University of Memphis

What you'll study

The PhD programme combines advanced coursework, rigorous research training, and supervised practicum or applied experience where relevant to the student’s concentration. Students build a personalised programme around core areas such as research design and statistics, biological bases of behaviour, cognitive and affective processes, social and developmental psychology, and specialised seminars tied to faculty expertise.

• Core research methods and statistics: advanced quantitative and qualitative methods, multivariate analysis, and experimental design to support independent research.
• Foundational theory and content areas: seminars in cognition, neuroscience, personality, social psychology, developmental processes and psychopathology depending on the student’s focus.
• Specialist coursework: topic-specific seminars and electives reflecting faculty strengths (for example, cognitive neuroscience, clinical assessment and intervention, health psychology, or industrial-organisational topics).
• Research apprenticeship: prolonged involvement in faculty-led laboratories, leading to the development of a dissertation proposal and original empirical research.
• Doctoral milestones: comprehensive/qualifying examinations, a dissertation proposal defence, completion of an original doctoral dissertation, and a public dissertation defence.
• Clinical and applied training: where applicable, supervised practicum and internship placements that provide hands-on client contact and prepare students for licensure or applied roles.

Entry requirements

Applicants should normally hold a bachelor’s degree in psychology or a related field; many successful applicants also hold a master’s degree. Typical expectations include a strong academic record, prior research experience, and clear evidence of research potential.

• Academic transcripts demonstrating strong undergraduate and/or graduate performance.
• Research experience, demonstrated through research assistantships, honours projects, publications, or conference presentations.
• Letters of recommendation, typically from academic referees who can speak to the applicant’s research potential and academic preparation.
• A statement of purpose outlining research interests, fit with departmental faculty, and professional goals.
• A curriculum vitae highlighting research, teaching, and relevant practical experience.
• For international applicants, proof of English language proficiency is required.

Some specialisations or funding lines may have additional expectations (for example, prior coursework in statistics or background in clinical practicum). Applicants are encouraged to consult the department for specific prerequisites and advice on matching with potential faculty mentors.

Career prospects

Graduates of the PhD in Psychology pursue a range of careers depending on their training emphasis. The programme prepares students for roles that require high-level research, teaching, clinical practice (for those who complete the clinical pathway and meet licensure requirements), and applied work in public and private sectors.

• Academic careers: tenure-track and non-tenure-track faculty positions in universities and colleges, postdoctoral research positions.
• Research careers: research scientist roles in government agencies, independent research institutes, non-profit organisations, and private-sector research and development.
• Clinical and healthcare roles: licensed clinical psychologists, healthcare system researchers, and clinical directors (dependent on completion of clinical training and state licensure requirements).
• Applied industry roles: positions in human resources, organisational development, UX/research science, data analysis, and consulting.

Why study at University of Memphis

The University of Memphis offers doctoral students access to an active, research-oriented psychology department with a diverse faculty whose interests span basic and applied psychological science. Students benefit from close mentorship, opportunities to join established laboratories, and collaborations across campus and with community partners.

• Faculty mentorship and research supervision tailored to student interests, enabling development of independent research programmes.
• Opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration across related fields such as neuroscience, public health, education and social work.
• Applied training and community engagement through university clinics and local partnerships that enhance practicum and internship experiences.
• Access to research facilities and resources that support advanced empirical work, including labs for behavioural, cognitive and physiological research.