The psychology department at Iowa State University provides doctoral level training in three program areas – cognitive psychologycounseling 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 and the application process to the graduate program in psychology may be found on the graduate admissions page.

 

Program areas

  • Cognitive Psychology

    The cognitive psychology program at Iowa State University provides students with a foundation in basic science and its applications to cognitive psychology. The primary goal is for you to develop the intellectual and technical skills necessary to conduct independent research while at Iowa State University and in future positions.

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  • Counseling Psychology

    The counseling psychology program follows a scientist-practitioner model. You can tailor their training to become a clinician prepared for clinical practice and/or teaching and research in college and university settings. Through coursework, practical, and other hands-on experiences and learning, you will be prepared to be a counseling psychology professional of the highest caliber.

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  • Social Psychology and Personality

    The social psychology program at Iowa State University is grounded in basic and applied research. You will learn the theoretical and conceptual bases of social psychology, acquire strong methodological and statistical competencies, and develop critical skills in the areas of teaching and writing through course work, empirical research, and interactions with your major professor(s).

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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.

Frequently asked questions

Application process and eligibility

Applications for fall admission are due by December 1st of the previous year (e.g., to begin in Fall 2026, applications are due by December 1, 2025).

No, our program only admits students for a fall start.

Yes, both documents are required. The Statement of Purpose is a brief overview of your goals and background, while the Psychology Essay is a more formal and detailed discussion of your research interests and fit with the program.

Applications are typically reviewed through February and March. Notifications regarding admission decisions are sent by mid-April.

We recommend reviewing the Graduate Admissions page under the Graduate tab of our website. Additionally, the APA’s guide on Choosing a Program may help you evaluate program alignment.

TOEFL waivers may be available under certain conditions. Please refer to the Graduate Admissions page on our website for details on English language proficiency requirements and waiver eligibility.

Application fees are deferred until program acceptance. You will not need to pay a fee at time of application.

Letters may be submitted in the writer’s native language; the program will arrange translation if needed.

Faculty and advising

Visit the Research Clusters and Graduate Program Areas pages to explore faculty interests. Because availability changes annually, we encourage you to contact faculty directly if your interests align.

Program format and requirements

No, our program is offered exclusively in an on-campus format.

The Ph.D. program is full-time. To receive tuition support, students must hold a 20-hour/week graduate assistantship. While outside employment is not prohibited, it is generally discouraged due to the program’s intensity. Some limited practicum opportunities provide both pay and credit. A license in mental health counseling is not required, as all clinical training is provided within the program.

Students do not take required courses during the summer. While research or teaching assistantships may be available, they are limited and dependent on faculty needs and funding availability. Summer assistantships are not guaranteed.

Financial support and benefits

Teaching and research assistantships are assigned to all graduate students in psychology; no separate application is necessary. Additionally, graduate assistants will receive a tuition scholarship. To learn more, see the Graduate Scholarships and Assistantships page.

Yes, health insurance is available to graduate students and their dependents. Visit the Student & Scholar Health Insurance Program (SSHIP) website for plan details.

Licensure and accreditation

Yes. Our program is accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA) and meets licensure requirements in Iowa and all other U.S. states.

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.