Doctor of Philosophy - Psychology

Course Requirements

Degree Requirements

1. En route to doctoral candidacy the student must complete the requirements for a master’s degree in psychology, and complete 6 credits of thesis over a minimum of 2 semesters. The thesis must be proposed and defended orally.
2. In addition to a master’s degree in Psychology equivalent to the one previously described (48 credits), a minimum of 45 semester hours in graduate psychology is required for the doctoral degree.
3. Comprehensive Examination. The Comprehensive examination for the doctoral program will consist of an examination administered once in the summer of each year. Students may take the exam after they have completed the Clinical Foundation Courses; Research Methods, Statistics, and Psychometric Courses; Elective Courses; Practicum I and II; and the Master’s thesis. Students typically complete the examination in the summer between the third and fourth year of study.
4. Electives consist of any 700-level Psychology courses excluding PSY 767: Practicum; PSY 769: Thesis; PSY 770: Dissertation; or PSY 771: Professional Internship. No more than six elective credits may be fulfilled with PSY 766: Independent Study, PSY 768: Independent Research or a combination of the two. 700-level courses offered by other departments may fulfill the elective requirement with approval.
5. Students must obtain a grade of B- or better in each course taken for that course to count toward the degree. One grade below a B- (i.e. C+ or lower) will result in probation. Once on probation for receiving a grade below a B-, a second grade (in the same or different classes) below a B-, will result in immediate separation from the program. If a student re-takes a course in which s/he received a grade lower than a B- (i.e. C+ or lower) and earns a B- or better, s/he will be removed from probation. A student may only be on academic probation twice during their graduate career in Psychology; a third probation will result in separation from the program. No student shall be allowed more than two simultaneous grades of incomplete, except in the case of a documented and approved medical leave.
6. Students must conform to all policies of the UNLV Graduate College, as stated in the UNLV Graduate Catalog, those stated in the UNLV Clinical Psychology Doctoral Program Student Handbook, and the American Psychological Association Code of Ethics. Students will be evaluated at least yearly across all program competencies. Inadequate performance in one or more competency may result in the imposition of additional requirements, loss of Graduate Assistantship, probation, or separation from the program.
7. If the program determines that a student is not making satisfactory progress toward the degree, it may request the Graduate Dean to separate the student from the program or place the student on probation. Failure to meet the conditions of the probation will result in separation from the program.
8. Transfer Credits. Admitted clinical students may transfer credits from graduate studies in other programs contingent upon departmental approval and in accordance with Graduate College policy. Transfer Credits will only be considered to fulfill Research Methods, Statistics, and Psychometric courses, Elective courses, Thesis credits, and Discipline Specific and Advanced Integrative Knowledge courses. All courses must be completed with a minimum grade of B- or better in order to meet program requirements.
9. Students must take a minimum of 6 credits of thesis over two semesters which may include summers. Students should enroll in thesis credits starting in the semester the thesis is formally proposed.
10. Students must take a minimum of 12 credits of dissertation over four semesters which may include summers. Students should enroll in dissertation credits starting in the semester the dissertation is formally proposed. Continuous enrollment is required until the dissertation is defended. The dissertation must be orally proposed and defended.

Graduation Requirements

1. The student must submit all required forms to the Graduate College and then apply for graduation up to two semesters prior to completing his/her degree requirements for both the Master’s and Doctoral portions of the program.
2. The student must submit and successfully defend his/her thesis by the posted deadline. The defense must be advertised and is open to the public. After the thesis defense, the student must electronically submit a properly formatted pdf copy of their thesis to the Graduate College for format check. Once the thesis format has been approved by the Graduate College, the student will submit the approved electronic version to ProQuest. Deadlines for thesis defenses, format check submissions, and the final ProQuest submission can be found here.
3. The student must submit and successfully defend his/her dissertation by the posted deadline. The defense must be advertised and is open to the public.
4. After the dissertation defense, the student must electronically submit a properly formatted pdf copy of their dissertation to the Graduate College for format check. Once the dissertation format has been approved by the Graduate College, the student will submit the approved electronic version to ProQuest. Deadlines for dissertation defenses, format check submissions, and the final ProQuest submission can be found here.

Course Requirements

Degree Requirements

1. Students entering the Clinical Psychology doctoral program with a Master’s degree equivalent to the one previously described in Subplan 1 (48 credits) will be required to complete a minimum of 54 credits that include the Clinical Foundation Courses (21 credits), Practicum (18 credits), Internship (3 credits), and Dissertation (12 Credits). For these students, the number of required courses for the PhD will be determined in consultation with the Director of Clinical Training. Additional credits will be required to address deficiencies or build specialized expertise.
2. Comprehensive Examination. The Comprehensive examination for the doctoral program will consist of an examination administered once in the summer of each year. Students may take the exam after they have completed the Clinical Foundation Courses; Research Methods, Statistics, and Psychometric Courses; Elective Courses; Practicum I and II; and the Master’s thesis. Students typically complete the examination in the summer between the third and fourth year of study.
3. Electives consist of any 700-level Psychology courses excluding PSY 767: Practicum; PSY 769: Thesis; PSY 770: Dissertation; or PSY 771: Professional Internship. Up to six elective credits may be fulfilled with PSY 766: Independent Study, PSY 768: Independent Research or a combination of the two. 700-level courses offered by other departments may fulfill the elective requirement with approval.
4. Students must obtain a grade of B- or better in each course taken for that course to count toward the degree. One grade below a B- (i.e. C+ or lower) will result in probation. Once on probation for receiving a grade below a B-, a second grade (in the same or different classes) below a B-, will result in immediate separation from the program. If a student re-takes a course in which s/he received a grade lower than a B- (i.e. C+ or lower) and earns a B- or better, s/he will be removed from probation. A student may only be on academic probation twice during their graduate career in Psychology; a third probation will result in separation from the program. No student shall be allowed more than two simultaneous grades of incomplete, except in the case of a documented and approved medical leave.
5. Students must conform to all policies of the UNLV Graduate College, as stated in the UNLV Graduate Catalog, those stated in the UNLV Clinical Psychology Doctoral Program Student Handbook, and the American Psychological Association Code of Ethics. Students will be evaluated at least yearly across all program competencies. Inadequate performance in one or more competency may result in the imposition of additional requirements, loss of Graduate Assistantship, probation, or separation from the program.
6. If the program determines that a student is not making satisfactory progress toward the degree, it may request the Graduate Dean to separate the student from the program or place the student on probation. Failure to meet the conditions of the probation will result in separation from the program.
7. Transfer Credits. Admitted clinical students may transfer credits from graduate studies in other programs contingent upon departmental approval and in accordance with Graduate College policy. Transfer Credits will only be considered to fulfill Research Methods, Statistics, and Psychometric courses, Elective courses, Thesis credits, and Discipline Specific and Advanced Integrative Knowledge courses. All courses must be completed with a minimum grade of B- or better in order to meet program requirements.
8. Students must take a minimum of 12 credits of dissertation over four semesters which may include summers. Students should enroll in dissertation credits starting in the semester the dissertation is formally proposed.

Graduation Requirements

1. Students must submit all required forms to the Graduate College and then apply for graduation up to two semesters prior to completing their degree requirements.
2. Students must submit and successfully defend their dissertation by the posted deadline. The defense must be advertised and is open to the public.
3. After the dissertation defense, the student must electronically submit a properly formatted pdf copy of their dissertation to the Graduate College for format check. Once the dissertation format has been approved by the Graduate College, the student will submit the approved electronic version to ProQuest. Deadlines for dissertation defenses, format check submissions, and the final ProQuest submission can be found here. 

Course Requirements

Degree Requirements

1. En route to doctoral candidacy the student must complete the requirements for a master’s degree in Psychological & Brain Sciences and complete 6 credits of thesis over a minimum of 2 semesters.
2. In addition to a master’s degree in Psychological & Brain Sciences equivalent to the one previously described (33 credits), a minimum of 39 credits in graduate coursework is required for the doctoral degree.
3. Student will be required to complete a Qualifying Activity before proposing a Dissertation. The purpose of the qualifying activity is for the student to acquire not only the expertise in a given area, but also the ability to explain, discuss, and debate questions within that and related areas. Students may choose, in consultation with their advisor, from the following qualifying activities: one extensive qualifying paper, three brief papers, a written examination, or an oral examination.
4. Students must obtain a grade of B- or better in each course taken for that course to count toward the degree. One grade below a B- (i.e., C+ or lower) will result in probation. Once a student is on probation for receiving a grade below a B-, a second grade (in the same or a different class) below a B-, will result in immediate separation from the program. If a student re-takes a course in which s/he received a grade lower than a B- (i.e., C+ or lower) and earns a B- or better, s/he will be removed from probation. A student may be on academic probation only twice during their graduate career in Psychological & Brain Sciences; a third probation will result in separation from the program. No student shall be allowed more than two simultaneous grades of incomplete, except in the case of a documented and approved medical leave.
5. Students must conform to all policies of the UNLV Graduate College, as stated in the UNLV Graduate Catalog, those stated in the UNLV Psychological & Brain Sciences Doctoral Program Student Handbook, and the American Psychological Association Code of Ethics. Students will be evaluated at least yearly across several professional competencies in the following three areas: (1) academic performance; (2) scholarly research activity; and (3) ethical behavior and professional conduct. If the program determines that a student is not making satisfactory progress toward the degree, it may request the Graduate Dean to separate the student from the program or place the student on probation. Failure to meet the conditions of the probation will result in separation from the program.
6. Students must take a minimum of four semesters of dissertation which can include summers. The dissertation must be orally proposed and defended.

Graduation Requirements

1. The student must submit all required forms to the Graduate College and then apply for graduation up to two semesters prior to completing his/her degree requirements for both the Master’s and Doctoral portions of the program.
2. The student must submit and successfully defend his/her thesis by the posted deadline. The defense must be advertised and is open to the public.
3. After the thesis defense, the student must electronically submit a properly formatted pdf copy of their thesis to the Graduate College for format check. Once the thesis format has been approved by the Graduate College, the student will submit the approved electronic version to ProQuest. Deadlines for thesis defenses, format check submissions, and the final ProQuest submission can be found here. 
4. The student must submit and successfully defend his/her dissertation by the posted deadline. The defense must be advertised and is open to the public.
5. After the dissertation defense, the student must electronically submit a properly formatted pdf copy of their dissertation to the Graduate College for format check. Once the dissertation format has been approved by the Graduate College, the student will submit the approved electronic version to ProQuest. Deadlines for dissertation defenses, format check submissions, and the final ProQuest submission can be found here. 

Course Requirements

Degree Requirements

1. En route to doctoral candidacy the student must complete the requirements for a master’s degree in psychology, and complete 6 credits of thesis over a minimum of 2 semesters.
2. In addition to a master’s degree in psychology equivalent to the one previously described (33 credits), a minimum of 39 credits in graduate psychology is required for the doctoral degree.
3. Students will be required to complete a Qualifying Activity before proposing a Dissertation. The purpose of the qualifying activity is for the student to acquire not only the expertise in a given area but also the ability to explain, discuss, and debate questions within that and related areas. Students may choose, in consultation with their advisor, from the following qualifying activities: one extensive qualifying paper, three brief papers, a written examination, or an oral examination.
4. Students must obtain a grade of B- or better in each course taken for that course to count toward the degree. One grade below a B- (i.e., C+ or lower) will result in probation. Once a student is on probation for receiving a grade below a B-, a second grade (in the same or a different class) below a B- will result in immediate separation from the program. If a student retakes a course in which he or she received a grade lower than a B- (i.e., C+ or lower) and earns a B- or better, that student will be removed from probation. A student may be on academic probation only twice during their graduate career in Psychological & Brain Sciences; a third probation will result in separation from the program. No student shall be allowed more than two simultaneous grades of incomplete, except in the case of a documented and approved medical leave.
5. Students must conform to all policies of the UNLV Graduate College as stated in the UNLV Graduate Catalog, those policies stated in the UNLV Psychological & Brain Sciences Doctoral Program Student Handbook, and the American Psychological Association Code of Ethics. Students will be evaluated at least yearly across several professional competencies in the following three areas: (1) academic performance; (2) scholarly research activity; and (3) ethical behavior and professional conduct. If the program determines that a student is not making satisfactory progress toward the degree, it may request the Graduate Dean to separate the student from the program or place the student on probation. Failure to meet the conditions of the probation will result in separation from the program.
6. Students must take a minimum of four semesters of dissertation, which can include summers. The dissertation must be orally proposed and defended.

Graduation Requirements

1. Students must submit all required forms to the Graduate College and then apply for graduation up to two semesters prior to completing their degree requirements for both the master’s and doctoral portions of the program.
2. Students must submit and successfully defend their thesis by the posted deadline. The defense must be advertised and is open to the public.
3. After the thesis defense, the student must electronically submit a properly formatted pdf copy of their thesis to the Graduate College for format check. Once the thesis format has been approved by the Graduate College, the student will submit the approved electronic version to ProQuest. Deadlines for thesis defenses, format check submissions, and the final ProQuest submission can be found here. 
4. Students must submit and successfully defend their dissertation by the posted deadline. The defense must be advertised and is open to the public.
5. After the dissertation defense, the student must electronically submit a properly formatted pdf copy of their dissertation to the Graduate College for format check. Once the dissertation format has been approved by the Graduate College, the student will submit the approved electronic version to ProQuest. Deadlines for dissertation defenses, format check submissions, and the final ProQuest submission can be found here. 

Course Requirements

Degree Requirements

1. En route to doctoral candidacy the student must complete the requirements for a master’s degree in psychology, and complete 6 credits of thesis over a minimum of 2 semesters.
2. In addition to a master’s degree in Psychology equivalent to the one previously described (33 credits), a minimum of 39 credits in graduate psychology is required for the doctoral degree.
3. Student will be required to complete a Qualifying Activity before proposing a Dissertation. The purpose of the qualifying activity is for the student to acquire not only the expertise in a given area, but also the ability to explain, discuss, and debate questions within that and related areas. Students may choose, in consultation with their advisor, from the following qualifying activities: one extensive qualifying paper, three brief papers, a written examination, or an oral examination.
4. Students must obtain a grade of B- or better in each course taken for that course to count toward the degree. One grade below a B- (i.e., C+ or lower) will result in probation. Once a student is on probation for receiving a grade below a B-, a second grade (in the same or a different class) below a B-, will result in immediate separation from the program. If a student re-takes a course in which s/he received a grade lower than a B- (i.e. C+ or lower) and earns a B- or better, s/he will be removed from probation. A student may be on academic probation only twice during their graduate career in Psychological & Brain Sciences; a third probation will result in separation from the program. No student shall be allowed more than two simultaneous grades of incomplete, except in the case of a documented and approved medical leave.
5. Students must conform to all policies of the UNLV Graduate College, as stated in the UNLV Graduate Catalog, those stated in the UNLV Psychological & Brain Sciences Doctoral Program Student Handbook, and the American Psychological Association Code of Ethics. Students will be evaluated at least yearly across several professional competencies in the following three areas: (1) academic performance; (2) scholarly research activity; and (3) ethical behavior and professional conduct. If the program determines that a student is not making satisfactory progress toward the degree, it may request the Graduate Dean to separate the student from the program or place the student on probation. Failure to meet the conditions of the probation will result in separation from the program.
6. Students must take a minimum of four semesters of dissertation which can include summers. The dissertation must be orally proposed and defended.

Graduation Requirements

1. The student must submit all required forms to the Graduate College and then apply for graduation up to two semesters prior to completing his/her degree requirements for both the Master’s and Doctoral portions of the program.
2. The student must submit and successfully defend his/her thesis by the posted deadline. The defense must be advertised and is open to the public.
3. After the thesis defense, the student must electronically submit a properly formatted pdf copy of their thesis to the Graduate College for format check. Once the thesis format has been approved by the Graduate College, the student will submit the approved electronic version to ProQuest. Deadlines for thesis defenses, format check submissions, and the final ProQuest submission can be found here. 
4. The student must submit and successfully defend his/her dissertation by the posted deadline. The defense must be advertised and is open to the public.
5. After the dissertation defense, the student must electronically submit a properly formatted pdf copy of their dissertation to the Graduate College for format check. Once the dissertation format has been approved by the Graduate College, the student will submit the approved electronic version to ProQuest. Deadlines for dissertation defenses, format check submissions, and the final ProQuest submission can be found here. 

Course Requirements

Degree Requirements

1. En route to doctoral candidacy the student must complete the requirements for a master’s degree in psychology, and complete 6 credits of thesis over a minimum of 2 semesters.
2. In addition to a master’s degree in Psychology equivalent to the one previously described (33 credits), a minimum of 39 credits in graduate coursework is required for the doctoral degree.
3. Student will be required to complete a Qualifying Activity before proposing a Dissertation. The purpose of the qualifying activity is for the student to acquire not only the expertise in a given area, but also the ability to explain, discuss, and debate questions within that and related areas. Students may choose, in consultation with their advisor, from the following qualifying activities: one extensive qualifying paper, three brief papers, a written examination, or an oral examination.
4. Students must obtain a grade of B- or better in each course taken for that course to count toward the degree. One grade below a B- (i.e., C+ or lower) will result in probation. Once a student is on probation for receiving a grade below a B-, a second grade (in the same or a different class) below a B-, will result in immediate separation from the program. If a student re-takes a course in which s/he received a grade lower than a B- (i.e., C+ or lower) and earns a B- or better, s/he will be removed from probation. A student may be on academic probation only twice during their graduate career in Psychological & Brain Sciences; a third probation will result in separation from the program. No student shall be allowed more than two simultaneous grades of incomplete, except in the case of a documented and approved medical leave.
5. Students must conform to all policies of the UNLV Graduate College, as stated in the UNLV Graduate Catalog, those stated in the UNLV Psychological & Brain Sciences Doctoral Program Student Handbook, and the American Psychological Association Code of Ethics. Students will be evaluated at least yearly across several professional competencies in the following three areas: (1) academic performance; (2) scholarly research activity; and (3) ethical behavior and professional conduct. If the program determines that a student is not making satisfactory progress toward the degree, it may request the Graduate Dean to separate the student from the program or place the student on probation. Failure to meet the conditions of the probation will result in separation from the program.
6. Students must take a minimum of four semesters of dissertation which can include summers. The dissertation must be orally proposed and defended.

Graduation Requirements

1. The student must submit all required forms to the Graduate College and then apply for graduation up to two semesters prior to completing his/her degree requirements for both the Master’s and Doctoral portions of the program.
2. The student must submit and successfully defend his/her thesis by the posted deadline. The defense must be advertised and is open to the public.
3. After the thesis defense, the student must electronically submit a properly formatted pdf copy of their thesis to the Graduate College for format check. Once the thesis format has been approved by the Graduate College, the student will submit the approved electronic version to ProQuest. Deadlines for thesis defenses, format check submissions, and the final ProQuest submission can be found here. 
4. The student must submit and successfully defend his/her dissertation by the posted deadline. The defense must be advertised and is open to the public.
5. After the dissertation defense, the student must electronically submit a properly formatted pdf copy of their dissertation to the Graduate College for format check. Once the dissertation format has been approved by the Graduate College, the student will submit the approved electronic version to ProQuest. Deadlines for dissertation defenses, format check submissions, and the final ProQuest submission can be found here. 

Course Requirements

Degree Requirements

1. Students must complete a minimum of 42 credit hours with a minimum GPA of 3.00. Additional credits may be required to address student deficiencies or build specialized expertise.
2. Students will be required to complete a Qualifying Activity before proposing a Dissertation. The purpose of the qualifying activity is for the student to acquire not only the expertise in a given area but also the ability to explain, discuss, and debate questions within that and related areas. Students may choose, in consultation with their advisor, from the following qualifying activities: one extensive qualifying paper, three brief papers, a written examination, or an oral examination.
3. Students must obtain a grade of B- or better in each course taken for that course to count toward the degree. One grade below a B- (i.e., C+ or lower) will result in probation. Once a student is on probation for receiving a grade below a B-, a second grade (in the same or a different class) below a B- will result in immediate separation from the program. If a student retakes a course in which he or she received a grade lower than a B- (i.e., C+ or lower) and earns a B- or better, that student will be removed from probation. A student may be on academic probation only twice during their graduate career in Psychological & Brain Sciences; a third probation will result in separation from the program. No student shall be allowed more than two simultaneous grades of incomplete, except in the case of a documented and approved medical leave.
4. Students must conform to all policies of the UNLV Graduate College as stated in the UNLV Graduate Catalog, those policies stated in the UNLV Psychological & Brain Sciences Doctoral Program Student Handbook, and the American Psychological Association Code of Ethics. Students will be evaluated at least yearly across several professional competencies in the following three areas: (1) academic performance; (2) scholarly research activity; and (3) ethical behavior and professional conduct. If the program determines that a student is not making satisfactory progress toward the degree, it may request the Graduate Dean to separate the student from the program or place the student on probation. Failure to meet the conditions of the probation will result in separation from the program.
5. Students must take a minimum of four semesters of dissertation, which can include summers. The dissertation must be orally proposed and defended.

Graduation Requirements

1. Students must submit all required forms to the Graduate College and then apply for graduation up to two semesters prior to completing their degree requirements for the doctoral portions of the program.
2. Students must submit and successfully defend their dissertation by the posted deadline. The defense must be advertised and is open to the public.
3. After the dissertation defense, the student must electronically submit a properly formatted pdf copy of their dissertation to the Graduate College for format check. Once the dissertation format has been approved by the Graduate College, the student will submit the approved electronic version to ProQuest. Deadlines for dissertation defenses, format check submissions, and the final ProQuest submission can be found here. 

Course Requirements

Degree Requirements

1. Students must complete a minimum of 42 credit hours with a minimum GPA of 3.00. Additional credits may be required to address student deficiencies or build specialized expertise.
2. Students will be required to complete a Qualifying Activity before proposing a Dissertation. The purpose of the qualifying activity is for the student to acquire not only the expertise in a given area but also the ability to explain, discuss, and debate questions within that and related areas. Students may choose, in consultation with their advisor, from the following qualifying activities: one extensive qualifying paper, three brief papers, a written examination, or an oral examination.
3. Students must obtain a grade of B- or better in each course taken for that course to count toward the degree. One grade below a B- (i.e., C+ or lower) will result in probation. Once a student is on probation for receiving a grade below a B-, a second grade (in the same or a different class) below a B- will result in immediate separation from the program. If a student retakes a course in which he or she received a grade lower than a B- (i.e., C+ or lower) and earns a B- or better, that student will be removed from probation. A student may be on academic probation only twice during their graduate career in Psychological & Brain Sciences; a third probation will result in separation from the program. No student shall be allowed more than two simultaneous grades of incomplete, except in the case of a documented and approved medical leave.
4. Students must conform to all policies of the UNLV Graduate College as stated in the UNLV Graduate Catalog, those policies stated in the UNLV Psychological & Brain Sciences Doctoral Program Student Handbook, and the American Psychological Association Code of Ethics. Students will be evaluated at least yearly across several professional competencies in the following three areas: (1) academic performance; (2) scholarly research activity; and (3) ethical behavior and professional conduct. If the program determines that a student is not making satisfactory progress toward the degree, it may request the Graduate Dean to separate the student from the program or place the student on probation. Failure to meet the conditions of the probation will result in separation from the program.
5. Students must take a minimum of four semesters of dissertation, which can include summers. The dissertation must be orally proposed and defended.

Graduation Requirements

1. Students must submit all required forms to the Graduate College and then apply for graduation up to two semesters prior to completing their degree requirements.
2. Students must submit and successfully defend their dissertation by the posted deadline. The defense must be advertised and is open to the public.
3. After the dissertation defense, the student must electronically submit a properly formatted pdf copy of their dissertation to the Graduate College for format check. Once the dissertation format has been approved by the Graduate College, the student will submit the approved electronic version to ProQuest. Deadlines for dissertation defenses, format check submissions, and the final ProQuest submission can be found here. 

Course Requirements

Degree Requirements

1. Students must complete a minimum of 42 credit hours with a minimum GPA of 3.00. Additional credits may be required to address student deficiencies or build specialized expertise.
2. Students will be required to complete a Qualifying Activity before proposing a Dissertation. The purpose of the qualifying activity is for the student to acquire not only the expertise in a given area, but also the ability to explain, discuss, and debate questions within that and related areas. Students may choose, in consultation with their advisor, from the following qualifying activities: one extensive qualifying paper, three brief papers, a written examination, or an oral examination.
3. Students must obtain a grade of B- or better in each course taken for that course to count toward the degree. One grade below a B- (i.e., C+ or lower) will result in probation. Once a student is on probation for receiving a grade below a B-, a second grade (in the same or a different class) below a B- will result in immediate separation from the program. If a student retakes a course in which he or she received a grade lower than a B- (i.e., C+ or lower) and earns a B- or better, he or she will be removed from probation. A student may be on academic probation only twice during their graduate career in Psychological & Brain Sciences; a third probation will result in separation from the program. No student shall be allowed more than two simultaneous grades of incomplete, except in the case of a documented and approved medical leave.
4. Students must conform to all policies of the UNLV Graduate College as stated in the UNLV Graduate Catalog, those policies stated in the UNLV Psychological & Brain Sciences Doctoral Program Student Handbook, and the American Psychological Association Code of Ethics. Students will be evaluated at least yearly across several professional competencies in the following three areas: (1) academic performance; (2) scholarly research activity; and (3) ethical behavior and professional conduct. If the program determines that a student is not making satisfactory progress toward the degree, it may request the Graduate Dean to separate the student from the program or place the student on probation. Failure to meet the conditions of the probation will result in separation from the program.
5. Students must take a minimum of four semesters of dissertation, which can include summers. The dissertation must be orally proposed and defended.

Graduation Requirements

1. Students must submit all required forms to the Graduate College and then apply for graduation up to two semesters prior to completing their degree requirements for the doctoral portions of the program.
2. Students must submit and successfully defend their dissertation by the posted deadline. The defense must be advertised and is open to the public.
3. After the dissertation defense, the student must electronically submit a properly formatted pdf copy of their dissertation to the Graduate College for format check. Once the dissertation format has been approved by the Graduate College, the student will submit the approved electronic version to ProQuest. Deadlines for dissertation defenses, format check submissions, and the final ProQuest submission can be found here. 

Course Requirements

Degree Requirements

1. Students must complete a minimum of 42 credit hours with a minimum GPA of 3.00. Additional credits may be required to address student deficiencies or build specialized expertise.
2. Student will be required to complete a Qualifying Activity before proposing a Dissertation. The purpose of the qualifying activity is for the student to acquire not only the expertise in a given area, but also the ability to explain, discuss, and debate questions within that and related areas. Students may choose, in consultation with their advisor, from the following qualifying activities: one extensive qualifying paper, three brief papers, a written examination, or an oral examination.
3. Students must obtain a grade of B- or better in each course taken for that course to count toward the degree. One grade below a B- (i.e., C+ or lower) will result in probation. Once a student is on probation for receiving a grade below a B-, a second grade (in the same or a different class) below a B-, will result in immediate separation from the program. If a student re-takes a course in which s/he received a grade lower than a B- (i.e., C+ or lower) and earns a B- or better, s/he will be removed from probation. A student may be on academic probation only twice during their graduate career in Psychological & Brain Sciences; a third probation will result in separation from the program. No student shall be allowed more than two simultaneous grades of incomplete, except in the case of a documented and approved medical leave.
4. Students must conform to all policies of the UNLV Graduate College, as stated in the UNLV Graduate Catalog, those stated in the UNLV Experimental Psychological & Brain Sciences Doctoral Program Student Handbook, and the American Psychological Association Code of Ethics. Students will be evaluated at least yearly across several professional competencies in the following three areas: (1) academic performance; (2) scholarly research activity; and (3) ethical behavior and professional conduct. If the program determines that a student is not making satisfactory progress toward the degree, it may request the Graduate Dean to separate the student from the program or place the student on probation. Failure to meet the conditions of the probation will result in separation from the program.
5. Students must take a minimum of four semesters of dissertation which can include summers. The dissertation must be orally proposed and defended.

Graduation Requirements

1. Students must submit all required forms to the Graduate College and then apply for graduation up to two semesters prior to completing their degree requirements.
2. Students must submit and successfully defend their dissertation by the posted deadline. The defense must be advertised and is open to the public. After the dissertation defense, the student must electronically submit a properly formatted pdf copy of their dissertation to the Graduate College for format check.
3. Once the dissertation format has been approved by the Graduate College, the student will submit the approved electronic version to ProQuest. Deadlines for dissertation defenses, format check submissions, and the final ProQuest submission can be found here.