January 2025 University Catalog

PhD in Psychology, Developmental Psychology

School of Social and Behavioral Sciences

Doctoral learners in the Developmental Psychology specialization acquire a broad base of knowledge associated with lifespan development, policy, and advocacy. Core coursework provides a foundation of the science of psychology, and specialization coursework provides depth within the discipline of developmental psychology and policy. Successful graduates of this specialization are prepared to pursue careers in teaching and instruction; higher education; child, adolescent, and adult development; policy and advocacy; or research. This specialization is not designed or intended to meet licensure requirements for any licensed profession.

Core courses

PSY7015Foundations of Doctoral Studies in Applied Psychology

4

PSY7105Building a Doctoral Foundation: History, Theory, and Topics in Psychology

4

PSY7870Doctoral Research Design

4

RSCH7020Navigating the Ethical Landscape of Research in a Diverse World

4

RSCH7864Quantitative Design and Analysis

4

RSCH7868Qualitative Design and Analysis

4

PSY-V8925Doctoral Project Development - Topic Ideation

3

PSY-V8926Doctoral Project Development - Topic Development

3

PSY-V8927Doctoral Project Development - Framework Development

3

Choose one from the following two courses.

RSCH8625Advanced Quantitative Statistics

4

RSCH8635Advanced Qualitative Analysis

4

Specialization courses

PSY6020Advocacy in Child and Adolescent Development

5

PSY6030Adolescent Psychology

5

PSY7240Adult Psychology

5

PSY7421Cognitive/Affective Psychology

5

In addition, choose three courses from the following.
PSY5115Human Sexuality

5

PSY5120Social Psychology

5

PSY5140Program Evaluation

5

PSY6010Human Prenatal Development

5

PSY6015Lifespan Development

5

PSY6025Child Psychology

5

PSY7510Psychology of Personality

5

PSY8626Multivariate Statistics: Theory and Application

5

Learners must register for PSY9960 a minimum of four times to fulfill their specialization requirements.

PSY9960Dissertation Courseroom

3

Total

At least 84 quarter credits

One or more courses in this program may require a prerequisite(s). Refer to the course descriptions for details.

Learners who do not complete all program requirements within quarter credit/program point minimums will be required to accrue such additional quarter credits/program points as are associated with any additional or repeat coursework necessary for successful completion of program requirements.