Thank you for your interest in the Department of Psychology's Ph.D. program. The Department invites applications from students who are primarily interested in research. Undergraduate research experience is helpful to have; this includes formal statistics/methods courses and special class projects, independent study projects, and part-time or volunteer work in research. All of our graduate program areas, including Clinical Science, have a strong research emphasis. We believe that competence in research and scholarship are prerequisites for leadership in teaching and public service in psychology.

If you’re considering graduate study at UC Berkeley, we encourage you to view our virtual Graduate Diversity Admissions Fair. This admissions fair was developed specifically for backgrounds historically excluded or underrepresented in graduate education, though it is open to the public.

To view the recording click here: https://youtu.be/wJhJqTxbl8E

• Application Process
  The application for Fall 2023 admission opens on September 15, 2022. Our application deadline is in December 1, 2022 at 8:59PM PST. We admit students once a year, for the Fall semester only.

   

  Our graduate program is a full-time day program and has no provision for accepting part-time or terminal M.A. degree students. Given the competition for admission, we suggest that potential applicants review their background and interests carefully before applying.

   

  The GRE will NOT be required for Fall 2023 GRE admissions requirements. 

   

  Please see the Application Instructions page for more detailed guidance. 

   
• Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice
  Diversity is a defining feature of the University of California and we embrace it as a source of strength. The Department of Psychology views its diversity to be integral to our achievement of excellence. Our differences — of age, race, gender, religion, ethnicity, ability status, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, skills, ideas, experience, and more — enhance our ability to achieve the university’s core missions of public service, teaching, and research.

   

  Prospective students seeking information specifically related to diversity are encouraged to visit our departmental Diversity page or to consult these resources below:

   

  • Social Sciences Graduate Diversity Office
  • Graduate Diversity Program
  • Graduate Assembly of Students in Psychology

   

  Here is the video of our Graduate Programs in Psychology | UC Berkeley 2021 Graduate Diversity Admissions Fair. 

   
• Graduate Program Helpful Resources

  Graduate Program Admissions Instructions

  • Application Instructions
  • Graduate Division Online Application
  • Special Instructions for Clinical Science Program Applicants

  External Fellowships

  • National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowships: Applicants for the Department of Psychology's doctoral program are encouraged to apply. https://www.fastlane.nsf.gov/grfp/Login.do.
  • Also refer to Graduate Division Fellowships and Awards to review other significant funding opportunities.

  Additional Resources

  • Kisses of Death in the Graduate School Application Process
  • Mitch's Uncensored Advice for Applying to Graduate School in Clinical Psychology

Questions? Please contact us at psychgradadmissions@berkeley.edu