The Ph.D. program offers specializations that prepare you for roles in a variety of settings including clinical, educational, research, social service, and private sector.
Program requirements: Completion of a minimum of 90 credits (66 course work, 6 thesis, 18 dissertation). Students entering with an approved master鈥檚 degree may transfer 30 credits. Research course requirements: a minimum of two courses in statistics (STA/PSY 532, PSY 533) and a research methods course (PSY 611). In addition, all students must complete a multicultural competency requirement, and four courses from among those numbered 600-609. Each of the three program areas (i.e., clinical, behavioral science, and school) also include specific research, content, and application requirements that are specified on their individual Web pages. The research competency requirement may be met by successfully defending a master鈥檚 thesis or by successfully completing a research competency project under the direction of the major professor. The research competency project option is limited to those who have nonthesis master鈥檚 degrees in psychology. Students who successfully complete the thesis option will earn a master鈥檚 degree in psychology. A Ph.D. qualifying examination is required of all doctoral students entering without the master鈥檚 degree. This requirement is met by completing, with a grade of B or better, four courses from STA/PSY 532, PSY 533, 611, and those numbered 600-609. These courses are usually completed prior to earning 24-30 credits. For students in the applied areas (clinical and school), course work must be completed in each of the following content areas of psychology: biological bases of behavior; cognitive and affective bases; social bases; individual differences; and history and systems of psychology; as well as psychological assessments, interventions, human development/personality, multicultural psychology, and psychological ethics.
The clinical program is accredited by the American Psychological Association. (Commission on Accreditation, American Psychological Association, 750 First Street NE, Washington, D.C. 20002-4242; phone 202.336.5979). This program ascribes to the scientist-practitioner model of training. Program requirements generally include courses in foundations of psychological science, professional practices, research, and completion of an approved supervised internship. Practicum and individual research projects can be specifically tailored to help the student prepare for the professional role of his or her choice. This program also has a strong experiential base, including field activity in each year. Students are expected to be involved in research for a substantial portion of their program.
September 2025
University of Rhode Island
Kingston Campus,
75 Briar Lane,
KINGSTON,
Rhode Island,
2881, United States
GRE (verbal and quantitative) for Behavior Science only; evidence of research experience; personal statement addressing research and professional experience, interests, and goals; and curriculum vita.
A cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better in the undergraduate career that can be confirmed with official transcripts from the institution (some programs may require a higher or lower GPA).
Language Proficiency
Required scores on the Internet-based (iBT) and Computer-based TOEFL:
An overall score of 80 or above (82 for teaching assistantship consideration), AND Minimum scores in the following areas: Reading: 19; Writing: 18; Listening: 17; Speaking: 18 (the suggested minimum speaking score for a teaching assistantship is 20).
Other scores that may be accepted in place of TOEFL scores (please check with your department):
International English Language Testing System (IELTS): All scores must be sent directly to URI. Required minimum score of 6.5, AND minimum scores in the following areas: Reading: 6.5; Writing: 6.5; Listening: 6.5; Speaking: 6.5 (The suggested minimum speaking score for a teaching assistantship is 7).
Duolingo English Test: Required minimum score of 105 (Score of 110 for a teaching assistantship)
Pearson Test of English: Required minimum scores are Reading 53, Writing 59, Listening 47, and Speaking 47 (62 for international teaching assistants)
Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR): Required minimum score of B2
*There may be different IELTS requirements depending on your chosen course.
