Experimental Psychology (PHD)
Dive into the science of behavior and uncover groundbreaking insights with advanced research methods that bring psychological principles to life.
- Offered Hybrid Online and Face-to-Face in Commerce.
- 4 to 5 years
- 90 credit hours
- Dissertation required
- No foreign language credits required
Unlock the Mysteries of Human Behavior
A Ph.D. in Experimental Psychology from East Texas A&M University provides advanced training in psychological research that focuses on human cognition, learning and behavior. You’ll investigate key psychological phenomena through rigorous coursework and hands-on research experience and develop expertise in experimental design, data analysis and scientific inquiry. Be equipped with the skills to contribute to advancing psychological science and apply your findings to real-world challenges in academic, clinical and professional settings.
Spring 2026 Graduate Flex Term.
What Are My Job Opportunities?
A Ph.D. in Experimental Psychology opens career paths in academia, research, healthcare and industry, with roles such as professor, researcher and data analyst.
Careers and Salaries
Current Median Salaries from US DOL Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2023
Program Details
Our Ph.D. in Experimental Psychology focuses on advanced research in cognition and behavior, preparing you for careers in academia and research.
What Will I Learn?
You will have the opportunity to gain experience in a number of key areas.
Statistics and Research Methods
Build a strong foundation in statistical analysis and experimental design to ensure your research is rigorous and impactful.
Psychological Research
Develop the skills to design, implement, and analyze studies that advance understanding in the field of psychology.
Experimental and Non-Experimental Methods
Explore both controlled experiments and observational studies to investigate complex psychological questions.
Sub-Disciplines
Gain exposure to areas such as educational, cognitive, social and developmental psychology, broadening your expertise and career opportunities.
Peer-Reviewed Publications
Master the art of scientific writing to effectively share your findings and contribute to the body of knowledge in psychology.
Taking Classes
Our flexible program, designed for full-time students and working professionals, offers online and in-person courses at our main campus in Commerce.
Please check the schedule of classes for locations and times. Locations and times are subject to change.
Teaching and Research Opportunities
Full-time students living close to Commerce will have opportunities to work in research labs and gain valuable teaching experience by assisting or teaching several different psychology courses.
Curriculum
Our program offers an interdisciplinary approach to psychological science, emphasizing human learning, cognition, instructional strategies, research and evaluation. It is designed to prepare you for careers in higher education, research and various applied settings, focusing on integrating knowledge of human cognition and instructional practice across different domains.
- Without a master's thesis: minimum 90 semester hours (SH)
- With an accepted master's thesis: minimum 60 SH
Adding Value with Certificates
East Texas A&M University offers graduate certificates in areas like data science and research methods, enhancing your expertise and career opportunities in psychology.
Psychology of Gerontology and Positive Aging Graduate Certificate
This certificate will enhance skills for persons working with older adults in business, medical or social settings. You will have a better understanding of physical, psychological and developmental impacts of aging and an enhanced understanding of ethical principles of dealing with potentially vulnerable population.
Teaching Psychology Graduate Certificate
The Teaching of Psychology graduate certificate will help you prepare to teach undergraduate psychology courses, particularly at community colleges where a master's degree or doctorate is not required.
Instructional Design Graduate Certificate
This certificate program prepares you to create top-notch curricula. Once you complete this certificate, you’ll be eligible to begin your career as an instructional designer, training coach or other related path.
Talent Development Graduate Certificate
This certificate prepares you to train employees to be leaders in the workplace. With this certificate you will be able to find careers in and related to human resource development.
Applied Behavior Analysis Graduate Certificate
Take your therapeutic and instructional skills to the next level with our Applied Behavior Analysis graduate certificate. As you earn your graduate certificate, you'll meet the coursework requirements to be able to sit for the licensure exam with the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB).
Finding My Community
We believe that education thrives in an environment where collaboration, support and mutual respect flourish. Our community of students and professors embodies these values, creating an enriching and dynamic atmosphere for learning and growth. Our students come from a variety of backgrounds and bring a wide range of experiences and perspectives to the table. Our professors are not only experts in their respective fields but also dedicated mentors who are committed to guiding and nurturing the next generation of scholars.
Curt Carlson, Ph.D.
Faculty
Student Organizations
Psi Chi Chapter
We are proud to host a chapter of Psi Chi, the international honor society in psychology. Psi Chi is dedicated to promoting excellence in scholarship, encouraging high academic achievement standards and advancing the science of psychology. The East Texas A&M chapter provides you with a dynamic academic community where you can engage with like-minded peers and mentors, fostering collaboration and intellectual growth.
I’m Looking For Something Different
Is this program close, but still not right for you? Check out our related degrees!
Financing My Future
Financial Aid
Financial aid includes a variety of programs, like scholarships, federal and state grants, and federal and state work-study programs. Find out how you may be eligible for scholarships, grants, loans and/or a graduate assistantship. Financial Aid and Scholarships
Back to menuOn-Campus Employment Opportunities
Enhance your expertise through on-campus employment opportunities.
Graduate Assistant/Research/Teaching
Graduate assistant teaching (GAT), graduate assistant research (GAR), and graduate assistant non-teaching (GANT) assistantships at East Texas A&M offer financial support and professional development for graduate students. Assistantships are available in academic and non-academic departments.
Back to menuCost Before Financial Aid
East Texas A&M is one of the most affordable colleges around the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. Our tuition rates are some of the most competitive in Texas.
$3,669
for Texas residents
/
$7,341
For non-residents
Tuition and fees for graduate students taking nine credit hours are $3,669 for Texas residents and $7,341 for non-residents. But don’t worry: there are
Back to menuAdditional Fees May Apply
- Online Courses ($50 per hour)
- Remote Locations ($20 per hour)
- Lab Fees ($5 – $30 per course)
How Do I Get Started?
If you have not already done so, complete the Request Information form. You will be connected with your enrollment specialist, who can answer your questions. When you’re ready, go ahead and follow the steps below to apply.
Admissions Requirements
To be considered for admission, you must first meet the following criteria.
- GPA minimum 3.4
- Master’s degree from an accredited institution
Admission Process
Priority admission consideration
- ApplyTexas application submission deadline is January 15
- All required admission documents must be submitted by January 31
Final admission consideration
- ApplyTexas application submission deadline is May 15
- All required admission documents must be submitted by June 1
ApplyTexas application submission deadline is October 1
All required admission documents must be submitted by October 15
ApplyTexas application submission deadline is March 1
All required admission documents must be submitted by March 15
- Create an account or login if you already have one
- Complete your profile section first once you log into your account
- Select “School Search” and select East Texas A&M
- Choose the semester you wish to begin
- Select “Experimental Psychology, PHD” as your “Program.”
- Pay the $50 application fee.
Wait to receive an application confirmation email before proceeding to the next step.
- Within two business days of your application, the Graduate School will send a confirmation email to the personal email account you used for ApplyTexas.
Submit the following documents after you receive an application confirmation email.
- Upload your documents at myLeo > Apps > Check Admissions Application Status & Test Scores or email your documents to your graduate coordinator unless otherwise specified below.
Your Graduate Coordinator
Contact your previous institution(s) and request that they send your official transcripts to your graduate coordinator.
- We recommend that you request transcripts for all of your academic work.
All international transcripts must be evaluated and the evaluation submitted to the Graduate School.
We accepts evaluations sent directly from the following Agencies.
- If a normal evaluation is submitted, official original transcripts with all marksheets will still need to be submitted.
- If a WES ICAP or equivalent is submitted, we will not need the official transcripts to be submitted separately.
To be considered for admission, one of the following is required
- a bachelor's degree with an overall GPA of 2.75 or higher, or
- a bachelor’s degree with a GPA of 3.0 or higher in the last 60 hours, or
- an awarded master's degree with an overall GPA of 3.4 or higher.
If you have a non-thesis master's degree, you must complete a thesis prior to doctoral candidacy (empirical thesis can be completed in our program en route to the dissertation and doctoral candidacy).
If your institution is unable to submit a digital copy, hard copies may be mailed to:
East Texas A&M University
Attn: Graduate School
PO Box 3011
Commerce, Texas 75429-3011
We will need official/original documents. If those documents are the only copies you have, the Graduate School can mail them back to you upon request. Contact your graduate coordinator for more information.
Submit the Statement of Goals Form found in the Application Packet. An additional page can be added.
Submit a resume or curriculum vitae (CV) which includes your academic and professional history and achievements.
Submit official General Test GRE scores
- Request that your GRE®scores be sent to East Texas A&M University (6188) when you register for the test. If you have already taken the GRE®, you can order additional score reports.
Request three signed letters of recommendation, on letterhead, from professionals who can attest to your goals and ability to succeed in the program.
- At least one of the references should hold a doctoral degree.
Those individuals should
Email the letter to your graduate coordinator or
Send the letter to you. Then, you will utilize the upload system: myLeo > Apps > Check Admissions Application Status & Test Scores
Review the Application Packet for more information.
Look for application updates in myLeo > Apps > Check Application Status
- Once an admission decision has been made, you will receive an email to your student email account at myLeo > Apps > Leomail.
- Apply for scholarships and graduate assistantships once you are admitted.
- Apply for financial aid by submitting a FAFSA and sending it to school code 003565.
- Contact your financial aid advisor with any questions.
Once registration opens and you are eligible to enroll, your graduate enrollment specialist will contact you to complete registration.
- View your degree plan in DegreeWorks.
- To register for classes, go to myLeo > Student Resources > Registration Menu.
Contact your graduate enrollment specialist if you have any questions regarding your degree plan and registration.
Your Graduate Enrollment Specialist
Priority admission consideration
- ApplyTexas application submission deadline is January 15
- All required admission documents must be submitted by January 31
Final admission consideration
- ApplyTexas application submission deadline is May 15
- All required admission documents must be submitted by June 1
ApplyTexas application submission deadline is October 1.
All required admission documents must be submitted by October 15.
ApplyTexas application submission deadline is March 1
All required admission documents must be submitted by March 15
- Create an account or login if you already have one
- Complete your profile section first once you log into your account
- Select “School Search” and select East Texas A&M
- Choose the semester you wish to begin
- Select “Experimental Psychology, PHD” as your “Program.”
- Pay the $75 application fee
Wait to receive an application confirmation email before proceeding to the next step.
- After you submit your application, the Graduate School will send a confirmation email within two business days to the personal email account you used for ApplyTexas.
Submit the following documents after you receive an application confirmation email.
- Upload your documents at myLeo > Apps > Check Admissions Application Status & Test Scores or email your documents to your graduate coordinator unless otherwise specified below.
Your Graduate Coordinator
Contact your previous institution(s) and request that they send your official transcripts to your graduate coordinator.
- We recommend that you request transcripts for all of your academic work.
To be considered for admission one of the following is required
- a bachelor's degree with an overall GPA of 2.75 or higher,
- a bachelor’s degree with a GPA of 3.0 or higher in the last 60 hours, or
- an awarded master's degree with an overall GPA of 3.4 or higher.
If your institution is unable to submit a digital copy, hard copies may be mailed to:
East Texas A&M University
Attn: Graduate School
PO Box 3011
Commerce, Texas 75429-3011
We will need official/original documents. If those documents are the only copies you have, the Graduate School can mail them back to you upon request. Contact your graduate coordinator for more information.
All international transcripts must be evaluated and the evaluation submitted to the Graduate School.
We accept evaluations sent directly from the following Agencies.
- If a normal evaluation is submitted, official original transcripts with all marksheets will still need to be submitted.
- If a WES ICAP or equivalent is submitted, we will not need the official transcripts to be submitted separately.
Submit the Statement of Goals Form found in the Application Packet. An additional page can be added.
Submit a resume or curriculum vitae (CV) which includes your academic and professional history and achievements.
Request three signed letters of recommendation, on letterhead, from professionals who can attest to your goals and ability to succeed in the program.
- At least one of the references should hold a doctoral degree.
Those individuals should
- Email the letter to your graduate coordinator or
- Send the letter to you. Then, you will utilize the upload system: myLeo > Apps > Check Admissions Application Status & Test Scores
Submit official General Test GRE scores
Request that your GRE®scores be sent to East Texas A&M University (6188) when you register for the test. If you have already taken the GRE®, you can order additional score reports.ee your face in the video (i.e., no voiceover presentations).
Submit these documents to the Office of International Programs once you have been admitted
- Official sponsor statement
- Bank statement from the sponsor with a balance of at least $26,025 USD which is less than 1 year old
See the Office of International Program's “Confirmation of Financial Resource” for more details.
You do not need to submit test scores if you have completed (all years) of a bachelor's or higher degree from a regionally accredited university in the United States.
Request that your scores from one of the following be sent to East Texas A&M University:
- TOEFL (Minimum Scores: IBT 79, or CBT 213, or PBT 550)
- IELTS (Minimum Score: 6.00 band overall)
- PTE (Minimum Score: 53 overall or higher)
- Duo Lingo (Minimum Score: 105)
*Scores must be less than two years old.
Review the Application Packet for more information.
Look for application updates in myLeo > Apps > Check Application Status
- Once an admission decision has been made, you will receive an email to your student email account at myLeo > Apps > Leomail.
- Apply for scholarships and graduate assistantships once you are admitted.
- Apply for financial aid by submitting a FAFSA and sending it to school code 003565.
- Contact your financial aid advisor with any questions.
Once registration opens and you are eligible to enroll, your graduate enrollment specialist will contact you to complete registration.
- View your degree plan in DegreeWorks.
- To register for classes, go to myLeo > Student Resources > Registration Menu.
Contact your graduate enrollment specialist if you have any questions regarding your degree plan and registration.
Your Graduate Enrollment Specialist
I Still Have Questions
We are here to help! Send us an email. We can answer your questions and assist you in the application process.
Contact the Department
- Psychology and Special Education
- 903.886.5631
- [email protected]