phd in social psychology programs

Psychology, PhD (Social Psychology)

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The doctoral program in Psychology with an emphasis on social psychology is designed to train researchers to use rigorous scientific methods to uncover the fundamental principles underlying social behavior and to address practical questions about everyday relations among people.

Program Description

Degree Awarded: Psychology, PhD

The doctoral program in Psychology with an emphasis on social psychology is a component of the  Robert B. Cialdini Social Psychology Laboratories  designed to train researchers to use rigorous scientific methods to uncover the fundamental principles underlying social behavior and to address practical questions about everyday relations among people. Our students combine continuous involvement in research with a series of courses designed to provide broad substantive knowledge, as well as methodological and quantitative expertise.

Since its implementation in 1973, the psychology Ph.D. program with an emphasis in social psychology at ASU has greatly grown and is now widely recognized as among the best such programs in the country. How do we account for this success?  Probably the best answer is that the faculty and students of the ASU social psychology program have been a highly productive group over the years in conducting research at the national and international level and in teaching at the university level. The unique collaboration between faculty mentors and graduate students provides a commitment to solutions for real-world problems, such as cultural biases and how we can all work towards universal goals. 

 The goals of our program are to:

• provide a setting in which students can grow toward mature roles as researchers, marketing professionals, social workers, counselors, teachers, and consultants in basic and applied areas of social psychology.
• advance basic knowledge in psychology and apply that knowledge to society; and
• make continuing contributions to our discipline through the achievements of the program’s graduates.

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

The Robert B. Cialdini Social Psychology Research Laboratories

CARMA Lab  (Cohen)

Cooperation and Conflict Lab  (Aktipis)

Cultural Ecology Lab  (Varnum)

Culture and Decision Science Network Lab  (Kwan)

Evolutionary Social Psychology Co-Laboratory  (Kenrick-Neuberg-Becker-Varnum)

Evolution, Ecology, and Social Behavior Lab  (Neuberg)

SPLAT Lab  (Shiota)

Fellowships   Faculty Research Labs

Student Handbook

Concentrations

Areas of Interest

The productivity of the doctoral program in Psychology has been facilitated by two main factors:

1. Our faculty value one another's work and enjoy collaborating on research projects. It is common for faculty to publish jointly, and it is almost invariably the case that, when a faculty member produces an article or book chapter, at least one student from the program is a co-author;

2. The dialogue between traditional theoretical/academic perspectives on social psychology and the view that social psychology can be profitably applied to social problems, business, health, and family.

Several of the faculty combine social psychological theory with direct application to societal issues. Accordingly, the Program has developed an international reputation for providing a dual emphasis in these complementary arenas of theoretical and applied work. 

A minimum of 84 hours is required across five years. Students are expected to conduct a first-year project under the direct supervision of the student’s advisor. Following the first-year project, students will undertake a Master's Thesis. Additionally, all students will be required to complete a 12-credit dissertation and defense at the end of their PhD.  Please see accordion below for year breakdown:

Courses and electives

Students in the Social Psychology training area ordinarily receive coursework training in four distinguishable areas: 1. Social Psychology, 2. Quantitative Methods, 3. Psychological Foundations, 4. Research Activites.

The coursework for each student is individualized and based on the student's year, previous training, and faculty mentor. Each student will participate in research with faculty while completing their doctoral program. 

Students will take three core courses covering Social Psychology, four core courses covering Quantitative Methods, and three Social Psychology electives to expand their breadth of study, and one graduate level elective. Students will also be expected to participate in research courses and a doctoral dissertation. 

See the accordion below to see the breakdown of electives and requirements. 

At a Glance

• Location:   Tempe campus
• Second Language Requirement:  No

Degree Requirements

The 84-hour program of study includes a first-year project, a written comprehensive exam, an oral comprehensive, a prospectus and a dissertation. Prospective doctoral candidates should have a passion and interest in social science, have demonstrated research skills in a senior thesis and have a minimum of a 3.00 cumulative GPA. 

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.

In the initial year of residence , students take the first course of the social psychology proseminar series; a seminar for current topics in social psychology; and quantitative and methodology courses. Immediately upon entering the program students also become involved in one or more research programs where they directly work with faculty members. These research affiliations are flexible and it is expected that students will participate in research with several faculty members while completing the doctoral program. 

Fall Semester:

• PSY 551 Advanced Social Psychology
• PSY 530 ANOVA Statistics
• PSY 591a Current Topics in Social
• PSY 592 Research

Spring Semester:

• PSY 531 Mult. Corr & Regr. Statistics
• PSY 600 Experimental Design Research
• Social Psychology Recommended Elective

In the second year , students take the second course in the social psychology proseminar series; continue to develop their statistical knowledge and skills; and complete and defend an independent research project to be reported as a master's thesis in passing for the M.A. degree. In the second and third year of a student's residence, he/she is also expected to enroll in the advanced courses available in the social psychology program. In addition, students are required during their time in the program to take two courses in other areas of psychology and are encouraged to begin enrolling in other relevant courses within the department and across the university.

• PSY 550 Advanced Social Psychology
• PSY 532 Multivariate Statistics
• PSY 599 Thesis Research (3–6 hrs)
• Psychology Core Required Elective
• Q & M Required Elective
• PSY 599 Thesis Research (3–6 hours)
• Master’s Degree awarded

 In the third year, students concentrate much of their effort on the development of a major area paper.

There are currently three options for this project:

• Option 1  is to review and integrate a substantive topic in social psychology. This paper follows the model of articles in Psychological Bulletin, Psychological Review, or Personality and Social Psychology Review.
• Option 2  is to prepare a grant proposal—often a pre-doctoral fellowship application—for submission to a major federal agency or private foundation. Such proposals may be for a program of basic or applied research.
• Option 3  is to perform and report a meta–analysis, a quantitative technique for distilling major findings from existing literature.

When the project has been completed and accepted by the faculty, it becomes the basis for an oral exam that focuses in part on the content defined by the project and in part, on the student's level of preparation within other topics in social psychology and related topics across the entire discipline ("comprehensives”). Upon defending this examination, the student is advanced to Ph.D. candidacy.

• Social Psychology Required Elective
• Q&M Required Elective
• PSY 792 Research (3–6 hrs)
• PSY 792 Research (3–9 hours)

Comprehensive Examination

+ Year 4 & 5

Year 4 (& 5)

The fourth and, typically, fifth years of enrollment  are devoted to continuing research projects and the doctoral dissertation. The student may also acquire teaching experience and undertake additional coursework. The program offers a graduate teaching seminar that includes supervised teaching experience that students may take after earning their master's degree. In addition, the formal curriculum is supplemented by a bi–weekly informal research meeting in which all members of the program participate. The whole social psychology group meets in the evening at a faculty member’s home to share ideas about research projects in the formative stages of development. The seminar is highly interactive and lively, providing useful feedback while offering a training ground for young critics.

• Elective PSY 792 Research (9 hours)
• Dissertation Prospectus
• Elective PSY 799 Dissertation (9 hrs)
• PhD awarded. 

+ Projects, Thesis, Dissertation (12 credit hours)

First Year Project . The first year project involves designing, conducting, and reporting research under the direct supervision of the student’s advisor.  By the end of the student’s first semester, two additional faculty members, called "readers," are selected to assist in the development of the project. The student must meet with the readers (either separately or as a committee) at least once. Also by the end of the first semester, the student will give a presentation of the plans for the first year project. No later than two weeks before the end of the second semester, the student provides to all faculty a written draft describing the project. The readers provide feedback to the student. The student gives an oral presentation to the Seminar by the end of the student's second semester.

Master’s Thesis.  The master's thesis is typically undertaken in the second year and defended during the third year. It is an original piece of research, closely supervised by the research advisor and an advisory committee. The thesis leads to the MA degree, which is considered to be a "masters in passing."  After forming a master’s thesis committee, the student must complete a three-step process:  (1) defend a written prospectus; (2) after data collection, conduct a “data meeting” at which the analyses are reviewed by the committee; and (3) pass a defense of the thesis.

During the third or fourth year of doctoral studies, the student concentrates much of his or her effort on a scholarly review of the areas of Social Psychology. The student works with four committee members to put together a reading list upon which the Comprehensive Exams — written and oral — are based. The student has the choice of completing a "closed-book," two-day written exam or an "open-book," two-week written exam. The oral exam is conducted one week after the conclusion of the written exam and serves to clarify the student's answers to the written questions. Often, the literature review that the student conducts during this time period becomes the basis of the doctoral dissertation.

Doctoral Dissertation (12 hours)

The doctoral dissertation is an extensive piece of original research that demonstrates the capability of the student to act as an independent scholar and use experimental methods. The dissertation is closely supervised by the research advisor and three additional faculty members who constitute the dissertation committee. As with the master’s thesis, there are three components. First, the student writes a formal dissertation proposal and defends it to the committee. After the defense, the student is admitted to PhD candidacy by the Graduate College. Second, following data collection, there is a "data meeting" at which the analyses are reviewed by the committee. The process culminates with the student's defense of the dissertation before the committee and the academic community.

Ideally, the typical student’s program of study will take five years for completion. In recognition that the program enrolls students who have basic and applied interests that may require specialized training experiences involving additional coursework or will engage in time-consuming community-based research, the program allows for some flexibility in milestone timing for students who demonstrate excellence in other areas of performance.

This flexibility reflects negotiations with the student’s faculty advisor/mentor. The program faculty shall monitor student progress towards training goals. The student's annual evaluation will include specific feedback about what the student is expected to do to stay on track with regard to milestone timing. Students who do not meet timing expectations will be put on probation. After a year of probationary status, progress will be considered unsatisfactory if expectations continue to be unmet.

To be considered as making satisfactory progress, students who enter the psychology PhD program with a bachelor’s degree must:

Successfully defend their master's within three years,

Complete and defend the comprehensive examination within two years following completion of the Masters, oral defense, and

Complete and defend the dissertation within two years following completion of the comprehensive examination.

To be considered as making satisfactory progress, students who enter the psychology PhD program with a master’s degree must:

Complete and defend the comprehensive examination within four years, and

+ Core Courses (24 credit hours)

1. Social Psychology REQUIRED COURSES:

• PSY 550 Advanced Social Psychology
• PSY 591 Current Topics in Social Psychology

2. Quantitative / Methods   REQUIRED COURSES:

• PSY 530  Intermediate Statistics
• PSY 531  Multiple Regression in Psychological Research
• PSY 532  Analysis of Multivariate Data
• PSY 600  Design of Experiments in Social Psychology

+ Electives (6 credit hours)

1. Social Psychology REQUIRED ELECTIVES: Students will take at least three additional content courses in social psychology from among those courses and seminars offered by the social psychology faculty. 

2. Quantitative / Methods   REQUIRED ELECTIVES: Students will  take at least one additional graduate level course in quantitative and Methodological areas related to social psychological research to improve their technical skills. These courses may be taught by department faculty, or, with the approval of the program, be offered by related departments on campus. RECOMMENDED:

• PSY 555 Quasi–Experimental Designs for Research

3. Psychological Foundations   REQUIRED ELECTIVES: Students will take at least two courses in the development, biological, cognitive, or clinical bases of human behavior that will enable the student to bring a broader perspective to creative scholarship. These courses, from at least two of the bases of behavior mentioned above, are taught by psychology department faculty and must be approved by the program.

+ Research Activities (42 credit hours)

4. Research Activities Students are required to develop competence in one or more substantive areas of research and theory, in which the student attempts to make a unique scholarly contribution.

This is typically achieved by: 

1) involvement in the ongoing research program of one or more mentors, for which the student receives academic credit through the Supervised Research courses, such as:

2) Master's Thesis (PSY 599) and Dissertation (PSY 799) courses, and

3) passing the comprehensive examination requirement. The three sets of required electives stated above should be regarded as default assumptions, and are viewed as appropriate for the typical social psychology student in the program. Individual needs and goals may vary from this typical pattern, and exceptions and substitutions may be proposed to the program. Only under unusual circumstances will petitions be approved that attempt to make substitutions for the eight required courses listed above. Advisors should be consulted before enrolling in courses that are intended to meet breadth requirements.

PROGRESS REPORTS : All students submit progress reports and self–evaluations to the program each year. This document describes progress towards meeting the student's curricular goals as well as updating his/her research agenda. It proposes any modifications to the earlier curricular plan, together with justification for these changes. It identifies short–term plans for the next year that fit with the student's longer term training goals. This document is used by the program faculty as its basis for providing evaluative and, if needed, corrective feedback each year. 

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Ph.D. in Social Psychology

Graduate students trained in Cognitive, Developmental, Social, or Quantitative Psychology follow a single curriculum with a uniform set of requirements, but their research programs and seminar courses focus on their unique areas of interest.

Our philosophy can be summed up as cooperative, and the small size of our program ensures individualized attention for all students. Although students work directly with a faculty advisor, following a mentor-apprentice model, they also have considerable freedom to collaborate with other faculty and students within and beyond the Department. Indeed, we encourage students to publish with several faculty members before they graduate. Greensboro’s central location in NC has resulted in close ties to other top departments, creating opportunities for our students to take courses, collaborate, and network.

We are no longer accepting GRE scores from applicants to the MA-PhD program in Social Psychology, for entry starting in Fall 2024.

Application Deadline:

Program highlights.

• Individual attention and mentoring from faculty
• Students have a primary faculty advisor but are also supported to conduct research projects with other faculty if it fits with their goals
• Students typically receive 5 years of funding, including tuition remission
• We’re a collegial and collaborative group
• Methods training in experimental design, experience sampling, eye-tracking and pupillometry, psychometrics, meta-analysis, fMRI, mouse-tracking, longitudinal designs, behavioral observation, and advanced statistical methods
• Recent graduate seminars in Self and Identity, Social Comparison, Social Neuroscience, Creative Thought

Recent graduates have secured academic and industry positions:

• Alexander Christensen, Vanderbilt University
• Emily Nusbaum, Amazon.com
• Roger Beaty, Penn State University
• Katherine Cotter, Positive Psychology Center, UPenn
• Jason Strickhouser, California Dept of Health Care Services
• Ashlyn Brady, Sweet Briar College

Faculty in Social Psychology

Levi r. baker.

Associate Professor

Close Relationships Lab

Close relationships, including relationship maintenance and problem solving; self beliefs, including self-esteem, shyness, and social anxiety

Accepting students

Brittany Cassidy

Assistant Professor

Social Cognition Lab

Face perception, trait and emotional inferences, effects of stereotyping and prejudice on impressions, and social cognition in healthy aging

Ashleigh Gallagher

Senior Lecturer

Not accepting students

Adena Rottenstein

Paul silvia.

Research Website

Interest; aesthetics, creativity, and the arts; self-regulation and effort; experience sampling methods

Associate Professor and Graduate Program Director

Self and Social Perception Lab

Self-evaluation, social comparison, accuracy of social perception, and meta-analysis

SELECTED PUBLICATIONS BY CURRENT/RECENT STUDENTS

Brady, A. , Baker, L. R., Agnew, C. R., & Hadden, B. W. (2022). Playing the field or locking down a partner?: Perceptions of available romantic partners and commitment readiness. Journal of Experimental Social Psychology, 101 , 104334.

Brady, A. , Baker, L. R., Muise, A., & Impett, E. A. (2021). Gratitude increases the motivation to fulfill a partner’s sexual needs. Social Psychology and Personality Science, 12 , 273-281.

Lesick, T. L. , & Zell, E. (2021). Is affirmation the cure? Self-affirmation and European Americans’ perception of systemic racism. Basic and Applied Social Psychology , 43 , 1–13 .

Liebenow, H. A. , Boucher, K. L., Cassidy, B. S. (in press). Understanding evaluations of Kamala Harris in 2020: Political ideology qualifies perceived communality effects when communal cues are present. Psychology of Women Quarterly.

Ojeda, J. T. , Silvia, P. J., Cassidy, B. S. (2022). Mental representations of sickness positively relate to adaptive health behaviors. Evolutionary Psychology, 20 (3), 1-12 .

Rodriguez, R. M. , Fekete, A., Silvia, P. J., & Cotter, K. N. (2021). The art of feeling different: Exploring the diversity of emotions experienced during an art museum visit. Psychology of Aesthetics, Creativity, and the Arts. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1037/aca0000443

Rodriguez-Boerwinkle, R. M. , Boerwinkle, M. J. & Silvia, P. J. (2022). The Open Gallery for Arts Research (OGAR): An open-source tool for studying the psychology of virtual art museum visits. Behavior Research Methods. https://doi.org/10.3758/s13428-022-01857-w

Stockus, C. A. , & Zell, E. (2023). The regional big-fish-little-pond effect: Evidence from national and subnational comparisons. British Journal of Social Psychology , 62 , 1158–1176.

Request more information

Please address all Graduate Application questions to:

Malcolm Mohan

Administrative Assistant

[email protected] 336-334-5014

Please address all additional Graduate questions to:

[email protected] Eberhart 271

Psychology Headlines

From around the world.

• Could Artificial Intelligence Benefit Democracy?
• Cuba Once Sent Gay People to Labor Camps; Now, It Supports LGBT Rights
• U.S. Is Changing Race and Ethnicity Categories for First Time in 27 Years
• Boys Disappearing From Mental Health Care As Depression Goes Undetected
• Ireland to Intervene in South Africa Genocide Case Against Israel
• Nobel Prize-Winning Psychologist Daniel Kahneman Dies at 90
• Thailand Moves to Legalize Same-Sex Marriage
• Southeast Asia Human Trafficking Now a Global Crisis, Interpol Says

Source: Psychology News Center

Best Social Psychology Programs

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

Social psychologists are often

Social psychologists are often niche practitioners who examine how environment affects a person's behaviors. This branch of psychology focuses on thoughts, feelings and behavior. These are the top schools for social psychology. Read the methodology »

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Ph.D. Social Psychology

Our PhD program in Social Psychology is research-intensive, and designed as a five-year PhD program to prepare students for scholarly careers in academic and other research settings. We train graduate students to become productive social psychologists who will contribute to the field through the advancement of theoretical understanding and empirical research in social psychology, and by effectively teaching courses within the domain of social psychology. Formal course requirements are minimized and collaborative research with one or more faculty is emphasized.

Preparing You For Success

We offer a robust, dedicated, and active program that leads to successful students.   With four core faculty and a group of around 10 graduate students, the Social/Personality Program is relatively small by national standards, however, this allows for faculty and graduate students to develop deeply collaborative and productive working relationships.

Seminars are also small and highly productive. We are selective with graduate student admissions, and our students develop strong bonds with their mentors and cohort. By graduation, our students are well-prepared for the academic job market, as shown by the fact that most currently have a permanent or visiting faculty position. 

Recent Alumni Job Placements & Awards

• Hannah Buie, Ph.D. (2023), Assistant Professor of Psychology, Western Carolina University
• Dylan Horner, Ph.D. (2023), Assistant Professor of Psychology, Minot State University
• Harrison Schmidt, Ph.D. (2023), Assistant Professor of Psychology, Skidmore College
• Jake Taylor, Ph.D. (2023), Research Administration Coordinator, Memorial Hermann - Rockets Sports Medicine Institute
• Ciara Atkinson, Ph.D. (2022), Evaluation Specialist, University of Arizona Department of Campus Recreation
• Eva-Maria Stelzer, Ph.D. (2020), Research Analyst Health, Hubert Burda Media
• Isaac Young, Ph.D. (2020) visiting assistant professor, Beloit College, Wisconsin
• Peter Helm, Ph.D. (2019) postdoc, University of Missouri
• Uri Lifhsin, Ph.D. (2017) postdoc, IDC, Herzylia, Israel
• Advanced User Experience Researcher, State Farm
• Peter Leavitt, Ph.D., (2016) Assistant Professor at Indiana State University
• Elizabeth Focella, Ph.D., (2012) Senior Consultant at Opinion Dynamics
• Rebecca Covarrubias, Ph.D., (2012) Associate Professor at U.C. Santa Cruz
• Melissa Soenke, Ph.D., (2012) Associate Professor at Cal State Channel Islands
• Megan Robbins, Ph.D., (2011) Associate Professor at U.C. Riverside
• Dave Weise, Ph.D., (2011) Senior Lecturer and Psych Advisor at Texas Christian University
• Shannon Holleran, Ph.D., (2010) Lecturer, Owens Community College, Ohio
• Daniel "Spee" Kosloff, Ph.D., (2009) Associate Professor at Cal State Fresno
• Chad Forbes, Ph.D., (2009) Associate Professor, and Social Psychology Program Director at the University of Delaware
• Mark Landau, Ph.D., (2007) Full Professor at the University of Kansas

Although our program is relatively young, we also take great pride in the accomplishments of the alumni of our program, three of whom have garnered early career awards: APA (Mark Landau, PhD. in 2007), International Society for Self and Identity (Jamie Arndt, Ph.D. in 1999; Mark Landau), the Society of Experimental Social Psychology (Eddie Harmon-Jones, Ph.D. in 1995) and the Society for Psychophysiological Research (Eddie Harmon-Jones).

Updated: 05/25/23

Interdisciplinary Collaboration

The University of Arizona is a highly interdisciplinary environment, and the social psychology students have a history of successful collaboration with students and faculty in the clinical and cognitive neuroscience psychology programs and in other departments on campus (e.g., Family Studies and Human Development, Communications, Management, Marketing, Public Health).

Our program is especially enhanced by clinical students who are mentored by our social faculty and by clinical faculty who mentor our social students. Whenever a social student is interested in psychophysiology, perception, clinical, or other topics in psychology, there is usually a great opportunity for collaboration with faculty from our other departmental programs.

Updated: 09/29/22

• Program Areas
• Computational Cognitive Neuroscience
• Developmental
• Integrative Neuroscience

Social Psychology

About the Program Social psychology is the scientific study of how social environments shape our thinking, feeling, and behavior on one hand, and how our thinking, feeling, and behavior shape our social environments on the other hand. It is the scientific study of how the social world and psyche make each other up.

At the University of Chicago, the faculty and students are committed to making scientific and practical contributions to society. The primary goal of the UChicago social psychology program is to address pressing societal issues using social psychological theorizing and methods. This makes the UChicago social psychology program distinct. Our inquiry is inspired by the real world. Our findings will inspire the solutions to real-world problems and enhance the well-being of the individual and society. The faculty and students will investigate a variety of topics including racism, police violence, mass incarceration, income inequality, achievement gaps, interpersonal and intergroup conflicts, self-regulation, social support, happiness, meaning in life, prosocial behavior, politics, morality, religion, globalization, immigration, climate changes, natural disasters, culture, and evolution. We are diverse in terms of personal and cultural backgrounds, theoretical orientations, and preferred methodologies, but united in our commitment to and belief in the benefits of social psychological research for the individual and society. The Chicago School of Social Psychology is the social psychology that matters!

Meet our New Faculty

Xeuchunzi Bai Research Interests:  Stereotypes, Diversity, Computational Social Psychology Read more about Xuechunzi Bai's research .

Lydia Emery Research Interests: Close Relationships, Social Class, the Self Read more about Lydia Emery's research .

Kyshia Henderson Research Interests: Racism, Social Stigma, History Read more about Kyshia Henderson's research .

Shigehiro Oishi Research Interests: Culture, Social Ecology, Well-Being Read more about Shigehiro Oishi's research .

A note for applicants interested in Social Psychology: X. Bai, J. Decety, L. Emery, K. Henderson, and S. Oishi are taking graduate students primarily through the social psychology program.

Lin Bian Read more about Lin Bian's research .

Jean Decety Read more about Jean Decety's research .

Boaz Keysar Read more about Boaz Keysar's research .

Katherine D. Kinzler Read more about Katherine Kinzler's research .

Yuan Chang Leong Read more about YC Leong's research .

Greg Norman Read more about Greg Norman's research .

Alex Shaw Read more about Alex Shaw's research .

The Program's Legacy The Social Psychology Program at The University of Chicago has a rich history that has always emphasized innovative conceptual analyses of complex social issues. The first course in Social Psychology (entitled "Contemporary Social Psychology") was taught at the University of Chicago by George Herbert Mead in 1900. The lead article in Volume 1, Number 1, of the Psychological Bulletin, which appeared in January 15, 1914, was entitled "The Chicago School" by William James, in which he reviewed the work of John Dewey, George Herbert Mead, James Rowland Angell, and A. W. Moore. In 1965, the first meeting of the Society of Experimental Social Psychology (SESP) was held at the University of Chicago, and SESP was hosted again by the Social Psychology Program at the University of Chicago in 2007. Over the years, the program has grown from a small university committee to an interdivisional graduate training program administered in the Department of Psychology.

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Social Psychology

Information about the Social Psychology Graduate Major

The graduate program in Social Psychology features a distinguished faculty and numerous research opportunities in laboratory and field settings within a culturally diverse and multifaceted metropolitan area. Our faculty areas of expertise are broad and center on basic research on close relationships, intergroup relations, and social cognitive neuroscience. In addition, faculty interests include political psychology, positive psychology, sport psychology, stress and coping, and issues pertaining to culture, ethnicity, gender, and evolutionary psychology. A long tradition of interest in social problems and the applicability of rigorous, theory-driven research to addressing such issues is a distinctive feature of our program.

Familiarity with social psychology is gained through a two-quarter course sequence during the first year of graduate work, and followed by seminars in close relationships, intergroup relations, and social cognition. Students concentrate on a single research project in the first and second years (Psych 251) culminating with the receipt of the Master’s degree. As training progresses thereafter, social psychology students typically work with several faculty members to develop an increasing focus on their own particular topics in research, and expertise in the associated methods.

Methodological and statistical training covers experimental design and procedures, survey and field research methods, and univariate and multivariate techniques including use of structural equation modeling and hierarchical linear modeling. Social psychology students typically minor in measurement, health psychology, or political psychology, but may select from a variety of departmental minors.

Most social psychology faculty members run weekly small lab meetings with graduate students, postdoctoral fellows and visiting professors in which important training experience is gained above and beyond individual research supervision and coursework. Seminars and biweekly colloquia presentations by distinguished visiting speakers, students, and faculty are also offered and round out the course of studies.

UCLA’s Psychology Department has also developed leading programs in health and political psychology that are well integrated with the social psychology program. Along with the regular social faculty in the Psychology Department, the social program has a number of social psychology faculty affiliates who are faculty members in other departments and schools.  The social program also maintains close connections with the Institute for Social Science Research, the International Center for Talent Development, and UCLA’s Schools of Education, Medicine, Public Health, Nursing, and Management, and the UCLA Center for Behavior, Evolution and Culture. These connections foster interaction with faculty and students in other disciplines (e.g. Anthropology, Communications, Political Science, Psychiatry, and Sociology), and enable students to incorporate interdisciplinary study in a wide range of social and health sciences into their graduate education in social psychology.

More Social Psychology info

• For a list of Required Courses please see the  Psychology Handbook

Social Psychology Graduate Programs in America

1-18 of 18 results

Harvard Graduate School of Arts and Sciences

Cambridge, MA •

Harvard University •

Graduate School

• • Rating 4.56 out of 5   9 reviews

Other: I am Harvard Extension School student pursuing a master degree, ALM, in sustainability. I have achieved a 3.89 in this program so far and have qualified, applied, and accepted as a 'Special Student' in the Harvard Graduate School of Arts and Sciences. Through this School, I will be focusing my time at the John A. Paulson school of Engineering & Applied Sciences. Looking forward to wrapping up my final year on campus! ... Read 9 reviews

Harvard University ,

Graduate School ,

CAMBRIDGE, MA ,

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

Featured Review: Other says I am Harvard Extension School student pursuing a master degree, ALM, in sustainability. I have achieved a 3.89 in this program so far and have qualified, applied, and accepted as a 'Special Student'... .

Read 9 reviews.

Graduate School of Arts & Sciences - New York University

New York, NY •

New York University •

• • Rating 4.8 out of 5   10 reviews

Master's Student: I am enrolled specifically in the Magazine concentration. My professors have all been helpful with helping me succeed and are willing to stay back to go over something I don't understand. There are multiple points of resources at this program. A director is your main academic advisor. Aside from that, there is a pitch specialist to assist with freelancing and two wonderful career advisors. They help with setting up mingle sessions, job fairs, and internship talks. As of now, I haven't had bad experiences, however, I will say that the program is expensive and is an awkward three semesters. Those two things aren't ideal, however, its not too much of a dealbreaker. ... Read 10 reviews

New York University ,

NEW YORK, NY ,

10 Niche users give it an average review of 4.8 stars.

Featured Review: Master's Student says I am enrolled specifically in the Magazine concentration. My professors have all been helpful with helping me succeed and are willing to stay back to go over something I don't understand. There are... .

Read 10 reviews.

Boston College School of Social Work

Chestnut Hill, MA •

Boston College •

• • Rating 4 out of 5   2 reviews

Master's Student: The School of Social Work fosters a welcoming place where students can further develop their academic interests as well as actively prepare us for the workforce as culturally humble social workers. ... Read 2 reviews

Boston College ,

CHESTNUT HILL, MA ,

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

Featured Review: Master's Student says The School of Social Work fosters a welcoming place where students can further develop their academic interests as well as actively prepare us for the workforce as culturally humble social workers. .

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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

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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... .

UCI Social Sciences

Irvine, CA •

University of California - Irvine •

University of California - Irvine ,

IRVINE, CA ,

College of Arts and Sciences - Syracuse University

Syracuse, NY •

Syracuse University •

• • Rating 5 out of 5   2 reviews

Master's Student: The speech-language pathology program at Syracuse university is ranked very high among graduate programs in New York State. It is clear that the professors are very knowledgeable and provide students with the quality education needed to become excellent clinicians. The clinical faculty does an amazing job at supporting their students and allowing them to develop clinical skills for all types of speech and language disorders. This program does so much more than just providing students with education on the field of speech-language pathology. Students are constantly challenged to use complex skills like analytical thinking, collaborating with peers, and so much more. This program can be very demanding at times and requires students to put in a lot of work in the clinical and classroom settings. The main campus at Syracuse is very nice, however, the building for the speech program is nothing special. Almost all masters classes are in the same, small classroom with no windows. ... Read 2 reviews

Syracuse University ,

SYRACUSE, NY ,

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

Featured Review: Master's Student says The speech-language pathology program at Syracuse university is ranked very high among graduate programs in New York State. It is clear that the professors are very knowledgeable and provide... This program can be very demanding at times and requires students to put in a lot of work in the clinical and classroom settings. The main campus at Syracuse is very nice, however, the building for... .

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University of Connecticut School of Social Work

Hartford, CT •

University of Connecticut •

• • Rating 4.25 out of 5   4 reviews

Other: Overall, my academic experience has been very beneficial for me. From my peers, professors, and classes I have gained something useful in every aspect. I came in with little to no knowledge of graduate school or even having an inters in graduate school. Until one of my professors/advisors at the time brought the idea to me to enhance my career path. Although have been some few grey areas, it has not outweighed the entire experience. ... Read 4 reviews

University of Connecticut ,

HARTFORD, CT ,

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

Featured Review: Other says Overall, my academic experience has been very beneficial for me. From my peers, professors, and classes I have gained something useful in every aspect. I came in with little to no knowledge of... .

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College of Arts and Sciences - University at Buffalo, SUNY

Buffalo, NY •

University at Buffalo, SUNY •

• • Rating 3 out of 5   2 reviews

Doctoral Student: All of the professors are very accommodating and want to help you succeed. They help you in any way they can and make sure you understand different topics before moving on to something different! ... Read 2 reviews

University at Buffalo, SUNY ,

BUFFALO, NY ,

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

Featured Review: Doctoral Student says All of the professors are very accommodating and want to help you succeed. They help you in any way they can and make sure you understand different topics before moving on to something different! .

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... .

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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... .

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College of Arts and Sciences - Stony Brook University, SUNY

Stony Brook, NY •

Stony Brook University, SUNY •

• • Rating 3 out of 5   3 reviews

Doctoral Student: In the Physics Department, the classes are wide-ranging and generally well taught. They are challenging and require the amount of effort expected of a very good graduate education. However, the department is also somewhat behind the times in the assessment that is required for a PhD. You will spend two years jumping through hoops before beginning any real work for very little money. Many students wish to do research in String Theory, but there is little funding available and many students are admitted. Funding in most other areas of the department are adequate enough that most students are in the research area they wish to pursue. ... Read 3 reviews

Stony Brook University, SUNY ,

STONY BROOK, NY ,

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

Featured Review: Doctoral Student says In the Physics Department, the classes are wide-ranging and generally well taught. They are challenging and require the amount of effort expected of a very good graduate education. However, the... Many students wish to do research in String Theory, but there is little funding available and many students are admitted. Funding in most other areas of the department are adequate enough that most... .

College of Fine Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences - University of Massachusetts Lowell

Lowell, MA •

University of Massachusetts Lowell •

University of Massachusetts Lowell ,

LOWELL, MA ,

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College of Liberal Arts - University of Nevada, Reno

University of Nevada, Reno •

• • Rating 4.38 out of 5   8 reviews

Master's Student: The other students and most of the faculty were very kind and supportive. My only issue with the program is due to a lack of funding there were very few course options offered. I wish that humanities programs were offered more funding because it is unfair to students who pay the same as STEM students to attend the institution but are not offered the same chances to deeply enrich and develop their education. Luckily the professors were very open to allowing students to explore their own personal interests to the fullest and allow them to focus more on their specializations than on the core course curriculum. ... Read 8 reviews

University of Nevada, Reno ,

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

Featured Review: Master's Student says The other students and most of the faculty were very kind and supportive. My only issue with the program is due to a lack of funding there were very few course options offered. I wish that humanities... .

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College of Arts and Sciences - University at Albany, SUNY

Albany, NY •

University at Albany, SUNY •

Doctoral Student: At University at Albany, I've received excellent support from my mentors and the freedom to explore my own interests within the scope of my lab's overall goals. In areas where I'm weakest, I've been pushed to reach new limits. My advisors recognize my strengths and interests and guide me to use them as the "ore" to "smith fine weapon." There's not much I can say about the graduate community (COVID-19). I am delighted to be a grad student at UAlbany. ... Read 2 reviews

University at Albany, SUNY ,

ALBANY, NY ,

Featured Review: Doctoral Student says At University at Albany, I've received excellent support from my mentors and the freedom to explore my own interests within the scope of my lab's overall goals. In areas where I'm weakest, I've been... There's not much I can say about the graduate community (COVID-19). I am delighted to be a grad student at UAlbany. .

Ball State University College of Sciences and Humanities

Muncie, IN •

Ball State University •

• • Rating 4 out of 5   1 review

Current Master's student: The classes are of the same rigor and academic quality as on-campus instruction. I have learned quite a great deal from my program so far. The professors have been of high quality up to this point. ... Read 1 review

Ball State University ,

MUNCIE, IN ,

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

Featured Review: Current Master's student says The classes are of the same rigor and academic quality as on-campus instruction. I have learned quite a great deal from my program so far. The professors have been of high quality up to this point. .

Columbia University Graduate School of Arts and Sciences

Columbia University •

• • Rating 5 out of 5   3 reviews

Master's Student: It was a really great and flexible program that allowed me to explore my own interests without the restricting requirements getting in my way too much. Honestly a great major ... Read 3 reviews

Columbia University ,

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

Featured Review: Master's Student says It was a really great and flexible program that allowed me to explore my own interests without the restricting requirements getting in my way too much. Honestly a great major .

Teachers College at Columbia University

• • Rating 4.47 out of 5   98 reviews

Master's Student: Teachers College at Columbia University is the kind of place where thoughts and ideas are put forth into fruition. At my short time there so far, I have noticed how engaged the institution's personnel is with their student's successes and failures. I feel that Teachers College is the place to challenge yourself to achieve even greater things than one previously had in mind. ... Read 98 reviews

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

Featured Review: Master's Student says Teachers College at Columbia University is the kind of place where thoughts and ideas are put forth into fruition. At my short time there so far, I have noticed how engaged the institution's... .

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The CUNY School of Professional Studies

CUNY Graduate School & University Center •

• • Rating 4.5 out of 5   18 reviews

Master's Student: This program is notable for its rigorous curriculum and practical application of data science. It combines theoretical knowledge with real-world application, preparing students to face complex data challenges. Participating in hands-on projects with a tangible impact has been one of my most memorable experiences (machine learning to predict urban traffic patterns, demonstrating the power of data science to influence public policy). The faculty's commitment has provided me with invaluable mentorship, guiding me through the program's rigorous demands. However, the journey has not been without challenges. The coursework's intensity necessitated a steep learning curve, as well as changes in my study habits and time management strategies. While the program provides a solid foundation in data science, expanding its industry connections could provide students with more opportunities to participate in real-world projects and internships, enriching their academic experience. ... Read 18 reviews

CUNY Graduate School & University Center ,

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

Featured Review: Master's Student says This program is notable for its rigorous curriculum and practical application of data science. It combines theoretical knowledge with real-world application, preparing students to face complex data... .

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Social Psychology Doctoral Program

The Interdisciplinary Social Psychology Ph.D. program applies rigorous psychological and sociological scholarship to better understand the processes, structures and contexts that impact social interactions.

Program overview

The program emphasizes training in theoretical foundations, as well as qualitative and quantitative methods in basic and applied research. Though not all students choose one of these specializations, areas of emphasis include psychology and law, personal and social relationships, social psychology and health and organizational behavior. Gender, culture and development issues are integrated into the curriculum in each area of emphasis.

• Collective behavior
• Emotion expression and regulation
• Health and health policy
• Interpersonal communication and relationships
• Intergroup relations
• Law and juvenile studies
• Life span and aging research
• Political psychology
• Social inequality
• Social networks
• Socialization

Incoming students develop a mentoring relationship with a faculty member of the program. Students are encouraged to engage in scholarly research, often in collaboration with faculty, to present findings at professional meetings and to publish in reviewed journals and volumes. In addition to the support offered by the University's Graduate Student Association , the social psychology Ph.D. program offers financial assistance for student travel and research.

The program's interdisciplinary focus allows students to experience a wide range of perspectives within the field of social psychology. This holistic approach prepares students for engaging and rewarding work in both academic and applied settings upon completion of the program.

Graduates of the program are today employed in a variety of capacities. Roughly one-third teach and conduct research at universities, typically in tenure-track positions. One-third have full-time research positions in the public sector (county, state or federal level positions, including nonprofit organizations). The final third of graduates work in the private sector, either for commercial organizations -- for example, Adobe or Hotwire -- or operate their own consulting business. In short, advanced graduate training in social psychology can lead to a wide range of career paths.

Program resources

The handbook provides the necessary information for students to understand the requirements, expectations and opportunities associated with this graduate program.

Requirements

The curriculum of the program extends over a minimum of four years and includes multiple requirements. Learn more  on general and credit requirements, deficit coursework and more.

View a semester-by-semester timeline of the degree program both with or without the optional master degree track. 

Funding opportunities

General award resources.

• American Psychological Association (APA):   The APA provides access to information about a large number of funding sources, ranging from federal grants to student award by different APA divisions.
• American Psychological Foundation (APF) : APF offers a number of scholarships for students. They range from $2,000 to $5,000. Students at any stage of graduate study are encouraged to apply. The purpose of the scholarship program is to assist graduate students of psychology with research costs associated with the master’s thesis or doctoral dissertation.
• American Psychology-Law Association (AP-LS) : AP-LS as an organization has funding opportunities for social psychologists interested in the law.
• Association for Psychological Science (APS) . APS collects links to a number of different national and international funding programs.
• American Sociological Association (ASA) : ASA offers a number of grants and fellowships.
• National Science Foundation (NSF) Graduate Research Fellowship Program :  A variety of NSF fellowships exist.
• Society for the Psychological Study of Social Issues (SPSSI):  This organization offers grants and awards to social psychologists for a range of different purposes
• Western Social Science Association : This organization also offers awards for best paper/poster and other things. 

Comprehensive lists of funding sources available to graduate students across the U.S.

• The Graduate School, University of Nevada, Reno funding list
• University of Tennessee, Knoxville Collection : UTK makes available a collection of links to websites & organizations that offer various grants types of graduate funding.

Dissertation funding

• American Council of Learned Societies :  The American Council of Learned Societies offers a variety of different dissertation grants/fellowships.
• APA Dissertation Research Award : The APA offers a dissertation research award. They have a number of grants (about 30-40) for $1,000 each; there are also several larger grants up to $5,000 each. 
• American Educational Research Association:  Proposal are encouraged from a variety of education fields or fields doing education-related research. It is a one-year fellowship and is worth $25,000. See website for criteria/eligibility.
• Bilinski Fellowship: This fellowship is offered every year to help fund the final year of the doctoral students within a Ph.D. program associated with the College of Liberal Arts. Students can ask the director of the program for more information about the fellowship. The deadline to apply is usually in early March.
• Council of Graduate Departments of Psychology (COGDOP) . In conjunction with the American Psychological Foundation (APF), COGDOP offers over 20 graduate research scholarships to support dissertation research
• Ford Foundation : This fellowship is offered every year. The stipend is $21,000. 
• Horowitz Foundation : The Horowitz Foundation offers grants for graduate students to work on their dissertations. They offer $7,500 ($5,000 is awarded initially and $2,500 is awarded upon completion of the project). 
• Decision, Risk and Management Sciences : It supports research “directed at increasing the understanding and effectiveness of decision making by individuals, groups, organizations, and society.” 
• Law & Social Sciences : The website says that the program considers proposals that address social scientific studies of law and law-like systems/rules.
• Political Science Doctoral Dissertation Research Improvement Grants : Areas include, but are not limited to: American government and politics; comparative government and politics; international relations; political behavior; political economy; and political institutions. 
• Science, Technology, and Society : This focuses on a variety of different science, technology, and society (STS) topics. For instance, it includes interdisciplinary studies of ethics, equality, governance, and policy issues. 
• Sociology Program – Doctoral Dissertation Research Improvement Awards : This is for dissertation projects. It focuses on a variety of different topics, so it is not limited to just one type of research. 
• P.E.O. Scholar Award : One-time, competitive, merit-based awards intended to recognize and encourage academic excellence and achievement by women in doctoral-level programs. These awards provide partial support for study and research. P.E.O. Scholars have demonstrated their ability to make significant contributions in their chosen field of study, having assumed leadership positions in university academics, scientific research, medicine, law, performing arts, international economics, history, literature, government and other demanding fields. The award is $20,000.
• SPSP Heritage Dissertation Research Award : Each year, the Foundation for Personality and Social Psychology awards six grants of $2,000 each. At least two grants are in personality psychology and at least two grants are in social psychology.
• Woodrow Wilson Dissertation Fellowship in Women’s Studies :  “The WW Women’s Studies Fellowships support the final year of dissertation writing for Ph.D. candidates in the humanities and social sciences whose work addresses topics of women and gender in interdisciplinary and original ways.” Winners receive $5,000 to be used for expenses connected with completing their dissertations (e.g., research-related travel, data work/collection, and supplies).

Graduate student research grants

• American Council of Learned Societies : The American Council of Learned Societies offers a variety of different grants for research.
• American Educational Research Association : Research grants are available for various education research fields, as well as fields and disciplines engaged in education-related research. Minorities are strongly encouraged to apply. “Awards for research grants are up to $25,000 for a 1-year project or up to $35,000 for 2-year projects.” See the website for additional eligibility criteria.
• Wayne F. Placek Grants : This grant is designed to “support empirical research from all fields of the behavioral and social sciences on any topic related to lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender issues.” Grant is up to $10,000.
• Violet and Cyril Franks Scholarship : This is designed to “support graduate-level scholarly projects that use a psychological perspective to help understand and reduce the stigma associated with mental illness.” The scholarship amount is up to $5,000.
• American Psychology-Law Society (AP-LS) : AP-LS offers various grants/awards, and includes a Grant-in-Aid and the Diversity in Psychology and Law Research Award.
• American Sociological Association (ASA) : ASA offers various grants/awards (e.g., a Community Action Research Initiative Grant and Fund for the Advancement of the Discipline [FAD]).
• Society for Personality and Social Psychology (SPSP) : SPSP offers small research grants up to $1,500.
• Clara Mayo grant in support of Masters’ theses and pre-dissertation research on sexism, racism, or prejudice
• This organization also offers funding for travel.
• Society for the Scientific Study of Religion : Offers research grants to graduate students. Applicants must have been a member of the society at least one year prior to their application.

Pre-doctoral fellowships

• American Sociological Association : The American Sociological Association offers a minority fellowship program designed specifically for doctoral students of color. The annual stipend is $18,000. 
• Ford Foundation pre-doctoral fellowships :  Just as the Ford Foundation offers dissertation fellowships, it also offers pre-doctoral fellowships. 
• National Science Foundation (NSF) Graduate Research Fellowship Program . The GRFP provides funding for three years in addition to research expenses.

Student travel/participation grants

• American Psychology-Law Society:  Offers a travel award to fund travel to AP-LS every year. Students have won up to $500.
• American Sociological Association:  The American Sociological Association offers a few travel awards/grants.
• Society for Personality and Social Psychology (SPSP):  SPSP offers a number of different grants to graduate students, undergraduate students and scholars to attend its annual conference.
• Society for the Psychological Study of Social Issues (SPSSI) : Offers funds to travel to and attend SPSSI meetings.
• Western Psychological Association : T here is a Psi Chi WPA regional travel grant. This grant will help cover travel costs to the conference. Recent awards have been $225.
• Western Social Science Association :  This organization offers a travel grant to attend its annual meeting. There is also a grant available to waive the conference registration fees for local students.

This program is part of the  Western Regional Graduate Program  (WRGP), a tuition-savings program that makes out-of-state graduate studies more affordable for students. Through WRGP, you will receive a reduced tuition rate, giving you more educational options for your money.

Questions? Contact the graduate program director

Monica Miller, Graduate Program Director and Foundation Professor

• [email protected]
• (775) 784-1287

Students are also encouraged to contact any faculty that they might be interested in working with as their graduate advisor. Feel free to contact more than one faculty member. View our filtered faculty listing to see who is currently accepting students.

Welcome to the Social Psychology Graduate Program at the Department of Psychology and Neuroscience at University of North Carolina Chapel Hill. Our faculty have diverse interests in the social and affective processes that contribute to health, wellness, relationships, morality, and intergroup relations.

The Ph.D. program in Psychology is designed to provide students with the knowledge, skills, and judgment needed to become active contributors at the highest-level to research, teach, and provide public and professional service in the community.

The Social Psychology doctoral program maintains a flexible curriculum that allows students to develop their full potential as researchers and theorists. Students design a course of study that will best suit their unique trajectory. Learn more about our application process and curriculum .

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Doctor of Philosophy Psychology and Social Intervention

The Psychology and Social Intervention (PSI) doctorate prepares action scientists for diverse roles in academia and social research. You will be prepared to understand, transform, and improve the contexts and systems in which humans develop across the lifespan.

Degree Details

Official degree title.

PhD in Psychology and Social Intervention

Mission Statement

Our  mission is to train social scientists to (a) critically explore  the experiences of people in the contexts and systems in which they develop across the lifespan and (b) use knowledge to address  longstanding inequities in settings and systems. Our work is grounded in the belief that  empirically based knowledge about “persons in settings” is a key mechanism for achieving racial justice, social justice, and equity and for changing systems and settings as well as individuals. Training in PSI is actively interdisciplinary, drawing on theories and approaches from multiple  fields in  psychology (including developmental, community, political,  and social psychology) and other social and behavioral sciences. We conduct research and action in close partnership with key stakeholders while centering community voice and perspectives. Our training goals include fostering students’ abilities to:

(a) Conceptualize and measure (i) individual cognitive and psychosocial development and (ii)  the social settings, systems, and policies in which individuals are embedded;

(b) Understand the psychological impact of various forms of diversity, conflict, and structural inequity among individuals, groups, institutions, communities, and societies; and

(c) Design, improve, implement and evaluate prevention, intervention and policy strategies toward positive social change; and

(d) Utilize state-of-the art quantitative and qualitative and mixed-methods approaches to addressing individual and system-level phenomena.

PSI faculty and students study a wide range of contexts and systems (e.g., families, schools, neighborhoods, programs, juvenile justice systems,social movements,  intergroup contexts, policy contexts and macro-level economic and social structures) and interventions (e.g., psychological, social, educational and health programs and policies), locally, nationally and internationally. Our faculty also conduct research on how social psychological factors, cultural and racial identities, and marginalization influence and interact with people’s experiences of contexts, systems and interventions. New York University provides an ideal global network  for studying many kinds of communities in the US and other regions of the world, including Latin American countries, South Asia, the Middle East, and Sub-Saharan Africa.

PSI faculty collaborate closely with one another, as well as with other social, behavioral, health and policy scientists at NYU and other universities, and with service, community and policy organizations. PSI faculty direct or co-direct a number of affiliated institutes and centers at NYU, including the Institute for Human Development and Social Change, Global TIES for Children, the Metropolitan Center for Research on Equity and the Transformation of Schools (METRO), and A Research Center for Interconnected Approachs for Suicide Prevention (Arcadia).

You should apply to PSI if you…

• are committed to conducting applied research to promote justice and equity

want to develop conceptual and methodological skills to understand the interplay between people and settings/social systems

want to take an interdisciplinary approach to research

want to work in partnership with practitioners, policy makers, and community members

want to work in academia, industry, government, policy, program development and others!

Admissions Information

Degree components, degree goals and objectives, careers and outcomes, international students.

• Please note that the GRE test is optional.
• NYU Steinhardt offers a competitive funding package for PhD students who study full-time.   Learn more about Steinhardt's funding opportunities .

Application Guidelines: 

• Please visit the How to Apply page for more information on application requirements. 
• Please review our FAQ page to find out more information about the PSI program and application process.
• If you have any additional questions about our degree, please feel free to contact us at [email protected] .

PSI is a research-intensive degree with a strong quantitative training component that places a strong emphasis on:

• understanding and assessing social settings, systems, and policies;
• creating/improving, implementing and evaluating prevention and intervention programs; and
• understanding various forms of diversity and structural inequality among individuals, institutions, communities, and societies.

Students work collaboratively with faculty mentors on a range of activities, including study design, data collection and analysis, manuscript preparation, conference presentations, policy briefs, and evaluation activities.

Program faculty study a wide range of ecologies (e.g., families, schools, neighborhoods, policy contexts, programs) and preventive and policy interventions (e.g., psychological, social, educational and health programs) locally, nationally and internationally. Our faculty also conduct research on how cultural factors and identities influence and interact with experiences of these ecologies and interventions. Our New York City location provides an ideal urban setting for studying many kinds of communities, combined with gateways to the world at large.

In the PSI program, we focus on providing the framework to help you:

develop methodological skills that enable analysis of change over time and within and across levels of human ecology

acquire abilities to apply psychological and social science principles to the understanding of social settings, social/cultural contexts, and social and policy interventions

develop abilities to conceptualize, interpret, evaluate and disseminate evidence-based social and policy interventions; and develop the ethical, interpersonal, organizational, and technical capacities to undertake high-quality professional work in psychology and social intervention

The PSI doctorate trains social scientists to work in a variety of settings so they understand the experiences of people in the contexts and systems in which they develop across the lifespan, and can transform and improve these contexts and systems. 

Our degree prepares students for diverse roles in academia and applied research. In the academic arena, our students are well positioned for jobs in psychology, human development, education, public health, and public policy. In the area of applied research, you will be prepared to obtain positions in research organizations, policy institutes, social service agencies, community-based organizations, and advocacy. 

Our rigorous theoretical and empirical training will position you extremely well to respond to the ever-increasing demand for evidence-based prevention and intervention strategies in health, education, and social services.

See what our Alumni are up to now!

If you’re an international student, you may be able to work in the United States after graduation for an extended period of time. Most students studying on F-1 visas will be eligible for 12 months of Optional Practical Training (OPT) off-campus work authorization. F-1 students in our program may also be eligible for the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics) OPT extension, allowing you to extend your time in the United States to pursue degree-related work experience for a total of 36 months or 3 years. For more information on who can apply for this extension visit  NYU’s Office of Global Services: STEM OPT .

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Social Psychology Graduate Program

Department of Psychological Sciences

Purdue has one of the world’s leading training programs in social psychology. Faculty in the program are world-renowned experts in the core areas of social psychology — including social cognition, social influence, prejudice and discrimination, group dynamics and interpersonal relationships.

Program Highlights

• You will work closely with one or more faculty mentors as you develop your research expertise.
• The social psychology graduate program consists of exposure to all areas of social psychology and offers flexibility in the courses and areas of research you pursue.
• Teaching experience is an important aspect of graduate training in the social psychology program, and you are encouraged to take advantage of instruction opportunities.

Potential Careers

• University faculty member
• Social psychologist

Concentrations

Once admitted to a degree program, you must file an individualized plan of study to guide your academic degree progress. The plan of study is an academic contract between you, the advisory committee faculty members and the Graduate School. You should complete your plan of study electronically via the Plan of Study Generator on MyPurdue. More information about creating a plan of study can be found in the Department of Psychological Sciences’ graduate handbook.

Program Quick Facts

Degree Type: Doctoral

Program Length : 5 years

Location : West Lafayette, IN

Department/School : Department of Psychological Sciences

The social psychology graduate program emphasizes research as a central focus for learning. You are encouraged to become involved in research at an early point in your training by participating in faculty research projects and/or by carrying out individual research projects under the guidance of faculty.

Bridge Topics

Within the social psychology program, faculty also have research interests in several bridge topics, including diversity and inclusion, individual differences, maladaptive behavior and social relationships. Social psychology faculty who study diversity and inclusion focus on a broad range of topics, from ostracism to stereotyping and prejudice to gender issues and beyond. Faculty in the program who focus on individual differences study the rewards and challenges of close relationships, differences in person-thing orientation and self-presentation in interpersonal relationships. Maladaptive behavior research spans issues from interpersonal violence to discrimination. Finally, because social relationships play such an important role in social psychology, research in this topic explore a wide range of issues related to how individuals interact with each other and the social processes at play.

Research Opportunities

• Changing insecure tendencies
• Minimizing harm from partner aggression
• Understanding relational commitment
• Christopher R. Agnew  
• Ximena Arriaga
• Don Carlston (emeritus/retired)
• Nathan Cheek
• William G. Graziano
• Janice Kelly (emeritus/retired)
• Franki Y. H. Kung
• Margo Monteith
• Thekla Morgenroth
• Jim Tyler (emeritus/retired)
• Kip Williams

Admissions/Requirements

All students must complete an MS degree as one of the requirements of the doctoral program .

The statement of interest is particularly important to showcase a good alignment of research interests between you and faculty members. You are also encouraged to contact faculty members with whom you are interested in working.

Teaching and research assistantships are available throughout your time in the graduate program, and outstanding students are placed in competition for University fellowships.

Faculty recruiting new students for Fall 2025 admission will be posted here in October 2024.

Graduate Certificates

The department offers a graduate certificate in psychological statistics , available to students currently admitted to a graduate degree program at Purdue. Earning the certificate will demonstrate a broad theoretical understanding of advanced quantitative methods. You will also learn the technical skills necessary to integrate these advanced methods into their substantive research programs.

Connect with Us!

If you have questions or to learn more about this program, please contact the Department of Psychological Sciences Graduate Program Coordinator, Nancy O’Brien at [email protected] .

Nancy O’Brien Purdue University 701 Third Street West Lafayette, IN 47907

(765) 494-6067

[email protected]

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Graduate Program

The Department of Psychology offers a PhD program in four areas: Clinical Science, Social, Developmental, and Cognition, Brain, and Behavior (CBB). Admissions information, program requirements, funding and financial aid details, and other resources for the graduate program are detailed on the   Psychology Graduate Program website  and on the Harvard Griffin GSAS website . 

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Area Chair:   Ethan Kross , Professor of Psychology and Management/Organizations

2022 Social Psychology Area

Since the late 1940's, the Ph.D. Program in Social Psychology at the University of Michigan has consistently been ranked among the top programs in the world, and many of the leading contributors to the field graduated from Michigan. We strive to continue this tradition through cutting-edge research training that prepares students for a research career in academic or non-academic settings. Several features distinguish the Michigan program from many others:

With 18 core faculty in social psychology and more than 10 emeriti and affiliated faculty, the social psychology program spans a large and diverse range of research topics and methodologies.

An average of 30 graduate students, at different stages of their graduate careers, provides an equally rich and stimulating peer environment, while maintaining a student to core faculty ratio of less than 2:1.

The social psychology program is located in one of the top-ranked psychology departments. We encourage students to work with faculty across area boundaries and the flexible program requirements allow them to do so.

The University of Michigan is widely considered the leading center for social and behavioral science research in the world and its top-ranked departments and research centers provide an unusually rich interdisciplinary intellectual environment for social psychologists. We encourage students to take full advantage of these opportunities.

Building on this interdisciplinary strength, Michigan offers several interdisciplinary training programs in which social psychology students can participate. These include, among others, a Culture & Cognition Program in collaboration with the Department of Anthropology , a Decision Program that cuts across many departments and professional schools, an Evolution and Human Adaptation Program , a program in Organization Studies , a program in Social Work and Psychology , and a program in Women Studies and Psychology .

In addition, students have the opportunity to work with researchers at Michigan's numerous research centers, including the Institute for Social Research and its units, the Research Center for Group Dynamics, Survey Research Center, Center for Political Studies, and Population Studies Center; the Center for Human Growth and Development; the International Institute; the Institute for Policy Studies; the Mental Health Research Center; and many others [see research centers page].

Many research centers offer their own training opportunities, which enrich the departmental offerings. These opportunities include summer schools in survey research techniques , statistical analyses , and new developments in psychological methodology .

As befits such a rich environment, students have access to well- equipped laboratories, a departmental participant pool for experiments, computing facilities and data archives. In addition, there are many area, departmental, and university sources of funding for student research.

All students admitted to the program receive full financial support , as described by the department.

What Others Say About Us

The social psychology program at the University of Michigan is arguably one of the strongest, if not the very strongest, in the country, if not in the world. It has occupied this preeminent position for a very long time, and can be expected to maintain that stature going into the future. Any historical chronology of the great events of social psychology is destined to read like a chronicle of events at Michigan; any 'who’s who in social psychology' is bound to read like a listing of Michigan faculty and Michigan Ph.D.’s. -- From an outside review committee, appointed by the Dean of the College of Literature, Science and the Arts, 1998

The strength of the social psychology program at Michigan is, in many respects, strength through diversity. Historically, and today as well, the social psychology program has been a welcome home to many and diverse theoretical perspectives, substantive concerns, and methodological orientations. It has been, and continues to be, a program that operates at multiple levels of analysis, from the cognitive through the interpersonal through the group to the cultural levels of functioning, with research programs at each of these levels as well as ones that span and integrate these levels of analysis. -- From an outside review committee, appointed by the Dean of the College of Literature, Science and the Arts, 1998 .

Few, if any, training programs can offer either the quantity, diversity, or quality of training facilities or experiences that students in the Michigan program have the opportunity to experience. -- From the NIMH review of our training grant renewal, January 2004 .

The faculty are impressive in breadth, productivity, and level of extramural support. They have an outstanding record in mentoring and graduating first-rate students. -- From the NIMH review of our training grant renewal, January 2004 .

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How to Apply to the Social Psychology Program?

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PhD Degree Programs

The Counseling Psychology program is fully accredited by the American Psychological Association and prepares psychologists who embody a scientific approach to understanding and working with both specific and general problems in human behavior. The program is interdisciplinary and is organized around the scientist-practitioner model of critical thinking. It is implemented through didactic and experiential activities that emphasize research, development, evaluation, and learning as bases for prevention and remediation to assist persons of all ages and all life styles with improving and optimizing their well-being. The program has sufficient flexibility for students to pursue their own interests.

Program Prerequisites (or their equivalent) at the masters level:

Group Processes, Assessment/Evaluation, Career Counseling, Counseling Theories, Practicum/Clinical Techniques, Multicultural Counseling, and Research/Data Analysis. Students who have not completed these courses prior to entering the doctoral program must complete them early during their course of studies at the University of Memphis and prior to taking advanced courses in the same topic area.

Program Admission

A limited number of applicants are admitted once each year only for admission in the Fall semester; applicants for Spring admission are not considered. All application credentials must be received by December 5 for an applicant to be considered. Applicants to the doctoral program in Counseling Psychology typically hold a master’s degree (or equivalent) in counseling, psychology, or a related mental health area. Applications from students having a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in counseling, psychology, or a related mental health area will be considered if they have had substantial academic, clinical, or research work experience beyond the undergraduate degree.

Multiple criteria will be used when considering applicant admission, including, but not limited to, competitive GRE scores, undergraduate and graduate grade point average, personal statement, letters of recommendation, clinical and research experience, and interviews. A completed application packet will include the following: Graduate School application, departmental application, GRE scores, graduate transcripts, and four letters of recommendation from persons familiar with the applicant’s academic record and potential for graduate study in counseling psychology.

Program Requirements

Program prerequisites as noted above, 13 semester hours in discipline specific knowledge.

13 semester hours in Discipline Specific Knowledge that cover each of the following content areas: Affective Aspects of Behavior, Biological Aspects of Behavior, Cognitive Aspects of Behavior, Developmental Aspects of Behavior, Social Aspects of Behavior, History and Systems of Psychology (1 credit), and Advanced Integrative Knowledge.

6 semester hours in Counseling Psychology Foundations and Professional Issues

• CPSY 8101 - CPSY Foundations/Prfsnl Issues Credit Hours: (3)
• CPSY 8201 - Advocacy,Consultation,&Ethics Credit Hours: (3)

6 semester hours in Psychometric Theory and Methods

• CPSY 8575 - Adult Pers Assessmnt Credit Hours: (3)
• CPSY 8576 - Adult Cog Assessment Credit Hours: (3)
• approved alternatives

12 semester hours in Research Methods/Data Analysis

• EDPR 8541 - Stat Meth App Ed I ** Credit Hours: (3)
• EDPR 8542 - Statistical Methods Applied to Education II Credit Hours: (3)
• EDPR 8549 - Multivariate Methods Credit Hours: (3)

or EDPR 8562 (Designing Qualitative Research)

• CPSY 8203 - Sem Coun/Coun Psy Res Credit Hours: (3)

Students who enter the program with a strong statistical background may waive EDPR 8541 and go directly into EDPR 8542. However, students who begin the statistics sequence with EDPR 8542 must still complete two additional statistical courses. Students who plan to take EDPR 8562 (Designing Qualitative Research) must complete the prerequisite EDPR 8561 (Qualitative Mthds Educ) course as one of the approved alternatives.

18 semester hours in Counseling

• CPSY 8102 - Seminar In Grp Cpsy Credit Hours: (3)
• CPSY 8202 - Vocational Psychology Credit Hours: (3)
• CPSY 8577 - Supervisn in Coun Psyc Credit Hours: (3)
• COUN 8721 - Thry/Tchnqs Fam Thrpy Credit Hours: (3)
• COUN 8750 - Multicultural Counseling Credit Hours: (3)
• approved alternative
• CPSY 8784 - Adv Coun Psych Theories Credit Hours: 3

For students who enter with a master’s degree that included clinical practicum

For students who enter with a master’s degree that included clinical practicum, a minimum of 6 semester hours in counseling psychology practicum, CPSY 8200    and 450 clock hours, of which 150 must be direct contact hours, is required. Following completion of the minimum requirements, students may enroll in additional credits of CPSY 8200    or CPSY 8300    as electives. No more than a total of 15 practicum or advanced practicum credits will count toward the program requirements. Students entering with a bachelor’s degree and no supervised clinical practicum will be required to take 9 hours of counseling psychology practicum ( CPSY 8200   ). These students may count up to 18 credits of practicum or advanced practicum toward the program requirements.

15 semester hours of Electives in a Concentration

Residency project and comprehensive examinations:.

Upon completion of the core counseling psychology coursework, each doctoral student will complete a written comprehensive examination covering the core counseling psychology clinical, research, and professionalism domains and an oral examination. Completion of the research-based residency projects (authorship on one conference presentation and authorship on one manuscript submission) is due by the completion of the doctoral program.

6 semester hours in Dissertation

Minimum of 6 credit hours, maximum of 9 credit hours that can be applied toward the degree. NOTE: Students should familiarize themselves with the Thesis/Dissertation Preparation Guide before starting to write.

• CPSY 9000 - Dissertation Credit Hours: (1-12)

3 semester hours in Predoctoral Internship

A full-time one-year internship in Counseling Psychology in an agency approved by the Director of Training is required. Minimum of 3 credits, 1 credit per semester.

• CPSY 8800 - Predoctoral Intrnshp Credit Hours: (1-6)

The counseling psychology program is a full-time program of study. Students who enter with a master’s degree are able to complete the required coursework in three years and complete a one-year internship in their fourth year. Students who enter with a bachelor’s degree are able to complete the required course work in four years and complete a one-year internship in their fifth year. Candidates for the PhD degree in counseling psychology are expected to carry a minimum of 9 credit hours per semester. It is necessary to enroll in 12 credit hours per semester (6-9 in summer) in order to complete the program coursework in the expected time periods.

Professional Competency

Candidates for the PhD in counseling psychology are specializing in a profession. The PhD degree represents more than the accumulation of the specified number of semester hours credit. The student has responsibility to the public and to the psychology profession to ensure that satisfactory levels of professional and research competencies are attained.

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Clinical Health Psychology PhD Program

Mission statement.

The mission of the Clinical Health Psychology (CHP) program is to train Scientist-Practitioners who receive a generalist-training in clinical psychology, and who acquire additional knowledge and skill in health psychology and behavioral medicine. We promote a practice of clinical psychology that is evidence-based and integrates the findings of relevant scientific research. We encourage our students to engage in both research and clinical work, and to use critical analysis of the empirical literature to inform their clinical interventions. Our graduates are trained to function in a complex, diverse, and pluralistic society, emphasizing ethical principles and developing knowledge and respect for individual, group, and cultural differences.

Program Director : Amy Wachholtz, PhD                             

Program Assistant : Kimberly Hill , Ph.D.

CHP Admissions:   [email protected]

CU Denver and the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences have provided clear statements that we must stand together against racism and injustice. The Clinical Health Psychology program is aligned with these values. Please find here a helpful site of resources regarding racial justice.

The Psychology Department at CU Denver offers a Doctor of Philosophy degree (PhD) with an emphasis in Clinical Health Psychology (CHP). We are accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA) since 2016 (APA, Office of Program Consultation and Accreditation, 750 1st St. NE, Washington, DC 20002-4242; 202.336.5979). Our next site visit is Winter/Spring 2024.  Our program adheres to the scientist-practitioner model. Training emphasizes the contribution of research to the understanding, treatment and prevention of a wide range of health-related concerns, and the application of knowledge that is grounded in scientific evidence.  

In the CHP program, students are trained in a variety of approaches and techniques for evaluating, diagnosing and treating a wide range of psychological problems. Because our program places an emphasis on health, our students are also trained to assess the psychological factors associated with different medical conditions and learn to design effective interventions that integrate biological, psychological and social (including cultural) factors. Students acquire research expertise by completing a master's thesis and doctoral dissertation and demonstrate competence in clinical assessment and intervention through several applied practica experiences, a clinical competency evaluation, and a pre-doctoral internship. With this broad and intense model of training, our students have gone on to diverse professional postdoctoral fellowships and professional careers. Examples of research opportunities, clinical training opportunities, and post graduate experiences for our students can be found here.

CU Denver is a premier research university in Colorado and the PhD program in CHP was conceived as an important bridge between the Downtown Campus and the Anschutz Medical Campus (AMC).  The program is housed on the Downtown Campus which is located in the heart of Denver close to the Denver Center for the Performing Arts, the LoDo District and the state capital.  The Anschutz Medical Campus includes over 5 million square feet of research, educational and clinical space on 227 acres.  The PhD program offers research and clinical opportunities for its students at AMC in addition to the many relationships it has established with other clinical facilities in the Denver area.

The University of Colorado Denver’s CHP program is committed to diversity and fostering inclusion; one in which all individuals- whether from underrepresented, represented, or well represented groups- feel uniquely esteemed, valued and respected.  As psychologists, we understand that a culture of inclusion encourages diverse perspectives and makes our program and students stronger. This is part of our mission to equip future researchers and clinicians to be culturally competent and responsive as they engage in the science and practice of psychology.  Cultural competence and responsiveness in both research and clinical practice is strongly emphasized in our curriculum, clinical training, research, and numerous events in both the University and Denver communities. In our large urban setting, students in our program have excellent opportunities in to expand their research and clinical experience in with regard to diverse and underserved populations, including opportunities in bilingual training. Moreover, students and faculty in the program have a wide range of research interests, including research focused on neurodiversity, varying developmental periods, religious diversity, military couples, physical ability and addiction status, and health and healthcare disparities. Student research regarding diversity is encouraged. Applicants and current students can click the link below for more information about diversity programs at CU Denver.

Office of Diversity and Inclusion

Licensure information:

We are an APA accredited program (APA, Office of Program Consultation and Accreditation, 750 1st St. NE, Washington, DC 20002-4242; 202.336.5979) and most states and territories in the United States use APA requirements for licensing psychologists, including the state of Colorado.  However, as state requirements may change without any notice to doctoral programs, we are unable to confirm that our program meets the licensure requirements for any specific state or territory.  If you intend to pursue such credentialing and licensing in a different state or territory, we advise you to contact the applicable state credentialing authority to familiarize yourself with its specific requirements and determine if our program meets its eligibility criteria.  Many students find the following link is a helpful place to start in researching a state or territory’s requirements:   https://www.asppb.net/page/BdContactNewPG  . If you have further questions, you are welcome to contact the program director,  Amy Wachholtz, PhD , or the program assistant,  Kimberly Hill  and we will do our best to assist you in your career planning.       

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Bryant to launch doctoral program in clinical psychology

S MITHFIELD, R.I. (WPRI) — Bryant University’s School of Health and Behavioral Sciences (SHBS) will house the school’s first doctoral program.

In a campus-wide email, President Ross Gittell announced the upcoming Doctor of Clinical Psychology degree, saying, “This degree represents Bryant at its best – addressing challenges with bold and strategic solutions.”

“There is a severe mental health crisis not only in the nation but in Rhode Island, in Southern New England, and the pandemic accelerated that,” explained SHBS Associate Director Joe Trunzo.

He told 12 News students enrolled in the program will receive high-quality classroom instruction that ultimately prepares them for clinical placements where mental health services are most needed across Rhode Island.

In 2021, the National Alliance on Mental Illness identified 178,000 adults in Rhode Island as having a mental health condition. Of those adults, 61,000 of those who needed mental health care were not able to receive it.

Bryant’s new program five-year program hopes to boost the number of licensed psychologists in the state, which was hovering between 411 and 590 doctors in 2022 , according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Students will be able to choose between concentrations in health psychology or child and adolescent psychology. Applications open in September 2024, and the university plans to welcome its first cohort of Psy.D. candidates in September 2025.

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