Doctoral candidates take a core curriculum in general psychology and quantitative methods. Doctoral candidates will complete all requirements for the master's degree, which includes writing a research thesis.

The doctoral program provides the student with an opportunity for advanced study in cognitive aging, cognition and brain science, engineering, industrial-organizational, or quantitative psychology. Each of these curricula consists of additional courses and programs of individual study and research beyond the core curriculum, which contribute to a strong background in general experimental psychology and the student's area of specialization. The doctoral program will ordinarily require at least four years for students who enter immediately after obtaining a bachelor's degree.

Admission to graduate study in psychology with full graduate standing in the School of Psychology requires the equivalent of an undergraduate major in psychology or a related field with courses in general and experimental psychology, as well as psychological statistics. All applicants should submit scores from the Graduate Record Examination.

The psychology faculty will consider admissions applications from competent students who have majored in subjects other than psychology.