Admissions

Admissions Overview

The Department of Psychology typically receives over 350 applications annually for our Ph.D. programs. The incoming class each year ranges from 15 to 25 students. Our admissions process is centered within our areas of specialization (behavior analysis, counseling, developmental, behavioral and cognitive neurosciences, social). Given the large number of applications we receive, student files will normally be reviewed only by the area of specialization that represents the primary interest of the student. Area faculty independently review applications and make recommendations for admission and funding to a department-wide committee that makes the final decision on funding offers.

Admissions decisions are based on a number of factors, including research experience, grades, standardized test scores, undergraduate coursework, match between student and faculty research interests, letters of recommendation, and relevant volunteer/work experience. Prospective students are encouraged to contact area directors and individual faculty members regarding their research interests. The Psychology Department opposes any form of discrimination against people on the basis of their gender, race, ethnic affiliation, physical handicaps, sexual orientation, age, religion, creed, or national origin. The Department encourages and supports graduate application and graduate work by members of minorities and other underrepresented groups.

The Department of Psychology DOES NOT OFFER a terminal masters degree.

If you are seeking admission to the Department of Clinical and Health Psychology please visit their home page for more information.

 

Application Deadlines

The deadline for receipt of all applications to the Ph.D. Program is December 9th. All application materials must be received by the Graduate School by December 9th. Applications received after December 9th will be considered late. Applications completed by the deadline will receive full consideration. Don't wait until the last minute to apply! Apply early to ensure your application is given full consideration! **

The department cannot offer status updates on applications. Please use the Graduate School's application status system to confirm that all application materials have been received. If you are missing application materials, be advised that processing at Graduate Admissions can take several weeks at peak traffic times (November-December).

 

How to Apply

The Psychology Department uses the UF Graduate School's online application system. In order to apply, you will need to submit the following:

1) The online Graduate Admissions application
2) Transcripts from every college/university you have attended (sent directly to UF Graduate Admissions)
3) GRE scores (sent directly from ETS to UF Graduate Admissions)
4) Resume/CV (attached to the online application)
5) 3 letters of recommendation (submitted through the online application)
6) TOEFL or other language test scores (international students only, sent directly from ETS to UF Graduate Admissions)

Please follow the instructions in our online application guide. You should also view our FAQ for answers to common admissions questions.

Please be aware that you must follow all posted instructions for submitting your application. Test scores, recommendation letters, resumes/CVs, etc. that have been submitted to the department rather than Graduate Admissions will not be processed, and your application will remain incomplete.

 

Qualifications

Undergraduate preparation should include at least one course in experimental psychology and one course in statistics. Minimum preparation for graduate admission also includes courses in at least three of the following areas - cognition, development, learning, personality, physiological-comparative, sensory, and social.

Recent entering graduate classes had an average Graduate Record Exam (GRE) Verbal and Quantitative Score above 1250 and a grade point average (GPA) for the last two years of 3.8. Applicants with an overall GPA below 3.0 or a combined GRE below 1000 will be considered only under special circumstances. In addition to GRE and GPA criteria, the admission committees rate previous research activities and other experience, letters of recommendation, and how well the student’s background and research interests match those of our faculty seeking new students.

 

Are you Prepared for Graduate School?

Department of Psychology
Room 114, Psychology Bldg
P.O. Box 112250
Gainesville, FL 32611-2250
 
Phone: (352) 392-0601
FAX: (352) 392-7985