The Graduate program consists of five program areas: (1) Clinical Psychology, (2) Cognition and Neural Systems (CNS), (3) Ethology and Evolutionary Psychology (EEP), (4) Psychology, Policy, and Law (PPL), and (5) Social Psychology. In addition, there are three specific tracks, or areas of emphasis available: Environmental Psychology, Sports Psychology, and Program Evaluation and Research Methods (PERM). The emphasis in each of these programs is on research training, consistent with the overall goals of our department. Students are accepted for the PhD degree only. However, before being admitted to the Comprehensive Exam, all students are required to satisfy the requirements for a Master's degree by submitting a thesis report of original research.

When prospective students apply to the Department, they nominate which Program they wish to join, and each program then decides which students to admit. In general, students are free to transfer from one program to another, and are encouraged as a matter of policy to pursue interdisciplinary interests, since the Department has a strong emphasis on interdisciplinary research and teaching. However, transfer into the Clinical Program requires special approval, since students in this Program must follow a specific set of courses, externships, practica, and internships, as required for accreditation by the American Psychological Association. Also, entry to this program is highly competitive, and there are a limited number of places available each year. For these reasons, already matriculating Psychology graduate students who wish to enter the Clinical Program (averaging less than one per year) must make formal application and are evaluated for admission in competition with other new applicants annually.