Overview

The Ohio State University Department of Psychology offers one of the top-ranking psychology graduate programs in the world. Our overriding goal is to train leading scholars who make substantive contributions to the field and advance understanding of the human mind, brain, and behavior. We do so in an invigorating, research-oriented environment that encourages interdisciplinarity.

Learning and growth are central to our program. Recognizing that no one starts as an expert, we provide training in foundational theory and methodology, experience with innovative tools and techniques, and a collaborative, collegial atmosphere. Our more than 50 tenure-stream faculty work closely with students to design individualized study and research plans and help them become well-qualified in the specialties of their choosing. 

Ohio State psychology graduates are represented in the psychology departments of almost every major university in the United States.
 

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Programs

We confer PhDs in seven foundational areas:

• Behavioral Neuroscience
• Clinical Psychology
• Cognitive Psychology
• Developmental Psychology
• Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
• Quantitative Psychology
• Social Psychology

We also confer PhDs in two cross-cutting initiatives:

• Cognitive Neuroscience
• Decision Psychology
   

Structure

While each of our graduate programs is unique, all share some common requirements and expectations.

Timeline

Most graduate students complete their program within five years and follow a similar timeline:

Year 1: Core coursework and initial research
Year 2: Core coursework and Master’s thesis/defense
Year 3: Completion of PhD candidacy exam
Year 4: Research, dissertation preparation, and in certain areas, internships and/or practica 
Year 5: Completion of doctoral dissertation and in certain areas, internships and/or practica
Year 6: Off-campus internship (Clinical Psychology area only)

Research

All programs have a strong research component and require written and oral examinations, a Master’s thesis, and a doctoral dissertation. Admitted students begin assisting and learning from faculty in the lab their very first semester. As they gain research competence, they become full collaborators on faculty projects, and many also begin pursuing their own projects. Students are expected regularly to present their work to peers and faculty and to pursue opportunities for professional publication.

Coursework

All students build a strong foundation in psychological theory and methodology. In addition to completing the unique core curriculum of their specific program, they are required to take a core statistics sequence (Psych 6810 and Psych 6811) before completing the Master’s thesis. Students must also fulfill a breadth requirement by taking at least two courses outside of their program, excluding the core statistics courses. 
 

Master of Science Degree

Although the Department of Psychology does not offer a standalone Master’s degree, our PhD students typically earn a Master of Science degree after defending a Master’s thesis in the second year of their program.
 

Concentration, Certificate, and Minor Options

For Ohio State graduate students who are pursuing degrees in other specialties, the department offers other academic options:

• Certificate in Health Psychology/Behavioral Medicine (HLTPSYC-CR)
• Concentration in Quantitative Psychology

Additionally, psychology graduate students can typically minor in programs outside of their own by completing three program-specific courses. Learn more →
 

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