Interested in pursuing a PhD in Psychology?

Join Stanford Psychology graduate students, research staff, and faculty for our Paths to PhD event.

Paths to PhD

Join Stanford Psychology graduate students, research assistants, and faculty for our 7th annual Paths to PhD event Saturday October 21st, 2023 from 10:00 am-5:00 pm. This VIRTUAL event is a free one-day information session and workshop on applying to research positions and Ph.D. programs in psychology.

There are two components to this program:

  1. an information-session where you will hear from faculty, graduate students, postdocs, and research staff about their experiences and insights regarding their paths to psychology research, what is typically involved in a psychology program, and key components of the application
  2. a workshop where you can participate in one-on-one or small group sessions with a graduate student, postdoc, or research staff member to work with you on specific components of your application.  

The Paths to a Psychology PhD program — both the information session and workshop — is open to people from all backgrounds.

Applications are due September 22nd, 2023. APPLY NOW!

Please note that this event is NOT associated with admissions to or employment at Stanford University.

The panels were extremely well planned, informative, and thoughtful. I was amazed by how supportive and honest everyone was in sharing their personal experiences in applying to grad school, as well as sharing invaluable pieces of advice. It was so cool hearing about other people's research passions and inspiring to see the limitless potential in the field... I arrived feeling apprehensive about everything to do with grad school, but after a day of talking with/learning from other grad students, I left feeling excited and motivated about pursuing my passions. I only wish that everyone wanting to pursue a PhD but deterred by the confusing process could attend this kind of an event.
Past Participant
Who is Paths to PhD for?

Stanford’s Department of Psychology is committed to building an inclusive field of psychology. We aim to spread knowledge and help those from groups historically underrepresented in psychology to apply to research positions and PhD programs in psychology broadly. 

We strongly encourage people from underrepresented groups, including but not limited to, women, people of color, first-generation college students, and those from low-income backgrounds, to apply.

Interested applicants from any institution or organization are invited to apply!

What will this event cover?

The format for Paths to PhD 2023 is still pending.

In the past, topics have included:

  • Why a PhD in psychology?
  • How to choose a program
  • Navigating the admissions process
  • Crafting a compelling application

One-on-one conversation with current graduate students and research staff for personalized advice about your interests and future in psychology

Is this a recruitment event for the Stanford Psychology Department?

No, this event is NOT associated with admissions to or employment at Stanford University. Although the organizers will draw on their personal experiences when providing information, this event will not provide any specific information about applying to Stanford’s PhD program in Psychology. Instead, participants will learn about psychology PhD programs and research positions in general.

I really enjoyed having a one on one session with a student because it really helped me learn more about grad school. I also really enjoyed how I felt so supported and welcomed with questions, despite having so many.

I enjoyed how small and intimate the group was, I didn’t know what to expect and I’m glad it wasn’t huge. I’m happy that we were able to talk to many different people. I enjoyed the break out sessions because we had the chance to actually work out some questions I had. This type of event is immensely more helpful than any other “info session” about graduate school I’ve been to.
Past Participant

If you have further questions about this event or the application, please email paths2phd [at] lists.stanford.edu (paths2phd[at]lists[dot]stanford[dot]edu).