The Degree of PhD (Psychology) [Graduate]

Program Requirements for Students with a Bachelor’s Degree

Requirements for the PhD for students entering with a bachelor’s degree include:

1. A first-year research project,
2. A second-year research project,
3. A written qualifying exam as determined by their supervisory committee,
4. An oral candidacy exam,
5. A written dissertation proposal,
6. The successful defense of a doctoral dissertation, and
7. The completion of a minimum of ★17 of graduate-level courses.

The required courses normally include: PSYCO 502  (★2); PSYCO 531  (★3); PSYCO 532  (★3); one 500- or 600-level course (★3) in the student’s research focus; and two 500- or 600-level courses (★3 each) in related areas of psychology. Focal and related courses are determined by the student’s supervisory committee.

Additional course work may be required by the supervisory committee, in consultation with the Associate Chair for Graduate Studies, to ensure that a student is adequately prepared for research in their areas of concentration.

No language other than English is required for the degree.

The minimum period of residence is three academic years of full-time attendance at the University of Alberta.

Program Requirements for Students with a Master’s Degree

Requirements for the PhD for students entering with a master’s degree include:

1. A written qualifying exam as determined by their supervisory committee,
2. An oral candidacy exam,
3. A written dissertation proposal, and
4. The successful defense of a doctoral dissertation.

Students entering the PhD program with a master’s degree from another university are required to take PSYCO 502  (★2).

Additional course work may be required by the supervisory committee, in consultation with the Associate Chair for Graduate Studies, to ensure that a student is adequately prepared for research in the student’s areas of concentration. Students normally are expected to take their candidacy exam and to submit their dissertation proposal no later than the end of their first year in the PhD program.

No language other than English is required for the degree.

The minimum period of residence is two academic years of full-time attendance at the University of Alberta.

Length of Program

Students are normally expected to complete the program in four years when entering with a bachelor’s, three years when entering with a master’s from another institution, and two years when entering with a master’s from the University of Alberta. However, the time required to complete the program will vary with the individual candidate. Students are evaluated annually with respect to progress in the program.