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Will any psychology PhD programs accept a non-psychology major?

Question:

Will any psychology PhD programs accept a non-psychology major?

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Answer:

Yes, there are schools that will admit students into their Psychology PhD programs even if their undergraduate major is not psychology. The following are some of the top graduate schools in psychology, according to the U.S. News & World Report, and the specific admission requirement regarding undergraduate majors:

  • Stanford University's Department of Psychology website indicates that it welcomes applicants with academic backgrounds other than psychology.
  • The University of California, Berkeley states that although most students admitted into their PhD program have a bachelor's degree in psychology, it is not required. The Department of Psychology's FAQs, however, indicates that a strong foundation in a field related to the student's intended area of psychology is important.
  • Harvard University does not require an undergraduate degree in psychology; however, it expects that applicants have taken foundational psychology courses and have had research experience.
  • The University of Michigan's Department of Psychology website states that an undergraduate degree in psychology is not required to apply. However, it also mentions that applicants should have some foundation in the subject. The department also recommends that applicants have taken courses on experimental psychology, research, or statistical methods.

For more information about prerequisites for a PhD in psychology, check out this article: PhD Degree in Psychology: Prerequisites and Requirements

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