phd child psychology programs

2024 Best Online PhD in Child Psychology Programs

Earning an online PhD in Child Psychology may be the final big step in your educational journey, and it may open doors to top-level positions in your field.

You may pursue a rewarding career as a licensed clinical child psychologist, university professor, or experimental psychologist.

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Whether you’ve just finished your undergrad or masters degree or you’re already working in the field of child psychology, you may be feeling the urge to continue your climb to new professional heights. Earning your Ph.D. online might be the right next step for you to consider, whether it’s an online PhD in child psychology, one in forensic psychology, or even a PhD in industrial organizational psychology online .

Universities Offering Online PhD in Child Psychology Degree Programs

Methodology: The following school list is in alphabetical order. To be included, a college or university must be regionally accredited and offer degree programs online or in a hybrid format.

Capella University

Capella University has a PhD in Psychology with a concentration in Developmental Psychology. The program helps provide students with a more in-depth understanding of the ways people change as they grow. Students can further streamline their curricula by focusing strictly on either adulthood and aging, lifespan, or adolescent development.

Capella University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Fielding Graduate University

Students interested in child psychology at Fielding Graduate University can enroll in the school’s PhD in Infant and Early Childhood Development program.

It’s a multidisciplinary program that includes further emphasis in either developmental disorders or mental health. Sample courses include cross-cultural understanding, developmental disabilities, social and emotional development, statistics, and language intervention.

Fielding Graduate University  is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission.

Liberty University

Liberty University’s psychology PhD program features a concentration in developmental psychology.

It’s a 60 credit program that takes about 3 years to complete. Classes are delivered online via 8 week sessions and include courses such as foundations of doctoral study in psychology, psychological research, and biblical worldview and teaching of psychology.

Liberty University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Loyola University – Chicago

While Loyola University – Chicago doesn’t offer a PhD in Child Psychology, it does offer a Doctor of Education in School Psychology, which could be preferable to students seeking jobs in the field of education. The curriculum focuses on intervention, consultation, assessment and placement, and the evaluation of evidence-based practices.

Loyola University – Chicago is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

National University

National University offers a PhD in Marriage and Family Therapy with a concentration in Child and Adolescent Therapy.

The program aims to help students gain expertise in the field and become well-versed in working with diverse populations, capable of conducting independent research, and able to appraise relational and systemic ethical behaviors.

National University is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission.

Regent University

The PhD in Counseling and Psychological Studies program from Regent University features a concentration in marriage and family ministry. Coursework for the program is entirely online and is delivered through 16 week sessions. Students will also gain hands-on, real-world experience through their 150 hours of on-site human services work.

Regent University  is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Saybrook University

Saybrook University’s online PhD in Clinical Psychology program meets the requirements for licensure in many states.

The program focuses on multicultural psychology, psychotherapy, data analyses and meta-analyses, humanistic-integrative psychology, developmental psychology, and child and adolescent psychology. Students will receive close mentoring from highly qualified faculty members as well as plenty of hands-on training.

Saybrook University  is accredited by the Senior Commission of Western Association of Schools and Colleges.

Sofia University

Students enrolled in the PhD in Transpersonal Psychology program at Sofia University can choose from four specific concentration options. The program is largely completed online, but there are four required residential seminars that must be completed before students can graduate. Sometimes the school also offers these seminars online.

Sofia University is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.

Touro University Worldwide

Touro University Worldwide’s Doctor of Psychology in Human and Organizational Psychology program is a 66 credit program that takes about 3 years to complete. It’s a fully online psychology degree program that features a series of classes lasting 8 weeks each.

Courses include applied cognitive psychology, applied media psychology, and evidence-based practices.

Touro University Worldwide is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission.

Walden University

Walden University has an online PhD in Developmental Psychology program that allows students to choose between seven different concentration options, including one in child and adolescent development.

There are also two different degree tracks based on whether students have masters degrees in psychology or in other disciplines not related to psychology.

Walden is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission.

Online PhD in Child Psychology Programs

If you’re ready to take your career to the highest professional level as a child psychologist or adolescent psychologist, you might start exploring online doctoral programs.

Child psychology is a subfield recognized by the American Psychological Association (APA), and the term refers to the psychotherapeutic treatment of clients from birth through adolescence.

Child psychology encompasses the developmental, clinical, pediatric, and psychotherapeutic aspects of the field of psychology. With a Ph.D. in Child Psychology, you may qualify for clinical licensure to treat children and adolescents for cognitive, intellectual, and behavioral disorders.

As a child psychologist, you may treat children for issues pertaining to emotional problems, developmental disorders, trauma, and biological vulnerabilities. Your services may include evaluations, interventions, and consultations to help your young clients.

Psychology professionals who hold a doctoral degree in child psychology can work in a variety of settings. You may work in hospitals, residential or outpatient mental health treatment facilities, schools, universities, and private practices. Additionally, you may serve as a university professor or an experimental researcher in the field of child psychology.

A typical PhD program includes coursework, research, an internship, and a dissertation. The psychological research that you might conduct during your degree program includes qualitative, quantitative, biological, cognitive, and behavioral research.

Through your doctoral coursework, you may develop skills in APA-approved research methodologies as well as the scholarly writing style necessary to report your findings.

Your courses will likely focus on professional and ethical issues surrounding the licensed practice of child psychology. Additional courses may focus on specific issues, such as child and adolescent development, family counseling, and psychological assessment.

Topics of study may include perception, cognition, behavior, and neuroscience in children and adolescents.

Child Psychology Careers & Salaries

With a doctorate in child psychology, you may qualify for licensure to practice in a number of clinical settings.

Perhaps you’re interested in becoming a school psychologist and working for a public school system. You may also pursue a career where you treat adolescents living in a residential mental health treatment facility.

The following information pertaining to child psychology and related careers is retrieved from the Bureau of Labor Statistics .

With this terminal degree, you might progress in your career to supervisory or managerial positions. In this capacity, you may become the head of a team, overseeing the work of others in your field.

Of course, you might also enter the world of academia as a psychology professor or experimental psychologist in a university or teaching hospital. Private practice is always an option, too.

Doctorate in Child Psychology Curriculum & Courses

Curriculum and courses in a child psychology doctoral program generally center around classroom lecture, research, and field experience or practicums. Many programs require one or more internships as well as a dissertation for program completion.

Here is a brief overview of courses that you may encounter in a child psychology PhD program:

• Foundations of Doctoral Study in Psychology : This course involves discussion and skill-building in critical thinking, scholarly writing, ethics, and empirical research for academic work on the doctoral level in psychology.
• Psychological Assessment with Children : This course combines classroom lecture and field experience, covering clinical interviewing techniques, behavior observation methods, risk assessment, and therapeutic approaches in child psychology.
• Family Counseling Theory : This course is a survey of theoretical models of family interaction, function, and dysfunction.
• Evidence-Based Practice in Psychology : You’ll study empirically supported psychotherapy protocols with an emphasis on implementing techniques within an evidence-based practice.
• Introductory Practicum in Child Psychology : This course is an orientation to psychological evaluation and treatment of children, adolescents, and their families through shadowing cases and assisting licensed professionals.
• Legal Issues in Child Psychology : This course is an overview of laws that govern the practice of licensed clinical child psychologists.
• Developmental Stages of Childhood and Adolescence : You’ll examine theories of child development, including social, physical, cognitive, and psychological stages of development.
• Child and Adolescent Social Development : You’ll explore the ways children develop in social settings, including family relationships, peer relations, and social behavior.
• Research Methods and Statistics : This course covers methodology and statistical analysis for experimental, descriptive, and predictive research studies.
• Qualitative Research and Analysis : This course covers theoretical foundations for understanding human behavior through qualitative research methodologies, including case studies.

This list represents only a sampling of courses you might take in an online PhD in Child Psychology program. Curricular requirements commonly include lecture-based academic courses, supervised practicum experiences, dissertation preparation, and independent research.

How to Become a Child Psychologist

To become a licensed child psychologist, you’ll often need to earn a doctoral degree. This might be a PhD, which focuses on research, or a PsyD, which focuses on clinical practice.

Both degree types require years of coursework, practicums, and internships that culminate in a final dissertation or capstone project. The PhD requires the submission and defense of a research-based dissertation. The PsyD also requires either a dissertation or a capstone project, but it may be practice-based rather than research-based.

Of course, academic achievement alone does not guarantee success. A child psychologist generally possesses these personal traits:

• Caring, empathetic, and patient attitude toward children
• Motivated to help others
• Keen observational skills
• Problem-solving skills
• Ability to evaluate and analyze data

If you’re just starting your educational journey with the goal of becoming a child psychologist, you might want to begin with a bachelors degree in psychology online or on-campus. This can be followed by a masters degree in psychology that may act as a stepping stone toward a doctoral program.

While many doctoral programs in child psychology do not require bachelor’s and master’s degrees specifically in psychology, it is necessary to show completion of prerequisite courses.

Throughout your undergraduate and graduate programs, it may help to focus on building strong skills in sciences, math, and statistics. These can be important for admission to a doctoral program in child psychology.

Admissions Requirements

One of the first steps in your new educational journey will be to apply and be accepted to the doctoral program of your choice. Here is a list of typical admission requirements.

• Transcripts : Transcripts may be required in order to show your completion of bachelors and masters degrees programs along with your GPA.
• Test scores : Some schools will request to see your score on the GRE test, but this is not always required.
• Letters of recommendation : Schools will often request letters of recommendation from employers or previous professors.
• Work experience : References and evidence of work experience in psychology or a related field may be required.

Child psychology doctoral programs require completion of bachelor’s and master’s degrees with minimum GPAs, typically 3.0.

Your bachelors and masters degrees may be in psychology, or you may demonstrate completion of undergraduate and graduate courses in psychology, statistics, research methods, and laboratory experience to meet admission requirements for a PhD program.

Accreditation

When you’re shopping around for online child psychology PhD programs, you may want to consider choosing a university that holds regional accreditation from one of the following accrediting organizations :

• Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
• Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
• New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
• Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
• Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
• WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)

Additionally, you may want to verify that a degree program is accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA). You may also check your state licensure board to see if your particular state requires a degree accredited by the Association of State and Provincial Licensing Boards (ASPPB).

Financial Aid and Scholarships

As you shop for online PhD degree programs in child psychology, you may want to explore opportunities to apply for financial aid. You may start by visiting the Federal Student Aid website, where you can fill out and submit your FAFSA form. This form is an important first step toward receiving financial aid.

Financial assistance is available in the form of loans, grants, merit-based and need-based scholarships, and work-study jobs. Veterans and military family members are eligible for some types of student aid, too.

In addition to federal student aid, you may explore financial assistance from your state or your employer. The university that you choose may also offer fellowships and assistantships for doctoral students.

What Is a Child Psychologist?

A child psychologist is a trained professional who specializes in the delivery of psychological services to infants, toddlers, children, and adolescents. These specialists apply their understanding of the psychological needs of children and adolescents to assess, diagnose, and treat an array of problems.

Child psychologists help their clients with cognitive, emotional, developmental, and behavioral issues. These issues may include trauma and loss, behavioral disorders, stress, problems with family or social relationships, and much more.

Children and adolescents may experience a wide range of interrelated biological, psychological, and social problems. Through specialized training and research, child psychologists are equipped to assess and treat their young clients for these problems.

What Does a Child Psychologist Do?

Child psychologists conduct testing and evaluation for children and adolescents to assess their needs for interventions related to psychological, intellectual, cognitive, and behavioral problems. After testing, they design and administer interventions such as psychotherapy and behavior management to help their clients.

In addition to treating clients, child psychologists design and direct prevention programs for child and adolescent populations. Examples include anti-bullying campaigns, teen pregnancy prevention, and drug addiction prevention programs.

In their work, child psychologists design and conduct research as well as utilize the research of others. They frequently collaborate with colleagues involved in the psychological evaluation and treatment of children and adolescents.

What Can You Do with a PhD in Child Psychology

With a PhD in Child Psychology, you may qualify for top-level professional positions in the field.

Your personal preferences and professional interests might direct you toward establishing a private practice, working in a hospital, or serving as a pediatric psychologist in schools. You may want to work in a family services or child protective services agency.

On the other hand, you might prefer to work in the world of academia, where you can serve as a college professor and researcher. After completing your doctoral degree, it’s time to pass the requirements for licensure in your state. Then, you can practice as a licensed clinical child psychologist.

With your doctoral degree and professional experience, you might qualify for supervisory positions, such as a medical and health services manager or social and community services manager.

How Long Does It Take to Become a Child Psychologist?

The time it will take for you to complete your online PhD in Child Psychology depends on whether you are able to enroll full-time or part-time.

Online learning allows you to schedule your academic work around your existing family and professional responsibilities. So, the speed with which you complete the program will often be unique to your circumstances. In general, it takes approximately 3 to 5 years to complete a doctoral degree.

In addition to coursework, most programs require at least one internship of a year’s duration. You may also need to conduct independent research to write and defend a dissertation.

How Much Does a Child Psychologist Make?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, a psychologist earns an annual average of $82,180 while clinical, counseling, and school psychologists in particular make an average of $79,820.

As a professor of psychology or researcher at a university, you might expect to earn an average salary of $78,180. If your career as a child psychologist leads you to work in a hospital, mental health treatment facility, or family services agency, there’s a chance you may be promoted one day to a managerial position.

A medical and health services manager earns an average of $104,280 annually, and a social and community services manager earns an average of $69,600.

What Is the Difference Between a PhD in Child Psychology vs. Developmental Psychology?

You may be wondering whether you should pursue an online PhD in Developmental Psychology or an online doctoral program in child psychology. The two disciplines are closely related, and they have some overlap as well.

Child psychology is a specialty area that focuses on the years from birth through adolescence. It is sometimes called developmental psychology because childhood and adolescence are viewed through the lens of developmental stages.

Developmental psychology, though, is the study of human development across the entire lifespan, from infancy through childhood, adolescence, and adulthood to older adulthood. So, developmental psychology encompasses a broader view that includes all stages of life.

What Is the Difference Between a Child Therapist vs. Child Psychologist?

A child therapist is a psychiatrist. This is a medical doctor who has completed residency training and fellowships in the field of child psychiatry.

After passing a state licensing exam, a psychiatrist is qualified to prescribe medication in addition to evaluating, diagnosing, and treating mental or emotional health problems in children and adolescents.

A child psychologist has earned a doctoral degree and met requirements for state licensure to practice clinical child psychology. Preparation includes years of training and internships. A child psychologist is licensed to conduct psychological testing, evaluate, diagnose, and treat mental and emotional problems in children and adolescents.

Is a PhD in Child Psychology Worth It?

Yes, a PhD in Child Psychology is worth it for many students. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, life, physical, and social science jobs are set to grow at 5% over the next 10 years, faster than the average for all occupations.

Common child psychology careers in this field include medical and health services manager, school psychologist, clinical child psychologist, social and community services manager, and family therapist.

Depending on your career goals, you might provide psychotherapeutic services for children in a broad array of work settings. These settings include hospitals, schools, mental health treatment facilities, community and family services agencies, and private practice.

Getting Your PhD in Child Psychology Online

If you want to support and treat children and adolescents, a PhD in Child Psychology may be the final step in your educational journey.

You may be finishing up a masters degree and launching immediately into a doctoral program, or you may have been in the professional world for a while and plan on returning to school to earn your doctorate.

Regardless if you’re a current student or working professional, online learning platforms have expanded and improved in the past few years to offer amazing educational opportunities. The flexibility of online learning can allow you to balance school with work and other responsibilities.

This is the case with both online child and adolescent psychology masters programs .

If you’re ready to continue your academic journey to receive your doctorate in child psychology, then you may begin exploring accredited, online degree programs to find the one that’s right for you.

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2024 Best Child Development & Psychology Doctor's Degree Schools

In 2024, College Factual analyzed 85 schools in order to identify the top ones for its Best Child Development & Psychology Doctor's Degree Schools ranking. Combined, these schools handed out 726 doctor's degrees in child development & psychology to qualified students.

What's on this page: * Our Methodology

• Best Doctor’s Degree Schools List

Choosing a Great Child Development & Psychology School for Your Doctor's Degree

Quality Overall Is Important

A school that excels in educating for a particular major and degree level must be a great school overall as well. To take this into account we consider a school's overall Best Colleges for a Doctor's Degree ranking which itself looks at a collection of different factors like degree completion, educational resources, student body caliber and post-graduation earnings for the school as a whole.

Average Earnings

To determine the overall quality of a graduate school, one factor we look at is the average early-career salary of those receiving their doctor's degree from the school. After all, your doctor's degree won't mean much if it doesn't help you find a job that will help you earn a living.

Other Factors We Consider

The metrics below are just some of the other metrics that we use to determine our rankings.

• Major Focus - How many resources a school devotes to child development & psychology students as compared to other majors.
• Major Demand - How many other child development & psychology students want to attend this school to pursue a doctor's degree.
• Educational Resources - How many resources are allocated to students. These resources may include educational expenditures per student, number of students per instructor, and graduation rate among other things.
• Student Debt - How much debt child development & psychology students go into to obtain their doctor's degree and how well they are able to pay back that debt.
• Accreditation - Whether a school is regionally accredited and/or accredited by a recognized child development & psychology related body.

Our full ranking methodology documents in more detail how we consider these factors to identify the best colleges for child development & psychology students working on their doctor's degree.

More Ways to Rank Child Development & Psychology Schools

Since picking the right college can be one of the most important decisions of your life, we've developed the Best Child Development & Psychology Doctor's Degree Schools ranking, along with many other major-related rankings , to help you make that decision.

Best Schools for Doctorate Students to Study Child Development & Psychology in the United States

The following list ranks the best colleges and universities for pursuing a doctor's degree in child development & psychology. Only those schools that rank in the top 15% of all the schools we analyze get awarded with a place on this list.

13 Top Schools for a Doctorate in Child Development

Washington University in St Louis is a great decision for individuals pursuing a doctor's degree in child development & psychology. WUSTL is a fairly large private not-for-profit university located in the suburb of Saint Louis. More information about a doctorate in child development & psychology from Washington University in St Louis

It's difficult to beat University of Pennsylvania if you want to pursue a doctor's degree in child development & psychology. UPenn is a fairly large private not-for-profit university located in the large city of Philadelphia. More information about a doctorate in child development & psychology from University of Pennsylvania

Every student who is interested in a doctor's degree in child development & psychology needs to take a look at Harvard University. Located in the midsize city of Cambridge, Harvard is a private not-for-profit university with a fairly large student population. More information about a doctorate in child development & psychology from Harvard University

University of Notre Dame is a great decision for students pursuing a doctor's degree in child development & psychology. Notre Dame is a large private not-for-profit university located in the large suburb of Notre Dame. More information about a doctorate in child development & psychology from University of Notre Dame

Located in the city of Princeton, Princeton is a private not-for-profit university with a moderately-sized student population. More information about a doctorate in child development & psychology from Princeton University

Columbia is a fairly large private not-for-profit university located in the large city of New York. More information about a doctorate in child development & psychology from Columbia University in the City of New York

UChicago is a fairly large private not-for-profit university located in the large city of Chicago. More information about a doctorate in child development & psychology from University of Chicago

Located in the medium-sized city of Ann Arbor, U-M is a public university with a fairly large student population. More information about a doctorate in child development & psychology from University of Michigan - Ann Arbor

Brown is a fairly large private not-for-profit university located in the city of Providence. More information about a doctorate in child development & psychology from Brown University

Located in the city of Ithaca, Cornell is a private not-for-profit university with a fairly large student population. More information about a doctorate in child development & psychology from Cornell University

UMN Twin Cities is a fairly large public university located in the city of Minneapolis. More information about a doctorate in child development & psychology from University of Minnesota - Twin Cities

Located in the city of Los Angeles, USC is a private not-for-profit university with a very large student population. More information about a doctorate in child development & psychology from University of Southern California

Located in the large city of Nashville, Vanderbilt is a private not-for-profit university with a large student population. More information about a doctorate in child development & psychology from Vanderbilt University

Related Programs

Learn about other programs related to Child Development & Psychology that might interest you.

General Psychology (I Have a Masters)

Honorable Mentions

These are some additional schools worth mentioning that are also great but just didn't quite make the cut to earn our top Best Child Development & Psychology Doctor's Degree Schools award.

Child Development & Psychology by Region

View the Best Child Development & Psychology Doctor's Degree Schools for a specific region near you.

Other Rankings

Best associate degrees in child development & psychology, best master's degrees in child development & psychology, best value in child development & psychology, best for non-traditional students in child development & psychology, best online in child development & psychology, most popular online in child development & psychology, best bachelor's degrees in child development & psychology, best overall in child development & psychology, highest paid grads in child development & psychology, best for veterans in child development & psychology, most popular in child development & psychology, most focused in child development & psychology.

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Child Development & Psychology Related Rankings by Major

One of 24 majors within the Psychology area of study, Child Development & Psychology has other similar majors worth exploring.

Child Development Focus Areas

Most popular majors related to child development, notes and references.

• The bars on the spread charts above show the distribution of the schools on this list +/- one standard deviation from the mean.
• The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System ( IPEDS ) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) serves as the core of the rest of our data about colleges.
• Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s ( College Scorecard ). More about our data sources and methodologies .

Popular Reports

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Best Developmental Psychology Programs

Ranked in 2022, part of Best Social Sciences and Humanities Schools

Developmental psychology students

Developmental psychology students observe the broad span of human development, from infancy to old age. Key concepts include the nature versus nurture debate and identity formation. These are the top psychology programs for developmental psychology. Read the methodology »

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Psychology, PhD (Developmental)

On this page:.

The PhD in Psychology with an emphasis in Developmental psychology aims to understand and improve the lives of individuals and families across the lifespan.

Program Description

Degree Awarded: Psychology, PhD

The PhD in Psychology with an emphasis in Developmental psychology aims to understand and improve the lives of individuals and families across the lifespan. Faculty in the Developmental Psychology Program study infancy, childhood, adolescence, young adulthood, and midlife into old age. Through the innovative combination of basic science, community-based interventions, and use of contemporary methods of analysis, the Developmental Psychology training area offers unique opportunities for students to build both skills and relationships across the university and local communities. Your research at ASU will have practical applications and you will be able to see the difference that you make in the lives of real people. For a full list of labs,  visit the Developmental Labs section of the website here .

The Doctor of Philosophy program in psychology with an emphasis on developmental psychology offers training in the theories and methods of developmental psychology and how they are applied in real-world settings. By development, we mean the transformations and changes that occur across the lifespan and the processes that influence not only behaviors, emotions, and cognition, but also the underlying genetic and biological mechanisms.

Developmental psychologists work in a variety of settings, including academia, government agencies, health care facilities, and schools. Those working at universities tend to focus primarily on research and teaching. Others work in applied settings, such as nonprofits and health care facilities. Developmental psychologists may work with individuals at any age. The majority of the graduates of our Developmental Psychology program have gone on to research and teaching careers in academia or government and industry.

IMPORTANT: To be considered for PhD program, you must complete the application through ASU's online portal AND submit your material through  Slideroom .

Explore the Developmental Faculty Here

Current Developmental Students

Developmental FAQs

Developmental Research Laboratories

Adolescent Stress and Emotion Lab  (Doane)

Child Emotion Center  (Lemery-Chalfant)

Courage Lab  (Pina)

Lifespan Developmental Lab  (Infurna)

Emerging Minds Lab (Lucca)

Science of Learning and Educational Technology (SoLET) Lab  (McNamara)

Genes, Environment, Youth and Development (Su)

Theory of Mind / Father and Divorce Labs  (Fabricius)

Heart Healthy Experiences Across Relationships and Transitions Lab  (Ha)

Learning and Development Lab  (Benitez)

Application requirements are found in the  doctoral admissions  pages. To apply for doctoral training in Developmental Psychology register with the graduate college  HERE .

Faculty Fingerprint

Fingerprint comes from data mining our scientific contributions. Learn more about us. Check out our global fingerprint and enjoy the visualizations:

Viridiana Benitez

Robert Bradley

Nancy Eisenberg

William Fabricius

Frank Infurna

Kathryn Lemery

Kelsey Lucca

Armando Pina

Danielle McNamara

Student Handbook

Graduate students in the Developmental Psychology training area receive coursework training in the areas listed below. The total number of hours required by the Graduate College for the PhD is 84; 42 of coursework and 42 of research/reading & conference. Other courses offered by developmental faculty, affiliated faculty, visiting professors, or offered in other departments may be substituted by approval of the developmental faculty.

Courses and electives

Expand the options below to see what courses are available in each required area. Graduate students are expected to complete 84 credit hours. 

+ Core Courses (24 credit hours)

Developmental Theory Courses . Students are required to take at least one course:

• CDE 531 Theoretical Issues in Child Development
• PSY 591 Advanced Developmental Psychology
• PSY 591 Lifespan Developmental
• PSY 591 Theories of Development

Developmental Methods Courses . Students are required to take at least one course:

• PSY 600 Developmental Research Methods
• CDE 533 Research Issues in Child Development
• PSY 555 Experimental and Quasi-Experimental Designs
• PSY 600 Research Methods
• PSY 536 Methods in Prevention Research
• PSY 591 Methods in Developmental Psychobiology

Quantitative Courses.  Students are required to take at least four of the following courses:

• PSY 530 Analysis of Variance
• PSY 531 Multiple Regression Analysis
• PSY 532 Analysis of Multivariate Data
• PSY 533 Structural Equation Modeling
• PSY 591 Multilevel Modeling
• PSY 591 Longitudinal Data Analyses
• PSY 591 Statistical Mediation Analyses
• PSY 591 Missing Data Analyses
• PSY 591 Multivariate Analysis of Variance
• PSY 539/540 Meta-Analysis
• PSY 591 Advanced Regression and Graphics
• PSY 591 Item Response Theory
• PSY 537 Longitudinal Growth Modeling
• PSY 538  Advanced Structural Equation Modeling

Plus others that may be offered outside the Department of Psychology, such as longitudinal modeling, categorical data analysis, qualitative data analysis, time series analysis, subject to approval by the developmental faculty.

+ Electives (6 credit hours)

Depth Courses: Topical Courses of a Developmental Nature . Students are required to take at least four courses with at least two from developmental faculty:

• PSY 542 Social Development
• PSY 591 Social-Cognitive Development—Theory of Mind
• PSY 591 Language Development
• PSY 591 Research in Cognitive Development
• PSY 591 Adolescence and Emerging Adulthood
• PSY 591 Emotional Development
• PSY 591 Moral Development
• PSY 591 Home Impact on Child Development
• PSY 591 Childcare, Early Education, and Child Development
• PSY 591/CDE 612 Children’s Peer Relationships
• PSY 591 Successful Aging
• PSY 591 Resilience Processes and Development
• PSY 591 Developmental Behavior Genetics
• PSY 578 Developmental Psychopathology
• CDE 534 Risk and Resilience
• CDE 610 Gender and Development
• CDE 634 Prevention and Child Development

Plus others that may be offered outside the Department of Psychology, such as speech and language development, subject to approval by the developmental faculty.

Professional Development.  

• PSY 591 Teaching of Psychology
• PSY 501 Supervised Teaching
• PSY 591 Professional Writing and Reviewing
• PSY 591 Grant Writing/Professional Development
• PSY 680 Topics in Professional Development (1-3 credit option)

Breadth Courses: Psychological Foundations . Students are required to take at least two courses from other areas within the department that will provide the student with a broader perspective including the social, cognitive, and/or biological bases of human behavior. These courses are taught by Department of Psychology faculty; coursework from other departments or schools are subject to approval from the developmental faculty.

+ Research (42 credit hours)

Research: Reading & Conference, Master’s Thesis . Students are required to take 42 research credits and this requirement could be satisfied with some combination of masters, dissertation, RA, and supervised research via the courses listed below. When those 42 credits are completed, there are no more research requirements.

• PSY 592 Supervised Research or PSY 590 Reading and Conference (at least 9 credits)
• PSY 599 Master’s Thesis (at least 6 credits)
• PSY 792 Post-Master’s Research or PSY 790 Reading and Conference (at least 15 credits)

+ Dissertation (12 credit hours)

• PSY 799 Dissertation Research (at least 12 credits)

Transfer students : with the approval of the degree program and ASU's Graduate College, students may include a maximum of 12 graduate-level credit hours with grades of “B” or better that were not used towards a previous degree. Preadmission credits must have been taken within three years of admission to the ASU degree program to be accepted. The PhD program can also accept an admitted students Master’s degree and this would count as 30 credits towards the 84 required  for the program. 

At a Glance

• Location:   Tempe campus
• Second Language Requirement:  No

Degree Requirements

The 84 credit-hour program of study includes a master’s thesis, comprehensive exam, and a dissertation. Coursework covers theory, methods, advanced statistics, professional development (e.g., grant writing and teaching), general psychology breadth courses, and developmental psychology depth courses. Prospective doctoral candidates should have a passion and interest in developmental psychology, have demonstrated research skills through experience in a research lab or senior thesis, and have a minimum of a 3.00 cumulative GPA. 

The FAQ tab on the left contains more information on the graduate program and application process. The faculty take a holistic approach to evaluating applications of prospective students, including the review of their written statement, research experience, GPA, and letters of recommendation. We also understand that applying to graduate school can be an expensive process. Please contact us if you have financial need and/or assistance with application fees.

Applicants who are interested in learning more about the faculty’s current research projects and whether they are accepting students are encouraged to  reach out  to them or a member of their lab directly. Click to read about  faculty who are accepting graduate students for the 2024-2025 academic year and contact information for current graduate students in their lab .

Admission Requirements

The Department of Psychology application process is completed online through  ASU Graduate Admissions . Prospective students must submit the admission application form along with the fee and official transcripts.

For the department’s doctoral programs, students must submit supplemental application materials through  SlideRoom , which requires an additional fee. For complete instructions for applying to the PhD program, visit our  Doctoral Admission requirements  page.

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School/Clinical Child Psychology Doctoral Program Overview

• School/Clinical Child Psychology

Doctoral Program Overview

Department of Educational Psychology

Program Aims

Three aims guide the program’s doctoral training:

• Prepare psychologists who are knowledgeable and competent in research;
• Prepare psychologists who are knowledgeable and competent in the delivery of evidence-based clinical services;
• Prepare psychologists who are knowledgeable and competent in the health service specialty areas of school/clinical child psychology. 

In achieving program aims, we expect that students will also demonstrate competence in the following:

• Effective interaction with individuals from different backgrounds, disciplines, and perspectives;
• Knowledge and engagement in legal, ethical, and professional practice.

Accreditation

The doctoral program at the University of Texas is accredited by the  American Psychological Association  (APA) as a combined Clinical/School Psychology program; the program’s next re-accreditation site visit will be in Fall 2032. Accreditation status may be confirmed by APA via:

Education Directorate  Office of Program Consultation and Accreditation 750 First Street NE  Washington, DC 20002 Phone: (202) 336-5979 Fax: (202) 336-5978 Email:  [email protected]

Doctoral Program

Our doctoral program uses the scientist-practitioner model to prepare Ph.D. psychologists to understand and enhance the development of children and adolescents in context. Education and training include strong preparation in the scientific foundations of psychology, in the research skills essential to the contribution of new knowledge, and in the competent and ethical professional practice of assessment, intervention, and consultation.

Our graduates are employed in colleges and universities, school systems, mental health and child guidance centers, medical centers, children’s hospitals, and independent clinical practice. The program has a comprehensive and interdisciplinary perspective and is acknowledged as an exemplary model of doctoral training in the areas of school and clinical child psychology.

Faculty Mentor Model

The program uses a faculty mentor model for advising and the development of research competence in doctoral students. Students are recruited during the admissions process to work with a specific school/clinical child psychology faculty member in their research lab through completion of their doctoral degree. Research labs provide the opportunity to apply knowledge gained from research methods courses and to develop competence in conducting independent research. In a mentor model, the faculty advisor develops a close relationship with the student that involves not only research mentoring but also professional and curriculum advising. Faculty mentors with external funding for their research may also provide financial support in the form of Graduate Research Assistantships for doctoral students under their supervision.

Clinical Training

Practicum and internship training are essential components of the scientist-practitioner model and our program. Students participate in three semesters of school-based practicum beginning in the summer before the second year of study, continue to advanced practicum in community settings (clinics, hospitals, primary care) in the third and fourth years, and complete pre-doctoral internship in the sixth year of the program. For each semester in which students participate in a practicum, they also register for a practicum course taught by department faculty. The pre-doctoral internship is organized through a national match. Our program coordinates practicum placements through a similar local match system. Through this process, students are generally able to obtain experience with the types of settings, populations, and experiences that meet their career goals.

View a list of Practicum and Internship Sites

Admissions Overview

The School/Clinical Child Psychology doctoral program is highly competitive. The program typically receives 60+ applications each year for the Ph.D. program and accepts 1-4 students. Admissions is largely based on the availability of a faculty research mentor in a particular year who is a good match with the applicant.

Depending on admission goals in a given year, the program invites approximately 5-15 students to interview. Students are generally notified that they are being invited for an interview in early January. Interviews are held on a single day on the UT campus during early February, with the date established early in the academic year.

While attending Interview Day is strongly encouraged, Zoom or Skype interviews are available for students unable to travel. For the School/Clinical Child Psychology Ph.D. program the interview day for 2024 admittance will be in person and will be held on February 2, 2024. Students are usually notified of their admission decision within two weeks of the scheduled interview date.

Admission decisions are made by consensus of the school/clinical child psychology faculty; however, the faculty mentor has a particularly strong voice in the acceptance decision. Selection of students is based on multiple factors including letters of recommendation, potential match between student and faculty interests, the personal statement and course grades.

In our review, we look for evidence of a good fit between the applicant and the faculty member who will serve as the faculty mentor. Students with a low GPA should explain their performance in their personal statement and show outstanding performance in other areas in order to be given serious consideration.

We no longer require GRE scores and will not use them in our consideration.

Commitment to Cultural Awareness

The School/Clinical Child Psychology Program is committed to supporting cultural awareness and cultural issues in the field. We seek to integrate multiple cultural perspectives into our coursework and practicum training experiences. Students have various opportunities to pursue a specialized cultural awareness emphasis in their research, coursework, and practica. We are committed to a culturally pluralistic  student body and to building culturally competent researchers and practitioners who can contribute to enhancing a culture of belonging in the field.

Program Handbook

• Prepare psychologists who are knowledgeable and competent in the health service specialty areas of school and clinical child psychology. 

Combined School/Clinical Child Psychology Doctoral Handbook

• Counselor Education
• Human Development, Culture, & Learning Sciences
• Quantitative Methods

Contact Information

Department of Educational Psychology George I. Sánchez Building 5th Floor, Room 5.708 Phone: (512) 471-4155 Fax: (512) 471-1288 [email protected]

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The Clinical Child Psychology Program at the University of Kansas

The Clinical Child Psychology Program at the University of Kansas is a graduate program leading to the doctoral degree in Clinical Child Psychology. We are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of the American Psychological Association as a doctoral program in clinical psychology with a special emphasis on children, adolescents, and families.

Our mission is to develop leaders in the research, dissemination, and practice of psychological clinical science for children, youths, and their families.

The Clinical Child Psychology Program fulfills the basic and traditional orientations to Clinical Psychology as a practice area in health service psychology with an emphasis in working with children, adolescents, parents, and families. The CCPP is an initiative jointly affiliated with the KU Departments of Psychology and Applied Behavioral Science. This interdepartmental program involves the resources of faculty in both departments in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. The program includes a core faculty with specialty interests in clinical child and pediatric psychology.

KU CCPP Quicklinks

The child and family services clinic, support the ccpp, apa accreditation.

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Our clinical psychology PhD program has an emphasis in child psychology and subscribes to a clinical science model. We value an approach that fosters curiosity, innovation, collaboration and inclusiveness, with research that serves the public good.

Our program is accredited by the APA and a member of the Academy of Psychological Clinical Science. Students receive in-house training through the Center for Child and Family Psychology and the Developmental Neuropsychology Clinic . Students also complete clinical externships at local medical centers and community mental health centers.

Our faculty conduct research on a variety of topics relevant to developmental psychopathology including the multifaceted impacts of trauma, health, and stress; complex risk and vulnerability factors; comorbidity; and innovative interventions. Graduates pursue a range of careers that utilize their strong research and clinical training in settings such as colleges/universities, academic medical centers, hospitals, and community mental health centers.

Our Director of Clinical Training is Dr. Jill Holm-Denoma . You can contact Dr. Holm-Denoma at [email protected] .

The Clinical Psychology PhD program with an emphasis in child psychology has been fully accredited since 1964 by the American Psychological Association, which can be contacted at:

Office of Program Consultation and Accreditation American Psychological Association 750 First Street NE Washington, D.C., 20002

Website:  APA accreditation site   Phone: 202-336-5979 Fax: 202-336-5978

See Student Admissions, Outcomes and Other Data .

Concentration

Developmental cognitive neuroscience.

The specialization in Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience is open to students in any of the graduate programs in Psychology. It is designed to equip students with advanced knowledge and training in an interdisciplinary approach to neuroscience and psychology.

The coursework covers diverse fields and research methods including neuroimaging, computational modeling, computer programming, psychophysiology, neuropsychology, neuroendocrinology and behavioral genetics. The program prepares students to be leaders in collaborative science approaches.

The PhD program in Clinical Psychology offers:

Accredited in clinical psychology by APA, the program adopts a clinical science model emphasizing research training while also providing high-quality clinical training. Our program emphasizes coursework and clinical training with children, adolescents and families; however, there are some opportunities for interested students to receive research and clinical training with adults.

We take a collaborative approach to research across the department. Students are encouraged to collaborate with faculty and other students across the department both inside and outside the clinical area. Students are considered junior colleagues.

All students are trained to be sensitive to individual differences and the many dimensions of diversity in approaching research and clinical issues. They also learn the importance of continued personal and professional growth relevant to inclusive excellence. Both research and clinical opportunities exist for working with diverse populations.

Students have been very successful in obtaining excellent internships, becoming licensed, and having successful careers in research and practice ( See Student Admissions, Outcomes and Other Data, Inclusive Excellence ).

Start learning about developmental psychopathology and clinical research.

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Degree Requirements

• Students earn a master’s degree on their way toward obtaining the PhD.
• For the MA, you will complete at least 28 credits of the 45 minimum number of credits in content coursework, which excludes Independent Study and Independent Research credits.
• For the PhD, you will complete a total of 120 credit hours, as well as non-coursework requirements including a master's research paper or thesis and oral defense, dissertation prospectus and dissertation oral defense, professional competencies, and clinical training.

See the DU Graduate Bulletin  for full course requirements.

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2024-25 Academic Catalog

Doctor of philosophy in clinical child psychology, clinical child psychology graduate program.

The Clinical Child Psychology Program (CCPP) at the University of Kansas is a graduate program leading to the doctoral degree (Ph.D.) in Clinical Child Psychology.  The CCPP is accredited by the American Psychological Association’s Commission on Accreditation as a clinical psychology doctoral training program with a special emphasis on children, adolescents, and families. The Program is affiliated with the Departments of Psychology and Applied Behavioral Science, and has strong ties with the Department of Pediatrics at the University of Kansas School of Medicine (KUMC) and with Children's Mercy Hospital.  The program does not offer a terminal Masters degree. However, students admitted to the Doctoral program without a Masters degree will obtain a MA in Clinical Child Psychology en route to the Ph.D.

The mission of the CCPP is to develop leaders in the research, dissemination, and practice of clinical science for children, youths, and their families. As such, doctoral training in the CCPP develops clinical scientists capable of conducting innovative research and developing and delivering interventions for a range of human problems, particularly those involving children and families.  In service of its mission, the CCPP is designed to promote profession-wide competencies in nine specific domain areas (e.g., Research, Assessment, Intervention, Individual and Cultural Diversity, Ethics and Legal issues ), as well as program specific competencies in two domains ( Administration/Management , and Professional Leadership and Communications ).  This is accomplished through broad and general training across the substantive areas of the science of psychology (i.e., behavioral, social, cognitive, affective, and biological bases of psychology), specialized training in research methodology and statistical analytic methods, and specialized clinical training through basic and advanced practica.  Subdomains of the professional competency and substantive knowledge areas are detailed in the CCPP Training Manua l .  A particular strength of the program is the developmental perspective that pervades all core courses. 

The field of psychological science is changing rapidly, with advances in our understanding, assessment, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of a range of conditions. Our goal is to train the professionals who are at the forefront of these advances in research, dissemination, education, and service. The program’s didactic and practical experiences prepare graduates for the many roles open to clinical child psychologists.  Graduates hold research/teaching positions in universities, medical schools, colleges, and internship programs, and direct service delivery positions in mental health centers, hospitals, and schools.

In its fulfillment of the training model of clinical psychology known as the “scientist-practitioner model,” the CCPP utilizes guidance from the report of the National Conference on Scientist-Practitioner Education and Training for the Professional Practice of Psychology. This conference defined the model as “an integrative approach to science and practice wherein each must continually inform the other” in which the scientific research base is related to clinical practice, and practice elements are inherently interrelated to research.  The CCPP places an extremely high priority on the development of research skills and competencies. 

Students can complete course work, practicum requirements, and research requirements for the doctoral degree in 4 years of full-time study followed by a 1-year doctoral clinical internship at an approved site, although some students take longer.  Students are expected to, and indeed want to, participate maximally in research and clinical experiences to ensure the breadth of their training.  An empirically-based master’s thesis (if not obtained prior to admission), qualifying examination, and doctoral dissertation are formal milestones of research progress in addition to regular evaluation in courses, clinical practica, and annual faculty reviews. 

The Director of the Program serves as the official Academic Advisor for all students in the program. As such, the Director bears responsibility for assisting the student in course selection, articulating career goals, assisting with program requirements (e.g., internship applications), and designing experiences consonant with career goals.   Each student in the Clinical Child Psychology Program also selects a Research Advisor who provides individualized guidance with regard to course selection, developing and articulating career goals, and designing experiences consonant with career goals. 

Admission to Graduate Studies

An applicant seeking to pursue graduate study in the College may be admitted as either a degree-seeking or non-degree seeking student. Policies and procedures of Graduate Studies govern the process of Graduate admission. These may be found in the Graduate Studies section of the online catalog.

Please consult the Departments & Programs section of the online catalog for information regarding program-specific admissions criteria and requirements. Special admissions requirements pertain to Interdisciplinary Studies degrees, which may be found in the Graduate Studies section of the online catalog.

Graduate Admission

Admission to the CCPP is highly competitive.  All completed applications are reviewed and incoming students are selected by an admissions committee chaired by the Program Director and comprising core CCPP faculty members and student representatives.  Essential requirements for admission include (a) a Bachelor’s degree (BA, BS) from an accredited institution, (b) a record of scholarly achievement that shows strong promise of success in course work, research, and clinical work, and (c) at least 15 credit hours in psychology coursework, including statistics and research methodology.  Preferred qualifications for admission include a strong record of research experience and evidence of research productivity (e.g., presentations, posters, honors theses).  Non-native speakers of English must meet English proficiency requirements .

The Admissions committee will use the following when determining suitability for admission: The applicant’s transcripts and grade point averages (GPAs) from previous educational institutions; a professional statement of interests/goals provided by the candidate; the candidate’s résumé or CV; 3 letters of recommendation from professionals who can address the candidate’s potential in a doctoral training program; and a personal statement as outlined on our admissions page . Applicants may also submit a writing sample that demonstrates their technical/professional writing skills.  Highly rated applicants will be invited to interview with CCPP faculty and students prior to admissions decisions.  Financial aid is available.  Please visit the program’s website for information regarding student admissions, outcomes, and other data. 

Submit your graduate application online (College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Psychology — Clinical Child Psychology Program) as well as all supplemental materials.

Clinical Child Psychology Curriculum

The Doctor of Philosophy in Clinical Child Psychology requires the completion of 95 credit hours. The following curriculum meets criteria for APA accreditation and KU general requirements.

Psychology Core

Clinical child psychology specialty skills, psychopathology, psychodiagnosis, and psychological assessment, intervention and therapy procedures, clinical practica, required (17 credit hours, 275 contact hours):, ethics/professional standards.

Students are expected to function within the code of professional ethics of the American Psychological Association in their behavior and personal demeanor. Adherence to these ethical principles is part of the regular evaluation of students for completion of the degree in clinical child psychology.

Consultation and Supervision

Research and statistics core courses, research skills and responsible scholarship, responsible scholarship requirement.

Responsible Scholarship in the CCPP involves pertinent areas of protection of human subjects, collaborative research, conflicts of interest, authorship, publication, plagiarism, copyright, data management, professional practices, mentor/student responsibilities, maintenance of confidentiality, approach research conduct and research misconduct, HIPAA, and ethics of publishing clinical case material, among other related topics. This requirement must be met before taking the Comprehensive Oral Examination.

Students in the CCPP fulfill the Responsible Scholarship Requirement through

• The Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative (CITI) Human Subjects Protection and HIPAA online tutorial

Research Skills Training Requirement in CCPP

The additional Research Skill requirement is fulfilled by 1 additional course above the 2 required courses in statistical or data analysis (quantitative, applied behavior analysis, qualitative). No course is specified, but must be approved by the student’s research advisor and the program director.

Professional Competencies

Students in the program must demonstrate profession-wide competencies and program-specific competencies before being approved to apply for the required Doctoral Internship.  The competency assessment process includes evaluation of the student’s professional artifacts (i.e., work products) as well as the student’s self-evaluation of how the artifacts collectively demonstrate the professional competencies. 

Master’s Degree and Thesis

Requirements for completion of the master's degree may be found on the M.A. Degree Requirements catalog page.

Ph.D. Preliminary Examination: The Task

The program uses the Task system for its preliminary examination in research methodology, teaching, or applied/clinical area. Details are available in the Clinical Child Psychology Program Training Manual, available on the program's website .

Ph.D. Oral Comprehensive Examination

Upon completion of all course requirements for the Ph.D. and of the Task, except for dissertation and internship, the student must pass the oral comprehensive examination. This examination normally should be taken prior to the completion of four calendar years in the case of students entering with the bachelor's degree and three years for students entering with a master's degree.

All students, regardless of date of entry to the program, must successfully complete the oral comprehensive examination (Dissertation Proposal) before Stop Day of the Spring semester in the calendar year in which they intend to apply for internship. If a student does not pass by this date, the CCPP Faculty will not approve them for internship readiness in that year.

Additional details are available in the Clinical Child Psychology Program Training Manual, available on the program’s website .

Doctoral Dissertation

The Ph.D. dissertation must be based on an original, empirical investigation. A minimum of 12 hours in dissertation in clinical child psychology ( ABSC 998 / PSYC 998 )  is required.

Given that students must complete a doctoral internship, timing of the dissertation defense should be carefully considered. We strongly encourage students to defend their dissertation prior to leaving for internship. However, it may be necessary for students to defend their dissertation during the internship year in some cases. If a student does not defend the dissertation before the end of their internship year, they must return for the semester following completion of the internship and must remain in residence until the dissertation is successfully defended and the dissertation document has been approved.

Doctoral Internship

An 11-month clinical internship at a setting accredited by the American Psychological Association is required. Students apply to accredited internships through the Association of Psychology Postdoctoral and Internship Centers (APPIC) and are matched to an internship by National Matching Services, Inc. Upon matching, students enroll in   ABSC 963 / PSYC 963 for a total of 3 credit hours. The PhD in Clinical Child Psychology may not be awarded until the internship is successfully completed. 

Electives/Independent Study

In order to complete the 95 credit hours required for the doctoral degree (Ph.D.) in Clinical Child Psychology, the student will take additional courses chosen with approval of the student’s academic advisor and research advisor.

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Home / Discover Psychology Degree Programs / Online Child Psychology Programs / Best Ph.D. and PsyD in Child Psychology Degree Programs

Best Ph.D. and PsyD in Child Psychology Degree Programs

2024 - best doctorate degree in child psychology programs, what will i learn in an online child psychology doctorate program, admissions requirements for a doctorate in child psychology, list of child psychology doctorate degree programs.

A doctorate degree in child psychology provides a comprehensive and in-depth study of child development, behavior, and mental health. This is the most advanced academic degree program in the field.

Once completed with the extensive study, you'll be qualified for a range of high-level careers within child psychology . Students who graduate work as cold psychologists, school psychologists, child advocates, caseworkers, behavior therapists, early childhood educators, policymakers, researchers, and in other fields.

You can expect to support children facing a variety of challenges. They may work with children who are struggling with mental health issues, emotional difficulties, social anxiety, developmental disabilities, or other challenges. With a doctorate, you may be working one-on-one with children, or you might have a more administrative role.

Many online doctorate programs in child psychology exist, though they are not as common as traditional programs. Learn more about these programs and how to complete your doctorate degree in child psychology online by reading the sections below.

CounselingPsychology.org ranks Doctoral Degrees in Child Psychology based on factors such as the completion rate of the program, affordability and cost of living, competitiveness of the institution, and the diversity and breadth of courses offered. We also take into account the years of faculty experience, to ensure that students receive the best education possible. Click here to learn more about our methodology.

Nova Southeastern University

Nova Southeastern University is a private, nonprofit university located in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The university is home to over 20,000 students and offers over 175 different degree programs, including a Doctorate Degree in Child Psychology. NSU is one of the largest independent universities in the United States.

University of Miami

The University of Miami is a private university located in Coral Gables, Florida. It has over 16,000 students and offers a Doctorate Degree in Child Psychology. With its diverse and vibrant campus life, the University of Miami provides a top-notch education that is sure to prepare students for success.

The University of Alabama

The University of Alabama offers a comprehensive Child Psychology program, with both PhD and PsyD options. The Department of Psychology, located on the Tuscaloosa campus, provides students with a strong foundation in developmental, cognitive, and social psychology, as well as hands-on experience through research and clinical practicum opportunities. Graduates of this program are equipped with the skills and knowledge to make a meaningful impact in the field of child psychology.

Doctorate degrees involve extensive study of their subject matter, either from a research-focused or a clinically focused perspective.

The more research-centric degree is a doctor of philosophy or Ph.D. This type of program typically involves two years of classes and another two to four years of research and writing. There's a practical component as well, but it's not as long as the Psy.D. degrees. The total time for a Ph.D. program is usually four to six years following a master’s degree program.

The more clinically centric degree is a doctor of psychology or Psy.D. The program involves some research and writing, but it’s much heavier on classroom work and practical work. The practicum of a Psy.D. degree is often 1,500 hours of supervised work. In most cases, these degrees can be completed in three years.

Regardless of which degree you choose, both will have certain common classes. Some online classes you might take are:

• Child Development
• Abnormal Child Psychology
• Child Assessment and Evaluation
• Child Mental Health
• Developmental Disabilities
• Child and Family Therapy
• Ethical and Legal Issues in Child Psychology

Child psychology doctorate programs can be highly competitive, and many schools look for students who exceed their minimum requirements. Moreover, the minimum requirements can vary from one school to another.

In general, you should expect to supply the following items when applying for one of these programs:

• Bachelor’s degree in psychology or any other field
• Master’s degree in psychology or a closely related field (not always required)
• GPA that meets the program's minimum requirement (usually ~3.5)
• Scores from the Graduate Record Examination ( GRE )
• Letters of recommendation from academics and professionals
• Personal essay outlining the reason for applying to a program
• CV listing academic and professional accomplishments related to the field
• Interview with a faculty member or director of the school's program
• Application fee (usually fairly small compared to tuition)

More competitive programs might want you to have a graduate certificate, additional master's degree, extensive professional experience, or other additional qualifications.

Find an online or campus-based doctorate degree program in psychology today – our state-by-state listings make it easy to find a great program near you.

Jump to Your State Listings

• Clinical Child Psychology Subarea Campus

Florida International University

• PhD in Psychology: Clinical Science in Child and Adolescent Psychology Campus
• Child, Adolescent & Family Psychology Concentration Campus

University of Florida

• Clinical Child/ Pediatric Psychology Campus
• Child/Family Clinical Psychology Campus
• Pediatric Health Psychology Campus

Yeshiva University

• Doctor of Psychology in School-Clinical Child Psychology Campus

Are we missing your school's program or need to update information listed? Please contact us so we can make the necessary changes.

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Loyola University Chicago

Department of psychology, developmental psychology program.

• Developmental Psychology PhD Program
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Program Overview

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Developmental Psychology

Information about the Developmental Psychology Graduate Major

Developmental Psychology at UCLA

The Developmental Psychology Graduate Program at UCLA is research intensive. Our research examines human development from infancy to young adulthood using a variety of laboratory and naturalistic techniques. The goal of the program is to produce independent scholars, and incoming students are expected to become research-active quickly upon beginning the program.

Support for student research is excellent. Students have access to the most advanced methods (including MRI, EEG/ERP, genetic, physiological, microbiome, eye-tracking, school-based research, and cross-cultural field work in multiple countries) and resources for research in affective and cognitive neuroscience, neuroscience of emotional and physical health, perceptual and cognitive development, language acquisition, family processes, peer influence and relationships, the study of culture and development, and developmental disorders.

Developmental Faculty

Bridget Callaghan Adriana Galván Scott Johnson Jaana Juvonen Catherine Sandhofer Jennifer Silvers James Stigler

Faculty with Developmental Appointments Andrew Fuligni Psychiatry

Lucina Uddin Psychiatry

Our research, training, and coursework are united by core themes:

Cognition, Perception, and Language

• Scott Johnson
• Catherine Sandhofer
• James Stigler

Faculty in this area research the development of perception, language, and cognition, as well as how cognitive development is constructed through attention, perception, and language.

Culture, Education, Learning, and Social Development

• Jaana Juvonen

Research in this area aims to understand learning and social development in their cultural contexts, whether in formal or informal settings, including the impact of technology media, cultural values, and social change on learning and development.

Emotion, Stress, and Risk Taking

• Bridget Callaghan
• Andrew Fuligni
• Adriana Galván
• Jennifer Silvers

Faculty in this area study motivation, reward processes, emotional learning, emotion regulation and risk taking behavior across development. Faculty also examine the phenomenology of chronic and acute stress exposure during key periods of developmental change.

Identity, Family, and Peers

Neurodevelopment and neurobiological bases of development.

The faculty in this area study the neural building blocks of development using a variety of methods aimed at characterizing brain structure and function.

The PhD Program

The PhD program is heavily focused on research. Students begin working with a faculty advisor during their first quarter at UCLA. Coursework is comprised of two courses in statistics, one additional methodology course, three developmental courses, and three additional courses. Students also participate in developmental forums and seminars on teaching.  Most students graduate in year 5 or 6. For a list of Required Courses please see the  Psychology Handbook .

Developmental and Child Psychology Graduate Programs in America

1-25 of 39 results

School of Arts & Sciences - University of Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, PA •

University of Pennsylvania •

Graduate School

University of Pennsylvania ,

Graduate School ,

PHILADELPHIA, PA ,

College of Arts and Science

Nashville, TN •

Vanderbilt University •

Vanderbilt University ,

NASHVILLE, TN ,

Cornell University College of Human Ecology

Ithaca, NY •

Cornell University •

• • Rating 4 out of 5   2 reviews

Master's Student: Again I’ve only just enrolled so I can’t say much but in my program I’ve noticed a wide breadth of classes available with professional placement after completing my program. I appreciate the classes that are a mix of practical and also theoretical. ... Read 2 reviews

Cornell University ,

ITHACA, NY ,

2 Niche users give it an average review of 4 stars.

Featured Review: Master's Student says Again I’ve only just enrolled so I can’t say much but in my program I’ve noticed a wide breadth of classes available with professional placement after completing my program. I appreciate the classes... .

Read 2 reviews.

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• Forensic Psychology Graduate Programs
• Applied Behavior Analysis Graduate Programs

Krieger School of Arts & Sciences

Baltimore, MD •

Johns Hopkins University •

• • Rating 4.53 out of 5   19 reviews

Master's Student: I have yet to enroll for Fall 2023 after receiving my acceptance letter due to a delay in my need-based financial aid from JHU. However the Homewood Campus in Baltimore is beautiful and my Student Advisor, Alexis has been extremely helpful in initiating my enrollment process and answering all of my questions in a timely matter. My intended Advanced Academic Program is the accelerated (2 semester), dual-modality, 40-credit M.S. in Biotechnology, Biodefense concentration. All of the anticipated course subjects are diverse and there's even a customizable core lab course on campus (at least until Summer 2024). I can't wait and I wish you all the best in your search for academic programs or professional certifications. ... Read 19 reviews

Johns Hopkins University ,

BALTIMORE, MD ,

19 Niche users give it an average review of 4.5 stars.

Featured Review: Master's Student says I have yet to enroll for Fall 2023 after receiving my acceptance letter due to a delay in my need-based financial aid from JHU. However the Homewood Campus in Baltimore is beautiful and my Student... .

Read 19 reviews.

Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development

New York, NY •

New York University •

• • Rating 4.32 out of 5   28 reviews

Master's Student: So far I’m almost a year into NYU Steinhardt’s online speech program and I love it! For those who don’t mind online learning and can time manage, this is for you. It gives me more flexibility and encourages me to stay on top of asynchronous work for my zoom meets. Another big plus about this program and why I chose it is that I did not graduate with a bachelor’s in speech or CSD. This program offers most prerequisite classes that extend your plan of study but is so worth it. The only down side is the prerequisites required by ASHA cannot be taken through their program. So while I have taken statistics, a biological and behavioral /social science during my undergrad I will need to take a physical science outside of the program before I start my clinic/practicums. Overall, many of my peers seem to enjoy the program too and even though the program is online for me, the helpfulness and acceptance from professors is truly unmatched. ... Read 28 reviews

New York University ,

NEW YORK, NY ,

28 Niche users give it an average review of 4.3 stars.

Featured Review: Master's Student says So far I’m almost a year into NYU Steinhardt’s online speech program and I love it! For those who don’t mind online learning and can time manage, this is for you. It gives me more flexibility and... .

Read 28 reviews.

Lynch School of Education

Chestnut Hill, MA •

Boston College •

• • Rating 4.25 out of 5   4 reviews

Master's Student: I am preparing to start my studies in this program. As of now, all staff has made this process extremely stress free and easy. My classes have been planned out for my entire time in the program. This is helpful in knowing what is to coming and planning for the future. My advisor has done an exceptional job of working with me to ensure I am taking the correct classes in conjunction to feel prepared for my MTELS. I am looking forward to all there is to come in this program. ... Read 4 reviews

Boston College ,

CHESTNUT HILL, MA ,

4 Niche users give it an average review of 4.3 stars.

Featured Review: Master's Student says I am preparing to start my studies in this program. As of now, all staff has made this process extremely stress free and easy. My classes have been planned out for my entire time in the program. This... .

Read 4 reviews.

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College of Arts, Sciences, and Engineering - University of Rochester

Rochester, NY •

University of Rochester •

Alum: The Optics program is the toughest offered at the school. Optics grads do twice as much (60 credit hours instead of 30) class work as other degrees. You learn a ton! The field is so diverse you can pick and choose what subfields to focus on, and all fields are offered. Amazing professors. In all my classes, I felt one professor was bad at teaching. All the others were very competent, and the best were extremely passionate about their class/field of research. ... Read 2 reviews

Blue checkmark.

University of Rochester ,

ROCHESTER, NY ,

Featured Review: Alum says The Optics program is the toughest offered at the school. Optics grads do twice as much (60 credit hours instead of 30) class work as other degrees. You learn a ton! The field is so diverse you can... .

College of Education and Human Development - University of Minnesota Twin Cities

Minneapolis, MN •

University of Minnesota Twin Cities •

• • Rating 4.33 out of 5   3 reviews

Alum: This is a well-known school for education. They are on top of the latest research and development in the field and share this knowledge with their students. The school has its own lab school for early childhood development where students are able to observe child behavior, learn hands-on how to connect and make meaningful relationships with children, and how to conduct basic research. ... Read 3 reviews

University of Minnesota Twin Cities ,

MINNEAPOLIS, MN ,

3 Niche users give it an average review of 4.3 stars.

Featured Review: Alum says This is a well-known school for education. They are on top of the latest research and development in the field and share this knowledge with their students. The school has its own lab school for... .

Read 3 reviews.

University of Washington College of Arts & Sciences

Seattle, WA •

University of Washington •

University of Washington ,

SEATTLE, WA ,

College of Behavioral and Social Sciences - University of Maryland

College Park, MD •

University of Maryland - College Park •

University of Maryland - College Park ,

COLLEGE PARK, MD ,

Texas Christian University College of Science and Engineering

Fort Worth, TX •

Texas Christian University •

Texas Christian University ,

FORT WORTH, TX ,

University of Connecticut College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

Storrs, CT •

University of Connecticut •

• • Rating 4 out of 5   1 review

Graduate Student: The University of Connecticut is a very supportive, diverse, academically enriching place for education growth. I have learned a great deal from the very knowledgeable and helpful professors and staff on the West Hartford campus. I think that the campus has a lot to offer with extra curricular activities and involvements and UCONN does a great job of trying to get students involved outside of the classroom. I would highly recommend this campus and the Master's of Social Work program to anyone interested. The parking is convenient, the campus is small, and the environment is personable. I am honored the opportunity to pursue my masters degree at this prestigious university. ... Read 1 review

University of Connecticut ,

STORRS, CT ,

1 Niche users give it an average review of 4 stars.

Featured Review: Graduate Student says The University of Connecticut is a very supportive, diverse, academically enriching place for education growth. I have learned a great deal from the very knowledgeable and helpful professors and... .

Read 1 reviews.

• Law Schools
• Public Administration Graduate Programs

Graduate School of Professional Psychology - University of Denver

Denver, CO •

University of Denver •

• • Rating 1 out of 5   1 review

University of Denver ,

DENVER, CO ,

1 Niche users give it an average review of 1 stars.

KU School of Education

Lawrence, KS •

The University of Kansas •

• • Rating 5 out of 5   5 reviews

Master's Student: The professors are amazing and easy to work with. The projects are applicable to the real world. You get a lot of resources to transfer into your career choice ... Read 5 reviews

The University of Kansas ,

LAWRENCE, KS ,

5 Niche users give it an average review of 5 stars.

Featured Review: Master's Student says The professors are amazing and easy to work with. The projects are applicable to the real world. You get a lot of resources to transfer into your career choice .

Read 5 reviews.

School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences - University of Texas - Dallas

Richardson, TX •

University of Texas - Dallas •

• • Rating 5 out of 5   2 reviews

Master's Student: I am so glad I chose UTD to get my masters in Communication Disorders! I love the program and the people, and I know am am getting a great education. ... Read 2 reviews

University of Texas - Dallas ,

RICHARDSON, TX ,

2 Niche users give it an average review of 5 stars.

Featured Review: Master's Student says I am so glad I chose UTD to get my masters in Communication Disorders! I love the program and the people, and I know am am getting a great education. .

College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences - University of Houston

Houston, TX •

University of Houston •

• • Rating 4 out of 5   3 reviews

Current Master's student: The academic program is rather good at the University of Houston. I have three social work classes and they are robust and full of great information. The choices of classes at UH is very good and allows students to follow their academic path and find classes that fit their program. The advisors at UH are on top of things and are always able and willing to help. I would honestly say that UH is a great place for academics! ... Read 3 reviews

University of Houston ,

HOUSTON, TX ,

3 Niche users give it an average review of 4 stars.

Featured Review: Current Master's student says The academic program is rather good at the University of Houston. I have three social work classes and they are robust and full of great information. The choices of classes at UH is very good and... .

Loyola University Chicago College of Arts and Sciences

Chicago, IL •

Loyola University Chicago •

• • Rating 5 out of 5   1 review

Graduate Student: Loyola was such a great place to earn my M.Ed Higher Education degree. The faculty were so dedicated to our development and success. The two campuses were my homes away from home, and the staff were always a pleasure to work with. I miss my Loyola days for sure!!! ... Read 1 review

Loyola University Chicago ,

CHICAGO, IL ,

1 Niche users give it an average review of 5 stars.

Featured Review: Graduate Student says Loyola was such a great place to earn my M.Ed Higher Education degree. The faculty were so dedicated to our development and success. The two campuses were my homes away from home, and the staff... .

Fordham University Graduate School of Arts and Sciences

Bronx, NY •

Fordham University •

• • Rating 4.5 out of 5   2 reviews

Niche User: Academics program at Fordham are not that much compatible as it seems the content is out dated and most of the time it is theoretical. ... Read 2 reviews

Fordham University ,

BRONX, NY ,

2 Niche users give it an average review of 4.5 stars.

Featured Review: Niche User says Academics program at Fordham are not that much compatible as it seems the content is out dated and most of the time it is theoretical. .

Duquesne University School of Education

Pittsburgh, PA •

Duquesne University •

• • Rating 4.4 out of 5   5 reviews

Master's Student: Coursework was very engaging and helped me understand the field of counseling. The courses are designed to develop our counseling skills and our understanding of the profession. ... Read 5 reviews

Duquesne University ,

PITTSBURGH, PA ,

5 Niche users give it an average review of 4.4 stars.

Featured Review: Master's Student says Coursework was very engaging and helped me understand the field of counseling. The courses are designed to develop our counseling skills and our understanding of the profession. .

College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences - University of Maryland, Baltimore County

University of Maryland, Baltimore County •

University of Maryland, Baltimore County ,

School of Natural and Behavioral Sciences - William Carey University

Hattiesburg, MS •

William Carey University •

William Carey University ,

HATTIESBURG, MS ,

College of Science and Mathematics - North Dakota State University

Fargo, ND •

North Dakota State University •

North Dakota State University ,

FARGO, ND ,

Gallaudet University

Washington, DC •

• • Rating 4.57 out of 5   47 reviews

Doctoral Student: The best part of the Doctor of Audiology program at Gallaudet University is the opportunity to be enveloped in the Deaf community, which is unique for audiology programs in the United States. They provide a different perspective of hearing loss while educating the students in an exceptional manner with clinical and classroom studies. Some things that the program could improve on is communication between the department and students. At times, there are delays in sharing information about deadlines and opportunities. Students can feel rushed and "not in-the-loop" on what is happening in the program which can cause anxiety and uncertainty. ... Read 47 reviews

WASHINGTON, DC ,

47 Niche users give it an average review of 4.6 stars.

Featured Review: Doctoral Student says The best part of the Doctor of Audiology program at Gallaudet University is the opportunity to be enveloped in the Deaf community, which is unique for audiology programs in the United States. They... Some things that the program could improve on is communication between the department and students. At times, there are delays in sharing information about deadlines and opportunities. Students can... .

Read 47 reviews.

College of Liberal Arts - University of Massachusetts Boston

Boston, MA •

University of Massachusetts Boston •

University of Massachusetts Boston ,

BOSTON, MA ,

Pace University College of Health Professions

Pace University •

• • Rating 5 out of 5   4 reviews

Master's Student: I will be starting the Family Nurse Practitioner program this Fall 2023. So far I have taken Orientation and other introduction courses. I must say all content is designed to prepare you to succeed. ... Read 4 reviews

Pace University ,

4 Niche users give it an average review of 5 stars.

Featured Review: Master's Student says I will be starting the Family Nurse Practitioner program this Fall 2023. So far I have taken Orientation and other introduction courses. I must say all content is designed to prepare you to succeed. .

Showing results 1 through 25 of 39

• Graduate School
• Prospective Students
• Graduate Degree Programs

Doctor of Philosophy in School and Applied Child Psychology (PhD)

Canadian immigration updates.

Applicants to Master’s and Doctoral degrees are not affected by the recently announced cap on study permits. Review more details

Go to programs search

The doctoral program in school and applied child psychology is designed to prepare psychologists who can serve as practitioners and supervisors in the field, trainers of school psychologists, researchers, and leaders in school psychology. The typical doctoral program is 39 credits, beyond completion of the UBC School Psychology MA or equivalent program. The PhD Program of Graduate Study (PGS) for each student is developed to reflect program requirements and individual student career goals, as well as professional and academic background and preparation.

For specific program requirements, please refer to the departmental program website

What makes the program unique?

Top Five Reasons to join the School and Applied Child Psychology program at UBC:

• Productive faculty research. Our program has award-winning scholars, whose wide range of research interests influence policy and practice. Active research grants allow many opportunities for student involvement, employment, and independent research. And UBC is currently ranked one of the top 35 universities in the world!
• Extensive practical experiences. From day one, you’ll be applying what you learn in our courses right in the K–12 classroom. At the masters level you will participate in two full-year practicum placements followed by a one-year paid internship. At the doctoral level you will have your pick of specialty placements in the field of education and mental health, a practicum focused on developing skills in supervision, and a full-year paid internship.
• Outstanding career prospects. School Psychology is consistently listed as a “best career” by US News and World Report. There are many job openings across Canada and worldwide, with excellent salaries and benefits. School Psychology practitioners and professors are both currently in very high demand.
• Supportive environment. We admit cohorts of students who progress through the program together. Students have close contact with program faculty members throughout their graduate training. You will also get support from your peers, the school psychology graduate student assistant, and an advanced student mentor provided to you upon admission. There are abundant social gatherings and yearly program retreats.
• Location. Vancouver is a diverse cosmopolitan city with a vibrant downtown, mountains and beaches, unmatched outdoor opportunities and a mild climate. It is regularly ranked in the top five cities to live in the world.

I decided to pursue a graduate degree with UBC because I wanted to learn more about my profession and also be more involved in the community.

Dorna Rahimi

Quick Facts

Program enquiries, admission information & requirements, 1) check eligibility, minimum academic requirements.

The Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies establishes the minimum admission requirements common to all applicants, usually a minimum overall average in the B+ range (76% at UBC). The graduate program that you are applying to may have additional requirements. Please review the specific requirements for applicants with credentials from institutions in:

• Canada or the United States
• International countries other than the United States

Each program may set higher academic minimum requirements. Please review the program website carefully to understand the program requirements. Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission as it is a competitive process.

English Language Test

Applicants from a university outside Canada in which English is not the primary language of instruction must provide results of an English language proficiency examination as part of their application. Tests must have been taken within the last 24 months at the time of submission of your application.

Minimum requirements for the two most common English language proficiency tests to apply to this program are listed below:

TOEFL: Test of English as a Foreign Language - internet-based

Overall score requirement : 100

IELTS: International English Language Testing System

Overall score requirement : 6.5

Other Test Scores

Some programs require additional test scores such as the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or the Graduate Management Test (GMAT). The requirements for this program are:

The GRE is not required.

Prior degree, course and other requirements

Prior degree requirements.

Program Prerequisites In addition to the minimum admission requirements set by the Faculty of Graduate Studies, students admitted to the Ph.D. degree program normally possess a M.A. in School and Applied Child Psychology equivalent to the requirements of the UBC M.A. program (see coursework listed below), and graduate or senior undergraduate preparation in Human Development (3 credits), History and Systems of Psychology (3 credits), and Biological Bases of Behaviour (6 credits), Basic Interviewing Skills (3 credits). Prerequisites not met prior to entry may be included in the doctoral program of study.

Course Requirements

Prerequisites Coursework EPSE 506 (3) Applied Psychopathology Across the Lifespan EPSE 528 (3) Basic Principles of Measurement EPSE 535 (3) Social and Emotional Assessment EPSE 550 (3) Professional, Ethical, and Legal Issues In School Psychology EPSE 553 (3) Theories of Cognitive and Affective Abilities EPSE 556 (3) Cognitive and Academic Assessment Practicum EPSE 552 (3) Intervention and Mental Health Promotion in Schools EPSE 557 (3) Social and Emotional Interventions with Children and Youth EPSE 561 (12) Laboratory Practicum In School and Applied Child Psychology (6 credits each year 1 and 2) Research Coursework (minimum 3 credits) EPSE 599 (6) Thesis

2) Meet Deadlines

3) prepare application, transcripts.

All applicants have to submit transcripts from all past post-secondary study. Document submission requirements depend on whether your institution of study is within Canada or outside of Canada.

Letters of Reference

A minimum of three references are required for application to graduate programs at UBC. References should be requested from individuals who are prepared to provide a report on your academic ability and qualifications.

Statement of Interest

Many programs require a statement of interest , sometimes called a "statement of intent", "description of research interests" or something similar.

Supervision

Students in research-based programs usually require a faculty member to function as their thesis supervisor. Please follow the instructions provided by each program whether applicants should contact faculty members.

Instructions regarding thesis supervisor contact for Doctor of Philosophy in School and Applied Child Psychology (PhD)

Criminal record check, citizenship verification.

Permanent Residents of Canada must provide a clear photocopy of both sides of the Permanent Resident card.

4) Apply Online

All applicants must complete an online application form and pay the application fee to be considered for admission to UBC.

Research Information

Program components.

Required Coursework and Experiences EPSE 551 (3) Consultation Advanced Professional Practice Electives (minimum 6 credits) Research Electives (minimum 6 credits—at least 1 quantitative and 1 qualitative across MA and PhD programs) CNPS 587 (1) History and Systems of Psychology EPSE 633 (3) Community Based Systems EPSE 661 (12) Doctoral Practicum in School and Applied Child Psychology1 (6 credits each year 1 and 2) EPSE 688 (1) Supervision of School and Applied Child Psychology Practice EPSE 689 (3) Pre-doctoral Internship in School and Applied Child Psychology Multicultural and Diversity Elective (can be combined with coursework in another area) Comprehensive Examination EPSE 699 (0) Dissertation Total: 35 credits

Research Facilities

The Psychoeducational Research and Training Centre (PRTC) is a university-based setting for research and clinical training within the Faculty of Education. The PRTC supports graduate training in educational assessment and counselling, maintains an up-to-date Test Library of assessment instruments, provides service and leadership in the profession and community, and facilitates research in education.

Tuition & Financial Support

Financial support.

Applicants to UBC have access to a variety of funding options, including merit-based (i.e. based on your academic performance) and need-based (i.e. based on your financial situation) opportunities.

Program Funding Packages

From September 2024 all full-time students in UBC-Vancouver PhD programs will be provided with a funding package of at least $24,000 for each of the first four years of their PhD. The funding package may consist of any combination of internal or external awards, teaching-related work, research assistantships, and graduate academic assistantships. Please note that many graduate programs provide funding packages that are substantially greater than $24,000 per year. Please check with your prospective graduate program for specific details of the funding provided to its PhD students.

Average Funding

• 1 student received Research Assistantships valued at $8,400.
• 4 students received Academic Assistantships. Average AA funding based on 4 students was $8,956.
• 15 students received internal awards. Average internal award funding based on 15 students was $18,579.
• 4 students received external awards. Average external award funding based on 4 students was $17,917.

Scholarships & awards (merit-based funding)

All applicants are encouraged to review the awards listing to identify potential opportunities to fund their graduate education. The database lists merit-based scholarships and awards and allows for filtering by various criteria, such as domestic vs. international or degree level.

Graduate Research Assistantships (GRA)

Many professors are able to provide Research Assistantships (GRA) from their research grants to support full-time graduate students studying under their supervision. The duties constitute part of the student's graduate degree requirements. A Graduate Research Assistantship is considered a form of fellowship for a period of graduate study and is therefore not covered by a collective agreement. Stipends vary widely, and are dependent on the field of study and the type of research grant from which the assistantship is being funded.

Graduate Teaching Assistantships (GTA)

Graduate programs may have Teaching Assistantships available for registered full-time graduate students. Full teaching assistantships involve 12 hours work per week in preparation, lecturing, or laboratory instruction although many graduate programs offer partial TA appointments at less than 12 hours per week. Teaching assistantship rates are set by collective bargaining between the University and the Teaching Assistants' Union .

Graduate Academic Assistantships (GAA)

Academic Assistantships are employment opportunities to perform work that is relevant to the university or to an individual faculty member, but not to support the student’s graduate research and thesis. Wages are considered regular earnings and when paid monthly, include vacation pay.

Financial aid (need-based funding)

Canadian and US applicants may qualify for governmental loans to finance their studies. Please review eligibility and types of loans .

All students may be able to access private sector or bank loans.

Foreign government scholarships

Many foreign governments provide support to their citizens in pursuing education abroad. International applicants should check the various governmental resources in their home country, such as the Department of Education, for available scholarships.

Working while studying

The possibility to pursue work to supplement income may depend on the demands the program has on students. It should be carefully weighed if work leads to prolonged program durations or whether work placements can be meaningfully embedded into a program.

International students enrolled as full-time students with a valid study permit can work on campus for unlimited hours and work off-campus for no more than 20 hours a week.

A good starting point to explore student jobs is the UBC Work Learn program or a Co-Op placement .

Tax credits and RRSP withdrawals

Students with taxable income in Canada may be able to claim federal or provincial tax credits.

Canadian residents with RRSP accounts may be able to use the Lifelong Learning Plan (LLP) which allows students to withdraw amounts from their registered retirement savings plan (RRSPs) to finance full-time training or education for themselves or their partner.

Please review Filing taxes in Canada on the student services website for more information.

Cost Estimator

Applicants have access to the cost estimator to develop a financial plan that takes into account various income sources and expenses.

Career Outcomes

Career options.

School Psychology is a great career. There are many openings in BC and throughout North America, and starting salaries are excellent. With a Master's degree in School and Applied Child Psychology, the most common job is as a School Psychologist working in a school district and job prospects are excellent. In addition to working in schools, individuals with a degree in School and Applied Child School Psychology with PhD work in a variety of settings, including univerisities as researches and/or teaching, mental health agencies, child development centres, children’s hospitals, and private practices. With a M.Ed. degree in School and Applied Child Psychology from UBC, you would be eligible to apply for certification with the BC Association of School Psychologists. With a PhD, you would be eligible for registration as a psychologist with the College of Psychologists of BC and most other provinces and states in North America.

Enrolment, Duration & Other Stats

These statistics show data for the Doctor of Philosophy in School and Applied Child Psychology (PhD). Data are separated for each degree program combination. You may view data for other degree options in the respective program profile.

This program went through a name change in previous years that may have included curriculum changes. It was previously known as: Doctor of Philosophy in School Psychology until 2021. Historical data on this page may include data collected under the previous name(s) of the program.

ENROLMENT DATA

Completion rates & times, upcoming doctoral exams, tuesday, 11 june 2024 - 2:30pm.

• Research Supervisors

Advice and insights from UBC Faculty on reaching out to supervisors

These videos contain some general advice from faculty across UBC on finding and reaching out to a supervisor. They are not program specific.

This list shows faculty members with full supervisory privileges who are affiliated with this program. It is not a comprehensive list of all potential supervisors as faculty from other programs or faculty members without full supervisory privileges can request approvals to supervise graduate students in this program.

• Cloth, Allison (Adolescence, Adolescent development, Child and Family Counseling in School Settings, Interventions, Mentoring, Program Evaluation, Social Justice, Young People Placed )
• Ford, Laurie (Early Childhood Assessment, Youth and Families)
• Jiang, Yuanyuan (Clinical psychology; Educational psychology; Mental health and wellbeing; inattentiveness, hyperactivity, impulsivity; psychosocial assessment and intervention; supporting children, parents, teachers. and care providers in improving mental health)
• Kassan, Anusha (Social sciences; Child and youth mental health; Social justice; Multiculturalism and diversity; Feminist-multicultural pedagogy; immigration; Cultural and social justice responsiveness; Anti-oppressive therapy)
• Nelson, Melanie (experiences of Indigenous caregivers within Western systems)
• Schanding, Thomas (Social and Emotional Learning; Universal Screening; Behavioral/Mental Health Interventions; Autism Spectrum Disorders; LGBTQIA+; Youth Social Justice)

Doctoral Citations

Sample thesis submissions.

• Implementation of PATH in a secondary school : a case study
• Indigenous youth access of support for mental health and wellness in schools and community : a case study
• Critical incidents in student return to school following concussion
• Understanding bullying among secondary students

Related Programs

Same specialization.

• Master of Arts in School and Applied Child Psychology (MA)
• Master of Education in School and Applied Child Psychology (MEd)

Same Academic Unit

• Doctor of Philosophy in Counselling Psychology (PhD)
• Doctor of Philosophy in Human Development, Learning, and Culture (PhD)
• Doctor of Philosophy in Measurement, Evaluation and Research Methodology (PhD)
• Doctor of Philosophy in Special Education (PhD)
• Graduate Certificate in Orientation and Mobility (GCOM)
• Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology (MA)
• Master of Arts in Human Development, Learning, and Culture (MA)
• Master of Arts in Measurement, Evaluation and Research Methodology (MA)
• Master of Arts in Special Education (MA)
• Master of Education in Counselling Psychology (MEd)
• Master of Education in Human Development, Learning, and Culture (MEd)
• Master of Education in Measurement, Evaluation and Research Methodology (MEd)
• Master of Education in Special Education (MEd)

Further Information

Specialization.

School and Applied Child Psychology prepares students to become psychologists who work in a variety of settings, including: research, academic, school, community, and private settings. The primary goal of the program is to develop professional psychologists whose research, training, and practice activities increase the educational and psychological well-being of children and youth. The program follows a scientist-practitioner model, with emphasis on the integration of theory, research, and clinical skills. Training encompasses academic, social, emotional, behavioural, consultation, intervention, and prevention domains. Students receive training in the integration of assessment and intervention, and in relevant professional, legal, and ethical issues. 

UBC Calendar

Program website, faculty overview, academic unit, program identifier, classification, social media channels, supervisor search.

Departments/Programs may update graduate degree program details through the Faculty & Staff portal. To update contact details for application inquiries, please use this form .

Harris Wong

I completed my B.A. in psychology at UBC and loved my time here. It is a world-renowned university for a reason and I was constantly in awe of the beauty and size of the campus. Furthermore, there were great resources for students and I felt well-supported throughout my time at UBC. This was also...

Aisha Ghani

I decided to study at UBC as it is a world-renowned university that recruits many highly accomplished and diverse professors and students. I completed my undergraduate degree at UBC and had a positive experience engaging with the UBC community and learning from many experts in their fields.

Sonja Saqui

UBC is a world-renowned university and consistently highly ranked as a premier learning institution. UBC attracts high-caliber researchers, faculty, and students. As such I knew I would be surrounding myself in an optimal learning environment within a collaborative context. I knew that graduate...

Experience the colours of Vancouver

Great academic programs, great location: the distinct seasons and mild climate are among the reasons why graduate students choose to study here -- from the autumn leaves to cherry blossoms, witness the many colours Vancouver has to offer.

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What Can You Do with a PhD in Psychology?

Key Takeaways

• A PhD in psychology will open career opportunities in the fields of research psychology, psychotherapy, forensic psychology, neuropsychology, and even management consultancy.
• Psychology positions have a projected job growth of 6% over the next decade.
• Those who earn a PhD in psychology work in medical settings, government agencies, educational institutions, or in private practice.

If you’re passionate about building a successful career in psychology, earning a doctorate in psychology could get you there. For those who are passionate about the subject but wonder, “What can you do with a PhD in psychology?“, we’ll help you explore your options so you can decide whether a PhD in psychology is worth the shot. 

Featured Programs

With a PhD in psychology, you can pursue various career paths, including research psychology, psychotherapy, forensic psychology, neuropsychology, and even management consultancy. Alternatively, a doctorate also helps you pursue different areas of specialization within the field of psychology.

If you are considering a PhD degree in psychology, you’ve likely already earned your bachelor’s and master’s degrees. However, to progress further into the roles of research, academia, authorship, or lectureship, you have to take the next step. If you’re already employed in a field of psychology, earning a PhD helps you level up.

While a doctoral degree gears you up to become a licensed clinical psychologist, there are plenty of other career options to explore. Here’s a list of the most popular career pathways you can pursue with a PhD in psychology, along with their salaries and growth statistics.

Psychological Researcher

Psychological researchers, or research psychologists, deeply understand the human mind. Their primary duties include conducting experiments to test procedures to explore various aspects of psychology. This includes selecting candidates for clinical trials, administering tests, and carefully observing and documenting the outcomes of their research.

By the time they are done with PhD, psychological researchers are capable enough to review existing literature and contribute to scholarly discussions. Some may serve at universities, while others may work for hospitals or government agencies. If you’re passionate about research and writing, this might be a pretty lucrative field with tons of career opportunities.

• National average salary: $99,577 per year
• Growth: Projected to grow 14% from 2018 to 2028

Clinical Director or Supervisor

The clinical director is one of the most highly paid yet growing careers in psychology . Clinical supervisors monitor psychologists and other mental health professionals to oversee the quality of clinical care provided. They establish best practices for the workplace and check whether the institution complies with regulations in the mental health field.

As a clinical director, you’ll serve in various settings, including mental health clinics, hospitals, universities, or even private practices. Also, these professionals arrange development opportunities for staff members, gather feedback from patients, and delegate cases to team members.

• National average salary: $120,761 per year
• Growth: Projected to grow 28% from 2021 to 2031

Psychotherapist

Like clinical psychologists, psychotherapists support individuals with mental health conditions and help them live a fulfilling life. Unlike clinical psychologists, psychotherapists diagnose more general mental health issues. They closely monitor their client’s behaviors, emotions, and thoughts to develop specific treatment plans for them.

Additionally, they use different tools and therapeutic techniques to develop coping strategies for their patients and improve the way they regulate emotions. A PhD in psychology potentially makes you a perfect fit to deal with the complexity involved in psychotherapy. Ultimately, you understand your clients better to know where they’re coming from.

• National average salary: $115,281 per year
• Growth: Projected to grow 6% from 2022 to 2032  

Psychometrics Specialist

A psychometric specialist looks at assessments to gather information about a patient’s personality, symptoms, and cognitive abilities. They often join hands with mental health specialists to facilitate research or diagnose and treat patients. On top of that, these professionals play a key role in collecting data for research and ensuring its accuracy.

They use a combination of interviews, examinations, and standardized tests to gather data about a patient’s psychological state and decode it to help clinicians and researchers reach conclusions. As a psychometric specialist, you’ll work in research or educational institutions, clinics, government agencies, or independently as a consultant.

• National average salary: $62,264 per year
• Growth: Projected to grow 6% from 2018 to 2028 

Human Resource Director

If you would rather work in an organizational setting, a PhD in psychology also helps build a mindset that prepares you to work in HR. HR directors are highly paid individuals responsible for shaping the recruitment and selection process in an organization. They create and implement corporate policies in areas like talent management, employee relations, and workplace culture.

With a PhD in psychology, you bring a deep understanding of human behavior, emotions, and motivation to the role. Plus, as an HR director, you can use the knowledge from your doctorate to develop thoughtful policies, systems, and resources to support employee well-being.

• National average salary: $116,601 per year
• Growth: Projected to grow 7% from 2021 to 2031

Marketing Director

With a PhD in psychology, you can also serve as a business or marketing director and build a fruitful career. Marketing directors use the knowledge of psychology to bridge the gap between relevant products and customers. Serving at multiple profit or non-profit sectors, these graduates contribute to public relations, management, and technical services.

As a marketing director, your background in psychology equips you with the right knowledge of consumer behavior and effective ways to communicate with them. This, in turn, helps you develop successful marketing campaigns that resonate perfectly with your audience.

• National average salary: $120,014 per year
• Growth: Expected to grow 10% from 2018 to 2028

Management Consultant

Management consultancy is another productive career path you can choose after a doctorate in psychology. Management consultants improve an organization’s efficiency, productivity, and performance. With a deep understanding of psychology, you can easily identify and deal with the underlying issues and patterns within your company.

Plus, management consultants provide feedback and recommendations on addressing employee and business management problems. They might also join hands with top-level management to devise practical solutions that align with the company’s core values.

• National average salary: $108,555 per year 
• Growth: Projected to grow 10% from 2022 to 2032

Forensic Psychologist

Forensic psychology is a rapidly growing field  that requires individual practitioners to obtain a state license. Psychologists in this field work closely with law enforcement to investigate crimes. For a license, you need to complete a doctoral degree from an APA-approved program and have clinically-supervised work experience.

Licensed forensic psychologists assist legal professionals with addressing the psychological aspects of the cases they’re dealing with. For instance, they conduct evaluations, assessments, and psychological testing to understand the case. Once they have come up with logical reasons, they present their findings and opinions to judges and juries.

• National average salary: $87,877 per year
• Growth: Expected to grow 6% between 2021 and 2031

Behavioral Health Specialist

As the name suggests, behavioral health specialists counsel and support individuals with behavioral or mental health problems. They use therapeutic techniques to help patients develop new behaviors and cope with their existing condition. Most importantly, they use their psychological knowledge to identify the root causes of their patient’s behaviors.

If you have a PhD in behavioral health, you can work with patients who have severe mental illness or developmental disorders like autism. The advanced degree helps you set developmental goals for your patients and implement evidence-based treatment plans to guard their well-being.

• National average salary: $54,663 per year
• Growth: Projected to grow 9% between 2018 and 2028

Addiction Counselor

PhD in psychology also enables you to serve as an addiction counselor, where you support patients on their journey to recovery from addictive behaviors. Typically, addiction counselors guide through the rehabilitation process and help manage withdrawal symptoms. They often work together with medical professionals to effectively detoxify clients from drugs and alcohol.

In addition to one-on-one counseling sessions, addiction counselors arrange group therapy sessions. This provides clients with peer support and learning about new experiences and coping mechanisms. They monitor clients throughout the rehabilitation process till they finally achieve sobriety.

• National average salary: $65,310 per year
• Growth: Projected to grow 18% from 2022 to 2032

Prerequisites for Earning a PhD in Psychology

If you’ve made up your mind and want to earn a PhD in psychology, you’ll generally need at least a bachelor’s degree to get in. While some institutions may also require a master’s degree as a prerequisite, it largely depends on the program you’re opting for. Some universities offer combined master’s and doctoral degrees, so you get both degrees at once.

However, the most integral part of your PhD program is the area you’ve chosen. When applying, it’s recommended to thoroughly research the specialties the universities on your radar are offering. This isn’t just about coursework since the topics of your dissertation will also depend on your chosen concentration.

Plus, to make sure you quickly get through the admission process, it’s important to prepare for it beforehand. While the specific requirements depend on your university, here’s a list of some basic prerequisites when applying for a PhD in psychology:

• A bachelor’s degree in psychology or a related field
• A master’s degree (depending on the institution)
• Strong academic record
• Letters of recommendation
• Relevant research experience or coursework
• Statement of Purpose (SoP)
• Interview (as a part of the application process)

Benefits of Earning a PhD in Psychology

Even if you’re sure about earning a PhD in psychology, it’s best to take a look at the benefits to check whether they align with your future goals. While the time required to complete a PhD may be significant, the benefits you reap make it worthwhile. Here’s an overview of the pros of getting a PhD in psychology:

Obtaining a License

Earning a doctorate in psychology is the only path to practice independently as a licensed psychologist. A license allows you to diagnose and treat mental disorders and provide therapy sessions to clients.

Better Employment Opportunities

Many employers, including those in the educational sector, prefer PhD holders over candidates with a master’s in psychology . This is due to years of experience and practice acquired through a doctoral program. For instance, PhD holders are often preferred for faculty positions, research roles, and leadership positions.

Skill Development

PhD holders are seen as authorities in the field of psychology  and research. Through extensive training and coursework, PhD students develop advanced knowledge and skills in areas like research methodology, statistical analysis, and clinical assessments.

High Paying Positions

Doctoral degree holders in psychology are paid way higher than those with bachelor’s degrees. The difference in salary reflects the higher earning potential that comes with advanced degrees in psychology. For instance, candidates with a PhD may easily qualify for higher paying positions in academia, clinical practice, research, or consulting.

Related Questions

What do you learn in a doctorate program for psychology.

In a doctorate program in psychology, you dig deeper into the field of psychology. For instance, you study research theories and methods and do your own research for a dissertation. Most PhD programs also allow you to gain hands-on experience in real clinical settings through an internship program.

Where can you work with a doctorate in psychology?

Fortunately, you can choose from plenty of workplace options once you get your PhD in psychology. You may work as a psychologist in a clinic or even begin practicing privately. Some individuals with a doctorate serve at government agencies, hospitals, and even educational institutions.

How long does it take to get a PhD in psychology?

Generally, getting a PhD in psychology takes around 5-8 years , including some hands-on experience and a year-long internship. However, it’s worth noting that PhD programs are highly competitive. So, the earlier you prepare for your dream university for your psychology degree , the sooner you can secure a spot.

We hope we’ve adequately answered the question “What can you do with a PhD in psychology?” for you and you have more clarity about whether this is the right path for you. Whether you’re into clinical practice, research, or social service, a doctorate in psychology can accommodate your personal preferences if you pick the right area for yourself.

30 Best universities for Psychology in Moscow, Russia

Updated: February 29, 2024

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Below is a list of best universities in Moscow ranked based on their research performance in Psychology. A graph of 406K citations received by 66.7K academic papers made by 30 universities in Moscow was used to calculate publications' ratings, which then were adjusted for release dates and added to final scores.

We don't distinguish between undergraduate and graduate programs nor do we adjust for current majors offered. You can find information about granted degrees on a university page but always double-check with the university website.

1. Moscow State University

For Psychology

2. National Research University Higher School of Economics

3. Moscow Medical Academy

4. Russian National Research Medical University

5. RUDN University

6. Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology

7. National Research Nuclear University MEPI

8. Russian Presidential Academy of National Economy and Public Administration

9. Moscow State Pedagogical University

10. Finance Academy under the Government of the Russian Federation

11. Bauman Moscow State Technical University

12. Moscow State Institute of International Relations

13. N.R.U. Moscow Power Engineering Institute

14. Moscow Aviation Institute

15. Plekhanov Russian University of Economics

16. Russian State University for the Humanities

17. State University of Management

18. Russian State Social University

19. National University of Science and Technology "MISIS"

20. Moscow State Linguistic University

21. New Economic School

22. Russian State University of Oil and Gas

23. mendeleev university of chemical technology of russia.

24. Moscow Polytech

25. Moscow State University of Railway Engineering

26. National Research University of Electronic Technology

27. Moscow State Technological University "Stankin"

28. Pushkin State Russian Language Institute

29. Russian State Agricultural University

30. Moscow International University

Universities for Psychology near Moscow

Psychology subfields in moscow.

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To prepare for courses required to earn a master’s in child development, we recommend you:

• Have an undergraduate degree in education, psychology, sociology, human development, child development or a related field
• Have an interest in conducting research (thesis track)
• Have an interest in working with young children in education settings (non-thesis track)
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Gain an Advanced Understanding of Child Development

Further explore the physical, mental, social and emotional development of children with a master’s degree in child development. Prepare to work in the fast-growing field of early childhood development and education while gaining evidence-based, hands-on training. You will be immersed in developmental theory and research and will be able to customize your program to best fit your career goals. Current research expertise includes early childhood development and education, education research methods, curriculum development, early intervention and educational psychology.

• Thesis track: Collaborate with faculty on research
• Non-thesis track: Complete an IdahoSTARS internship focused on leadership, administration and policy
• Attend state or national conferences
• Further develop your skills in the Child Development Laboratory
• Available financial support: research assistantships, teaching assistantships and scholarships

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Are you interested in understanding human behavior, mental processes and how people think, act and feel? A psychology degree is highly valued by employers who are looking for analytical and reasoning skills.

Why Study Psychology at Northwest

Psychology  majors explore the scientific study of a person’s thoughts and behaviors. Northwest faculty help students understand three core areas: scientific research methods that enhance critical thinking skills, evidence and claims knowledge; insight into an individual’s behavior, motives and thought processes; and the understanding of the biological and social factors that contribute to human development, cognitive skills, relationships and personality.

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Psychology b.a. or b.s..

A Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts in psychology is available at Northwest. A minor is required with both programs. View the 4-year plan or catalog for courses and more information.

Psychology 4-YEAR PLAN (B.S.)

Psychology 4-YEAR PLAN (B.A.)

B.A.S. (for transfer students)

For  transfer students the  Bachelor of Applied Science (B.A.S.)  is a flexible, individually tailored degree for students pursuing a vocational, technical or associate degree. Coursework for these degrees build on workplace skills and practical career training provided by an associate degree. Students may find a B.A.S. appealing for the following reasons:

• Shorter time to degree by maximizing the transfer of vocational and technical courses toward a four-year degree
• Requires fewer Northwest Core courses (general education courses)
• A personalized and flexible degree plan
• Cost-effective

Please note this program is  not a traditional four-year program . It is structured for transfer students. Check out more on the  benefits of our B.A.S. programs .

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Earn your bachelor’s degree on a schedule that works for you. An online program is available in psychology .

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A minor in psychology is also available. View the catalog for courses.

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Top 10 tips for applying to clinical psychology Ph.D. programs

Participants of the second annual Diversifying Clinical Psychology Weekend gained skills for succeeding in graduate school.

Program offers pointers for prospective students

In an effort to help aspiring clinical psychology applicants from historically marginalized and underrepresented backgrounds feel better prepared to tackle the application process and succeed in graduate school, School of Social Ecology graduate students from the clinical psychology area hosted their second annual “Diversifying Clinical Psychology Weekend” event earlier this month. Co-sponsored by DECADE, the event included breaking down application requirements, discussing how to obtain relevant research experience, and sharing the experiences of current students to help aspiring applicants feel more confident in their own academic journeys. 

• Professionalism is key. Using professional email greetings, being punctual, demonstrating preparation, taking ownership and responsibility, and using critical thinking and problem solving skills goes a long way. 
• Get involved in research labs. Joining a research lab during undergraduate or post-bacc programs, or seeking full-time research assistant and research staff positions will help prepare you for graduate programs that place heavy emphasis on research. 
• Prepare an accurate and professionally-formatted CV. Keep formatting consistent, list things in reverse chronological order, use action words when describing your contributions to activities. 
• Personalize your Research Statements (also known as Statement of Purpose) for each program you apply to. Emphasize what draws you to each particular program, include faculty members you are interested in working with and why, and state how YOU can add value and contribute to the program.  
• Weave a narrative through your personal statement that goes beyond your CV. Avoid summarizing your CV. Tell a story that SHOWS the reader what lessons you have learned and your main takeaways from prior experiences that have led you to apply to their program. Relate your experiences through common themes, goals, and interests that may not be obvious to someone simply reading through your CV. 
• Incorporate your values, commitment to DEI, and who you are as a person in your Personal History Statement (also known as Diversity Statement). This is a great place to show parts of yourself, your background, and your experiences that don’t fit into other parts of the application. 
• Get feedback on your materials. Get feedback from friends, family, and colleagues on your essays. 
• Submit strong letters of recommendation. Letters of recommendation are a critical component of a well-rounded application. Be sure to request letters from writers with whom you have good relationships and believe will be able to write you a thorough and positive letter of recommendation. Don’t hesitate to ask potential letter writers if they would be able to write you a STRONG letter of recommendation. 
• Research your programs ahead of time to make sure they are a good fit for you. Just as schools are evaluating whether you will be a good fit for their program, you should take the time to do your research on whether programs you are applying to seem to be a good fit for your research interests, professional goals, and personal needs.
• Check out additional resources and information sessions:  https://tinyurl.com/ClinicalPhDInfoSessions  and  https://tinyurl.com/ClinicalPsychResourceSheet .

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2024 Berkeley Grad Slam Competition

Watch the 2024 grad slam event below.

2024 Grad Slam

The Berkeley Grad Slam 2024 campus competition will take place on Tuesday, April 9, 3:00 – 5:00 p.m. via Zoom. All are welcome to watch as up to 10 semi-finalists present their research in three-minute talks. During this event, attendees will get to vote on who wins the “People Choice” award. The Berkeley first-place winner will advance to compete against the other UC finalists at the UC-wide competition in May. 

Grad Slam 2024 Semi-finalists

Anna Dmitrieva, Plant and Microbial Biology

A third-year Ph.D. candidate in Plant Biology, Anna got into plant research by doing extensive fieldwork in Illinois. She is passionate about improving food security by addressing current and future agricultural challenges. Currently, she is studying genetic mechanisms of root regeneration, which may create new avenues for crop improvement efforts. She is fascinated by plant adaptations and by natural diversity.

Jin Hyung Lim, School Psychology

Jin Hyung is a second-year PhD student in the School Psychology Program at the Berkeley School of Education. As an international student from South Korea, he is passionate about promoting the mental health of Asian American students, teachers, and families. Guided by the social-ecological framework and resilience theory, he studies how school and community resources can function as promotive and protective factors for the psychological well-being of Asian Americans.

Joel Rubio, Maternal, Child, and Adolescent Health

Joel is a second-year MPH student with a concentration in Maternal, Child, and Adolescent Health. As a first-generation, Spanish-speaking, Latine former foster youth, he aims to use his personal experiences to contribute to public health research, focusing on the critical issue of immigration enforcement and family separation. Having gone through this challenging experience himself, his research aims to understand the perception of immigration policies and how they impact the mental well-being of Latine adolescents.

Kamyar Behrouzi, Mechanical Engineering

Kamyar, a 5th-year PhD student from Iran, specializes in developing new technologies for the next generation of biosensors, particularly focusing on optical biosensing. His research involves creating innovative methods for highly sensitive and multiplexed diagnostics, driven by his passion for providing universal access to regular health monitoring and early disease diagnosis.

Keyanna Ortiz-Cedeño, City and Regional Planning

Keyanna is a second year Masters in City Planning student at UC Berkeley from South Texas. She is a podcaster for the Goldman School’s Talk Policy to Me podcast and has a professional background in housing and economic development, human rights, and disaster recovery. Keyanna’s journey combating gentrification, racial justice, and housing policy started in the 4th grade, witnessing the impacts of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.

Matangi Kumar, Vision Science Graduate Program

Matangi is a 3rd-year Ph.D. candidate in the Vision Science department, conducting research in the Gronert and Flanagan labs, focusing on the study of neuroinflammation in glaucoma. With a father diagnosed with glaucoma, she is interested in studying the mechanisms of this neurodegenerative disease and is passionate about researching novel neurotherapeutic treatments to improve vision loss. She is excited to have the opportunity to share her research in this year’s Grad Slam!

Radha Mastandrea, Physics

Radha Mastandrea is a 3rd year PhD student in physics. Her research brings together the fields of particle physics and machine learning, specifically through developing search strategies to look for signs of new physics using data from particle colliders. Outside of research, Radha has helped to develop a curriculum for beginning scientists to develop their machine-learning toolkits.

Victoria Chevee, Molecular and Cell Biology

Victoria is a sixth-year Ph.D. candidate in the Molecular and Cell Biology program. She is interested in microbes and how they interact with their hosts, particularly when it comes to pathogens. Her work currently focuses on bacterial replication and dissemination during infections that affect the brain. Besides research, she enjoys spending time outdoors hiking in the summer and skiing in the winter.

Watch the 2023 Berkeley Grad Slam event below

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UT Tyler Health Science Center

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Home to the region’s only academic medical center, The University of Texas at Tyler Health Science Center is one of the five campuses of UT Tyler. Two of UT Tyler’s four health-related schools have a presence on this campus: the School of Health Professions and the School of Medicine.

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The UT Tyler Health Science Center facility offers an array of crucial medical and healthcare education resources, fostering an environment dedicated to excellence in education. From cutting-edge simulation labs to dedicated research spaces, every aspect of the UT Tyler Health Science Center is designed to enhance the educational experience. This dynamic campus is not just a hub for learning; it’s a catalyst for progress in healthcare education and a testament to UT Tyler's commitment to shaping the future of healthcare in the East Texas region.

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UT Tyler pioneers solutions to improve health. Several research centers, including the Center for Mycobacterial Treatment and Discovery and the Center for Biomedical Research, are housed on this campus. The centers build on our history of innovative treatments for lung disease and focus on the health concerns of rural populations through projects funded by agencies like the National Institutes of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Students benefit from hands-on research opportunities and instruction informed by the latest developments in the field. 

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In its regional network of hospitals, clinics and other facilities, UT Health East Texas delivers world-class care to thousands of patients each year while conducting clinical trials and training the next generation of professionals through UT Tyler’s unique programs. The UT Tyler Health Science Center is home to UT Health North Campus Tyler .

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Faculty, staff and students at the UT Tyler Health Science Center campus connect their expertise with local community needs to assist traditionally underserved populations through an array of health and outreach programs, including behavioral health telemedicine services for rural populations, cancer screenings, parental education, lifestyle changes and more.

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