Frequently Asked Questions

What areas do you offer a degree in?

The areas are: Social, Clinical, Developmental, Quantitative, Cognitive Systems, and Behavioral Neuroscience.

Can I get a master's degree?

A master's degree is obtained during the course of studies for the Ph.D. We do not admit students for a terminal master's degree.

How long does the program take to complete?

The Ph.D. program is a full-time program, and usually takes 5-6 years to complete.

How do I apply? What are the requirements?

The application packet may be obtained through the Department or on-line. The completed application itself, the application fee, official GRE scores, and official transcripts should be sent directly to the Graduate College. A copy of the applicant response form, GRE scores, and Transcripts should be sent to the Department with three letters of recommendation, statement of purpose, and response card. The application deadline is December 15th for the Clinical Program and January 5th for all other programs.  Students applying to all programs must submit GRE Aptitude scores.  GRE and students applying to the Clinical Program are strongly encouraged to submit Advanced GRE scores.  For a file to be considered complete it must contain: the processed application from the Graduate College, a statement of purpose, GRE scores, and three letters of recommendation.

How much is tuition?

Tuition is dependent upon the number of hours enrolled. If a student is enrolled full-time (12 hours a semester), the in-state tuition and fees for 2003-04 was $2,508 and the out-of-state tuition portion was $8,520. Tuition may be increased for next year, although that decision isn't usually made until April-May of each year. The increase is typically a small one.

Do you have assistantships (GA/TA/RA) available?

Teaching and Research Assistantships are available in the Department. The Department is usually able to fund all of its admitted students with one or the other. The assistantships typically are for 20 hours per week. For 2003-04 the stipends were $12,285 per 9 months for a pre-master's student and $13,205 for 9 months for a post-master's student. Those students who hold a 20-hr per week teaching assistant  or research assistantship and are registed for at least 6 hours per semester have 100% of their tuition rebated and the cost of their health insurance covered.  

What financial aid is available?

There is no financial aid available through the Department, although such aid is available through the University private foundation and government agencies. Information can be obtained through the Financial Aid Office. The Department also awards out-of-state tuition scholarships to those students receiving a teaching or research assistantship.

How long does it take to process an application? How do I check on the status of an application?

It usually takes the Graduate College 2-4 weeks to process a file once they get it. Of course, this process can be lengthened if transcripts are not received promptly. Students may contact the Department regarding the status of their application. ASU maintains a website that allows one to check the status of applications to ASU, as well as other related services.  The status-checking web site is available through a secure login using the applicant’s asurite id and password (which can be obtained for potential students through the website), and is accessed at www.asu.edu/interactive .

Can I get information sent to me?

Information can be obtained by visiting the departmental website, calling the Department at 480-965-7156, or sending an email to psygrad@asu.edu.