Texas A&M University Psychological & Brain Sciences

Frequently Asked Questions

I am interested in applying to one of your graduate doctoral programs. Is there someone I can meet with to discuss this further?

Unfortunately, we have too many prospective students to be able to meet with all of them individually. Each program evaluates applications and candidates may be invited to interview or visit. Once you are contacted by a faculty member, you are encouraged to ask specific questions about the faculty member's research and about the program.

For general information about graduate and professional studies at Texas A&M, visit grad.tamu.edu.

#accordionGroup1 { display: none; }

Do you accept transfer students?

No, you will have to go through the application process and be admitted.

#accordionGroup2 { display: none; }

Is there an admission cycle for spring semesters?

No, we only have admissions in fall semesters.

#accordionGroup3 { display: none; }

Do you offer a master's degree?

We offer doctoral training in Behavioral and Cellular Neuroscience, Clinical Psychology, Cognition and Cognitive Neuroscience, Industrial/Organizational Psychology, and Social and Personality Psychology. Students completing the Clinical Psychology and I/O Psychology degrees will complete a master's degree on the way to their PhD, but it is not intended to be a terminal degree.

We also offer a terminal master's degree in Industrial/Organizational Psychology only. Please visit the Master's menu on our website for further information about this program.

#accordionGroup4 { display: none; }

How long does it take to complete the PhD program?

The PhD program is intended to be completed in five years. Completion time differs among areas and based on students' career goals. Students who are pursuing academic placements in research universities could take longer to complete the degree, in order to permit time to publish their work.

#accordionGroup5 { display: none; }

Is funding provided?

Yes, students are funded through a mix of fellowships, scholarships, and employment on campus. Funding is likely to involve teaching assignments available in the department, research assignments supported by advisor funding, student-awarded fellowships from the university or federal agencies, and scholarships from internal or external resources. Students can also seek employment in other units on campus, but should discuss this with their advisor to ensure that the assignments will further their educational and professional goals. Typically, this support is available for the entire period of graduate study, four or five years.

#accordionGroup6 { display: none; }

What is the institution code?

The institution code for Texas A&M University is 6003. Official GRE scores must be received from ETS by the Office of Admissions using this institution code. For 2025-2026, we are requiring the GRE only for applicants to the I/O Psychology doctoral program. The other four training areas do not require the GRE and we strongly encourage applicants *not* to report this information to us.

#accordionGroup7 { display: none; }

When are application materials due?

All application materials for the doctoral programs are due by December 1. The deadline is strictly enforced and no late applications are considered.

#accordionGroup8 { display: none; }

Can my application fee be waived?

Yes, this fee may be waived only in exceptional cases for low-income applicants and McNair Scholars. To receive the waiver, you must submit an awards letter from your current school's financial aid office showing the award of a Pell Grant. Your Student Aid Report (SAR) from a current FASFA can also be submitted to show financial need. McNair Scholars must submit a letter from their McNair Program Director verifying their status as a McNair Scholar in good standing to receive the fee waiver. This request is not reported to the Department and will not affect the review of your application in any way.

#accordionGroup9 { display: none; }

There are two areas on the GraduateCAS application that ask for a statement of purpose; can I use the same statement on both section?

Yes, you can use the same statement of purpose on both sections of the application.

#accordionGroup10 { display: none; }

I am having problems with the GraduateCAS application system. Who should I contact?

Please send an email to tamusupport@liaisoncas.com.

#accordionGroup11 { display: none; }

I was not assigned a UIN or my UIN says "pending." Who should I contact?

Please contact the Texas A&M University Office of Admissions at (979) 845-1060.

#accordionGroup12 { display: none; }

Have you received all of my application materials?

Because we receive hundreds of applications each fall, please allow until January 31st for an update on the status of your application. In the meantime, you can check your application status here by clicking "check status" at the top of your application dashboard.

#accordionGroup13 { display: none; }

I have more questions. Who should I contact?

Further FAQs are addressed in this presentation.

You may also reach out to Lauren Smith, the Graduate Program Coordinator in our department, at laurensmith@tamu.edu.

#accordionGroup14 { display: none; }