Fully Funded PhD in Psychology at University of Florida
The mission of the SPP (School Psychology Program) at the University of Florida is to prepare practitioners and scholars in health service psychology dedicated to enhancing the well-being and educational development of children and youth. This program follows a scientist-practitioner model, emphasizing the integration of scientific research and practical application in its curriculum.
Students in the SPP are trained to be practicing scientists who employ systematic inquiry to provide effective psychological services to schools, families, and the community. They develop a strong foundation in psychology, education, research methods, and professional school psychology, enabling them to address psychological and educational issues in children, families, and institutions through prevention, assessment, intervention, and research.
The PhD program in Psychology at the University of Florida offers training in five specialty areas:
- Behavior Analysis
- Counseling
- Developmental
- Neurobehavioral and Cognitive Sciences
- Social Psychology
PhD Program Requirements
Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. While there is no specific major requirement, a strong foundation in psychology and related coursework can be advantageous.
The University of Florida typically requires a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. However, admission to the PhD program is highly competitive, and successful applicants often have GPAs well above this minimum threshold.
PhD Funding Coverage
At the University of Florida, all first-year students are offered funding, which is available for up to five years for those making satisfactory progress. Assistantships are awarded based on demonstrated or potential teaching skills, research aptitude, and special expertise in certain areas. To maintain an assistantship, students must maintain good academic standing, maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0, and enroll in specific credit hours during each term.
Additionally, there are various funding opportunities for graduate students:
1. Teaching Assistantships (TAs): TAs assist faculty members with teaching responsibilities, grading, and course material development. This is a common assignment for first-year graduate students.
2. Research Assistantships (RAs): RAs work closely with faculty on research projects, which can involve various tasks, such as experiment preparation, participant recruitment, data analysis, and laboratory management.
3. Graduate School Funding Award (GSFA): This prestigious award offers a stipend of $25,000 for a 12-month appointment along with tuition waivers for up to four years. It includes two years of research assistantship and two years of teaching assistantship.
4. McKnight Foundation Doctoral Fellowships: These fellowships are available to newly entering African-American or Hispanic students who are U.S. citizens. The fellowship offers over $12,000 per year in addition to the assistantship stipend for 3-4 years.
5. Grinter Awards: Sponsored by the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, these awards provide additional funding ranging from $2,000 to $2,500 annually for three years, on top of the assistantship stipend.
6. Jacquelin Goldman Summer Fellowships in Developmental Psychology: These fellowships are awarded to incoming students with exceptional research potential in Developmental Psychology. They may be renewed for a maximum of 5 summers, depending on satisfactory progress.
7. Florida Board of Education (BOE) Summer Fellowship Program: This program is for newly admitted ethnic minority and first-generation graduate students, allowing them to start their research and graduate studies in the summer before full-time enrollment in the academic year.
Application Requirement
The application process for the PhD program in Psychology at the University of Florida is rigorous and competitive. To submit a successful application, you will need to provide the following:
1. Online Application: Start by completing the online application through the University of Florida’s admissions portal. Ensure that you choose the correct program (PhD in Psychology) when applying.
2. Transcripts: Submit official transcripts from all colleges and universities you have attended. These should reflect your academic history, including undergraduate and any prior graduate coursework.
3. Letters of Recommendation: Most PhD programs require letters of recommendation. Typically, you will need three to four letters from individuals who can speak to your academic and research abilities. It’s best to choose recommenders who are familiar with your work in psychology or related fields.
4. Statement of Purpose: Write a compelling statement of purpose outlining your research interests, career goals, and why you want to pursue a PhD in Psychology at the University of Florida. Be sure to align your research interests with faculty members’ expertise within the department.
5. Curriculum Vitae (CV) or Resume: Provide a comprehensive CV or resume detailing your academic achievements, research experience, publications, presentations, and relevant work experience.
6. GRE scores: GRE scores are required for admission to the program. However, there are no strict cutoffs on GRE scores.
7. English proficiency: International applicants whose native language is not English must submit TOEFL or IELTS scores to demonstrate English proficiency. The minimum TOEFL score required is 80 on the internet-based test (iBT), and the minimum IELTS score required is 6.0.
8. Writing Samples: Some programs may require writing samples, such as research papers, publications, or essays, to demonstrate your writing and research skills.
9. Interview: Shortlisted candidates may be invited for an interview as part of the selection process. This interview provides an opportunity for the admissions committee to assess your fit for the program.
Application Deadline
December 01, 2024
Application Fee
The application fee for the PhD program in Psychology at the University of Florida is $30 for domestic applicants and $37 for international applicants.
