Curriculum

The 39- to 51-credit PhD in Developmental Psychology provides you with the training in developmental theories and research skills required to advance scientific understandings of development in context. Training emphasizes the intersection of biology, culture, and context across domains of social, cognitive, language, and emotional development. You will apply a variety of methods (e.g., physiological, experimental, observational, and interviews) to study individual and environmental influences on development, preparing them to conquer a career in research settings such as academia, foundations, think tanks, industry, and interventions and programs that serve children and families. 

Core Course Sequence

The curriculum for the PhD program in Developmental Psychology provides you with opportunities to take courses in developmental theory and research, gain strong training in research methods, and acquire professional development skills necessary for building and being part of a broader scientific community. The course curriculum includes coverage of developmental content areas, research methods, research practicum, and participation in colloquia. The program of study provides you with opportunities to gain expertise in a programmatic research area and to acquire the skills for professional growth and development. 

Sample Electives

You will have the opportunity to take several electives in research methods and multivariate analysis, equipping them with the skills needed to engage in rigorous developmental science and contribute to the field. Electives include topics such as cross-cultural research methods, case study and ethnographic inquiry, methods for analysis of change, and supervised and unsupervised machine learning. 

Culminating Experience

The PhD in Developmental Psychology culminates in a doctoral dissertation that combines the theoretical and empirical contributions/findings you generated during your research in the program over your years of doctoral study. You will submit a three-paper dissertation, which includes at least two empirical data-based original studies (the third paper is often a conceptual or theoretical paper such as a synthesis and extension of the literature on a topic of expertise), a brief overview, and conclusions. After passing the methods comprehensive exam, successfully defending the comprehensive paper, and filing a doctoral candidacy form, students turn to incorporate the knowledge and skills they gained throughout the program into the preparation and completion of the dissertation.