PhD in Psychology in Riverside United States | University of California, Riverside

University of California, Riverside | Riverside United States
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Qualification
Doctor of Philosophy
Languages
English
Delivery Mode
On-Campus
Tuition (2025)
USD 27,864
Attendance
Full-time
Full-time Duration
60 months

The Department of Psychology provides doctoral programs culminating in a Ph.D. degree with multiple specialization options.

Behavioral Neuroscience

Cognitive Science and Neural Processes
Developmental Psychology
Social and Personality Psychology
Additional focused study paths are offered.
Quantitative Methods in Psychology
Psychology of Health and Wellness
Psychology of Diversity and Inclusion
For those drawn to interdisciplinary approaches, we facilitate customized programs blending multiple specialization tracks. While no Clinical Psychology concentration exists, faculty actively research applied subjects including mental and physical health enhancement across age groups, along with prevention strategies and wellness science.
The Ph.D. curriculum typically spans five years.
Initial years (1-2) emphasize building statistical and research competencies, gaining comprehensive field knowledge, specializing in chosen areas, and initiating research projects. Core coursework is primarily completed during this phase.
Later years (3-5) focus on demonstrating expertise through a third-year qualifying exam, fourth-year dissertation proposal, and executing original dissertation research.
While no standalone Master's program exists, psychology graduate students typically earn an M.A. after fulfilling two years of coursework, completing a research project, and passing an oral examination.
Research involvement begins immediately upon enrollment, usually within active laboratory or field studies.

Students are supported in formulating and investigating their own research questions as they develop methodological independence.
Dissertations generally evolve from students' personal research trajectories.
A hallmark of UCR's doctoral program is the collaborative dynamic between students and faculty, with research teams comprising members at all academic levels frequently exploring interconnected research themes.


Destination of Study

Subjects of Study

Language Requirements

English
IELTS 7.0

Qualification Requirements

Applicants are not required to have majored in psychology, but the equivalent (in knowledge) of a bachelor's degree in psychology is recommended. For students interested in behavioral neuroscience specialization, a strong background in biology or biochemistry is essential.

Applicants with an overall or major GPA of 3.5 or better have a higher rate of admission to our program.

A minimum of a 3.0 undergraduate GPA or B-equivalent (if GPA is not on a 4.0 scale). We recommend that you check with the graduate program as they may have a higher standard for their GPA requirements. If your GPA is below this, follow up with the graduate program you are interested. Applications are reviewed in their entirety and the program can look at your other components and advise you on potential admission.

All applications are initially reviewed by the graduate program before a recommendation is submitted to the Graduate Division for final approval.

We require transcripts with final grades or most recent grades (if degree is in progress) from all college-level institutions you have attended. We also require proof of any degree awarded to you. Confirmation of your degree can be a degree posting on a transcript or a copy of your degree certificate. If you have attended an institution located outside of the US.

IELTS - minimum acceptable overall score is 7 with no score less than 6 on any individual component. TOEFL - minimum acceptable scores are: 550 for the revised TOEFL paper-delivered test and 80 for the TOEFL iBT.

Tuition USD 27,864

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