement at this university by having their thesis and course work approved by a three-member thesis committee. The committee must be composed of one faculty member from the student’s training area, one faculty member from another training area, and one MU faculty member from outside the department. Those entering the department with a master’s degree obtained without an empirical thesis may meet this requirement by conducting an investigation under the supervision of their advisor and having the resulting thesis approved by a three-member committee with the composition identified above.

Financial Aid from the Program

Financial aid is available through departmental research and teaching assistantships and from university fellowships.

Admission Criteria

Fall deadline: December 1

  • Minimum GPA: 3.0
  • Minimum GRE score: no minimum. Submission of GRE scores are optional.
  • International students must demonstrate English language proficiency, as required by the Graduate School. Minimum English language proficiency score minimums for Psychology are not greater than those set by the Graduate School.

An interview is required for admission. Students earn an MA en route to the PhD, but we do not admit students seeking a terminal master’s degree.

Most students accepted have an undergraduate major in psychology or its equivalent. Acceptance is based on training, quality of work, recommendations, GRE scores and other information. For additional information on admission requirements, consult Graduate Study in Psychology and Associated Fields, published annually by the American Psychological Association and available in most libraries.

Required Application Materials

Note: Submit all application materials directly to the Graduate School

  • Graduate School online application including:
  • Faculty interest document (available at department website)
  • Statement of purpose 
  • Writing sample 
  • Resume or curriculum vitae
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • One unofficial copy of each college transcript where a degree was earned or is pending
  • English language proficiency scores (if applicable) 

Admission Contact Information
Dennis Miller
212C McAlester Hall
Columbia, MO 65211

MillerDen@missouri.edu
(573) 884-8141