University of Wisconsin-Madison offers psychology-related graduate programs through its Department of Educational Psychology, including a PhD in Educational Psychology with concentrations in school psychology, quantitative methods, cognitive science, and human development. UW-Madison is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and serves as the flagship campus of the Universities of Wisconsin system in Madison, WI.
Founded in 1848, the same year Wisconsin became a state, the University of Wisconsin-Madison is the flagship campus of the University of Wisconsin system. The university enrolls approximately 48,500 undergraduate and graduate students and holds a strong national research reputation. The graduate psychology-related training described on this page is housed in the Department of Educational Psychology.
Accreditation Details
University of Wisconsin-Madison holds institutional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), one of the largest regional accreditors in the United States. Institutional accreditation confirms that the university meets recognized academic standards and allows students to qualify for federal financial aid. Students can verify current accreditation status directly through the U.S. Department of Education’s database or on UW-Madison’s website.
Beyond institutional accreditation, several graduate psychology programs at UW-Madison carry program-specific accreditation. The Clinical Psychology PhD program is accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA) and the Psychological Clinical Science Accreditation System (PCSAS). The Counseling Psychology PhD and School Psychology PhD programs are also APA-accredited, with School Psychology additionally approved by the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP). Program accreditation applies only to the specific degree program, not to the university as a whole.
Application Requirements
Graduate applicants to UW-Madison psychology programs apply through the university’s online Graduate School application portal. Requirements typically include an online application, application fee, statement of purpose, official transcripts from all previously attended institutions, and letters of recommendation. Standardized test requirements vary by program. Some UW-Madison psychology doctoral programs, including Counseling Psychology, do not currently require GRE scores, but applicants should verify requirements with their intended program before applying. International applicants must also submit proof of English proficiency where applicable.
Tuition and Financial Aid
As a public university, UW-Madison charges different tuition rates based on residency. For part-time graduate enrollment, 2025-26 tuition is approximately $670 per credit for Wisconsin residents and $1,503 per credit for nonresidents. Full-time doctoral students should consult the Bursar’s Office for current tuition and funding policies. Wisconsin residents aged 60 and older qualify for a separate reduced rate.
Graduate students can access funding through teaching assistantships, research assistantships, and fellowships, many of which include tuition remission and a stipend. Students can also complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine eligibility for federal loans and grants.
Psychology Programs at University of Wisconsin-Madison
PhD in Educational Psychology
UW-Madison’s Department of Educational Psychology offers a PhD in Educational Psychology with concentrations in school psychology, quantitative methods, cognitive science, and human development. Applicants typically need an academic background aligned with their intended concentration, though students without directly matching coursework may need to complete foundational classes before starting concentration-specific work. The program emphasizes original research and requires coursework in statistics and research methods alongside concentration-specific study. Students in the School Psychology track complete an APA-accredited, NASP-approved program, preparing graduates for roles as school-based psychologists, researchers, or faculty members. Depending on their concentration, graduates pursue careers in schools, higher education, research organizations, curriculum development, and related fields.
Prospective students can find full details on faculty research areas, funding opportunities, and application deadlines through the Department of Educational Psychology’s website. Students weighing UW-Madison against other options can also compare other psychology doctoral programs in Wisconsin.
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