Students pursing a Psychology Ph.D., who have not previously received a master’s degree in Psychology or a related field, typically complete the requirements for the Master’s degree in the first two years of their Ph.D. program training. As part of the student’s graduate training, students complete course work in areas of departmental research emphasis, as well as methods courses and breadth requirements. Each student will gain research experience under the supervision of a faculty mentor and complete a thesis. Students are not admitted for the sole pursuit of a terminal master's degree.

Our doctoral program accommodates approximately 20 students, with approximately four new Ph.D. degrees awarded each year. Training in the program includes course work in the student's area of emphasis, as well as methods courses, breadth requirements, and research experience under the supervision of a faculty mentor. Training and experience in college-level teaching is an important part of the program, and students also receive training and experience in grant writing.

The program offers training in the areas of Cognitive Psychology, Health Psychology, Social Psychology, and Visual & Cognitive Neuroscience.  All students enroll in the Ph.D. program and gain specialized training through mentored research, coursework, and professional activities. Please note, the Department of Psychology does not offer a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology or any form of clinical training at this time.

As a science department in a land-grant institution, the Psychology Department emphasizes both general and professional education. We see scholarly inquiry, particularly basic and applied research, as essential to the Department's and University's instructional and public service function. Through an emphasis on research, we serve the people of North Dakota by providing quality education for our students, advancing knowledge, attracting resources, and advancing the status of the department and University.