A major goal of the doctoral program in Psychological Sciences is the placement of its graduates in academic settings. The program leads to the Ph.D. in the five general areas of: Clinical Science, Cognition and Cognitive Neuroscience, Developmental Science, Neuroscience, and Quantitative Methods and Evaluation. The Program is also affiliated with the interdisciplinary program in Social Psychology.

• Program Highlights showcases just some of the places our graduates have gone after completing their PhD and just some of the journals their research has appeared.
• Applications and Admissions summaries the qualifications of students admitted to the program and outlines what is required for an application.
• How to Apply outlines all of the specific steps needed to formally submit an application to the program.
• Online Application is a link to the online application for for the Graduate School at Vanderbilt.
• Financial Aid describes the stipends, tuition waiver, and health insurance awarded our graduate students.
• For International Students describes special procedures that must be followed by international students.
• For Special Visiting Students describes some of the procedures for graduate students from other universities visiting for short period of time to work on a collaborative research project.
• Frequently Asked Questions provides answers to some frequently asked questions.
• Graduate Students Handbook describes in detail the policies, procedures, and requirements for the program.

The faculty attempt always to tailor graduate training to meet the needs and the interests of each individual student. Students are monitored very closely from the beginning of their training, and emphasis is on active student participation during every stage of training. Master's degrees are only available to those students who are accepted into the Ph.D. program.

The curriculum is designed to: (a) familiarize students with the major areas of psychology; (b) provide specialized training in at least one of the five specific areas of psychology emphasized in the program; and (c) provide students sufficient flexibility to enroll in classes consistent with their interests and long-term developmental trajectory. During the first two years, students take several core courses in quantitative methods and in substantive areas. Beyond this, the program consists of seminars, further research participation, and other inquiries expressly designed to fulfill career objectives. Each of the areas offers a seminar on current research every semester, attended by all faculty and graduate students in that area. Detailed information on course offerings is available on this website.

We expect students to be continually involved in research throughout their tenure in our program. Our program uses a one-on-one mentoring model as a primary though not exclusive means of advisement for the acquisition of scientific skills by students. As such, students work very closely with their advisors in all phases of the research process. In addition, advisory committees that consist of both the advisor and other faculty members offer guidance throughout the student’s graduate school years. There is the potential for considerable interaction among programs and with other disciplines across campus. This interaction produces an exciting intellectual environment that is further enriched by visiting faculty members and speakers. Interested students are encouraged to find out more about our research programs by reading the descriptions of faculty research interests contained in this brochure and available on our departmental website.

The program offers a number of support options for graduate students, including fellowships, University Graduate Fellowships, traineeships in various areas, and teaching and research assistantships. We guarantee funding for five years for graduate students in good standing.