University of Florida Psychology Ph.D. Program Admissions Guide 2026

University of Florida Psychology Ph.D. Program Admissions Guide 2026: Overview

The Department of Psychology at the University of Florida (UF) offers a Ph.D. program grounded in a mentor-mentee model with training across key specialization areas, including:

• Behavior Analysis

• Behavioral and Cognitive Neurosciences

• Counseling

• Developmental Psychology

• Social Psychology

Each year, UF admits between 15 and 25 students from a competitive pool of over 350 applicants.

Admission Deadline

Application Deadline: December 1, 2025

Program Start Date: Fall 2026

Admission Requirements

Applicants should demonstrate strong academic and research potential. Key criteria include:

Academic Background

• Minimum of one course each in:

  • Statistics

  • Biological Bases (e.g., sensory, physiological)

  • Developmental Psychology

  • Learning & Cognition

  • Sociocultural/Individual Differences

• GPA: Average GPA of accepted students is 3.8 (last two years)

• Applicants with a GPA below 3.0 will be considered only under special circumstances

University of Florida Psychology Ph.D. Program Admissions Guide 2026: Additional Requirements

• Research experience

• Relevant work/volunteer experience

• Three letters of recommendation

• Strong match with faculty research interests

• A well-written personal statement naming prospective faculty mentors

• CV/Resume

Application Process

Apply via the UF Graduate School online application. Required materials include:

• Completed online application

• Official transcripts (sent to UF Graduate Admissions)

• Unofficial transcripts (uploaded online)

• Resume/CV

• Three letters of recommendation (submitted online)

• TOEFL or equivalent scores (international students only)

 Do NOT send materials to the Psychology Department directly. Use the Graduate School portal for all submissions.

Important Notes

• No terminal master’s degree: A Master’s may be earned as part of the Ph.D. path.

• Contact faculty members early to confirm availability and research fit.

• The department values diversity and inclusion across age, race, gender, socioeconomic status, and other backgrounds.