Virginia Commonwealth University

What you'll study

The PhD in Psychology is structured around advanced coursework, intensive research, and mentored apprenticeship with faculty. Core study areas typically include research design and quantitative methods, advanced statistics, ethics in research and practice, and specialist seminars in the student’s chosen research domain. Students develop and defend an original doctoral dissertation based on empirical research and are expected to participate in ongoing laboratory or clinical research projects.

Research specialisms available through the department and affiliated centres commonly include cognitive and affective neuroscience, developmental psychology, clinical psychological science (APA‑accredited doctoral training and practicum experiences), health psychology, behavioural neuroscience, and social/personality processes. Clinical-track students complete supervised practicum placements and clinical assessment and intervention courses; research-track students take additional advanced methods and theory seminars relevant to their lab. Most programmes also include teaching practicum or opportunities to serve as a teaching assistant to develop pedagogical skills.

• Advanced statistics and quantitative methods
• Research design and ethics
• Seminars in chosen specialism (e.g. cognitive neuroscience, developmental science, clinical psychological science)
• Clinical practicum and supervision (for clinical students)
• Teaching and professional development
• Doctoral dissertation and defence

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to hold a bachelor’s degree with a strong academic record; many successful applicants hold a relevant master’s degree or substantial research experience. Typical application materials include academic transcripts, a research statement outlining past experience and proposed research interests, a CV, and letters of recommendation from academic or professional referees familiar with the applicant’s research potential.

Research experience (for example, as a research assistant, honours thesis, or master’s thesis) is highly valued. Clinical applicants should document relevant clinical or practicum experience if applying to clinical training pathways. The programme evaluates fit with faculty research interests when making admissions decisions. Check the department’s admissions page for the current list of required documents and any standardised test policies.

Career prospects

Graduates of the PhD in Psychology pursue a range of careers in academia, research institutions, healthcare, and applied settings. Common career paths include:

• Academic faculty positions and postdoctoral research appointments
• Research scientist roles in industry, government research laboratories, and non‑profit organisations
• Licensed clinical psychologist roles in hospitals, community clinics, and private practice (for those completing the clinical doctoral track and subsequent licensure requirements)
• Positions in assessment, programme evaluation, and data science that draw on advanced quantitative skills
• Leadership roles in policy, public health, and behavioural intervention design

Why study at Virginia Commonwealth University

VCU offers a research-intensive environment with faculty active across basic, translational and applied areas of psychological science. Clinical doctoral students benefit from training links with VCU Health and affiliated clinical practicum sites, while research students can collaborate with interdisciplinary centres and core facilities within the university. The department emphasises mentorship, grant‑writing and professional development, and doctoral students commonly receive support through teaching and research assistantships that provide training in both research and teaching.

Situated in Richmond, Virginia, the university provides access to a diverse clinical population and a regional network of research collaborators, which supports applied and community‑engaged research projects. Prospective applicants should review faculty profiles and research groups to identify potential mentors whose interests align with their proposed dissertation work.