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The Behavioral Science program provides specialized training in human research while remaining flexible to accommodate individual interests. All students are expected to acquire expertise in research methodology and statistical analysis and for this reason, all students must meet in addition to a departmental core requirement, a Behavioral Science core course requirement.

Behavioral Science Core Principles

Commitment to Science

The Behavioral Science Program is grounded in a commitment to science. Generating and evaluating empirical evidence is the bedrock of our program. We strive for our work to multidisciplinary, cross-cutting, and conform to the ethical principles outlined by the Nuremburg Code and APA Ethical Guidelines. We value all aspects of the scientific method, including creative idea generation, rigorous hypothesis testing, cutting edge variable measurement, core methodology, critical thinking skills, critical writing skills, and broad dissemination of our work. We do this with passion, commitment, focus, and a desire to never stop learning.

Commitment to Training

We are committed to training the next generation of psychological scientists. This starts with recruiting talented graduate students into our program. Once in the program, we value training in all aspects of science. This includes emphases on methodology, statistical analyses, scientific writing, professionalism, as well expertise in areas of specialization. We expect our faculty to be committed mentors and we expect our students to be committed mentees. This commitment extends to our undergraduates as well, whether it be high quality teaching in the classroom to training undergraduate research assistants in our research labs.

Commitment to a Culture of Achievement, Cooperation, and Respect

The environment in which we work is often just as critical as the work itself. In the Behavioral Science Program, we strive to generate a work culture of achievement, cooperation, and respect. The scientific process is a team effort and we encourage collaboration both amongst members of our program and with members outside of our program. We expect members of our program to support one another, share with each other, lift each other up, and represent our program with pride that forms a culture of community.

Commitment to Inclusion

True excellence requires that people from diverse backgrounds be able to work and learn in an atmosphere of respect, dignity, and acceptance. This value is a continuation of our commitment to culture, in that all persons who have a passion for psychological science feel welcome in our program. Our commitment to diversity and inclusion requires each of us to continuously ensure our interactions, our classrooms, and our syllabi be respectful, protect free speech, and inspire academic freedom

Academic Requirements

The minimum criteria for consideration for admission are 24 hours of coursework in psychology or a related field (12 hours of advanced coursework) plus the following:

PhD minimum criteria for application requires one of the following six:

• 3.0 GPA overall on the BA

• 3.5 GPA on the last 60 hours of the BA

• 3.5 GPA in undergraduate psychology course work

• 3.5 GPA on a completed master's degree (exclusive of practicum and thesis)

• Completed doctoral degree in another field

• First or second author on an article in a peer-reviewed scientific or professional journal

Application Process:

The deadline for applications is December 1st. Please visit our admissions portal for more information:  Apply Here

Our program no longer requires the GRE General Test.

Faculty Taking Students for Dec 1, 2026 Deadline: Heidemarie Blumenthal, Kim Kelly (will only consider students with a Master's Degree), Ryan Olson, Anthony Ryals, Casey Guillot, and Don Dougherty. If you are interested in applying to work with a specific faculty member, we encourage you to email that faculty member for a preliminary discussion.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What is the difference between Behavioral Science and Behavioral Analysis at UNT?

At the University of North Texas (UNT), Behavior Analysis is a distinct, specialized natural science department focused strictly on how environmental factors influence individual actions and behavior modification. Our Behavioral Science is a concentration within the Department of Psychology covering broader psychological, cognitive, neuroscientific, developmental, and social research with an emphasis on rigorous experimental methodology and real-world applications.

What advice would current students or faculty give to someone deciding whether this program is the right fit?

Take time to explore the program’s goals, focus, structure, coursework, research opportunities, and funding. It is particularly important to review faculty research interests and consider whether they align with your own interests and career goals. Although contacting potential research mentors before applying is not required, it is strongly encouraged. These conversations can help you learn more about their current research, mentoring style, and whether your research interests are a good match. You may also want to reach out to current graduate students to learn about their experiences in the program and what it is like to work with the faculty you are considering as potential mentors.

What opportunities are available for students to develop as researchers and professionals?

The data analytics and educational psychology departments offer students an opportunity to expand their skill set related to data science, qualitative research, and quantitative research. Both departments offer certificates and the chance to obtain a minor when you graduate upon completing the required courses, which would look great on a cv. Improving your knowledge of data science will not only make more opportunities available but grant you the skills to become a better researcher.

How does the program support students’ career goals after graduation?

We recognize that each student has unique career goals. Primary advisors work with each PhD student to help them secure experiences and skills relevant to their specific career interests. For example, some students may pursue an independent research project or an internship to gain additional experience. The department also recently implemented a new course, PSYC 6210: Advanced Career Development in Behavioral Science, which focuses on helping PhD students learn about different career paths and prepare job materials. We also regularly hold events within the department to discuss topics relevant to career development (e.g., using AI in research, developing writing skills, alumni career panels).

What opportunities do students have to collaborate with faculty and researchers outside their primary laboratory or department?
Many PhD students collaborate with faculty members outside of their primary laboratory and the psychology department. For example, several of our recent students have collaborated with faculty in the Kinesiology and Education Psychology departments at UNT, as well as with faculty at UT-Dallas, UNTHealth, UT-San Antonio, or Baylor Scott & White hospital. Some PhD students also pursue fellowships (e.g., NIH T32, NIH F31), internships, or grant-funded RA positions that facilitate research collaborations with faculty outside of their primary laboratory.  
What types of jobs do graduates of this program pursue?

Our PhD alumni work in careers across a variety of sectors, including academia, healthcare, technology, government, military, and non-profit organizations. For example, recent alumni of the program have gone on to work as postdoctoral fellows or tenure-track faculty members at universities, clinical research coordinators at hospitals, research scientists in the military, research analysts at marketing firms, and research associates or research scientists at non-profits. For a comprehensive list of recent PhD alumni job placements, see the link here [ link here].

Should I contact faculty before applying?

Yes. We encourage prospective applicants to reach out to faculty whose research interests align with their own before submitting an application. Although contacting faculty is not required, it can help you determine whether our program and potential mentors are a good fit.

As part of the application, you will identify the faculty member(s) you are most interested in working with. If you are invited to interview, you may have the opportunity to meet with those faculty members, as well as other faculty whose research interests align with your background and career goals. This allows applicants to explore potential mentorship opportunities across the department.

What does a typical week look like for a PhD student in this program? 

During the first few years of the program, weekdays will be spent attending lectures, working on projects inside your primary lab, and starting your thesis project. Students typically enroll in 3 courses per semester, with classes spread throughout the week. After your first few years, you will transition into more focused thesis credits to work on targeted research projects, followed by your comprehensive exam, and then dissertation credits. 

How would you describe the culture of the department and the graduate student community? 

The Psychology Department at UNT has a very collaborative culture, and the graduate student community is incredibly supportive. This department is committed to helping our students succeed and celebrating their achievements. 

How long does the program take to complete:

The average is five years, with most students completing between four and six years.

What is the time commitment required to finish the program?

This is a great question, and probably one of the top three questions to ask someone pursuing a Ph.D. The time required to finish the program generally depends on three factors: funding, program milestones, and personal goals. First, our department is committed to providing a scholarship that covers six credit hours per semester for four years, with the possibility of funding for a fifth year. Second, like most academic programs, the department has specific milestones that students must complete. For example, students who enter the program without a completed thesis must propose one by the end of their second year. Finally, personal research goals can also affect the timeline. You and your mentor may decide to conduct additional studies related to your research interests, which could extend your time in the program. Therefore, funding, academic milestones, and personal goals all play an important role in determining how long it takes to graduate.

Can students attend the program as a part-time student?

In order to meet the residential requirement of the program policy, students must attend full-time training (register for at least 9 semester credit in each long semester) until they have completed their comprehensive/qualifying exam which usually happens in the 4th year of their training for most students.

I do not have an undergraduate major in Psychology. Can I still apply?

Yes. Having an undergraduate Psychology major is preferred but not required. You are meeting the academic requirement for application if you have completed 24 semester credits of Psychology courses (broadly defined). Among these 24 credits, 12 of them must be at the advanced level and you must have taken statistics.

Apply to our graduate programs here: Graduate Application

The Department of Psychology holds only one Graduate admissions cycle each year. 
Applications will open on September 1, 2026 and close on December 1, 2026, at 11:59pm, for the Fall 2027 semester. There are no Spring admissions.
What is the application deadline?

Applications to the program are accepted beginning in Sept. and end early Dec.  (check the UNT Psychology Department website for specific dates) for admittance the following Fall semester (e.g., acceptance based on 2026 documents is for admittance in August 2027). Typically, the Program holds interviews for selected applicants in Jan. with decisions made shortly afterwards and offers extended.

*All applicants MUST also apply to the UNT Graduate School as well as the Psychology program of choice. A failure to do so will result in an incomplete file and will not be considered for acceptance.

When is the application deadline?

The application deadline for the Fall admission of a particular academic year is on December 1st of the previous year. For instance, if you would like to apply for admissions in Fall 2027, the application deadline is 12/01 of 2026.

Is the GRE exam required for application?

No, the GRE is not required

 Can I identify more than one potential research advisor in my application?

Yes. In their application submitted to the Department, each applicant may list up to 3 program core faculty members they are interested in working with.

 What does the admission process timeline look like?

Applicants who have submitted all required materials by 12/01 will be notified by January 1 of the next year whether they are invited to the Interview Day. The Interview Day usually takes place sometime in late January or early February on a Friday from 8 am to 5:30 pm CST. The first round of admission decisions will be sent out by late February. The deadline for applicants to accept or decline admission offers is April 15 of each year.

Is the interview required?

Yes. Participation in the interview day is required to be considered for admission.

What can I expect if I am invited to interview?

The interview day activities include introductions of the program faculty & current students, multiple individual and group interviews, group activities, open lab hours, and/or campus tours. Most years Interview Day is conducted virtually, although that is subject to change.

How many students are admitted each year?

1-5 students are admitted each year.

I am interested in pursuing a master's degree in Behavioral Sciences, is this the right place to start?

No. The Behavioral Science Program at UNT is designed to train future researchers with a Ph.D. degree, not master's.

I do not have a Master's degree. Can I still apply for the doctoral program?

Yes. Those with a either a Bachelor's degree or a Master's degree will both be considered in the admissions process if they meet the coursework requirements (e.g., completion of 24 semester credits of Psychology courses). Those entering with a Master's degree in a related field may be able to waive some required courses.

If I already have a Master’s degree, will the program be shorter for me?

Potentially. Students can transfer up to 30 credit hours and a thesis project from a previous graduate program. This can shorten time in the program by 1-2 years, though students must have completed an empirical Master’s thesis involving either archival or active data collection and analysis to have it count toward the degree

How should I obtain letters of recommendations and from whom?

It is strongly preferred that letters of recommendations are from professors who know you well in the academic setting. We also accept letters from current or former employers or supervisors who have direct observations on your work performance or in volunteer positions. We do not accept letters from family, friends, or those who know you in less formal settings.

How long does it take to complete the program?

Most students complete the program in 4-6 years.

Where can I find information about the faculty and their areas of expertise?

The following link has a list of all faculty within the BSci psychology program and a quick bio that share each faculty's expertise. /people/behavioral-science

Research Opportunities 

Does the Behavioral Science program follow the mentor model?

Yes. Students admitted to our program are assigned to a faculty member who serves as their primary research mentor. There needs to be a good match between the research interests of the faculty member and the student. In their cover letters and/or personal statements, applicants should specify which faculty they wish to work with and discuss the match in research interests.

What opportunities are available for students to develop as researchers and professionals?

The data analytics and educational psychology departments offer students an opportunity to expand their skill set related to data science, qualitative research, and quantitative research. Both departments offer certificates and the chance to obtain a minor when you graduate upon completing the required courses, which would look great on a cv. Improving your knowledge of data science will not only make more opportunities available but grant you the skills to become a better researcher.

Financial Support for the Program

What is the available financial support for graduate students?

All students admitted to the program are provided with 20-hour assistantships, partial tuition remission (typically 12 credits per academic year), and in-state tuition rate (in applicable) for four years, pending on their good standing in the program. The assistantship positions include the following: Teaching Assistant, Research Assistant, Graduate Student Assistant, and Teaching Fellow. Additionally, the pay level will increase as you move through the program and complete various benchmarks within the program. Several competitive fellowships and scholarships are available at the department, college, and university level. Every year, a number of our students apply and receive the fellowships and scholarships.

I am coming from a different state. Will I be paying for out-of-state tuition?

No. One of the benefits of receiving 20-hr assistantships is "out-of-state-tuition-waiver." That is, once you have begun your program, you will be able to pay the difference in tuition (after the tuition remissions) at the in-state rate.