Psychology (PhD)

Tuition comes to 29,500 USD per year.

This is a doctoral program in Psychology focusing on research within the field of psychological sciences and human development. Students develop an independent program of study in consultation with a special committee, focusing on areas such as development, cognition, neuroscience, and social/personality psychology. The program emphasizes original research culminating in a doctoral dissertation.

Focus areas include development, cognition, neuroscience, social and personality psychology, Behavioral and evolutionary neuroscience, Perception cognition and development.

The program requires a minimum of 8 semesters for the degree, including specific coursework in quantitative methods and seminars, didactic courses, supervised teaching experience, and continuous enrollment in research courses leading to a doctoral dissertation.

Applicants must be seeking a Ph.D. degree and submit undergraduate transcripts, three letters of recommendation, and an academic statement of purpose. GRE scores are not required, nor is an undergraduate major in psychology, though prior research experience is highly desirable. Applicants should note that this program is not for those interested in clinical, counseling, industrial, or school psychology.

In Person, Ithaca, NY. The program requires a minimum of 8 semesters for completion, suggesting a full-time commitment. For international students, tuition is above the median for US programmes. The institution admits about 8% of applicants.

Cornell University, founded in 1865 in Ithaca, New York, is an Ivy League research university that blends rigorous scholarship with broad public engagement. As both a privately endowed institution and New York State's statutory land-grant university, Cornell brings together liberal arts, engineering, agriculture, and professional schools to offer wide academic choice across more than twenty colleges and programs. Its historic mission emphasizes teaching, research, and service, making Cornell a global destination for students seeking depth and interdisciplinary opportunity.

Academically, Cornell is known for high-impact research across the sciences, humanities, and applied fields. With about 25,582 students and over 6,200 international learners, the campus provides extensive resources including research centers, interdisciplinary institutes, and industry partnerships that support undergraduate and graduate training. Students benefit from hands-on learning, internship networks, and faculty mentorship that often include international collaborations and community-engaged projects.

Life in Ithaca balances scenic natural spaces with a lively arts and dining scene and strong student services, from career counseling to study abroad advising. Residential options, student clubs, and entrepreneurial hubs help newcomers settle in and build professional pathways both in the United States and abroad. For international applicants seeking world-class research, wide program choice, and a community that values public service and innovation, Cornell offers a supportive and stimulating environment.