Psychology Doctoral Degree Program; Masters of Arts in Psychology

We offer a single doctoral degree which may be earned in one of the following concentrations: brain, behavior, and quantitative science, clinical psychology, or social psychology. Students admitted to the Psychology Graduate Program are expected to continue graduate study through the Ph.D. as the department does not admit terminal master's students.

Our program boasts distinguished and award-winning faculty, notable research publications, and a deep foundation in the historical progress of psychological advances.

Please visit our department website for more information.

For applicants interested in Clinical Child Psychology: The Clinical Child Psychology doctoral training program is housed within the Department of Clinical Child Psychology. Contact email ccpp@ku.edu, with any questions regarding applying to this program.

Admission to Graduate Studies

Admission Requirements

• All applicants must meet the requirements outlined in the Admission to Graduate Study policy. 

• Bachelor’s degree: A copy of official transcripts showing proof of a bachelor's degree (and any post-bachelor’s coursework or degrees) from a regionally accredited institution, or a foreign university with equivalent bachelor's degree requirements is required.  

• English proficiency: Proof of English proficiency for non-native or non-native-like English speakers is required. There are two bands of English proficiency, including Admission and Full proficiency. For applicants to online programs, Full proficiency is required. 

Graduate Admission

The department does not admit students seeking the terminal master’s degree, as students enter the department with the expectation of earning the Ph.D. For further information regarding the application process for our program, including department-specific deadlines and required supplemental documentation, please visit the Admissions page of the department website, or contact the department's graduate program coordinator.

Masters of Arts Degree Requirements

Students must be admitted to the Ph.D. program to earn a masters of arts degree in Psychology. During the first year of study, students will be assigned a committee of faculty members called a contract committee to guide development of a unique plan of study. Coursework for the individual plan of study is dependent on the students selected doctoral concentration. For more information see our Ph.D. Degree Requirements.

At least 50% of coursework for the master’s degree must be taken at the 700 level or above. Students must also complete and successfully defend a thesis based on an empirical study. 

Our department graduate student handbook provides additional procedural information related to these requirements. Please visit the Psychology Graduate Program webpage to view a current edition of our department handbook.

Degree Requirements

Course List

Code	Title	Hours
Statistical Methods		6
Completion of two of the following:
PSYC 790	Statistical Methods in Psychology I
PSYC 792	Data Science for the Social and Behavioral Sciences
EPSY 812	Meta-Analysis
EPSY 905	Fundamentals of Multivariate Modeling
EPSY 710	Introduction to Statistical Analysis (Must be completed with EPSY 711)
EPSY 711	Lab for Introduction to Statistical Analysis (Must be completed with EPSY 710)
Research Methods		3
Completion of one of the following courses:
PSYC 815	Design and Analysis for Developmental Research
PSYC 818	Experimental Research Methods in Social Psychology
PSYC 968	Research Methods in Clinical Psychology
Professional Seminar		6
Completion of 6 semesters of one of the following: *
PSYC 881	Proseminar in Quantitative Behavioral and Social Sciences
PSYC 898	Proseminar: Professional Issues in Clinical and Health Psychology
PSYC 903	Proseminar in Social Psychology
Electives		9
Students develop unique plans of study in consultation with their faculty contract committee. The contract committee will work individually with the student to identify courses that will cater to the student's unique interests.
Research Hours		6
PSYC 899	Thesis
Total Hours		30

*Students should choose the proseminar that best aligns with their intended PhD concentration.

Thesis Defense

All students must complete and defend empirical thesis. The defense includes an oral presentation and questions from a faculty committee. Thesis committees must meet the Master's Students Oral Exam Committee Composition policy. 

At the completion of this program, students will be able to: 

• Conduct original, publishable research in the field.
• Demonstrate a broad knowledge of theory and research across several sub-areas in the field.
• Demonstrate in-depth knowledge of one area of expertise.
• Conceptualize research questions, and apply appropriate quantitative, qualitative, and/or computational modeling methods for data analysis and interpretation.
• Follow ethical guidelines for research and practice in the field.
• Write and speak effectively to professional and lay audiences.
• Recognize the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion for research, coursework, teaching, service, and collaborations with colleagues; apply DEI principles in local work settings and the broader discipline.