phd in financial psychology

School of Financial Planning

• Human Sciences

Personal Financial Planning Ph.D.

Personal Financial Planning Doctoral Degree

Earn your ph.d. in personal financial planning from a national leader in financial education., study on-campus or online.

The Wall Street website MarketWatch calls Texas Tech University “the headquarters” of personal financial planning education, and for good reason. As the first U.S. university to offer a Ph.D. in Personal Financial Planning, we have a proven record of leadership in financial planning scholarship.

Establish Your Career Excellence in Our Financial Planning Ph.D. Program

Texas Tech's personal financial planning Ph.D. program enjoys a national reputation for excellence, so your work will draw serious attention from journal editors, conference programmers, and industry professionals.

Our financial planning doctoral program stands out for its:

• World-class faculty. You will work with leading authorities in personal financial planning. Texas Tech has the nation's largest personal financial planning faculty , with experts in a broad range of specialties.
• Outstanding career outcomes. Graduates from our personal financial planning program have earned tenure-track faculty placements throughout the U.S., including numerous departmental leadership positions. In addition, many graduates have used the Ph.D. as a springboard to non-academic careers in financial planning or entrepreneurship.
• Rigorous theoretical foundation. You will examine the most current research in personal financial planning, including specialized aspects such as the psychology of financial planning, behavioral finance, risk management, and household economics.
• Practical training in research and teaching. Our Ph.D. students get practical training and mentorship in teaching and research from the top researchers in the field and well-established practitioners. This guidance strengthens your curriculum vita and makes you the ideal candidate for faculty positions or industry careers. 

Read about what our current students are doing.

Careers in Personal Financial Planning

Graduates from our Personal Financial Planning Ph.D. degree program have a job placement rate of virtually 100 percent.

More than 30 alumni of our doctoral program currently hold personal financial planning faculty positions at universities throughout the United States. If you choose a non-academic career path, you will have excellent preparation for high-level employment at a wide range of financial institutions, including:

• Financial services firms
• Mutual fund companies
• Brokerage firms
• Insurance companies

Personal Financial Planning professional certification

Some students in our personal financial planning Ph.D. degree program have already passed the CFP® Certification Examination, a national certification. If you have not already done so, our Ph.D. degree in personal financial planning will qualify you to take the exam. The CFP Board of Standards regulates and credentials professional financial planners.

For more information about the Ph.D. in Personal Financial Planning

Request information online, for more information contact:.

• Name: Dr. Stuart Heckman
• Phone: (806) 834-0979
• Email: [email protected]

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Financial Psychology and Behavioral Finance (Graduate Certificate)

Graduate certificate.

Creighton University's Heider College of Business' online Graduate Certificate in Financial Psychology and Behavioral Finance program examines how deep-seated financial beliefs established early in life can subconsciously drive financial decisions. This emerging field can help financial professionals gain the knowledge and skills needed to understand and unlock these subconscious beliefs to make better choices and meet financial goals.

In this online financial analysis certificate program, you’ll learn how to identify biases that impact your clients’ financial behaviors and apply techniques to counteract them, enabling you to better serve your clients and help them meet their goals. You’ll also learn the skills you need to establish, deepen and maintain positive and productive relationships with your clients.

Backed by an accredited business school and expert faculty

The Financial Psychology and Behavioral Finance Certificate program is housed within Creighton’s prestigious and accredited Heider College of Business. This provides a unique opportunity to study the psychology of financial decision-making through a business lens.

Coursework is taught by highly skilled faculty with impressive backgrounds and credentials in the field. This includes experts Dr. Ted Klontz and Dr. Bradley Klontz , who have co-authored several books on the psychology of money and have been featured in a variety of national media outlets.

A flexible—and worthwhile—investment in your future

We know that graduate school can be a serious investment of your time and money, so we make sure that your investment is a smart one—and one that you can fit in your busy schedule. All courses in Creighton’s behavioral finance graduate certificate program are offered in eight-week sessions entirely online, allowing you to complete coursework at your convenience.

Plus, you’re well on your way to earning a full behavioral finance degree if you choose to further advance your education. The credits you earn in the Financial Psychology certificate program can be applied toward an  MBA  with a specialization in Financial Psychology and Behavioral Finance.

What is Financial Psychology? Put simply, it’s the study of beliefs about money that influence our financial spending and behaviors. Learn more about the concept from Ted Klontz, PhD, Associate Professor of Practice in the Heider College of Business.

Ted Klontz, PhD | Associate Professor of Practice, Heider College of Business

“The program blends technical knowledge around financial planning with what we know about how to influence and effect human behavior—those things come together in a powerful and unique way.”

Program Details

Program goals and curriculum.

The Graduate Certificate in Financial Psychology and Behavioral Finance program is ideal for financial planners, advisors and other professionals seeking to enhance their skills in the emerging field of financial psychology. The program can be completed online in as little as a year.

To earn this certificate, you must complete 15 credits:

• Introduction to Financial Psychology
• Applied Behavioral Finance
• Personal Financial Psychology
• The Psychology of Family Finances
• Financial Communication & Client Interviewing

Our respected faculty at Creighton strives to help students in the financial psychology and behavioral finance graduate certificate program strengthen their skills, expand their knowledge and work to achieve their goals.

Master's and Dual Degree Options

Credits earned for this graduate certificate can be applied toward a full Master of Business Administration and Master of Financial Planning and Financial Psychology, which can be combined with a variety of other master's degrees as a dual degree.

Master of Business Administration (MBA)  (33 credits)

• Gain a general management education that focuses on developing values-based leadership skills.
• Apply credits you earn in the certificate program to add a specialization in Financial Psychology and Behavioral Finance to your MBA.
• Available in on-campus, online, or hybrid formats

Master of Financial Planning and Financial Psychology (33 credits)

• Expand your knowledge into the financial planning realm by learning concepts in retirement planning, tax theory, estate planning and more
• Offers coursework required to sit for the CFP®
• Available completely online

Dual Degrees

• MBA + Master of Investment Management & Financial Analysis
• MBA + Master of Science in Negotiation & Conflict Resolution
• MBA + Master of Science in Organizational Leadership
• MBA + Master of Finance
• MBA + Master of Accounting

Still Exploring?

If you’re still deciding on your path, start by taking a course from the program prior to applying. You can take up to nine credits before enrolling in a graduate degree or certificate program at Creighton University. The courses listed here are worth three credits each and can serve as an introduction to the certificate. They’re packed with information, which means they’re also useful as standalone professional development courses.

Admission Requirements

To be considered for admission to the Graduate Certificate in Financial Psychology and Behavioral Finance program, applicants must:

• Complete an application
• Include an updated curriculum vitae or resume
• Provide an official transcript from the institution that granted the Bachelor’s degree. Read more about  sending transcripts here
• Submit a personal statement of interest in the graduate certificate

A personal interview may be requested in addition to the above requirements. The interview may be conducted in-person or virtually.

International students are welcomed into this program so long as they complete it from their country of residence, as F-1 visas will not be issued. 

International applicants must:

• Meet  English language proficiency requirements

Tuition & Financial Aid

Tuition rates change in the fall of each year. Visit our financial aid site for more details.

Financial Aid To help make your graduate studies at Creighton University more affordable, we encourage you to  file the FAFSA  to apply for financial assistance. We also encourage you to apply for available graduate student scholarships and fellowships.

Still have questions?  Email  or call a friendly financial specialist at 402.280.2731 for any additional questions you may have.

Dates and Deadlines

The table below details the enrollment deadlines and starting dates of courses for the current academic year. If you have any questions about dates, deadlines, or application materials, please  contact an admissions advisor for personalized assistance.

Rolling admission:  Once your application is submitted it will be reviewed and we'll work with you to get into the next available class. Classes start in August, October, January, March and June.

• Graduate Certificate in Personal Financial Planning
• Master of Business Administration MBA
• Master of Investment Management and Financial Analysis
• Master of Finance

Still Have Questions?

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PhD Programs

• Accounting & Management
• Business Economics
• Health Policy (Management)
• Organizational Behavior
• Technology & Operations Management

Students in our PhD programs are encouraged from day one to think of this experience as their first job in business academia—a training ground for a challenging and rewarding career generating rigorous, relevant research that influences practice.

Our doctoral students work with faculty and access resources throughout HBS and Harvard University. The PhD program curriculum requires coursework at HBS and other Harvard discipline departments, and with HBS and Harvard faculty on advisory committees. Faculty throughout Harvard guide the programs through their participation on advisory committees.

How do I know which program is right for me?

There are many paths, but we are one HBS. Our PhD students draw on diverse personal and professional backgrounds to pursue an ever-expanding range of research topics. Explore more here about each program’s requirements & curriculum, read student profiles for each discipline as well as student research , and placement information.

The PhD in Business Administration grounds students in the disciplinary theories and research methods that form the foundation of an academic career. Jointly administered by HBS and GSAS, the program has four areas of study: Accounting and Management , Marketing , Strategy , and Technology and Operations Management . All areas of study involve roughly two years of coursework culminating in a field exam. The remaining years of the program are spent conducting independent research, working on co-authored publications, and writing the dissertation. Students join these programs from a wide range of backgrounds, from consulting to engineering. Many applicants possess liberal arts degrees, as there is not a requirement to possess a business degree before joining the program

The PhD in Business Economics provides students the opportunity to study in both Harvard’s world-class Economics Department and Harvard Business School. Throughout the program, coursework includes exploration of microeconomic theory, macroeconomic theory, probability and statistics, and econometrics. While some students join the Business Economics program directly from undergraduate or masters programs, others have worked in economic consulting firms or as research assistants at universities or intergovernmental organizations.

The PhD program in Health Policy (Management) is rooted in data-driven research on the managerial, operational, and strategic issues facing a wide range of organizations. Coursework includes the study of microeconomic theory, management, research methods, and statistics. The backgrounds of students in this program are quite varied, with some coming from public health or the healthcare industry, while others arrive at the program with a background in disciplinary research

The PhD program in Organizational Behavior offers two tracks: either a micro or macro approach. In the micro track, students focus on the study of interpersonal relationships within organizations and the effects that groups have on individuals. Students in the macro track use sociological methods to examine organizations, groups, and markets as a whole, including topics such as the influence of individuals on organizational change, or the relationship between social missions and financial objectives. Jointly administered by HBS and GSAS, the program includes core disciplinary training in sociology or psychology, as well as additional coursework in organizational behavior.

Accounting & Management  

Business economics  , health policy (management)  , marketing  , organizational behavior  , strategy  , technology & operations management  .

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PhD Program

Program overview.

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Rigorous, discipline-based research is the hallmark of the MIT Sloan PhD Program. The program is committed to educating scholars who will lead in their fields of research—those with outstanding intellectual skills who will carry forward productive research on the complex organizational, financial, and technological issues that characterize an increasingly competitive and challenging business world.

Start here.

Learn more about the program, how to apply, and find answers to common questions.

Admissions Events

Check out our event schedule, and learn when you can chat with us in person or online.

Start Your Application

Visit this section to find important admissions deadlines, along with a link to our application.

Click here for answers to many of the most frequently asked questions.

PhD studies at MIT Sloan are intense and individual in nature, demanding a great deal of time, initiative, and discipline from every candidate. But the rewards of such rigor are tremendous:  MIT Sloan PhD graduates go on to teach and conduct research at the world's most prestigious universities.

PhD Program curriculum at MIT Sloan is organized under the following three academic areas: Behavior & Policy Sciences; Economics, Finance & Accounting; and Management Science. Our nine research groups correspond with one of the academic areas, as noted below.

MIT Sloan PhD Research Groups

Behavioral & policy sciences.

Economic Sociology

Institute for Work & Employment Research

Organization Studies

Technological Innovation, Entrepreneurship & Strategic Management

Economics, Finance & Accounting

Accounting  

Management Science

Information Technology

System Dynamics  

Those interested in a PhD in Operations Research should visit the Operations Research Center .  

PhD Program Structure

Additional information including coursework and thesis requirements.

MIT Sloan Predoctoral Opportunities

MIT Sloan is eager to provide a diverse group of talented students with early-career exposure to research techniques as well as support in considering research career paths.

Rising Scholars Conference

The fourth annual Rising Scholars Conference on October 25 and 26 gathers diverse PhD students from across the country to present their research.

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The goal of the MIT Sloan PhD Program's admissions process is to select a small number of people who are most likely to successfully complete our rigorous and demanding program and then thrive in academic research careers. The admission selection process is highly competitive; we aim for a class size of nineteen students, admitted from a pool of hundreds of applicants.

What We Seek

• Outstanding intellectual ability
• Excellent academic records
• Previous work in disciplines related to the intended area of concentration
• Strong commitment to a career in research

MIT Sloan PhD Program Admissions Requirements Common Questions

Dates and Deadlines

Admissions for 2024 is closed. The next opportunity to apply will be for 2025 admission. The 2025 application will open in September 2024. 

More information on program requirements and application components

Students in good academic standing in our program receive a funding package that includes tuition, medical insurance, and a fellowship stipend and/or TA/RA salary. We also provide a new laptop computer and a conference travel/research budget.

Funding Information

Throughout the year, we organize events that give you a chance to learn more about the program and determine if a PhD in Management is right for you.

PhD Program Events

Docnet recruiting forum at university of minnesota.

We will be joining the DocNet consortium for an overview of business academia and a recruitment fair at University of Minnesota, Carlson School of Management.

September 25 PhD Program Overview

During this webinar, you will hear from the PhD Program team and have the chance to ask questions about the application and admissions process.

DocNet Recruiting Forum - David Eccles School of Business

MIT Sloan PhD Program will be joining the DocNet consortium for an overview of business academia and a recruitment fair at Utah, David Eccles School of Business.

October PhD Program Overview

Complete PhD Admissions Event Calendar

Unlike formulaic approaches to training scholars, the PhD Program at MIT Sloan allows students to choose their own adventure and develop a unique scholarly identity. This can be daunting, but students are given a wide range of support along the way - most notably having access to world class faculty and coursework both at MIT and in the broader academic community around Boston.

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Profiles of our current students

MIT Sloan produces top-notch PhDs in management. Immersed in MIT Sloan's distinctive culture, upcoming graduates are poised to innovate in management research and education.

Academic Job Market

Doctoral candidates on the current academic market

Academic Placements

Graduates of the MIT Sloan PhD Program are researching and teaching at top schools around the world.

view recent placements 

MIT Sloan Experience

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The PhD Program is integral to the research of MIT Sloan's world-class faculty. With a reputation as risk-takers who are unafraid to embrace the unconventional, they are engaged in exciting disciplinary and interdisciplinary research that often includes PhD students as key team members.

Research centers across MIT Sloan and MIT provide a rich setting for collaboration and exploration. In addition to exposure to the faculty, PhD students also learn from one another in a creative, supportive research community.

Throughout MIT Sloan's history, our professors have devised theories and fields of study that have had a profound impact on management theory and practice.

From Douglas McGregor's Theory X/Theory Y distinction to Nobel-recognized breakthroughs in finance by Franco Modigliani and in option pricing by Robert Merton and Myron Scholes, MIT Sloan's faculty have been unmatched innovators.

This legacy of innovative thinking and dedication to research impacts every faculty member and filters down to the students who work beside them.

Faculty Links

• Accounting Faculty
• Economic Sociology Faculty
• Finance Faculty
• Information Technology Faculty
• Institute for Work and Employment Research (IWER) Faculty
• Marketing Faculty
• Organization Studies Faculty
• System Dynamics Faculty
• Technological Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and Strategic Management (TIES) Faculty

Student Research

“MIT Sloan PhD training is a transformative experience. The heart of the process is the student’s transition from being a consumer of knowledge to being a producer of knowledge. This involves learning to ask precise, tractable questions and addressing them with creativity and rigor. Hard work is required, but the reward is the incomparable exhilaration one feels from having solved a puzzle that had bedeviled the sharpest minds in the world!” -Ezra Zuckerman Sivan Alvin J. Siteman (1948) Professor of Entrepreneurship

Sample Dissertation Abstracts - These sample Dissertation Abstracts provide examples of the work that our students have chosen to study while in the MIT Sloan PhD Program.

We believe that our doctoral program is the heart of MIT Sloan's research community and that it develops some of the best management researchers in the world. At our annual Doctoral Research Forum, we celebrate the great research that our doctoral students do, and the research community that supports that development process.

The videos of their presentations below showcase the work of our students and will give you insight into the topics they choose to research in the program.

Attention To Retention: The Informativeness of Insiders’ Decision to Retain Shares

2024 PhD Doctoral Research Forum Winner - Gabriel Voelcker

Watch more MIT Sloan PhD Program  Doctoral Forum Videos

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About the course.

This eight-week University of Chicago course explores money management and financial trading from the behavioral finance perspective. It is designed to teach you the biases that influence decision-making processes and how to apply this knowledge to make rational choices with lasting impacts across a range of investment scenarios.

You will learn to:

• Describe concepts such as utility, probability weighting, the certainty effect, and survivorship bias, as well as risk, gains, and losses.
• Explain the causation/correlation error, the mental error in probability weighting, the consequences of the anchoring bias, over-trading due to overconfidence, the equity premium puzzle, and active vs. passive mutual funds.
• Evaluate subjective vs. absolute probabilities, overconfidence as the “mother of all biases,” and the framing and reversal of preferences.

After successfully completing the course, you will receive a credential certified by the University of Chicago.

Career Outlook

Diverse market anomalies, especially those related to the stock market, can be explained through psychological biases and influences. At a time of increased uncertainty and market volatility, behavioral finance is growing in practice. Advisors seek to incorporate this analysis into their wealth management processes to improve the client experience, deepen relationships, and deliver better results.  

The average annual base pay for an investment advisor in the United States.

Source: Glassdoor  

The position of social/behavioral scientist in the ranking of emerging finance roles.

Source: Tech Wire Asia  

The percentage of financial advisors that are using behavioral finance techniques.

Source: Charles Schwab Asset Management  

• Behavioral Economics Researcher
• Behavioral Scientist
• Financial Analyst
• Financial Associate
• Investment Manager
• Personal Financial Advisor

Meet Your Instructor

These instructors teach this course regularly. Please speak to your enrollment advisor if you wish to know who the current teacher is.

George Dan, MBA

Founder and CEO, User Nudge Inc.

George Dan founded User Nudge Inc. as part of a lifelong journey to understand human decisions. Using behavioral science, the company decodes human behavior and focuses on how those using online interfaces make decisions. Previously, Dan was the head of operations analytics at a software-as-a-service company, where he devised frictionless processes, implemented systems, and developed new ways to launch digital products.

He earned an MBA from Chicago Booth and is a board member for Family Service of Lake County, a nonprofit serving suburban Chicago families via counseling, education, and mental health support.

Do you have questions?

The University of Chicago Approach to Online Learning

Our online learning programs are crafted with your specific needs in mind. Programs combine e-learning with live, interactive sessions to strengthen your skill set while maximizing your time. We couple academic theory and business knowledge with practical, real-world application. Through online learning sessions, you will have an opportunity to grow your professional network and interact with University of Chicago instructors and your classmates.

Student Feedback

"This course opens your mind to new ways of seeing things—not just investments but daily routines and activities. I will be applying this knowledge to personal investments and in my work, namely in asset purchases and smarter decision-making." Enrique Allende Cano

"As an entrepreneur dedicated to taking companies public and seeking capital, the knowledge I have acquired will undoubtedly be important in dealing with retail and institutional investments." Aurelio Useche

“By directly involving students in the challenge of securing the right data and exploring potential solutions, we’re equipping them with the foundational skills required to deliver tangible results to clients.” – Greg Green, PhD, Associate Senior Instructional Professor and Director of the MScA Program at the University of Chicago.

Register Now

Are you ready to take a leap forward and immerse yourself in a new learning experience? Register online or schedule a call to request more information. Enroll now and gain valuable knowledge and skills that will boost your career to the next level.

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Our professional certificates are recognized by industry leaders.

Unite your professional practice with our distinctive academic theory through immersive and impactful continuing education offerings.

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The University of Chicago is renowned for its interdisciplinary culture, and doctoral students can pursue a variety of joint or dual degree programs. Opportunities to create a specific combination can be discussed with one’s Director of Graduate Study.

Existing programs include:

Joint PhD in Anthropology and Linguistics

In addition to linguistic anthropology as a sub-field within the Department of Anthropology , a joint Ph.D. program is available to students who are admitted to both the Department of Anthropology and the  Department of Linguistics . Administratively, the student is admitted to, and remains registered in, the primary, or “home” department, and subsequently seeks admission to the second department in joint residence status. Students approved to pursue the joint degree program must complete the requirements of both departments, including the distinct introductory and advanced courses stipulated by each, the departmental qualifying examination in appropriate special fields, and the language requirements, including additional foreign languages for the Linguistics Ph.D. Students should declare interest in the Joint Degree Program on the initial graduate application to the Department, and should discuss this interest personally with linguistic anthropology faculty soon after arrival on campus.

Joint PhD in Psychology and Linguistics

Students in the Department of Linguistics in the Division of the Humanities who wish to work toward a joint PhD in Psychology's Cognition Program and in Linguistics must be admitted to the Department of Psychology .

Joint PhD in Financial Economics

Established in 2006, the Joint PhD Program in Financial Economics is offered jointly by the Kenneth C. Griffin Department of Economics and the Finance dissertation area at  Chicago Booth . The aim of this program is to leverage the strengths of both sponsors in training PhD students interested in financial economics. Students must satisfy program requirements for the PhD in both departments.

Joint PhD in Psychology and Business

Established in 2009, the Joint Program in Psychology and Business is overseen jointly by the  Department of Psychology  and the  Behavioral Science dissertation area  at Chicago Booth. The aim of this program is to connect the large number of social, cognitive, and organizational psychologists at Chicago Booth and within the Department of Psychology. To qualify for the joint program, a student must be admitted into either the Psychology or the Business graduate program.

JD/PhD Programs

Doctoral students in Social Sciences who are also admitted to the University of Chicago Law School may pursue a concurrent PhD/JD program , where there is an explicit and authorized close association between legal education and doctoral training. Students in the concurrent degree program alternate registration sites between the two units. Students complete all requirements for both degrees. Applicants must apply to both programs separately. The University of Chicago Law School has established a fellowship program to support students pursuing a concurrent JD/PhD at the University of Chicago, which may grant fellowship aid during the Law School years.

MD/PhD in Medicine, the Social Sciences, and Humanities

The program in  Medicine, the Social Sciences and Humanities (MeSH)  at the University of Chicago trains medical students to become innovative physician-scholars at the critical interface of medicine and society. The MeSH program is an opportunity for students interested in obtaining an MD and a PhD in a field outside of the traditional biological and physical sciences. Students interested in MeSH may pursue a doctoral degree among any of the graduate programs relevant to the social sciences and humanities at the University of Chicago.

Joint PhD in Social Thought & Classics

The  Joint Ph.D. Program in Social Thought and Classics  is intended for students whose study of a particular issue or text from the ancient Greek and Roman world requires a broadly inter-disciplinary approach alongside a professional mastery of philological skills. Those interested in pursuing this joint degree program must first be admitted in EITHER the  Committee on Social Thought  OR the  Department of Classics  and complete at minimum the two quarter language survey (Greek or Latin), offered by the Department of Classics, with an average grade of B or higher. Application shall then be made to the second department and, provided that the standards of admission to that department are met, students will be admitted to joint degree status. 

Joint PhD Social Thought & Philosophy

The  Joint Ph.D. Program in Social Thought and Philosophy  is designed to provide students with equal in-depth training, simultaneously provided by the Committee on Social Thought and the Department of Philosophy . Those interested in pursuing this joint degree program must first be admitted in EITHER the Committee on Social Thought OR the Department of Philosophy. After commencing the program of study, application shall then be made to the second department and, provided that the standards of admission to that department are met, students will be admitted to joint degree status. 

Other Joint and Ad Hoc Degree Possibilities

Students admitted to any doctoral program in Social Sciences may subsequently petition the University to create a joint program with another department. Such individually-created joint degree programs begin in the second year of graduate studies or later. In all cases, students complete the separate program requirements for each degree, with no additional residence requirement, and write one Ph.D. dissertation that separately meets the dissertation requirements of each department.

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Applied Behavioral Finance

Financing Graduate School in Psychology

It is critical to understand how to finance your graduate degree..

Posted October 3, 2019 | Reviewed by Ekua Hagan

For many of you who are psychology majors, it is that time of year when you need to decide about applying to graduate school. There are a lot of questions that you must answer as you move forward with your planning. These include what type of career you hope to pursue and the schools you plan to apply to.

However, in my 31 years as a faculty member, I (Jonathan) find students are not asking themselves a critical question: How will he or she deal with financing graduate school?

The answer to this question about finances is not simple. Part of the complexity is that different career plans decrease or increase one’s financial burden. Those planning to attend a Ph.D. program in psychology are in luck as far as finances, because they are likely to be the recipient of a tuition waiver (i.e., free tuition) and a stipend (i.e., a fixed sum of money paid as a salary or allowance). We’ll talk about tuition in a minute, but keep in mind that a stipend is typically paid in exchange for a student being a Teaching Assistant (TA) or Research Assistant (RA). The yearly amount is about $20,000.

If your career plans involve earning a Master’s degree or a PsyD, your financial situation is typically very different than that of a graduate student in a Ph.D. program. This is because graduate students in a Master’s or PsyD program generally receive no financial assistance. That is, these students must not only pay their tuition, but they will not receive a stipend from their university to help defray the cost of living. Both paying one’s own tuition and everyday costs of living (e.g., rent, food, transportation) are likely to be major stumbling blocks for potential graduate students.

To start, tuition is generally pretty expensive. How expensive depends on what school you attend. Will you go to a public university or a private university?

In general, private universities are more expensive than public universities. In addition, tuition costs vary a great deal at public universities because it depends on whether you are a resident of the state where the university is located (in-state tuition) or you are not a resident of the state where the university is located (out-of-state tuition).

Private universities typically charge the same for in-state and out-of-state graduate students. As you might imagine, in-state tuition is almost always significantly less than out-of-state tuition. For example, at the University of Kentucky, in-state tuition for graduate school is $13,000, but out-of-state tuition is $32,000 — quite a difference!

Let me make two other points about the issue of residency. First, if you can earn an online graduate degree from a public university, it is possible that the tuition will be the same regardless of which state you are a resident. Second, changing your status from out-of-state to in-state (i.e., becoming a resident) is typically very difficult. It is important to check out the laws for residency, because not only do they vary between states, but they get very complicated. Is there a way to beat the system and gain residency so you can pay in-state tuition? It may be possible, but it may require some drastic steps like moving to a state for some period of time and getting a job and a place to live prior to applying to graduate school.

If you do not receive any stipends as a Master’s or PsyD degree student, a problem you will face is that you have to live a normal life. It is hard to estimate exactly how much you need to live, but various sites on the Internet settle on about $20,000. Keep in mind, however, that this amount may vary dramatically based on the location of your school. For example, living in Lexington, KY costs less than living in Los Angeles. You can compare costs of living in different cities online — check out this site .

After reading all of the above, if you are still set on going to graduate school in psychology then make sure you have a plan to deal with your finances. Here are six important issues to keep in mind:

• Determine if you have money that you do not have to pay back. This money can be from savings, and/or from your family.
• Apply for any and all scholarships, grants, fellowships, assistantships, etc. You never know if there is money available that others may not have considered but is available, if you just ask.
• Submit your Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form. If you need any type of federal assistance, the FAFSA must be on file.
• Determine if you can work while attending school. Although having a job will help you out in the short term, if you have to work it will likely lead to your taking fewer credit hours each semester, and thus lengthen your time in school.
• Be prepared for an emergency. No one likes to think about it, but things happen that require money. Always try to have some back-up funds to help yourself in a pinch.
• Understand loan options. No one really wants to take out one or more loans, but sometimes it is a necessity. I’ll talk about loans below.

There are three types of loans you will likely consider. First, there are Federal Direct Loans. Keep in mind the following about these loans:

• An acceptable credit history is NOT required.
• Each loan has an origination fee of 1.06%.
• The interest rate is 6.08% annually.
• The loans are unsubsidized—you are responsible for paying all interest.
• Interest accrues while you are still in school.
• The maximum amount you can borrow each year is $20,500.
• The maximum total loan amount is $138,500—this includes any Federal Direct Loans you received as an undergraduate.
• You must be enrolled at least half time to secure these loans.
• Repayment begins 6 months after you cease to be a half-time student.

Second, you can secure Federal Direct Plus Loans. These loans are designed to help pay for education expenses not covered by other financial aid. The specifics of these loans include:

• Require an acceptable credit history or you need someone to co-sign the loan.
• Each loan has an origination fee of 4.24%.
• The interest rate is 7.08% annually.
• There is no maximum you can borrow each year.

Finally, you can get a Private Student Loan through a private bank, credit union, or public corporation (e.g., Sallie Mae). The interest rates on these loans will vary as a function of your credit history. The amount you can borrow, the origination fee, and the payment deferment requirements will vary by the lending institution. Of course, you need to check all of this out prior to applying for a loan.

In thinking about loans you need to keep in mind that it is typically best not to borrow the maximum amount available. You can always spend the additional money. I have heard some argue that being in graduate school requires living like a poor graduate student. So, ask yourself: Do you really need cable TV?

I hope this post helped you better understand financing graduate school in Psychology. It can be tough to pay for all of the costs associated with obtaining a graduate degree, but if you understand the costs, and plan accordingly you will be prepared to meet these financial challenges.

The comments of Dr. Golding and the others who post on this post express their own opinion and not that of the University of Kentucky.

Jonathan Golding, Ph.D. , is a professor of psychology at the University of Kentucky. Anne Lippert, Ph.D. , is a post-doctoral fellow at the University of Kentucky.

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Psychology PhD Financial Information

The Psychology Department provides financial support for at least six years to all continuing students in the doctoral program who are "in good standing," even though students often complete the doctoral degree in 4-5 years. Students are in good standing when they are making adequate progress toward their doctoral degrees as determined by the Division in which they are enrolled. This support is typically in the form of an academic year (9-month) 50%-time research or teaching assistantship, traineeship, or fellowship. Students receive a stipend for the nine-month appointment, and tuition and service fee waiver. 

This 6-year support guarantee requires all students to meet the University’s  English proficiency requirements for teaching assistants . For international students who do not speak English as a first language, this means passing a test of spoken English (TOEFL, IELTS, or  Illinois’ Oral English Assessment Interview ).

The Graduate College provides additional information about assistantships and fellowships . Teaching assistants and graduate assistants are represented by the Graduate Employee Organization (GEO) .

If students are interested in obtaining additional aid, more information is available on the Office of Student Financial Aid Website .

Additional Information for International Applicants

Even with the financial support offered by the department to doctoral students, it has been determined insufficient to cover what is needed per visa regulations. At current rates, the department support guarantee is $1,000 short of the funds required.  International applicants are required to complete the financial certification section 2 of the application before an offer of admission can be extended.  Applicants may elect to complete this section and upload documentation at the time of application, or wait until the review process has been completed. 

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MPhil/PhD Psychological and Behavioural Science

• Graduate research
• Department of Psychological and Behavioural Science
• Application code L7ZP
• Starting 2024
• Home full-time: Closed
• Overseas full-time: Closed
• Location: Houghton Street, London

This programme offers the chance to undertake a substantial piece of work that is worthy of publication and which makes an original contribution to the field of psychological and behavioural science. 

Project specifics are to be developed with academic faculty, and may explore topics in social psychology, health and communities, organisational psychology, evolutionary psychology, communication, and behavioural science. Our research addresses theoretical concerns within psychological and behavioural science, and is applicable in practical contexts (eg, organisations, developing countries, public policy).

You will have the opportunity to undertake fieldwork in many settings including experimental laboratories, organisations and countries outside of the UK. You will be encouraged to present at international conferences and publish in international journals. Part-time positions for research, teaching and editorial assistance are often available, offering you valuable experience and publication opportunities.

Find out more about our PhD programme, read our FAQs and see our current PhD student profiles on the Department of Psychological and Behavioural Science  website .

Programme details

For more information about tuition fees and entry requirements, see the fees and funding and assessing your application sections.

Entry requirements

Minimum entry requirements for mphil/phd psychological and behavioural science.

The minimum entry requirement for this programme is an upper second class honours (2:1) bachelor’s degree (or equivalent), plus high merit (65+) in master's degree (or equivalent) in a relevant area.

Competition for places at the School is high. This means that even if you meet our minimum entry requirement, this does not guarantee you an offer of admission. Where an offer of admission is considered, this is always subject to an interview.

If you have studied or are studying outside of the UK then have a look at our  Information for International Students  to find out the entry requirements that apply to you.

Assessing your application

We welcome applications for research programmes that complement the academic interests of members of staff at the School, and we recommend that you investigate  staff research interests  and contact potential supervisors  before applying.

We carefully consider each application on an individual basis, taking into account all the information presented on your application form, including your:

- academic achievement (including existing and pending qualifications) - statement of academic purpose - references - CV - research proposal - sample of written work.

 See further information on supporting documents

You may also have to provide evidence of your English proficiency. You do not need to provide this at the time of your application to LSE, but we recommend that you do.  See our English language requirements .

When to apply

The application deadline for this programme is 25 April 2024 . However, to be considered for any LSE funding opportunity, you must have submitted your application and all supporting documents by the funding deadline. See the fees and funding section for more details.

Fees and funding

Every research student is charged a fee in line with the fee structure for their programme.The fee covers registration and examination fees payable to the School, lectures, classes and individual supervision, lectures given at other colleges under intercollegiate arrangements and, under current arrangements, membership of the Students' Union. It does not cover living costs or travel or fieldwork.

Tuition fees 2024/25 for MPhil/PhD Psychological and Behavioural Science

Home students: £4,786 for the first year Overseas students: £22,632 for the first year

The fee is likely to rise over subsequent years of the programme. The School charges home research students in line with the level of fee that the Research Councils recommend. The fees for overseas students are likely to rise in line with the assumed percentage increase in pay costs (ie, 4 per cent per annum).

The Table of Fees shows the latest tuition amounts for all programmes offered by the School.

Fee status​

The amount of tuition fees you will need to pay, and any financial support you are eligible for, will depend on whether you are classified as a home or overseas student, otherwise known as your fee status. LSE assesses your fee status based on guidelines provided by the Department of Education.

Further information about fee status classification.

Scholarships, studentships and other funding

The School recognises that the  cost of living in London  may be higher than in your home town or country, and we provide generous scholarships each year to home and overseas students.

This programme is eligible for  LSE PhD Studentships . Selection for the PhD Studentships is based on receipt of an application for a place – including all ancillary documents, before the funding deadline. Funding deadline for LSE PhD Studentships: 15 January 2024

In addition to our needs-based awards, LSE also makes available scholarships for students from specific regions of the world and awards for students studying specific subject areas.  Find out more about financial support.

External funding 

There may be other funding opportunities available through other organisations or governments and we recommend you investigate these options as well.

Further information

Fees and funding opportunities

Information for international students

LSE is an international community, with over 140 nationalities represented amongst its student body. We celebrate this diversity through everything we do.  

If you are applying to LSE from outside of the UK then take a look at our Information for International students . 

1) Take a note of the UK qualifications we require for your programme of interest (found in the ‘Entry requirements’ section of this page). 

2) Go to the International Students section of our website. 

3) Select your country. 

4) Select ‘Graduate entry requirements’ and scroll until you arrive at the information about your local/national qualification. Compare the stated UK entry requirements listed on this page with the local/national entry requirement listed on your country specific page.

Programme structure and courses

The MPhil/PhD programme can include taught courses on both methodology and theory. The precise courses you may be required to attend will vary and exemptions may apply depending on your prior experience and qualifications. These matters should be discussed and agreed with your supervisor in your first formal supervision meeting. 

If you are studying full-time, then after 15 months of studying, you will be upgraded to PhD status if you satisfy certain requirements.

(* denotes a half unit)

Transferable skills courses

Current Research in Psychological and Behavioural Science - Compulsory (not examined) Weekly seminars including plenary and specialist sessions in the Autumn Term, Winter Term and Spring Term. 

Training courses

Students are asked to complete 10 hours of research training each year.  Courses are agreed with supervisors depending on a student's needs. Taught classes can be accessed within the Department of Psychological and Behavioural Science as well as in departments across LSE, including Methodology.  Methodology courses available include Qualitative Research Methods, Survey Methodology, Applied Regression Analysis and Multivariate Analysis and Measurement. Training courses are offered through our PhD academy and with affiliate institutions. Access is  subject to agreement with the relevant course convenors  (eg according to space considerations).

For the most up-to-date list of optional courses please visit the relevant School Calendar page.

You must note, however, that while care has been taken to ensure that this information is up to date and correct, a change of circumstances since publication may cause the School to change, suspend or withdraw a course or programme of study, or change the fees that apply to it. The School will always notify the affected parties as early as practicably possible and propose any viable and relevant alternative options. Note that the School will neither be liable for information that after publication becomes inaccurate or irrelevant, nor for changing, suspending or withdrawing a course or programme of study due to events outside of its control, which includes but is not limited to a lack of demand for a course or programme of study, industrial action, fire, flood or other environmental or physical damage to premises.

You must also note that places are limited on some courses and/or subject to specific entry requirements. The School cannot therefore guarantee you a place. Please note that changes to programmes and courses can sometimes occur after you have accepted your offer of a place. These changes are normally made in light of developments in the discipline or path-breaking research, or on the basis of student feedback. Changes can take the form of altered course content, teaching formats or assessment modes. Any such changes are intended to enhance the student learning experience. You should visit the School’s  Calendar , or contact the relevant academic department, for information on the availability and/or content of courses and programmes of study. Certain substantive changes will be listed on the  updated graduate course and programme information page.

Supervision, progression and assessment

Supervision.

The supervisor you work with will be a specialist in your chosen research field, and will guide you through your studies. Prospective applicants should have the support of a potential supervisor before making a formal application to Graduate Admissions, to ensure an alignment of research interests. If contacting faculty, please be selective, and let faculty know if you are in contact with more than one member of staff.

Progression and assessment 

Degrees must be completed within a maximum of four years. The time taken to complete any research degree depends on your progress and individual needs and you must remain registered with the School until your thesis has been submitted.

You register for the MPhil in the first instance, and will need to progress satisfactorily to be upgraded to PhD status.

The first year Extended Essay and the second year Upgrade chapters (see below) are examined by a three-person thesis committee, which includes your supervisor, as well as two other academic colleagues. Targets for progress First year:  Extended Essay of 6,000 words, submitted on first day of Winter Term. Second year:  Upgrade viva. Two draft chapters or papers of 10,000 words each (total of 20,000 words), submitted on first day of Winter Term. These chapters form the basis of an oral examination by a three-person thesis committee, usually four to six weeks after submission. Success in this examination results in upgrade from MPhil to PhD status. Third year:  Completed first draft by end of three years.

PhD formats: thesis and series of publishable articles

The Department of Psychological and Behavioural Science allows for two formats of PhD:

Thesis (aka monograph) format

This is the traditional PhD format. It entails candidates in effect producing several chapters examining a single subject in an integrated way. This is akin to the format and structure of a book.

Article format

This format entails candidates producing distinct papers which are combined with integrative material to address a single subject. The defining feature of this format is basically that some of the "chapters" can be articles which either have been published or prepared for publication. This format tends only to be suitable for PhD projects which comprise a series of distinct (but inter-related) empirical studies. 

Extra guidelines for article format PhD The thesis should comprise three to six publishable articles framed by an introduction, critical integrating discussion and conclusion. Articles should be co-authored with supervisors (as are all papers written on your PhD topic while being under supervision). Articles and chapters both count as "papers" – the most important part is that they are publishable quality. They do not have to have been submitted, and even if they have been submitted and accepted this does not automatically entail that the Committee will find them suitable within the larger context of the project.

Student support and resources

We’re here to help and support you throughout your time at LSE, whether you need help with your academic studies, support with your welfare and wellbeing or simply to develop on a personal and professional level.

Whatever your query, big or small, there are a range of people you can speak to who will be happy to help.  

Department librarians   – they will be able to help you navigate the library and maximise its resources during your studies. 

Accommodation service  – they can offer advice on living in halls and offer guidance on private accommodation related queries.

Class teachers and seminar leaders  – they will be able to assist with queries relating to specific courses. 

Disability and Wellbeing Service  – they are experts in long-term health conditions, sensory impairments, mental health and specific learning difficulties. They offer confidential and free services such as  student counselling,  a  peer support scheme  and arranging  exam adjustments.  They run groups and workshops.  

IT help  – support is available 24 hours a day to assist with all your technology queries.   

LSE Faith Centre  – this is home to LSE's diverse religious activities and transformational interfaith leadership programmes, as well as a space for worship, prayer and quiet reflection. It includes Islamic prayer rooms and a main space for worship. It is also a space for wellbeing classes on campus and is open to all students and staff from all faiths and none.   

Language Centre  – the Centre specialises in offering language courses targeted to the needs of students and practitioners in the social sciences. We offer pre-course English for Academic Purposes programmes; English language support during your studies; modern language courses in nine languages; proofreading, translation and document authentication; and language learning community activities.

LSE Careers  ­ – with the help of LSE Careers, you can make the most of the opportunities that London has to offer. Whatever your career plans, LSE Careers will work with you, connecting you to opportunities and experiences from internships and volunteering to networking events and employer and alumni insights. 

LSE Library   –   founded in 1896, the British Library of Political and Economic Science is the major international library of the social sciences. It stays open late, has lots of excellent resources and is a great place to study. As an LSE student, you’ll have access to a number of other academic libraries in Greater London and nationwide. 

LSE LIFE  – this is where you should go to develop skills you’ll use as a student and beyond. The centre runs talks and workshops on skills you’ll find useful in the classroom; offers one-to-one sessions with study advisers who can help you with reading, making notes, writing, research and exam revision; and provides drop-in sessions for academic and personal support. (See ‘Teaching and assessment’). 

LSE Students’ Union (LSESU)  – they offer academic, personal and financial advice and funding.  

PhD Academy   – this is available for PhD students, wherever they are, to take part in interdisciplinary events and other professional development activities and access all the services related to their registration. 

Sardinia House Dental Practice   – this   offers discounted private dental services to LSE students.  

St Philips Medical Centre  – based in Pethwick-Lawrence House, the Centre provides NHS Primary Care services to registered patients.

Student Services Centre  – our staff here can answer general queries and can point you in the direction of other LSE services.  

Student advisers   – we have a  Deputy Head of Student Services (Advice and Policy)  and an  Adviser to Women Students  who can help with academic and pastoral matters.

Student life

As a student at LSE you’ll be based at our central London campus. Find out what our campus and London have to offer you on academic, social and career perspective. 

Student societies and activities

Your time at LSE is not just about studying, there are plenty of ways to get involved in  extracurricular activities . From joining one of over 200 societies, or starting your own society, to volunteering for a local charity, or attending a public lecture by a world-leading figure, there is a lot to choose from. 

The campus 

LSE is based on one  campus  in the centre of London. Despite the busy feel of the surrounding area, many of the streets around campus are pedestrianised, meaning the campus feels like a real community. 

Life in London 

London is an exciting, vibrant and colourful city. It's also an academic city, with more than 400,000 university students. Whatever your interests or appetite you will find something to suit your palate and pocket in this truly international capital. Make the most of career opportunities and social activities, theatre, museums, music and more. 

Want to find out more? Read why we think  London is a fantastic student city , find out about  key sights, places and experiences for new Londoners . Don't fear, London doesn't have to be super expensive: hear about  London on a budget . 

Student stories

Apurv chauhan.

MPhil/PhD Social Psychology Sitamarhi, India 

If you are a social psychologist, the Department of Psychological and Behavioural Science at LSE is the place you want to be. The Department is a vibrant community of scholars where some of the world leading research in societal psychology unfolds. Not only do academics partake in theoretical advancements, but they also hold a firm commitment towards solving real world problems at the grass root level. 

Quick Careers Facts for the Department of Psychological and Behavioural Science

Median salary of our PG students 15 months after graduating: £33,000

Top 5 sectors our students work in:

• Financial and Professional Services              
• Education, Teaching and Research            
• Consultancy      
• Real Estate, Environment and Energy 
• Other Professional, Scientific and Technical Activities

The data was collected as part of the Graduate Outcomes survey, which is administered by the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA). Graduates from 2020-21 were the fourth group to be asked to respond to Graduate Outcomes. Median salaries are calculated for respondents who are paid in UK pounds sterling and who were working in full-time employment.

Students who successfully complete the programme often embark on an academic career. 

Further information on graduate destinations for this programme

Support for your career

Many leading organisations give careers presentations at the School during the year, and LSE Careers has a wide range of resources available to assist students in their job search. Find out more about the  support available to students through LSE Careers .

Find out more about LSE

Discover more about being an LSE student - meet us in a city near you, visit our campus or experience LSE from home. 

Experience LSE from home

Webinars, videos, student blogs and student video diaries will help you gain an insight into what it's like to study at LSE for those that aren't able to make it to our campus.  Experience LSE from home . 

Come on a guided campus tour, attend an undergraduate open day, drop into our office or go on a self-guided tour.  Find out about opportunities to visit LSE . 

LSE visits you

Student Marketing, Recruitment and Study Abroad travels throughout the UK and around the world to meet with prospective students. We visit schools, attend education fairs and also hold Destination LSE events: pre-departure events for offer holders.  Find details on LSE's upcoming visits . 

How to apply

Virtual Graduate Open Day

Register your interest

Related programmes, mphil/phd social policy.

Code(s) L4ZA

MSc Social and Cultural Psychology

Code(s) L7U1

MRes/PhD in Management - Organisational Behaviour

Code(s) N2Z3

MPhil/PhD Gender

Code(s) Y2ZG

MPhil/PhD Sociology

Code(s) L3ZS

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Psychology Graduate Program

• Psychology Department

Harvard Griffin GSAS typically offers the following financial support to PhD students in the Social Sciences:

• Tuition and health fee grants for Years 1 through 5
• Academic Year  Stipends for Years 1 & 2
• Summer research awards  in Years 1 through 4
• Financial support via guaranteed teaching  in Year 3 and Year 4
• Four terms of Top-Up stipend
• Dissertation completion fellowships

Students confirm their funding in the Student Aid Portal each year during the annual financial aid acceptance process. 

All PhD students in our PhD training program receive a stipend for living expenses provided by Harvard/GSAS in the first, second, and final year of PhD training. This stipend is intended to support students so that they can focus on their studies without the requirement to engage in employment. Students are not required to perform any work for Harvard in exchange for this stipend.

• Financial Aid
• Departmental Research & Travel Support
• Harvard Griffin GSAS Fellowships
• Karen Stone Fellowship

Graduate Certificate in Behavioral Financial Planning and Financial Therapy

Research has made significant progress in understanding the interaction between money and the psychosocial environment.

Kristy Archuleta

Application Deadlines

News & events, contact information, request information.

Offered through  UGA’s College of Family and Consumer Sciences , The Graduate Certificate in Behavioral Planning and Financial Therapy is designed to prepare students in financial planning with knowledge of the psychological and relational aspects that drive financial decision-making in the financial planning profession.  The Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards has recently added client psychology as a learning objective, as they recognize the need for financial planners to understand the human aspects of money.

Behavioral financial therapy is a relatively new field that combines the principles of financial planning with the insights of psychology to help clients overcome financial stress and achieve greater financial well-being. The certificate is designed for financial and mental health professionals who want to meet the educational requirements of the CFT-1™ certification provided by the Financial Therapy Association and who desire to improve their knowledge and skill of working with their clients around money.

Accreditations

The University of Georgia is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award baccalaureate, master’s, specialist, and doctoral degrees. The University of Georgia also may offer credentials such as certificates and diplomas at approved degree levels. Questions about the accreditation of the University of Georgia may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website ( www.sacscoc.org ).

College of Family and Consumer Sciences  is accredited by The American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences ( AAFCS ).

Admission Requirements

All requirements for admission to this online graduate certificate program will be the same as those for the current graduate programs in FHCE. Applicants should have a 3.0 or higher undergraduate GPA, or a 3.5 GPA for graduate coursework. The applicants will be assessed based on a combination of their  Statement of Purpose, and a resume. The entire application package for the student will be reviewed before a decision is made.

• Hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.

Online Graduate Certificate in Behavioral Financial Planning and Financial Therapy Application Checklist

• Application  – Submit the  Graduate School Admissions  online.  Application fee: $75 Domestic/$100 International.
• Select Campus  – Online 
• Select Degree Level  – Certificate
• Select Intended Program  – (CERT_2BFP)
• Select Intended Term  – Spring
• Résumé or curriculum vita  – Submit online to the Graduate School.
• Statement of Purpose  – Use  this Word document  or  this pdf  to submit a one to two-page statement of purpose online to the Graduate School. The statement of intent should clarify the candidate’s relevant background, interests, and goals in relation to the program.
• Transcripts  – Submit unofficial transcripts from all institutions attended as part of the online application. Send official transcripts after you are offered admission.

Domestic Applicants 

• Spring:  November 15

International Applicants

• Spring:  October 15

Tuition rates and student fees may change each year.

Based on the 2024-25 credit-hour cost, a person who had completed this program at the recommended pace would have paid $9,925 in tuition. Reference  this sheet  to identify the current credit hour rate for your program of interest.

Please use the Estimated Cost Calculator on the Bursar’s Office website to calculate one academic (Fall/Spring) year’s tuition. 

This program is an E-Rate program, so choose “yes” for the E-Rate line item within the calculator.

Fees for those students enrolled in exclusively online programs are $411 per semester. 

Potential additional costs include:

• Exam proctoring fees
• Technology upgrades 

The complete cost of attendance can be found at  https://osfa.uga.edu/costs/ .

Financial Aid

Visit the  Office of Student Financial Aid  for information about financial assistance.

Corporate Assistance

Consult your employer about the availability of tuition reimbursement or tuition assistance programs.

Military Assistance

Active-duty military, veterans, and military families should visit  Veterans Educational Benefits  to take full advantage of available financial assistance and educational benefits.

University System of Georgia Tuition Assistance Program (TAP)

The purpose of TAP is to foster the professional growth and development of eligible employees. For more information, see  Tuition Assistance  (refer to the Distance Learning section). 

Technology Requirements

• Computer with current operating system (Windows, Mac, or Linux). Additional peripherals such as webcam, headphones, and microphone are required.
• High-speed internet access.

The online Graduate Certificate in Behavioral Financial Planning and Financial Therapy requires the completion of 15 credit hours.

FHCE 6270E, Behavioral Economics and Financial Planning for Families (3 hours)

FHCE 7200E, Advanced Financial Counseling and Client Communication (3 hours)

FHCE 7205S, Clinical Practicum in Financial Planning (3 hours)

FHCE 8500E, Survey of Financial Therapy (3 hours)

FHCE 8550E, Money and Relationships (3 hours)

Note: FHCE 8200, Financial Planning and Analysis, or equivalent, is the prerequisite for FHCE 7200, FHCE 7205S, FHCE 8500, and FHCE 8550. If a student has not taken the equivalent of FHCE 8200 nor obtained a CFP® or AFC®, they will be notified that they need to take the course as a pre-requisite.

Kimberly Watkins Assistant Professor

Kristy Archuleta Professor

Mary Carlson, Ph.D., CFP®, AFC® Instructor

John Grable, Ph.D., CFP® Athletic Endowed Professor

Swarnankur (Swarn) Chatterjee Professor

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Speaking of Psychology: The stress of money, with Linda Gallo, PhD

APA’s 2015 Stress in America survey found that 72 percent of Americans reported feeling stressed about money at least some time in the prior month. In this episode, psychologist and researcher Linda Gallo, PhD, talks about how stress from finances and other sources can affect your health.

About the expert: Linda Gallo, PhD

Streaming Audio

Audrey Hamilton: Money is a top cause of stress for many Americans. That's according to the latest Stress in America survey conducted by the American Psychological Association. Stress can negatively affect health and even contribute to chronic health problems such as diabetes and heart disease. In this episode, we talk with psychologist and researcher Linda Gallo about managing stress and how it affects people from different economic and ethnic backgrounds. I'm Audrey Hamilton and this is “Speaking of Psychology.”

Linda Gallo is a professor of psychology at San Diego State University. She is also co-director of the Institute for Behavioral and Community Health Studies, which promotes research aimed at making behavioral science applicable to medicine and health care. Dr. Gallo has extensively studied how stress and other psychological problems can lead to increased risk of chronic disease and she has helped develop a number of psychological interventions aimed at lowering disease risk in lower income populations. Thank you for joining us, Dr. Gallo.

Linda Gallo: Thank you very much for having me.

Audrey Hamilton: I think there are many people who are aware that stress can negatively affect our health, but what are some side effects of stress that people may not expect? You know, what sort of diseases can be aggravated or even caused by stress?

Linda Gallo: Well, humans are actually equipped to deal with stress and stress can be beneficial, at least initially, because it allows us to avoid danger and face challenges. But, stress becomes unhealthy when it is unrelenting and people do not experience opportunities to recover. So, in these cases stress can lead to physical problems, things like headaches and stomach aches and also mental health issues, such as anxiety, trouble sleeping.

And then over time, the toll of stress on the body accumulates and can contribute to chronic physical conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes and other illnesses.

And in addition, some conditions can be made worse by stress. For example, stress can exacerbate auto immune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis. And yeah, something else that people may not be aware of is that chronic stress can also affect our immune system in a way that makes us more vulnerable to acute viral illnesses like colds and the flu. But, it should more likely to get sick with those conditions than those under stress as well.

Audrey Hamilton: What's the difference between good stress and bad stress?

Linda Gallo: I think that bad stress is the kind that makes us distressed or upset. When those feelings continue over time, you know, that can be particularly detrimental to the body. Sometimes stress prepares us to face a challenge. And if we have the resources to meet that challenge, then it can be a positive thing but that sort of incites us to prepare and get ready for things like an important event or a meeting or things like that.

In those cases, it is OK. It is really the situations that are uncontrollable or that causes a lot of distress that end up being the most unhealthy for us.

Audrey Hamilton: Now APA's 2015 Stress in America survey tells us that money continues to be a top source of stress for Americans from all economic backgrounds. Now however, in this last survey, lower income households reported higher overall stress levels than those living in higher income households. Can you explain why we're seeing such a stress gap between lower and higher income families?

Linda Gallo: So, there are a number of factors that contribute to higher levels of stress in people with lower incomes. First, as we know from the Stress in America survey, financial stress is a very common cause of stress overall and it's more likely to occur if people have lower incomes. But, people with lower incomes may also experience exposure to stress across many other domains in their lives. They may work in jobs that are stressful because they are demanding but don't allow a lot of control or their work environment may be unhealthy. For example, they could have a lot of noise or exposure to toxins in their work environment. And they may also be exposed to more stressful community environments – community environments that have less green space, more traffic, crowding or even violence.

And then, the other component is that in addition to increased exposure to stress people with lower incomes often have fewer resources to cope with stresses that they face. So, this includes both tangible resources like health insurance, a savings account, a reliable source of transportation and also psychosocial resources such as a source of social support, in that sense of control over one's life and destiny. So those can cause stress to escalate and continue to create an unhealthy cycle.

Audrey Hamilton: And you mention this. How important is family and social support when it comes to managing stress?

Linda Gallo: So I think we all recognize that family can be both a critical source of support and well-being and also a source of stress for many people. And people with cohesive and supportive families tend to live healthier lifestyles and have better health than those who have less supportive families. But when there are problems in the family relationships or when a family member is having difficulties, this can be an important source of stress.

And in addition, as we were just saying, we know that having good social support, having someone to talk about problems with, people who can provide help or guidance is very important to health. And that support can come from family members or friends and also from other sources like formal support groups or religious organizations. Overall, social support is an important resource for coping with stress and it's also more generally important for maintaining good health and well-being.

Audrey Hamilton: Is this something that comes up pretty frequently in your research – looking at these factors that contribute to how people manage stress?

Linda Gallo: Absolutely. Yes and the point that I raised initially about family being both an important source of support and stress – this is something that people mention all of the time that they ask me what is the most relevant stressors or resources in your life – family comes up sort of in both of those questions.

Audrey Hamilton: Right. I can imagine. Both sides of the coin with that one.

Linda Gallo: Exactly.

Audrey Hamilton: Your research focuses on people from different ethnic backgrounds as well. Can you talk a little about what, if any, differences you found and how various ethnic groups experience and manage psychosocial health problems?

Linda Gallo: Well, a person's cultural background can influence the experience and expression of emotions in psychosocial health problems and also how they go about seeking help, the types of coping styles they have and how much stigma they may attach to having a mental health problem. In some cultural contexts it may be more socially acceptable to report physical health problems than mental health problems. So sometimes people from ethnic minority groups might report things like physical symptoms, such as stomach aches, headaches or pain when they're experiencing a lot of stress or depression. All of us have those symptoms arise when stress is high, but sometimes those might be the ones that are primarily reported in certain cultural groups.

And unfortunately, we know that psychosocial health problems are undertreated in general, but this is especially the case in diverse groups. Racial and ethnic disparities in mental health treatment are very well documented in the United States and ethnic minorities are also more likely to seek help for behavioral health problems in primary care settings and less likely to seek some in outpatient mental health care settings. So, it may be that the trend toward integrated care models where behavioral and physical health care are integrated but within the same context is a potential avenue to reduce disparities and improve care for diverse groups.

Audrey Hamilton: You think this is mainly related to stigma issues or just a lack of feeling of effectiveness?

Linda Gallo: Yes, I think there's a number of issues going on. So one of the stigma attached with having mental health problems – one is kind of preferences about what's most comfortable to talk about and the words people like to use to explain how they're feeling.

And in terms of healthcare seeking, part of it is stigma, there's a lot of access issues. Having access to good care and culturally appropriate access to care can be a challenge for many people. So there's a lot of different barriers that could interfere with help seeking, particularly for ethnically diverse groups.

Audrey Hamilton: So what would you recommend people do if they think their stress levels are out of control and you know, you can talk about this from different groups. I mean, we're talking about lower income or different ethnic backgrounds or just people who may be more apt to go out and get care, but what are some of the recommendations from psychologists as to what they can do to get their stress under control?

Linda Gallo: Well, if someone does feel overwhelmed by stress, they can definitely seek help from a psychologist or another mental health provider. In addition, they can stay in touch with people who can provide social support. So they can ask for help from family and friends or a community or religious organization. So whatever setting is most comfortable for them to seek support. And that's something obviously that anyone can do and as I was mentioning earlier, social support can be important in maintaining health at all times, not just when we're under stress.

And we also know that regular exercise is an excellent means of reducing or coping with stress. There's a lot of research showing that engaging in moderate activity for about 30 minutes a day can improve mood and, of course, we know that has many physical benefits as well. And walking can be ideal for a lot of people because it doesn't require any special equipment or gym memberships and it can be done with a friend of family member as well, which can also create social support or someone can join a walking group in their neighborhood. Things like that.

And since stress can really get in the way of activities like these, it's important to set aside time regularly for healthy and relaxing behaviors because I think, as we all know, we know it's good for us, we know it's healthy, but when stress arises often we let go of the behaviors that could help us deal with it most effectively.

Audrey Hamilton: Well Dr. Gallo, thank you so much for joining us. Appreciate you taking the time.

Linda Gallo: Thank you very much. It was a pleasure to talk with you, Audrey.

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Episode 22: The stress of money

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Speaking of Psychology

Speaking of Psychology is an audio podcast series highlighting some of the latest, most important, and relevant psychological research being conducted today.

Produced by the American Psychological Association, these podcasts will help listeners apply the science of psychology to their everyday lives.

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About the host: Audrey Hamilton

Audrey Hamilton was the host of Speaking of Psychology from 2013 to 2018. A former broadcast news reporter, she worked in APA’s Office of Public Affairs from 2008 to 2018.

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To date, the Department of Psychology has been successful in providing financial support for graduate students in the form of a living stipend, tuition and health insurance through summer quarter of their fifth year. This support can be obtained from different sources of funding. Department financial aid assignments are made at the beginning of each academic year.  Continued financial support is contingent upon satisfactory academic progress. 

Department Funding

Research and teaching assistantships.

Stanford University sets a minimum level of support for assistantships each year.  Assistantships cover salary, tuition, and health insurance.

Students with assistantships are paid their salaries through bimonthly paychecks from the Stanford Payroll Office. Students are strongly encouraged to sign up for direct deposit online via AXESS. Usual paydays are the 7th and the 22nd of every month. Student assistantship salary is taxable income, and applicable taxes and deductions will be withheld in accordance with the W-4 Tax Data form completed by each student. This form and other payroll forms will be provided to new students during the orientation in Autumn Quarter.

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Pay periods within each quarter are based on a calendar year, not the academic year. Pay cycles run one week behind the actual pay date. Therefore, a student's first Autumn Quarter paycheck is issued on October 22nd (for work completed during the pay period of October 1st to the 15th). Thereafter, students are paid every 7th and 22nd of the month.

• Autumn Quarter pay periods run from October 1 – December 31
• Winter Quarter pay periods run from January 1 – March 31
• Spring Quarter pay periods run from April 1 – June 30
• Summer Quarter pay periods run from July 1 – September 30

Students who secure external fellowships usually are paid via quarterly stipend rather than assistantship salary. When awarded, fellowship stipends are disbursed on the first day of each quarter provided that students enroll in the required number of units by the published deadline. Students must register in exactly 10 units in Autumn, Winter, Spring, and Summer Quarters (note that students in TGR status must be enrolled in the 0-unit PSYCH 802 course and no more than 3 additional units). If the enrollment deadline is missed, stipends are disbursed a few business days after the student eventually meets the enrollment requirements. Mandatory charges on the student bill, including rent for campus housing, will be deducted from the stipend before it is issued. No taxes are withheld, but stipends are reportable as taxable income. (Fellowship tuition and tuition allowance are not taxable in most cases.)

Banking Funding for Off-Campus Summer Internships

If a student chooses to pursue an internship or similar off-campus opportunity during the summer in years 1-4, the student forfeits their summer funding package (per University policy) and does not enroll in units during the internship. The forfeited summer funding is "banked" and applied to the summer after 5th year, if needed. Funding is banked only if the student is not enrolled and not participating in Stanford research or courses during the summer internship. Students are only eligible to bank ONE quarter of summer funding, and that funding can ONLY be applied to the fifth summer.

Research Support Funding

Departmental funding is also available to specifically support research initiatives by courtesy of generous donors. Click on each link for more information:  

• Norman H. Anderson Research Fund

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The Department depends on a number of our students receiving outside awards (either external or internal to Stanford). We strongly encourage all students to apply for these funding opportunities.  This spreadsheet  lists some of the funding opportunities available to our students. This resource is a living document that our student and faculty communities are invited to update whenever they learn about relevant opportunities. Current students and faculty have direct access to the spreadsheet; if you are a current student with questions about how to access this document, please contact the Student Services Manager. The Department is deeply grateful to PhD student Julie Cachia for her work in compiling the original resource. 

Department of Psychology

You are here, financial aid.

Graduate students in good standing in the Ph.D. program receive tuition and stipend (including summer funding) for up to five years. The most frequent form of aid is fellowships provided by University funds. Some students have outside awards from foundations or awards won in national competition (e.g., from the National Science Foundation, the National Institute of Mental Health, or Jacob Javits Fellowships). Graduate students may also be paid for up to 10 hours per week from faculty research funds, but the work should contribute to the student’s own development and be integrated into the student’s full academic program.  

After completing their first year, all Ph.D. graduate students, regardless of the type of stipend support they receive, are expected to acquire experience as Teaching Fellows without additional compensation.  Once they complete their Teaching Fellow requirements, graduate students can gain additional experience as Teaching Fellows for additional compensation.

Please visit the Financial Aid ( https://gsas.yale.edu/resources/graduate-financial-aid ) and the Funding & Aid ( https://gsas.yale.edu/resources/graduate-financial-aid/phd-stipends ) site for more information.

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Financial Support

Our financial support policy makes it possible for graduate students to focus on their own research interests and pursue as independent a course of research as seems suitable.  All students (including international students) are guaranteed support for five years, the expected length of time necessary to finish the Ph.D.  The support covers full tuition and a stipend of at least $40,500 per year (including summer research and teaching).  

Regardless of the source of support, all students must meet the same requirements.  All students are expected to play an active role in the undergraduate teaching functions of the Department.

To find out more, please see External Support .