Psychology offers six areas of concentration (known as area groups): biological, clinical, cognitive and cognitive neuroscience, developmental, perception, and social and personality.
Although there is a good deal of collaboration and interaction across groups, each area of concentration has its own requirements for graduate study and students are typically admitted into one of these areas of concentration.
1. Biology of Brain and Behavior
The biological psychology area encompasses the subdisciplines of behavioral neuroscience and animal behavior. Students sponsored by faculty in this area are trained in theory and methods required for understanding the biological bases of behavior. The doctoral track in behavioral neuroscience provides research training in specific methods and techniques needed to assess brain and peripheral physiological mechanisms.
2. Clinical Psychology
The training model of doctoral program in clinical psychology is that of a scientist–practitioner. Based on the program’s endorsement of a scientist–practitioner model, the educational plan focuses on two major and interrelated goals that integrate science and practice:
(a) To produce graduates who have the requisite knowledge, skills, and experience to create and disseminate new knowledge about the processes and mechanisms underlying psychopathology; and
(b) To produce graduates who have the requisite knowledge and skills for entry into the practice of professional clinical psychology and who understand and appreciate the importance of an empirical basis to clinical practice.
3. Cognition & Cognitive Neuroscience
The study of cognition and perception has undergone explosive growth during the past decade with exciting developments in psychology and related fields and with new techniques for studying mind and brain. The cognitive and perceptual sciences (CPS) area group provides a unique and stimulating graduate school experience for students interested in an interdisciplinary approach to cognition and perception.
Faculty members combine expertise in cognition and perception with a broad arsenal of methods including experimental, developmental, computational, and biological approaches. This breadth in methodologies is paralleled by breadth across disciplines of communicative disorders, educational psychology, and neuroscience.
4. Developmental Psychology
Research in the developmental area group focuses on the interrelationships of biological, environmental, and behavioral processes throughout the life span, and on the mechanisms and processes of change. The program emphasizes interdisciplinary studies, and allows graduate students flexibility in designing a program of study consonant with their goals and interests.
One central part of the developmental program is a weekly lunch meeting, in which students and faculty present ongoing research and discuss current topics in the field. Students in the program focus on cognitive, emotional, language, perceptual, personality, social development, or relations between these areas.
5. Social and Personality Psychology
The program is designed to train students for research on the cutting edge of the fields of social and personality psychology. The curriculum consists of a series of courses and seminars designed to provide students with a thorough introduction to the fields of social and personality psychology.
This coursework is complemented by courses that provide the methodological and statistical skills necessary for several kinds of research. The primary emphasis is on experimental laboratory research, but training is also provided in field research, longitudinal studies, observational methods, and archival research.
Universities Offering Fully Funded PhD Programs in Psychology
1. Fully Funded PhD in Psychology at Rutgers University
Summary of PhD Program:
Rutgers University based in Piscataway, New Jersey offers a fully funded PhD in Psychology along with a Masters of Science (M.S.) degree. All PhD in Psychology candidates take part in scientific investigation and discoveries. Students choose one of the following four areas of specialization when they first enroll in the program: cognitive psychology, social psychology, clinical psychology, and behavioral and systems neuroscience. For as long as they maintain good standing, all accepted Ph.D. students are assured full funding for 5 years (4 years for those with a Master’s degree). Tuition and a wage or stipend for 10 months are covered by financial help. Additionally, summer financing is offered.
Application Deadline: Dec 01, 2023
2. Fully Funded PhD in Psychology at University of Maryland
Summary of PhD Program:
The College Park, Maryland-based University of Maryland provides a fully funded PhD in psychology program. Clinical (CLIN), Cognitive and Neural Systems (CNS), Counseling (COUN), Developmental (DEV), and Social, Decision, and Organizational Science (SDOS) are the specialization areas that admit students. The Department requires each PhD candidate to be knowledgeable in psychology and a specialist in their chosen topic. For the first five years, all accepted Ph.D. students get financial aid in the form of a fellowship or graduate assistantship, which covers tuition reimbursement up to 10 credits per semester.
Application Deadline: Dec 01, 2023
3. Fully Funded PhD in Psychology at Harvard University
Summary of PhD Program:
The PhD in Psychology program at Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts, is fully funded. Students participating in the PhD program may choose between the Common Curriculum, which covers Social Psychology, Developmental Psychology, and Cognition, Brain, and Behavior (CBB), or the Clinical Science route. All accepted PhD candidates get fellowship packages that include up to six years of tuition assistance, three years of 10-month financial assistance, four research fellowships over the summers, and the assurance of a teaching fellowship for the third and fourth years.
Application Deadline: Dec 15, 2023
4. Fully Funded PhD in Psychology at Northwestern University
Summary of PhD Program:
The PhD in Psychology program at Evanston, Illinois-based Northwestern University is fully funded. Clinical psychology, personality, development, and health psychology, cognitive psychology, brain, behavior, and cognition (BBC), and social psychology are the five specialties they offer Ph.D. degrees in. In our program, graduate students receive thorough instruction in methodology, statistics, and a wide range of topics in psychology and the behavioral sciences. All accepted Ph.D. candidates receive full funding for 5 academic years and 4 summers, which covers tuition and a stipend.
Application Deadline: Dec 01, 2023
5. Fully Funded PhD in Psychology at Columbia University
Summary of PhD Program:
A five-year, fully funded PhD in Psychology is offered by Columbia University, New York, NY. This program provides an opportunity for in-depth research while also being designed to give a wide foundation in psychology. Three fundamental subfields of psychology—cognition, psychobiology and neuroscience, and personality and social psychology—offer advanced courses. Less than 10 full-time students are admitted each year by the department, which is rather tiny. If they keep up their academic status, every student accepted into the five-year program receives a fellowship that covers their tuition, health and insurance costs, and an annual stipend through the fifth year.
Fully Funded PhD in Psychology in the UK: A Path to Excellence
Pursuing a doctoral degree in psychology can be a rewarding and intellectually stimulating journey. However, the financial burden of such an endeavor can often deter potential candidates from realizing their academic aspirations. Thankfully, fully funded PhD programs in psychology exist, offering a financial safety net to support students in their pursuit of advanced knowledge and research. In this article, we will explore the availability of fully funded PhD programs in psychology, particularly in the UK and Europe, and delve into the specifics of what it means to embark on a journey towards a PhD in psychology with full funding.
Fully Funded PhD in Psychology in the UK
The United Kingdom boasts a strong reputation for its world-class universities and high-quality research in the field of psychology. Many universities in the UK offer fully funded PhD programs in psychology, providing an excellent opportunity for both domestic and international students. These programs cover tuition fees, a stipend for living expenses, and sometimes additional funding for research and conference travel. But how do you secure a fully funded PhD in psychology in the UK?
How Much is a Fully Funded PhD in the UK?
The financial aspects of a fully funded PhD program in the UK vary depending on the university and the specific funding source. Typically, a fully funded PhD program covers the cost of tuition, ensuring that you do not have to worry about paying for your academic fees. Furthermore, most programs also provide a stipend to cover living expenses, which can range from around £15,000 to £20,000 per year, depending on the location and funding source. Some universities may also offer additional funding opportunities, such as research grants, travel allowances, or teaching assistantships.
To secure a fully funded PhD in psychology in the UK, you will generally need to meet the university’s admission requirements and excel in your academic qualifications. Additionally, many programs require you to propose a research project that aligns with the university’s research priorities or the interests of a specific faculty member. Scholarships, grants, and external funding opportunities can also help you achieve full funding for your PhD.
Fully Funded PhD Programs in Psychology in Europe
While the UK offers outstanding opportunities for fully funded PhDs in psychology, it’s important to explore options beyond the British Isles. Europe, as a whole, is home to numerous universities renowned for their psychology programs. Many of these institutions offer fully funded PhD programs, and the range of opportunities is vast.
Fully Funded Psychology PhD Programs in the UK and Europe
Europe, with its diverse cultural landscape and academic excellence, is an attractive destination for aspiring psychologists. Fully funded psychology PhD programs in Europe often follow a similar model to those in the UK. They encompass tuition coverage and a living stipend to support students during their research and studies. Some European countries may even offer more affordable living costs, making it an appealing destination for international students.
When searching for fully funded psychology PhD programs in Europe, it’s essential to consider the specific requirements of each institution and the opportunities they provide. Keep in mind that, like in the UK, competition for fully funded positions can be fierce. Applicants should prepare a strong research proposal and ensure that their academic background aligns with the expectations of the program.
PhD Fully Funded Psychology: The Road to Success
A fully funded PhD in psychology can be a transformative experience, allowing you to engage in meaningful research, gain valuable teaching experience, and build a strong foundation for your academic career. The availability of fully funded programs in the UK and Europe offers a unique chance to realize your academic dreams without the burden of substantial student loans.
To maximize your chances of securing a fully funded psychology PhD, it’s essential to:
- Research universities and programs: Identify institutions that offer fully funded PhD positions in psychology and align with your research interests.
- Build a strong academic background: Achieve excellent grades and academic qualifications to stand out among the competition.
- Craft an outstanding research proposal: Develop a compelling research proposal that showcases your passion and aligns with the program’s objectives.
- Seek external funding: Explore scholarship opportunities and external grants to supplement your funding package.
- Network with professors and researchers: Establish connections with faculty members who share your research interests, as they may become potential advisors or mentors.
In conclusion, fully funded PhD programs in psychology in the UK and Europe are a testament to the commitment of these institutions to nurturing the next generation of psychologists. By exploring the numerous opportunities and taking steps to prepare a strong application, you can embark on your academic journey with financial support, setting the stage for a successful and fulfilling career in psychology.
