Frequently Asked Questions
Students work closely with faculty research mentors to develop expertise in their area of study, which may include cognitive psychology, developmental psychology, evolutionary psychology, health psychology, learning psychology, neuroscience, quantitative psychology, or social psychology.
We do not offer training, master's, or doctoral degrees in clinical psychology or counseling psychology.
The Psychological Sciences graduate program admits students pursuing a PhD, rather than students seeking a terminal master’s degree. TCU graduate students earn a master’s degree as part of their progress toward the Ph.D.
Students admitted to the PhD program who leave before completing the requirements for the PhD may receive a MS in Psychological Sciences, provided they have met the applicable degree requirements.
The program is designed for full-time study, and students are generally expected to enroll full-time. Because students must complete the Ph.D. within five years, part-time enrollment may make it difficult to meet program requirements within the required timeframe.
The Psychological Sciences Ph.D. program is an in-person program, and students are expected participate in program activities on campus. Although some elective courses may be available online, including during the summer, these options are supplemental and do not change the program’s in-person format.
Yes. We welcome applications from international students.
January 1st
Applications may be considered after the January 1 deadline on a rolling basis, as long as positions remain available. However, applicants who submit a complete application by the deadline receive priority consideration.
We typically admit students for a fall start. Beginning in the fall allows students to progress through program requirements alongside their cohort and stay on the recommended timeline for degree completion. Spring admission is considered only in rare circumstances and requires prior approval.
Admissions decisions are typically made between February and April. Offers may continue to be extended after this period until the incoming class is filled.
The program typically has 20-30 full-time graduate students.
The number of acceptances depends on the number of available assistantships for graduate students in a given year.
The program is designed so that the requirements can be completed in four to five years.
Yes. On campus housing options are available to graduate students. Graduate students have a variety of housing options, and many choose to live off campus. For more information about housing options and availability, visit the TCU Housing website.