University of Southern California campus

Arts & Humanities

Psychology (PhD) at University of Southern California

University of Southern California, United States

Programme overview

The PhD in Psychology requires at least 36 substantive psychology units at USC in the first three years, core courses in brain and cognitive sciences and in clinical, developmental and social areas, a second-year research project, a qualifying examination by the fifth semester and a dissertation.

Department: Psychology  |  Study mode: full-time  |  Location: Los Angeles, CA, United States

What you will study

Students take a statistics or research methods course and core courses specified in the department handbook, with additional requirements by specialty. At least one semester of an approved practicum (PSYC 567) is required. Clinical science students complete three in-residence years plus a one-year internship at an approved facility; a minimum of 24 graduate units at USC is required.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

USC Graduate School (all graduate programmes): a bachelor's degree or equivalent from a regionally accredited college or university. International applicants whose first language is not English demonstrate English proficiency; for PhD applicants, ISE-exam exemption scores are TOEFL iBT 100 with no less than 20 on each section (exams taken before 21 January 2026), IELTS Academic 7 with no less than 6 on each band, or PTE 68 with no less than 53 on each band. USC sets no university-wide minimum for admission and some departments set higher requirements.

Requirements published at program group level.

Explore more study programmes

Arts & Humanities

Acting, Stage and Screen (BFA)

University of Southern California, United States

Degree
Bachelor's
Next intake
First-year students enter in the fall semester; applicants can apply Early Decision (binding), Early

Arts & Humanities

American Popular Culture (BA)

University of Southern California, United States

Degree
Bachelor's
Next intake
First-year students enter in the fall semester; applicants can apply Early Decision (binding), Early

Arts & Humanities

American Studies and Ethnicity (BA)

University of Southern California, United States

Degree
Bachelor's
Next intake
First-year students enter in the fall semester; applicants can apply Early Decision (binding), Early

Arts & Humanities

Animation and Digital Arts (BFA)

University of Southern California, United States

Degree
Bachelor's
Next intake
First-year students enter in the fall semester; applicants can apply Early Decision (binding), Early

View all study programmes →

Ready to start your study abroad journey?

Book a free consultation with our expert counsellors and take the first step towards your dream university.

Copyrights © 2026 StudyMapped. All rights reserved.