Can I apply to your program if I just want a Master's degree?
No. Our program is structured as a PhD program, and is not geared towards Masters-only students. A terminal Masters is not possible, though a Masters degree is earned on the way to the Doctorate.
Can I complete the program part-time or from a distance?
No. Our program is full-time and students are expected to be on campus throughout the week to attend classes, participate in research activities, clinical work, meetings, etc. We do not offer an online or hyrbid program.
Can I make an appointment to speak with someone/visit the department?
Potential applicants interested in our program should thoroughly explore the website to obtain information about the university, department, and graduate training programs. If you have specific questions that are not answered online, please contact Department Manager Tamra Nowitzki at tamra.nowitzki@uky.edu or (859) 257-9640. Due to the volume of inquiries we receive, we are unable to meet with current or future applicants until interview dates, which are held in mid-to-late January each year. Applicants chosen for interviews will be notified soon after the application deadline. If invited to interview, please make arrangements to attend.
Can the application fee be waived?
No. Currently, the fee for applicants from the U.S. is $65 and the fee for applicants from other countries is $75.
Is your program requiring the GRE this year?
Our program has eliminated the GRE General Test requirement. We will NOT accept or consider GRE scores for applications. Applicants should not submit GRE scores through ETS nor report their scores in the application portal nor provide their scores on their CV or personal statement.
Do you have late admissions?
No. Our admissions committee works very quickly after the submission deadline to review applications. Any applications submitted after the deadline will not be considered.
Do I need to send in official transcripts?
No. Students are required to upload unofficial transcript(s) on the Apply Yourself application website. If you are accepted into the program, we will then request that you provide official transcripts.
What materials need to be uploaded to the application?
The application requires that you provide your unofficial transcripts, CV, and personal statement. You may provide a writing sample, but this is optional. See the full list here. Do not attach documents for assistantship/funding or portfolio - these are not required nor necessary for our program.
If I am applying to multiple areas do I need to have separate letters of recommendation for each?
After providing the name and information for recommenders, as indicated on the application, the graduate school will generate an email and send them all the information they need to provide their recommendations.
Are students who choose the health psychology concentration or neuropsychology concentration in a separate application pool?
Students are admitted to a specific program area: 1) Clinical, 2) Cognitive Neuroscience, or 3) Developmental, Social, and Health. Once admitted, students may choose a concentration. (Only clinical students are allowed to do the neuropsychology concentration while any student may do the health psychology concentration). Students do not need to have a concentration. There are no spots allocated to people for either of the concentration. It is not a factor in the decision-making process for admissions.
Is the health concentration limited to students pursuing a clinical psychology degree?
No. Students in any area may pursue the health concentration.
I have a Master’s Degree. Is it possible to obtain credit for past coursework or have the thesis requirement waived?
Course credit is not given for courses taken at other institutions prior to admission to the Ph.D. program. However, a student may petition for a course waivers for previous coursework if they can demonstrate that they have obtained the background and knowledge in the area of study that the course in question covers, usually through a simliar or more advanced course. Students may also submit thesis coursework for consideration for waivers. The thesis must be approved by faculty, and syllabi from previous coursework will be reviewed by the Director of Graduate Studies and by committee, including the instructor of the course in question.
I am interested in seeking assistantship aid. Do I need to upload any documentation confirming this?
No. All accepted students are considered for all funding options available to them. We do not have any required documents related to funding as part of the initial application process.
What is required of the personal statement? Is there an exact length requirement?
We do not require a specific length for the personal statements. As a general rule, they run 2-3 pages in length. Write whatever it is you need in order to adequately present who you are, what your interests are, what you would like to gain from the program, and why you think you are a good fit for our program specifically. We are particularly interested in understanding how applicant's experiences, beliefs, background and perspectives will positively contribute to an inclusive and diverse campus community.
I am having trouble locating or accessing the personal statement portion of the application.
The personal statement upload can be found on the supplemental uploads page. If you continue having issues, it may be caused by an incompatible browser. Use Firefox.
Who is the Director of Graduate Studies (DGS)?
Our current DGS is Dr. Mike Bardo.
What is the institution code for the TOEFL exam?
The TOEFL institution code is 1837.