Doctor of Philosophy

Developmental Psychology

Degree Goals and Objectives

Our Developmental Psychology doctorate emphasizes intersections among biology, culture, and context in developmental processes across areas of 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.

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.

Additionally, international research is 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 on 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 the use of multiple methods and research designs—including longitudinal, survey research, experimental, quasi-experimental, observational, ethnographic, narrative, and case study methods—and the application of a range of statistical tools in the analysis of 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.