Graduate Study Plan 

The sample study plan below provides a general roadmap for completing the Psychology Ph.D. program. Individual plans may vary based on course availability, research progress, and other circumstances. Students should develop their individual study plan in consultation with their faculty advisor. 

For specific Statistics Core and Area Core requirements for your program area, see Graduate Coursework Requirements. 

Year 1

Coursework

• Complete required Statistics Core coursework
• Complete or begin Area Core coursework
• Begin Further Studies coursework
• Enroll in your area’s required Proseminar

Research & Teaching

• Research: PSYC 296
• Teaching: PSYC 301, as applicable

Program Progress 

• Begin work toward the Second-Year Project

Year 2

Coursework

• Complete any remaining Area Core requirements
• Continue/complete Further Studies coursework
• Continue required Proseminar

Research

• PSYC 296

Program Milestone

• Complete the Second-Year Project

Year 3

Coursework & Professional Development

• Complete any remaining required coursework
• Continue required Proseminar, as applicable
• Begin or continue coursework for specialized subfield(s), if pursuing

Research 

• PSYC 297/291, as applicable

Program Milestones 

• Prepare for and complete the Qualifying Examination
• Advance to Ph.D. candidacy
• Continue dissertation research and preparation

Year 4 

Coursework & Professional Development

• PSYC 409B – Professional Development
• Complete additional coursework for specialized subfield(s), if pursuing

Research

• PSYC 299 – Research for Dissertation

Program Milestone

• Complete the Dissertation Proposal 

   

Year 5

Research 

• PSYC 299 – Research for Dissertation

Program Milestone 

• Complete the Dissertation Defense and Dissertation

Planning Your Program 

This timeline is intended as a general guide. Students should work closely with their faculty advisor to develop an individualized plan based on their area requirements, research progress, and academic goals. 

See Graduate Coursework Requirements for detailed information about:

• Statistics Core requirements
• Area Core coursework
• Further Studies requirements
• Customized Concentrations