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PhD, Developmental Psychology

PhD, Developmental Psychology

In this doctoral program, you’ll acquire a foundation in core areas of developmental psychology, knowledge of research methods and analytic approaches to the study of change processes, and the skills needed to address critical issues in developmental science that affect infants, children, and adolescents across domains, contexts, and cultures. The program prepares you for a career in academia and other research settings (e.g., foundations; think tanks, industry; and programs that serve children and families at local, state, national, and international levels). 

Official Degree Title

PhD in Developmental Psychology

Degree

PhD

Application Deadline

Fall Start:
December 1

Plan Code

PSDE

Credits

39-51

Format

Full-time

Contact

Admissions Information

212-998-5030 steinhardt.gradadmissions@nyu.edu

Program Information

212-998-5555 applied.psychology@nyu.edu

Admissions Requirements

You must have a bachelor's degree and/or a master's degree in Psychology or Human Development in order to apply to this program.

How to Apply

These instructions and requirements are for all applicants. If you are not a citizen or a permanent resident of the United States, please read the special instructions for international applicants.

Your application will require the following items. The following are acceptable document types for uploads: .pdf, .jpeg, .jpg, .gif, .tiff, .png, .doc, .docx, and bitmap.

1. Prepare Your Application Materials

Résumé/CV

You are required to upload a copy of your most recent résumé or curriculum vitae as part of your application.

Statement of Purpose

You are required to upload a typed, double-spaced, two- to three-page statement explaining your purpose in undertaking graduate study in this particular program as part of your application. This is your opportunity to introduce yourself and to inform the admissions committee about your goals, interests, and career plans as they relate to your intended academic pursuits.

Please include your research interests and a description of your future goals.

Letters of Recommendation

Submit three letters of recommendation. Be sure to request them well in advance of the deadline. Read detailed instructions.

Transcripts

List and upload a copy of an official transcript from every postsecondary institution (college/university) you have attended or are attending. Please note: This includes transcripts from institutions where you received transfer credits or did not complete a degree.  Make sure to request an official transcript(s) in advance of the deadline.

  • Transfer Credits: We understand accepted transfer credits may be clearly listed on your degree awarding institution’s transcript. The Office of Graduate Admissions still requires a transcript from the initial credit-granting institution where you took the course(s). Delay in listing and uploading these transcripts can significantly delay the application review process.

Institutions Outside the US or Canada

If you completed or are completing a degree at an institution outside of the US or Canada, you are required to provide a WES, ECE or TEC/SpanTran international credentials evaluation. Please review our requirements for translation and a course-by-course evaluation of your transcripts.

See detailed instructions.

GRE

Not required.

Although the GRE is typically required for this program, for the 2026 admissions cycle GRE scores will not be required. For more information see testing requirements.

Proficiency in English

See testing requirements.

Interview Date

The interview date for the 2026 cycle is Friday, February 6, 2026.

2. Apply

Application

Start your application now

After you fill in and upload the required information, you can submit your completed application. Your application must be completed, dated, electronically signed, and submitted by 11:59 p.m. EST of the stated deadline.

Application Fee

You will be prompted to pay a $75 application fee, payable by major credit card only. After submitting your payment, you will see your application status change from “saved” to “submitted.” Please print this screen for your records, as it confirms that your application has been successfully sent to our school. If you have problems submitting your payment, please contact the Office of Graduate Admissions. Learn more about our fee waiver policy.

Sending Materials

Most application materials can be successfully submitted via the online application.

If you plan to send application materials, transcript(s) or international credentials evaluation(s) to NYU Steinhardt Office of Graduate Admissions, please review these instructions.  Materials sent to other divisions of NYU may not be obtainable by our office and will significantly delay processing.

Application Policies

Application deadlines are "in-office" deadlines, not postmark deadlines. It is your responsibility to ensure that all materials are in the Office of Graduate Admissions by the appropriate deadline, and we reserve the right to return any application that arrives after the deadline. Only completed applications will be considered. Should a deadline fall on a weekend, the in-office deadline will be the next business day. We advise you to apply early.

Please check the online system to confirm that you have successfully submitted your application. Due to the volume of applications and related materials received, the Office of Graduate Admissions will only contact you if your application was successfully submitted and is deemed incomplete because of missing required materials. Otherwise, you will hear from us when the admissions committee has made its decision.

Deferral policy: NYU Steinhardt does not allow deferrals. Applicants who wish to be considered for a future semester must reapply by submitting a new application with all supporting materials, including letters of recommendation, by the application deadline.

3. Receive Your Admission Decision

Decision

You will be notified about your decision by email. Typically, decisions will start going out in late March or early April for fall enrollment. You may learn of your decision before or after this timeline.

PhD Funding

PhD Funding