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
- Minimum TOEFL scores:
| Internet-based test (iBT) | Paper-based test (PBT) |
|---|---|
| 61 Effective July 1, 2015 must have score of 80 | 500 Effective July 1, 2015 must have score of 550 |
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
- Three letters of recommendation
- One unofficial copy of each college transcript where a degree was earned or is pending
- Official GRE score report. Note: Applicants are encouraged to check with the department's web page for updated GRE submission guidelines and requirements.
- Official TOEFL score (if applicable)
Admission Contact Information
Graduate Student Services
gradpsych@missouri.edu
210 McAlester Hall
Columbia, MO 65211
(573) 884-8141
(573) 882-7710 (fax)