Psychology

The Stanford University Department of Psychology offers a comprehensive undergraduate program designed to provide students with a deep understanding of human behavior, mental processes, and the biological foundations of psychology. This program emphasizes a rigorous curriculum that integrates core principles of psychology with opportunities for research, critical thinking, and application of psychological concepts across diverse fields. Students explore fundamental areas such as cognitive, developmental, social, and clinical psychology, gaining insights into how individuals think, feel, and behave in different contexts.

The program is structured to foster both theoretical knowledge and practical skills, preparing students for careers in research, healthcare, education, business, and public policy. Undergraduates have access to cutting-edge laboratories and research projects led by world-renowned faculty members whose work advances the understanding of the mind and behavior. In addition to lecture courses, students participate in seminars, independent studies, and hands-on research experiences, enabling them to apply their learning in real-world settings.

Throughout the program, students develop vital analytical skills, including experimental design, statistical analysis, and data interpretation, which are essential for evidence-based practice and research. The curriculum encourages interdisciplinary exploration, permitting students to take courses in related fields such as neuroscience, computer science, and sociology, enriching their perspective on psychological phenomena. The department also emphasizes the importance of ethical research conduct, cultural competence, and effective communication skills.

Beyond academics, the program fosters a vibrant academic community where students can collaborate with peers, engage in departmental events, and attend guest lectures by leading psychologists. Graduates of the program are well-equipped to pursue graduate studies or enter various professional paths related to mental health, counseling, organizational behavior, and beyond. The Stanford Psychology undergraduate program stands out for its commitment to fostering innovative research, fostering diversity and inclusion, and preparing students to make meaningful contributions in understanding and improving human lives.

There are no specific course requirements for admission to the doctoral program. However, an applicant should have research experience as an undergraduate, as well as the equivalent of an undergraduate major in Psychology. The major focus of the doctoral program is on research training, and admission is highly selective.

Applicants for admission must submit their scores on the general Graduate Record Examination as part of the application. GRE subject scores are recommended.

In addition to fulfilling Stanford University requirements for the degree, the following departmental requirements are stipulated.

First-Year Course Requirements

During the first year of graduate study, the student should take PSYCH 207 Professional Seminar for First-Year Ph.D. Graduate Students, at least one approved graduate statistics course, and at least two core courses from the following list:

Students in each area may be required to take up to two additional non-core graduate courses in their area of specialization.

The student is expected to spend at least half of the time in research from the beginning of the first year of graduate study to the completion of the Ph.D., taking no more than 10 units of course work each quarter. At the end of the first year of graduate study, the student must file with the department a written report of the first-year research activities.

Second-Year Course Requirements

By the end of the second year of graduate study, the student should complete at least one additional core course for a total of three taken from the list above, and take a second approved graduate course in statistics as well as other courses contributing toward completion of the advanced course or minor requirement described below.

Optional Application for Conferral of the M. A. Degree: Graduate students, who have completed (a) the first-year and second-year course requirements, and (b) at least 45 units of Psychology courses, may apply for conferral of the M.A. degree. This application should be discussed with the Student Services office in the Department of Psychology.

Third-Year and Beyond

By the end of the third year the student should complete all of the required core courses listed above and should be well on the way toward completion of the advanced course or minor requirement.

Students are expected to form a research committee, which must include the dissertation reading committee, before the initiation of the dissertation research. The research committee includes the dissertation adviser and consists of at least three faculty members, at least two of whom should have primary appointments in the Psychology department. For University guidelines for the composition of the dissertation reading committee, see the "Graduate Degrees" section of this bulletin.

The research committee should meet no later than the last day of classes of Spring Quarter of the third year, and determines the timeline for further development of the dissertation research project. Subsequent meetings are triggered by the completion of one of two documents: a dissertation proposal (DP) or a conceptual analysis of the dissertation area (CADA). The timing and sequencing of the DP and CADA are developed by the student in consultation with the committee. As a general guide, one of the two preliminary elements (CADA or DP) should be completed by the end of the third Summer Quarter and the second should be completed by the end of the fourth Spring Quarter. Students are free to alter the membership of the committee at any time during the process, subject to consultation with the adviser.

The DP should be a description of the proposed research. The CADA provides a framework for the research topic of the dissertation, addresses the central issues within the specialty area, and reviews the pertinent literature.

Advanced Course or Minor Requirements

The candidate must complete 12 units of advanced graduate course work or a Ph.D. minor in another department. If a student waives the minor requirement in favor of the 12 advanced units, the student must fulfill the advanced course requirement by taking (a) non-core graduate courses required by a particular area, or (b) graduate-level courses in other departments comparable in quality to Psychology's graduate courses. If there is any question about comparability, the student should consult the adviser, student services, and, in some cases, the graduate program committee chair before taking the course.

Orals

The candidate must pass the University oral examination, which also serves as a dissertation defense. A committee is formed to review the oral examination, including the dissertation reading committee, an additional faculty member, and one oral examination committee chair from outside the Psychology department. The oral examination consists of a 40-45-minute presentation to the department of the completed dissertation research. Parents and friends are welcome to attend. Following the presentation, the student and the committee convene for a discussion of the dissertation and the presentation.

Dissertation Requirements

The candidate must complete a dissertation satisfactory to the dissertation reading committee prior to the oral examination. Minor revisions to formatting may be made after the oral examination.

Ph.D. candidacy expires five years after admission to candidacy at the end of the second year of study. Reapplication requires department reexamination.

Student Evaluations

First-Year Evaluation: It is the department's policy to evaluate the progress of each graduate student at the end of the first year of graduate study. As part of the procedure, each student is required to file with the department a report of the first-year research activities.

Students should discuss this report and the evaluation procedures with their adviser as early as possible in their first year. If the student fulfills the academic promise displayed upon entrance, he or she is invited to continue working towards the doctorate.

The first-year evaluation is primarily based on three factors:

1. quality of research carried out in the first year
2. performance in courses (especially required courses)
3. recommendations of the adviser (including a commitment on the part of that adviser to continue in that role).

Second-Year and Beyond Evaluation: A similar evaluation is conducted at the end of each year of graduate training involving the same criteria as the first year; however, the student is not required to submit a paper. Students who are not making satisfactory progress may be dropped from the program.

The Doctoral Training Program

As indicated by the requirements described above, a student concentrates in any one of several areas within Psychology. Regardless of area, however, the training program places emphasis on the development of research competence, and students are encouraged to develop those skills and attitudes that are appropriate to a career of continuing research productivity.

Two kinds of experience are necessary for this purpose. One is the learning of substantial amounts of technical information. A number of courses and seminars are provided to assist in this learning, and a student is expected to work out a program, with his or her adviser, to attain this knowledge in the most stimulating and economical fashion.

A second aspect of training is one that cannot be gained from the courses or seminars. This is firsthand knowledge of, and practical experience with, the methods of psychological investigation and study. These methods include ways of behaving with the subjects being studied. Students are provided with whatever opportunities they need to reach those levels of competence representative of doctoral standing. Continuing research programs, sponsored by members of the faculty, offer direct opportunities for experience in fields represented by the faculty's many research interests.

Each student achieves competence in unique ways and at different rates. Each student and adviser share in planning a program leading to the objectives discussed. The student is expected to spend half of his or her time on research and takes no more than 10 units of course work per quarter. For further information please contact the student services office and the department graduate guide.

Teaching Requirement

The department views experience in supervised teaching as an integral part of its graduate program. Regardless of the source of financial support, all students serve as teaching assistants for at least five Psychology courses during their graduate study. Of these five teaching occasions, two must involve PSYCH 1, or either two Statistics courses (i.e., PSYCH 10, PSYCH 252, PSYCH 253, and PSYCH 254), or one Statistics course and one other course the department may designate as a service course.

Students are discouraged from participating in teaching during the first year of graduate study. However, all first and second year students are strongly encouraged to attend a one-day TA Training Workshop offered in September before the autumn quarter. Students typically progress from closely supervised teaching to more independent work. Some students may be invited to offer a supervised, but essentially independent, seminar during their final year of graduate study.

Psychology Colloquium

The Psychology Colloquium meets on most Wednesday afternoons at 3:45 p.m. Speakers from Stanford and other institutions present topics of current interest. Graduate students are expected to attend. 

Requirements

1. Online application (on the graduate admissions website)
2. Statement of Purpose (submitted electronically as part of the online application). At the top of your Statement of Purpose within your application, please include a list of 3 Psychology Department faculty members, in order of preference, with whom you'd like to work.
3. Three letters of recommendation from faculty at your undergraduate or masters program (submitted electronically on the graduate admissions website http://studentaffairs.stanford.edu/gradadmissions)
4. Two copies of official transcripts from BA/BS (undergraduate) and any graduate program (i.e., MA, MS, etc.). Please note that scanned copies of official transcripts will also be required within the online application.
5. GRE general test and TOEFL (if international)
6. Applicants should have the Educational Testing Service (ETS) send your GRE and/or TOEFL scores electronically to Stanford. Our university code is 4704. It is not necessary to indicate a department code.
7. Please do not mail CVs, resumes, writing samples, publications, or additional paperwork to the Psychology Department.

Scholarships

• Research and Course Assistantships
• Federal Work Study Research Assistantship

The Stanford University Psychology program is one of the most prestigious and comprehensive programs in the United States, offering a wide range of research opportunities and specializations in the field of psychology. It is designed to provide students with a strong foundation in the scientific study of mind and behavior, combining rigorous coursework with extensive research experience. The department's faculty consists of leading psychologists who are actively engaged in cutting-edge research across various subfields, including cognitive, developmental, social, clinical, and behavioral neuroscience psychology.

Undergraduates interested in psychology have access to diverse courses that cover core topics such as perception, learning, motivation, emotion, personality, and mental health. The program emphasizes empirical research and critical thinking, preparing students for careers in academia, clinical practice, industry, or further graduate study. Students can participate in laboratory research projects, work with faculty members, and gain valuable hands-on experience that enhances their understanding of psychological theories and scientific methods.

In addition to undergraduate education, Stanford offers advanced degrees including Master's and PhD programs, which facilitate specialization in areas like cognitive neuroscience, social psychology, or clinical science. The department also encourages interdisciplinary collaboration, allowing students to explore intersections between psychology and fields such as computer science, biology, medicine, and education.

The university's state-of-the-art facilities and resources, such as research labs and data analysis tools, support a vibrant academic environment. Stanford's psychology program is known for its commitment to diversity, inclusion, and the development of innovative research approaches. Graduates of the program have gone on to successful careers in academia, research institutions, healthcare, and other sectors, making significant contributions to understanding human behavior and improving mental health.

Overall, the Stanford Psychology program provides a rigorous, research-driven education that prepares students to advance knowledge and practice in the dynamic and impactful field of psychology.