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Behavioral Science Ph.D. Admissions

Important Information for Behavioral Science Applicants

The deadline for RECEIPT of applications and all supporting materials is: January 20, 2010.
Please note that any application not received by that date will not be considered.

Please refer to department admissions for application details.

Below is some information that is specific to the behavioral science program:

  1. Personal Statement (2 copies if not submitted online; approximately 2 pages) - Please include the information below:
  1. Why you are interested in pursuing behavioral science / experimental psychology;
  2. Interests and faculty members with whom you might wish to work, or focus areas you wish to pursue.
  3. Research and teaching experience (including tutoring);
  4. Service / extracurricular activities;
  5. “Fit” with the URI Psychology Department multicultural mission, i.e., how your work (including service activities) or interests have or will enhance your understanding of a diverse world.

Applicants

       Qualified applicants to the Behavioral Science Program should show interest and ability for doctoral level training. Students who have been involved in research activities and who wish to pursue further research training are highly regarded in the selection process. Ordinarily, students are expected to have a combined score of at least 1100 on the GRE math and verbal sections and a grade point average of "B" (3.0) or better in their undergraduate course work. The specific nature of each applicants' research interest is considered in admission decisions in order to maximize the fit between prospective students and the program.

Transfer Credit

       Students entering the experimental program who have done graduate work at another accredited college, university, or professional school may: 1) transfer up to 30 credits if they have a Master's degree in psychology; or, 2) transfer as many as one-fifth of the credits required to complete their Master's degree or doctoral program. Transfer credit is granted only when the request is endorsed by the major professor and approved by the Dean of the Graduate School. Requests for transfer credit for course equivalency are typically reviewed and endorsed in writing by the faculty member who usually teaches the course at URI. Transfer credit for core content courses is limited to six credits (two courses). Transfer credit for courses taken prior to admission should be submitted as part of the student's program of study (within the first year of graduate work).

Additional important dates:

  • February 15, 2010 : Meet the Area Day (not required for acceptance)
  • March 15 (approx.) - Notification of admissions recommendations to Graduate School.
  • March 30 (approx.) – Notification of departmental assistantships
  • April 15 (approx.) - Applicants notify program of intent to accept admission offer; final notification of waitlist applicants.

We anticipate having our entering class established by May 1.

For additional information about the Behavioral Science Program, contact:

Joseph S. Rossi, Ph.D., Director, Behavioral Science Program
Tel: (401) 874-5983
E-mail: jsrossi@uri.edu

Scott Martin (beginning Sept 1, 2008), Graduate Assistant
Tel: (401) 874-4225
E-mail: psyadmin@etal.uri.edu