Graduate Admissions
Build your future through research, mentorship and discovery
Our graduate programs are designed for inquisitive thinkers who want to make an impact. If you have clear goals, focused interests and a passion for research, you’ll find the support, resources and community you need at UB.
Find lists of faculty members accepting new students under "How to apply" below.
🎓 Expert Mentorship
Study with faculty who are internationally recognized researchers at the top of their fields. Our professors bring scientific expertise and innovative techniques into graduate training, providing personalized mentorship and collaborative learning.
🌍 A City on the Rise
Buffalo offers an affordable and energetic community that’s perfect for graduate study. Build connections with local hospitals, research centers and community organizations in a city that values innovation, curiosity and creativity. Discover the possibilities waiting in the Buffalo Niagara region.
💼 Career Preparation
Our graduates thrive in research, education, health care, industry and public service. Through hands-on research experience, specialized training and professional networking, UB prepares you for a rewarding, purpose-driven career.
Program options
The Department of Psychology offers several graduate degrees designed to match your goals and interests.
PhD Programs
Master’s Degrees
Advanced Certificate
All programs combine rigorous coursework with active involvement in research.
PhD Funding Opportunities
Academic year stipends of $23,690 and a full tuition waiver for all full-time, funded PhD students on 10-month academic teaching assistant, research assistant, or graduate assistant appointments.
- UB’s stipend levels are competitive among public Association of American Universities (AAU) member institutions.
Additional Fellowship Opportunities:
- Arthur A. Schomburg Fellowship Program: Candidates are required to be U.S. citizens or permanent residents and must demonstrate how they have overcome a disadvantage or other impediment to success in higher education. Candidates must also demonstrate a commitment to contributing to the diversity of the student body by facilitating and enhancing diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts in their academic programs and campus activities. Even though financial need is not a requirement for program eligibility, applicants may utilize economic disadvantage as a basis for eligibility. This scholarship program is open to any and all prospective candidates regardless of race, color, national origin, or sex, and is consistent with all current governing federal and state nondiscrimination law. All application submissions will be assessed and evaluated in accordance with the required eligibility criteria. Students may apply for the Schomburg Fellowship on the UB graduate application for their program.
- Presidential Fellowships: To be eligible for Presidential Fellowships, candidates must meet the criteria listed on the Presidential Fellowship page. Both domestic and international students are eligible, if they meet these criteria. For any questions regarding funding for academic year 2025–2026, contact the director of graduate studies or department chair.
These funding opportunities are for eligible PhD applicants only. MA students are not eligible.
- For the Presidential Fellowship, applicants must be formally nominated by their academic department, program or unit. Applicants cannot apply themselves.
- For the Schomburg Fellowship, applicants can submit a Schomburg statement as part of their graduate application.
MA Funding Opportunities
Funding for the MA program is limited. Possible funding sources include:
- University at Buffalo Graduate School financial aid
- Funding from a sponsoring faculty member’s research grant
- University-affiliated employment
We evaluate applicants as whole people — not single measures like GPA. Our holistic approach helps us:
- Recognize strengths across academic, professional and personal experiences
- Understand an applicant’s goals and research interests
- Build strong faculty-student matches
- Support a diverse academic community
We value curiosity, resilience, hard work, enthusiasm for discovery, and a good fit between applicants’ interests, the program’s emphasis, and potential faculty advisors.
Step 1: Review application requirements
Note: Applicants can only apply to one program per cycle.
Faculty members accepting new students are listed under each program's application requirements below.
When completing your online application, include the following materials:
PhD program application requirements
Select a faculty research mentor: PhD applicants must list at least one of the following faculty members in the “Enrollment Information” section under Faculty member(s) you would like as a mentor. This helps us match you with a research mentor who aligns with your interests. Only the following faculty are accepting students for this application cycle.
For Fall 2026 Admission
Electronic transcripts: Your transcripts help us understand your academic preparation and growth. UB requires a 3.0 undergraduate GPA, although applicants below 3.0 may still be considered if other materials are strong. Upload scanned copies of all undergraduate and graduate transcripts. Include English translations when needed.
Three letters of recommendation: Choose recommenders who know your academic or professional work well. Strong letters highlight your strengths, your readiness for graduate study and your potential to contribute to the field. All letters must be submitted electronically.
Personal statement: Your personal statement helps us understand your goals and how they fit with UB’s program. In 1,000 words or less, describe:
- The research area you want to pursue
- How UB will help you reach your intellectual goals
- Your academic background, interests and relevant experience
- The faculty whose research aligns with yours
Resume/CV: Include research experience when applicable. Your resume should show how you have applied ideas from coursework, developed research skills, and built a foundation for graduate-level work.
Interview: Interviews help us understand your goals and how you might fit with the program and potential mentors.
Schomburg Fellowship statement (optional): The Arthur A. Schomburg Fellowship program supports doctoral students who contribute to the diversity of the student body, especially those who have overcome a disadvantage or barrier to success in higher education.
To be eligible, applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents with a cumulative undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0.
If you wish to be considered, upload a statement (max 500 words) describing how you will contribute to the diversity of your graduate program, including any challenges you have overcome. See the Schomburg Fellowship page for full details.
Schomburg Fellowship statements are not used in admissions decisions.
Select a faculty research mentor: PhD applicants must list at least one of the following faculty members in the “Enrollment Information” section under Faculty member(s) you would like as a mentor. This helps us match you with a research mentor who aligns with your interests. Only the following faculty are accepting students for this application cycle.
For Fall 2026 Admission
Electronic transcripts: Your transcripts help us understand your academic preparation and growth. UB requires a 3.0 undergraduate GPA, although applicants below 3.0 may still be considered if other materials are strong. Upload scanned copies of all undergraduate and graduate transcripts. Include English translations when needed.
Three letters of recommendation: Choose recommenders who know your academic or professional work well. Strong letters highlight your strengths, your readiness for graduate study and your potential to contribute to the field. All letters must be submitted electronically.
Personal statement: Your personal statement helps us understand your goals and how they fit with UB’s program. In 1,000 words or less, describe:
- The research area you want to pursue
- How UB will help you reach your intellectual goals
- Your academic background, interests and relevant experience
- The faculty whose research aligns with yours
Resume/CV: Include research experience when applicable. Your resume should show how you have applied ideas from coursework, developed research skills, and built a foundation for graduate-level work.
Interview: Interviews help us understand your goals and how you might fit with the program and potential mentors.
Schomburg Fellowship statement (optional): The Arthur A. Schomburg Fellowship program supports doctoral students who contribute to the diversity of the student body, especially those who have overcome a disadvantage or barrier to success in higher education.
To be eligible, applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents with a cumulative undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0.
If you wish to be considered, upload a statement (max 500 words) describing how you will contribute to the diversity of your graduate program, including any challenges you have overcome. See the Schomburg Fellowship page for full details.
Schomburg Fellowship statements are not used in admissions decisions.
Select a faculty research mentor: PhD applicants must list at least one of the following faculty members in the “Enrollment Information” section under Faculty member(s) you would like as a mentor. This helps us match you with a research mentor who aligns with your interests. Only the following faculty are accepting students for this application cycle.
For Fall 2026 Admission
Electronic transcripts: Your transcripts help us understand your academic preparation and growth. UB requires a 3.0 undergraduate GPA, although applicants below 3.0 may still be considered if other materials are strong. Upload scanned copies of all undergraduate and graduate transcripts. Include English translations when needed.
Three letters of recommendation: Choose recommenders who know your academic or professional work well. Strong letters highlight your strengths, your readiness for graduate study and your potential to contribute to the field. All letters must be submitted electronically.
Personal statement: Your personal statement helps us understand your goals and how they fit with UB’s program. In 1,000 words or less, describe:
- The research area you want to pursue
- How UB will help you reach your intellectual goals
- Your academic background, interests and relevant experience
- The faculty whose research aligns with yours
Resume/CV: Include research experience when applicable. Your resume should show how you have applied ideas from coursework, developed research skills, and built a foundation for graduate-level work.
Schomburg Fellowship statement (optional): The Arthur A. Schomburg Fellowship program supports doctoral students who contribute to the diversity of the student body, especially those who have overcome a disadvantage or barrier to success in higher education.
To be eligible, applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents with a cumulative undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0.
If you wish to be considered, upload a statement (max 500 words) describing how you will contribute to the diversity of your graduate program, including any challenges you have overcome. See the Schomburg Fellowship page for full details.
Schomburg Fellowship statements are not used in admissions decisions.
Select a faculty research mentor: PhD applicants must list at least one of the following faculty members in the “Enrollment Information” section under Faculty member(s) you would like as a mentor. This helps us match you with a research mentor who aligns with your interests. Only the following faculty are accepting students for this application cycle.
For Fall 2026 Admission
Electronic transcripts: Your transcripts help us understand your academic preparation and growth. UB requires a 3.0 undergraduate GPA, although applicants below 3.0 may still be considered if other materials are strong. Upload scanned copies of all undergraduate and graduate transcripts. Include English translations when needed.
Three letters of recommendation: Choose recommenders who know your academic or professional work well. Strong letters highlight your strengths, your readiness for graduate study and your potential to contribute to the field. All letters must be submitted electronically.
Personal statement: Your personal statement helps us understand your goals and how they fit with UB’s program. In 1,000 words or less, describe:
- The research area you want to pursue
- How UB will help you reach your intellectual goals
- Your academic background, interests and relevant experience
- The faculty whose research aligns with yours
Resume/CV: Include research experience when applicable. Your resume should show how you have applied ideas from coursework, developed research skills, and built a foundation for graduate-level work.
Writing sample: Submit a complete document you wrote as the sole author to show your ability to express scientific ideas clearly. Psychology research papers or honors theses work well. No page limit.
Interview: Interviews help us understand your goals and how you might fit with the program and potential mentors.
Schomburg Fellowship statement (optional): The Arthur A. Schomburg Fellowship program supports doctoral students who contribute to the diversity of the student body, especially those who have overcome a disadvantage or barrier to success in higher education.
To be eligible, applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents with a cumulative undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0.
If you wish to be considered, upload a statement (max 500 words) describing how you will contribute to the diversity of your graduate program, including any challenges you have overcome. See the Schomburg Fellowship page for full details.
Schomburg Fellowship statements are not used in admissions decisions.
MA program application requirements
Select a faculty research MA mentor: MA applicants must list at least one of the following faculty members in the “Enrollment Information” section under Faculty member(s) you would like as a mentor. This helps us match you with a research mentor who aligns with your interests. Only the following faculty are accepting students for this application cycle.
For Fall 2026 Admission
Behavioral Neuroscience
Clinical Psychology
Cognitive Psychology
Social-Personality Psychology
Psychology (across areas)
Biological Sciences (affiliated research area)
*Please contact faculty member directly if you are listing this professor as a potential mentor on your application.
Electronic transcripts: Your transcripts help us understand your academic preparation and growth. UB requires a 3.0 undergraduate GPA, although applicants below 3.0 may still be considered if other materials are strong. Upload scanned copies of all undergraduate and graduate transcripts. Include English translations when needed.
Three letters of recommendation: Choose recommenders who know your academic or professional work well. Strong letters highlight your strengths, your readiness for graduate study and your potential to contribute to the field. All letters must be submitted electronically.
Personal statement: Your personal statement helps us understand your goals and how they fit with UB’s program. In 1,000 words or less, describe:
- The research area you want to pursue
- How UB will help you reach your intellectual goals
- Your academic background, interests and relevant experience
- The faculty whose research aligns with yours
Resume/CV: Include research experience when applicable. Your resume should show how you have applied ideas from coursework, developed research skills, and built a foundation for graduate-level work.
Interview: Interviews help us understand your goals and how you might fit with the program and potential mentors.
Copies of transcripts: Your transcripts show your academic preparation for graduate study. UB requires a 3.0 undergraduate GPA, although applicants below 3.0 may still be considered if other materials are strong. Upload scanned copies of all undergraduate and graduate transcripts, including English translations if needed.
Written statement of goals: Submit a short statement that explains why you want to pursue this degree and how you plan to use it.
Two letters of recommendation: These letters help us understand your strengths and readiness for graduate study. Choose recommenders who know your academic or professional work well. One letter must come from an academic source.
Resume/CV: Include research experience when applicable. Your resume should show how you have applied ideas from coursework, developed research skills, and built a foundation for graduate-level work.
Particular attention and consideration will be given to MA in Drugs, Health and Society applicants with lived expertise, including those with experience as peer counselors, who, when appropriate, may be given exceptions from some admissions requirements.
International applicants must submit:
- Proof of English-language proficiency. International students should review UB's general graduate admissions page for IELTS, PTE or TOEFL score requirements before applying.
- Passport bio-page. Upload a copy of the biographical page from your passport (the page with your photo and personal information).
- International Applicant Financial Form (IAFF). Complete and submit the IAFF, which outlines your financial support during your studies at UB.
- Required financial documentation (such as bank statements or sponsorship letters) as outlined in the IAFF instructions.
Step 2: Start your application
Apply through UB’s online application system.
- Create an account
- Select your program and term
- Follow the College of Arts and Sciences instructions
Returning users may log in to view or update their application.
Non-refundable application fee: $75
After you submit your UB graduate application, you’ll be prompted to make your payment online by credit card or ACH through Nelnet.
U.S. citizens or current permanent residents may request a fee waiver through the application portal after completing the graduate application and uploading all required materials.
Application Deadlines
- December 1: All PhD applications
- March 2: Psychology MA
- August 1: Drugs, Health and Society MA
🌍 International applicants are strongly encouraged to apply early to allow time for student visa processing, which can take 1 to 4 months depending on your country of origin.
Interested in taking graduate psychology courses without completing a degree?
Email us for steps. You must have a 3.0 GPA and instructor permission. Up to 12 credits may be taken as a non-matriculated student.
No. None of our graduate programs requires GRE scores.
Because the MA and PhD programs are research-based, applicants who have well-defined research interests and goals, along with prior research experience, are often the most competitive. That said, each program area may look for different qualities in applicants. If you have questions about specific expectations or criteria, you’re encouraged to contact the area head for your program of interest.
The department may review applications missing some materials, such as one letter of recommendation. However, applications missing all letters of recommendation or undergraduate transcripts cannot be fully considered.
Once your application has been submitted for review, you can view it and all supporting documents by logging back into your application. For help accessing your application, please visit the Graduate School.
Applications are reviewed soon after deadlines. Most decisions are shared by email. PhD decisions are usually released by March 1.
If you have questions about the MA in Drugs, Health and Society, please contact:
For questions about our other MA and PhD programs, please contact:
