Psychology PhD

Focus your studies in the field of psychology and advance your research expertise with a Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology in the College of Liberal Arts at Temple University. The Psychology and Neuroscience Department's doctoral program offers the resources and unique, hands-on experience required to develop your skills and position yourself for professional research opportunities. 

As a doctoral student in psychology, you’re tasked with delving into the complexities of the human mind through research opportunities, cross-disciplinary coursework and clinical work. Temple’s Psychology students are not only preparing for their professional endeavors—they’re advancing the field of psychology. As one of only 131 universities in the United States to be classified as an R1 research institution, Temple is proud to offer not only innovative, applicable coursework, but a breadth of interdisciplinary research possibilities.

The Psychology PhD program offers the following four areas of study in which students can specialize.

We also have optional training emphases in human neuroimaging and behavioral neuroscience. A concentration in Quantitative Methods is also available for students who wish to receive intensive training in contemporary statistical methods.

Doctoral students interested in neuroscience may also complete a neuroscience specialization via the Neuroscience program in the College of Liberal Arts.

Many PhD students go on to postdoctoral research or faculty positions at well-known institutions, where they carry out research in diverse areas from behavioral neuroscience to clinical science. Learn more about the career opportunities available to Psychology PhD graduates.

Research Opportunities

Our program combines graduate coursework with intensive research experience, working closely with faculty, other students, postdoctoral researchers and full-time research staff. Much of the research in our department is collaborative, often involving the sharing of expertise across different laboratories. Many projects also involve collaborations with researchers at other universities in the U.S. and other countries.  

Program Format & Curriculum

The doctoral program requires full-time study. The particular course and internship requirements depend on the area of specialization. 

The general program course requirements are as follows.

  • Clinical Psychology
  • Cognition and Neuroscience
  • Developmental Psychology
  • Social Psychology

Further course and internship requirements depend on the area of specialization. Learn more about the requirements for completing your PhD in Psychology.

Related Graduate Degrees

A Temple class pays close attention during discussion.

Tuition & Fees

In keeping with Temple’s commitment to access and affordability, this Doctor of Philosophy offers a competitive level of tuition with multiple opportunities for financial support.

Tuition rates are set annually by the university and are affected by multiple factors, including program degree level (undergraduate or graduate), course load (full- or part-time), in-state or out-of-state residency, and more. These tuition costs apply to the 2024–2025 academic year.

Pennsylvania resident: $1,105.00 per credit
Out-of-state: $1,518.00 per credit

You can view the full Cost of Attendance breakdown on the Student Financial Services website.

LA-PSY-PHD

Additional Program Information