Psychology: Psychology PhD

The principal aim of the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) program is to equip students with the skills to carry out advanced research within experimental psychology, and to become independent research scientists. Students work closely with a faculty adviser to develop and conduct a specialized (often multidisciplinary) program of research that ultimately culminates in a written dissertation and final oral examination. Through additional coursework and research opportunities, students gain breadth in their knowledge base and skill set in experimental psychology. The program is designed to prepare students for careers in academia, or a variety of non-academic careers where rigorous and in-depth research training is required.

PhD Program

Minimum Admission Requirements

  • Applicants are admitted under the General Regulations of the School of Graduate Studies. Applicants must also satisfy the Department of Psychology's additional admission requirements stated below.

  • Appropriate University of Toronto master's degree, or its equivalent from a recognized university, with a minimum A– average and adequate research performance.

Completion Requirements

  • Coursework. Students must successfully complete a total of 3.0 full-course equivalents (FCEs) as follows:

    • 0.5 FCE: an advanced statistics course chosen from a list provided by the department (typically PSY2002H Statistics II, taken in Year 1).

    • PSY3000H External Research Project, a research project course supervised by a faculty member other than the student's PhD supervisor, completed during Years 1 and 2.

    • PSY3001H Professional Psychology, taken in two modules in Years 1 and 3.

    • 1.0 FCE in Psychology course electives. Of this requirement, 0.5 FCE can be achieved through two 0.25 FCE Psychology module electives (PSY3100H Psychological Science Skills).

    • PSY4000H Doctoral Research Project, thesis proposal, and oral exam (examination in the student's area of research).

  • PhD thesis.

  • Students may take other courses, but it is expected that the requirements will be completed in the first two years of the PhD program. Students admitted with a master's degree from another university will normally be required to fulfil the PhD course requirements; however, exemptions may be granted by the Graduate Director of the Department of Psychology.

Mode of Delivery: In person
Program Length: 4 years full-time (typical registration sequence: Continuous)
Time Limit: 6 years full-time

 

PhD Program (Direct-Entry)

Minimum Admission Requirements

  • Applicants are admitted under the General Regulations of the School of Graduate Studies. Applicants must also satisfy the Department of Psychology's additional admission requirements stated below.

  • Appropriate University of Toronto bachelor's degree, or its equivalent from a recognized university, with a minimum A– average and adequate research performance.

  • Applicants with a master's degree in Psychology or a cognate discipline will likely be admitted to the four-year PhD program, whereas students with a master’s degree in an unrelated discipline will be admitted to the direct-entry PhD option. Such admission decisions will be made by the Graduate Director.

Completion Requirements

  • Coursework. Students must successfully complete a total of 5.0 full-course equivalents (FCEs) as follows:

    • PSY1100H Foundational Research Project, a research project course supervised by the student's supervisor plus two other faculty members, completed during Years 1 and 2.

    • PSY2001H Statistics I, taken in Year 1.

    • 0.5 FCE: an advanced statistics course chosen from a list provided by the department (typically PSY2002H Statistics II, taken in Year 1).

    • PSY3000H External Research Project, a research project course supervised by a faculty member other than the student's PhD supervisor, completed during Years 2 and 3.

    • PSY3001H Professional Psychology, taken in two modules in Years 1 and 3.

    • 2.0 FCEs in Psychology course electives. Of this requirement, 0.5 FCE can be achieved through two 0.25 FCE Psychology module electives (PSY3100H Psychological Science Skills).

    • PSY4000H Doctoral Research Project, thesis proposal, and oral exam (examination in the student's area of research).

  • PhD thesis.

  • Students may take other courses, but it is expected that the requirements will be completed in the first three years of the PhD program. Students admitted with a master's degree from another university will normally be required to fulfil the PhD course requirements; however, exemptions may be granted by the Graduate Director of the Department of Psychology.

Mode of Delivery: In person
Program Length: 5 years full-time (typical registration sequence: Continuous)
Time Limit: 7 years full-time

 

Psychology