Graduate Studies

The psychology department at Iowa State University provides doctoral level training in three program areas – cognitive psychology, counseling psychology, and social psychology – plus a graduate certificate in quantitative methods. The composition of the graduate program areas is grounded in the research interests of individual faculty. Overlapping interests of faculty form a number of research clusters as well as a research concentration in psychology and law. Graduate students may also pursue a co-major in another department (e.g., human-computer interaction, neuroscience). For information about co-majors, please visit the graduate college handbook, section 4.3. Please visit the Graduate Students in Psychology webpage for additional resources available to psychology graduate students.

The Graduate College requires that 72 graduate credits be completed for the doctoral degree, of which at least 36 must be earned at Iowa State University.  All work must be completed within seven years.

Admissions

You may be admitted to one of the doctoral-level training areas with either a bachelor’s or a master’s degree. The department does not offer a terminal master’s degree. Graduate students admitted to the graduate program in psychology typically receive funding (tuition plus stipend) for five years as long as they remain in good standing. If you are interested in the psychology and law concentration, you should apply to the cognitive or social psychology program. The application deadline for Fall 2026 is December 1, 2025. More information about admissions, the application process to the graduate program in psychology, and common FAQs may be found on the graduate admissions page.

Program areas

Graduate research concentration in psychology and law

The Psychology and Law Concentration at Iowa State University offers an exciting opportunity to explore the intersection of psychology and the legal system. If you’re interested in topics like criminal confessions, deception detection, eyewitness identification, or forensic psychology, this concentration is for you. You’ll have the chance to work with a dedicated group of faculty who specialize in areas such as memory, legal decision-making, police interrogation, and forensic science. Our faculty members from both cognitive and social psychology bring their expertise to help you develop a deeper understanding of how psychology shapes the law and vice versa. If you’re passionate about psychology and its role in the legal world, this concentration offers a fantastic opportunity to pursue your interests and prepare for an impactful career.

Graduate certificate in quantitative psychology

The Graduate Certificate in Quantitative Psychology at Iowa State University will help you gain specialized knowledge and skills in advanced quantitative methods used in psychological research. This certificate equips you with expertise in data analysis techniques, including multivariate analysis, survey sampling, psychometrics, and advanced statistical modeling. Whether you’re pursuing a career in academia, research institutions, or industries such as healthcare, education, or data analytics, the skills you gain will open doors to a wide range of career opportunities.

Through this program, you’ll become proficient in handling complex data sets and applying cutting-edge statistical methods to real-world psychological research. Career possibilities for graduates include roles as data analysts, research consultants, psychometricians, and academic researchers, all of which require a deep understanding of quantitative analysis to inform decision-making and improve outcomes. Whether you are advancing your career in a research-focused role or contributing to evidence-based practice in your field, the Graduate Certificate in Quantitative Psychology will provide you with the tools and expertise to excel. For more details on the program and admission requirements, please contact Dr. Marcus Credé.

Graduate minor in psychology

Looking to integrate psychological science into your program of study? A graduate minor in psychology may be the perfect complement to your graduate degree. Learn more about our graduate minor.

Graduate student organizations and professional development

In addition to the wide variety of graduate organizations and professional development experiences at Iowa State, there are several opportunities just for psychology graduate students.

Graduate Students of Psychology (GSP) is an academic, professional, and social organization that promotes and supports all graduate students in the field of psychology. Meetings are typically held once a month and any graduate student in psychology can participate (cognitive, counseling, or social). Officers are elected annually and there is a small fee for dues.

Cognitive Area Psychology Students (CAPS) aims to improve the research experience and professional development of graduate students in the cognitive psychology program at ISU. To accomplish this, CAPS organizes guest speaker events where speakers share research related to cognitive psychology or offer non-academic expertise relevant to students in cognitive psychology. Additionally, CAPS organizes meetings for cognitive psychology students to discuss new skills and research developments.

Graduate Students in Counseling Psychology (GSCP) provide support by helping to obtain speakers and materials to foster professional growth specifically for counseling students, as well as an organized body to help maintain and provide necessary information to students. it also provides a social outlet for counseling students and their unique schedules, obligations, and stressors.

Graduate Students in Social Psychology (GSSP) is dedicated to fostering a vibrant academic community by promoting, supporting, and sharing research in the field of social psychology. They host events such as an annual colloquium and other academic gatherings, providing a platform for graduate students to connect, collaborate, and engage with cutting-edge work in the field.