
Psychology

The Ph.D. Program in Psychology encourages students to find creative solutions to critical issues through scholarship and service. The program readies students for meaningful careers in research, teaching, clinical practice, policy, and industry.
Request InformationDegree Offered
Ph.D. in Psychology
Full-time
10 Training Areas
Admissions Deadlines
December 1 for fall enrollment
(No spring enrollment)
Please note: In accordance with CUNY's guidelines surrounding the coronavirus (COVID-19), the Psychology Executive Office will be working partially remote for the foreseeable future.
Please see the Graduate Center’s official Covid-19 information and safety guidance page for additional information and resources.
The Psychology program spans 10 distinct training areas. Each one allows students to focus on a specific area of interest. Students become part of an active and diverse community, participating in interdisciplinary research and programs. The program promotes human welfare and service to society while fostering student growth and development.
To contact us, visit our governance page for important contacts.

Our Program
The Psychology curriculum includes 60-90 credits of coursework, a first and second examination, and completion of a dissertation that embodies original research. Each training area has its own program requirements. As a part of The Graduate Center, students take advantage of a variety of interdisciplinary concentrations, research centers and institutes, and other specialized programs throughout The Graduate Center that are relevant to psychology.
Curriculum
Our Faculty
Our faculty are top scholars in their fields of study, as well as journal editors and leaders of professional societies and organizations. The faculty work closely with students in courses, through research, and as advisers. Faculty and their labs are based on eight campuses throughout the CUNY system, with courses offered at The Graduate Center, as well as Baruch College, Brooklyn College, City College, Hunter College, John Jay College, Queens College, and the College of Staten Island.
Faculty
Student Support
Our students become thoughtful scholars and lifelong learners. The Psychology program and its Executive Office are committed to seeing students succeed and to creating avenues for professional development. They offer many means of support, including comprehensive forms and procedures and student resources.
Forms and Procedures
Events and Accomplishments
Joining the Ph.D. Program in Psychology means becoming part of a vibrant community of ambitious scholars. Student leaders organize a series of cross-CUNY events with distinguished speakers, including the Teaching of Psychology conference and Psychology Student Research Day. Learn more about the activities and achievements of our students, faculty, and alumni in our program news.
News and EventsPsychology Announcements and Alerts
More Like ThisCongratulations to Dr. Puleng Segalo for being awarded the Annual GC Graduate of the Last Decade Award.
- Announcement
Congratulations to Dr. Anna Stetsenko on receiving a Lifetime Achievement Award from the American Educational Research Association
Congratulations to Dr. Anna Stetsenko, professor at The Graduate Center of CUNY (Developmental Psychology Training Area), on receiving a Lifetime Achievement Award from the American Educational Research Association (AERA).
- Congratulations/Kudos
Congratulations to Dr. Virginia Valian on being elected to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences
Congratulations to Dr. Virginia Valian, Distinguished Professor at Hunter College of CUNY, on being elected to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.
See below for more information:
New Members Elected in 2023: American Academy of Arts & Sciences Press Release
All Newly Elected Members in 2023: American Academy of Arts & Sciences
- Congratulations/Kudos
Congratulations to Wai Man Wong on receiving the Japanese Society for the Promotion of Science Summer Fellowship.
Congratulations to Psychology Ph.D. student Wai Man Wong (Clinical Psychology at Queens Training Area) for receiving the Japanese Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS) Summer 2023 Fellowship.
- Congratulations/Kudos
Psychology Spotlights
Our Sciences Spotlight series profiles students, faculty, and alumni associated with GC Sciences programs. Learn about our community:
Recent News
May 30, 2023
What makes a happier, more inclusive workplace
Wiston Rodriguez looks at the unique challenges faced by LGBTQ workers.
- GC Stories
- Student News
May 22, 2023
A Class of ’23 Graduate Draws on Theory in a Policy Role Helping NYC’s Homeless
Henry O. Love is the vice president of policy and planning at WIN (Women in Need, Inc.), the city’s largest providers of shelter.
- GC Stories
- Alumni News
May 18, 2023
Weighing the Emotional Impact of Common Depression Drugs
Carly Terracciano studies SSRIs and how they can affect people’s emotions and relationships.
- GC Stories
- Alumni News
May 11, 2023
Announcing the Alumni Award Winners
The Graduate Center will honor the 2023 and 2020 Alumni Award recipients on May 18.
- GC Stories
- Alumni News
- Faculty News
Clinical Psychology Admissions Data
View student admissions, outcomes, and other data.
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