Our PhD degree in Psychology with an emphasis in Applied Psychological Science focuses on applied research. It affords students the opportunity to become experts in a subfield of psychology. Students learn the core principles of psychology and then use that foundation to scientifically answer real-world questions.
Students must also hone their knowledge of a specific area within psychology (e.g., teaching psychology, positive psychology, psychology and the law) as they progress through the curriculum. The program emphasizes methodology and analysis, and students are expected to advance their research agenda every term.
The objective of the program is to prepare graduates for careers as full-time faculty at colleges and universities, independent researchers in a variety of settings (universities, research institutes, the government, business organizations, etc.), and as consultants. It should be noted that this program does not prepare students for clinical practice nor does it make graduates eligible for professional licensure.
Consistent with its broad objectives, the Applied PhD program has four specific goals:
- Students will demonstrate doctoral-level discipline-specific knowledge that represents core scientific and theoretical principles with a focus on the affective, biological, cognitive, developmental, and social bases of behavior.
- Students will demonstrate doctoral-level ability to understand and critique basic and applied research.
- Students will demonstrate proficiency in reviewing evidence-based literature, forming hypotheses, designing, and conducting research consistent with ethical standards, in addition to facility with analyzing data and communicating results.
- Students will demonstrate the ability to advance psychological knowledge in an industry or setting of personal interest by melding their understanding of discipline-specific principles and methodological knowledge and skills.
A pathway master’s is awarded upon completion of the core and research course areas listed below.
