Developmental Psychology

Our Developmental Psychology doctorate emphasizes the intersections of biology, culture, and context in developmental processes across social, cognitive, language, and emotional development. You will apply a variety of methods (e.g., experimental, quasi-experimental, survey, observational, semi-structured interviews) to the study of individual and environmental influences on the development of infants, preschoolers, children, and adolescents at multiple, nested levels. You will be required to take classes in developmental content areas and analytic methods and research, and advanced seminars on theories of change and theories of culture.

Degree Goals and Objectives

You’ll engage in community- and/or laboratory-based research for the entire length of your studies under the supervision of primary and secondary faculty mentors. We conduct our research in laboratories at New York University and in the homes, daycares, schools, hospitals, neighborhoods, and community settings of the multiethnic and richly diverse city of New York.

International research is also a cornerstone of the program. Faculty and students study developmental processes and contextual influences in countries such as China, India, South Africa, Korea, and Peru. We work closely with our affiliated global faculty at NYU Shanghai and NYU Abu Dhabi.

What expertise do doctoral students acquire in the Developmental Psychology doctorate?

• A strong foundation of knowledge in domains of development (e.g., social, cognitive, emotional, language) and how research methods and theories can be applied to current issues in developmental science.
• The ability to think critically and creatively about the ways that research on development, context, and culture advances theories and knowledge of human development.
• The understanding and skills required for the application of theories and knowledge in developmental science to the design, implementation, and evaluation of interventions, programs, and institutions that serve children and families.
• Expertise in using multiple methods and research designs—including longitudinal, survey, experimental, quasi-experimental, observational, ethnographic, narrative, and case study methods—and applying a range of statistical tools to analyze findings.
• The ability to generate and disseminate scientific knowledge to scholarly and community audiences and to be a productive member of a community of scholars.