Psychology, Ph.D.

Program Specific Admission Requirements

The deadline for receipt of all application materials is December 1.

We only admit students one time per year. Our graduate students begin their programs of study in the fall semester.

Although our graduate programs technically consist of separate master’s and doctoral degree components, only students who are applying for, and who expect to complete, the doctoral program are considered for admission. That is, we do not offer a terminal master’s degree.

Application materials include the application, one to two page statement of purpose, undergraduate and graduate (if applicable) transcripts, curriculum vitae, and three letters of recommendation. An application fee of $50 is required.

Applications are evaluated based on the applicants’ academic qualifications (e.g., undergraduate GPA, graduate GPA if applicable, course specific grades) and stated research and (if applicable) clinical interests. Particular attention is paid to the goodness of fit between the applicant’s expressed research/clinical interests and the particular strengths and offerings of our program.

Our program does not employ a set of formal “cut-offs” with regard to any of the quantitative application elements (e.g., undergraduate/graduate GPA). Often a strong record in one area may make up for a weakness in another area. Applicants interested in information on the qualifications of admitted students should consult the student summary data (www.uwyo.edu/psychology).

Program Specific Graduate Assistantships

Applicants are considered for graduate assistantships at the time of admission. Graduate students typically receive some departmental financial support for the first four years.

Doctoral Programs

Clinical Psychology

Students complete a four-year, on-campus sequence of required courses covering core areas of psychology and clinical competency. In addition, the following are required: successful completion of a thesis, a preliminary comprehensive examination, a dissertation, one summer clerkship, and a full year APA accredited internship.

Social Psychology, Cognition/Cognitive Development, or Psychology and Law

Students complete course requirements in topics designated as core areas of psychology, a preliminary comprehensive examination, and a research-based dissertation.