phd in social psychology online

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List of Online PhD in Social Psychology Programs

A lot of people wonder why others feel a need to conform. They want to know why there are mobs, and why these sometimes spiral out of control. They also want to find out why there continues to be such strong religious discrimination around the world, or why non-profit organizations continue to struggle to increase donations. These are just some of the many questions that social psychologists aim to answer.

A social psychologist is charged with studying human interaction. They are different from clinical psychologists, who work with individual patients. A social psychologist looks at trends and general features, trying to identify how different human beings relate to one another, without taking their unique idiosyncrasies into consideration. They look at everything involved in human interaction, from how two people relate to each other to how entire groups can communicate. Furthermore, they use the knowledge they gather through research to structure and manipulate so-called socio-psychological processes in an attempt to improve them.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), social psychologists are likely to earn an average of around $74,030 per year, although this varies tremendously depending on where they work, how long they have been employed and what their level of education is. The BLS has also reported that the field itself will experience around 12% growth between now and 2022, which is on the national average. However, the economy is still recovering and this means there is a good chance this percentage will grow as well.

The projected growth is particularly true because there is a new emerging trend within the field of social psychology. There is now a strong demand for professionals who understand social psychology across today’s internet age. This pertains to a new generation of social psychologists who are very tech-savvy are looking into how people interact online on social networking sites and chat rooms, and they can identify and break through patterns in cyber bullying.

If you want to hold a doctorate degree in social psychology, it is likely that you will go to an on campus institution, through which you will become involved in various research projects to work towards your dissertation. In fact, there is currently only one school that offers an online doctorate program in social psychology, which does require some residency as well. One other school is also not quite delivered online, but much of the curriculum encompasses self-guided study, which can be completed online. Let’s take a look, therefore, at the two possible programs for those who wish to obtain a doctorate in social psychology online.

1. Walden University

Walden University offers  a PhD in Social Psychology – Fast Track (BS Entry) option . This program encourages students to conduct research on various important social issues, including group dynamics, interpersonal processes, attitudes and social cognition. Graduates will get a Ph.D. in Psychology with a specialization in Social Psychology. This encourages them to become more knowledgeable on the various influence of social factors. Students are provided with sophisticated research methods and can become educators or researchers in higher education. Many graduates become consultants serving for-profit and not-for-profit organizations.

Additional Options

• Social Psychology – Related MS Entry (PhD)
• Social Psychology – BS Entry (PhD)
• Social Psychology – Fast Track (MS Entry) (PhD)

The program takes a total of 106 quarter credits to complete, which are made up of:

• 71 credits in core courses
• 15 credits in elective courses
• 20 credits for a dissertation
• 4 four day Ph.D. residency sessions

Some of the core courses include topics such as:

• Social cognition
• Culture and psychology
• Ethics and standards of psychology

The elective courses cover issues in Educational Psychology, Forensic Psychology, General Psychology, Health Psychology, or Organizational Psychology.

The program costs $67,610 to complete without any transfer credits.

To be admitted to the program, students must:

• Provide their academic records.
• Write a goal statement.
• Have relevant work experience.
• Hold a master’s degree at least.
• Have at least three years of relevant academic or professional experience.

2. The New School for Social Research

The program offered by the New School for Social Research in New York is not a traditional online degree, but it is one that includes a lot of independent learning, much of which can be completed online. This degree program is most suitable for those who currently hold a bachelor’s degree, as the program starts by completing a master’s in general psychology, after which graduates concentrate in social psychology.

Students are expected to research broad socio-psychological areas including culture and cognition, political psychology, existential psychology, and close relationships. They investigate specific questions in these areas, such as conflict resolution in political disputes, dehumanization, essentialism and entitativity, sacred values, culture and norms of reciprocity, self-objectification, the origins of racial categories, interpersonal motivation, and immigration.

The program is made up of 60 total credits, 30 of which are for the master’s degree. Students must complete these credits within a ten year time period and they must hold a GPA of 3.7 in order to graduate.

To be admitted to the program, students must hold a bachelor’s degree (those with a relevant master’s may be accepted straight onto the Ph.D. pathway).

3. Liberty University

Students interested in a Ph.D. in Social Psychology can earn their degree online at Liberty University. This Ph.D. in Psychology – Social Psychology is a highly specialized degree that can help the student to envision large scale challenges of society and be a key part of devising practical solutions. ( Liberty.edu )

Liberty University’s online Ph.D. in Social Psychology offers strong research training that will ready you for a career in academia and social psychology research. An online Ph.D. in this program is ideal for students who want to bring new human behavior knowledge to the field of social psychology and find ways to address pressing social issues. 

Learning objectives in this four-year program are: 

• Learn how to apply psychological principles to large scale social thought and group psychology.
• Master psychological writing and research techniques that will establish your work in human behavior studies. 
• Complete your Ph.D. dissertation research during the program with mentorship from your psychology professors. 

Required courses for graduation are: 

• Theories and Research in Social Psychology
• Biological Bases of Behavior
• Social Cognitive Development
• Contemporary Topics in Social Psychology
• Attitudes, Measurement and Change
• Social Relationships
• Social Cognitive Neuroscience
• Social Psychology of the Digital Age
• Quantitative Research and Analysis

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• No GRE Psychology Doctorate Degrees. (n.d.). Retrieved from  https://psydprograms.org/no-gre-online-psychology-phd-programs/
• 8+ Online Psychology Ph.D. Programs 2020. (2019). Retrieved from  https://psydprograms.org/most-affordable-online-psychology-phd-programs/

2024 Best Online PhD in Social Psychology Programs [Doctorate Guide]

Earning a social psychology PhD could help you advance your expertise and expand your career opportunities in the field.

Social psychology focuses on how social interactions and environments affect human behavior, such as why individuals behave differently when in a group versus when they are alone.

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A doctoral degree in this specialty area can help graduates qualify for research and academic positions as well as consulting positions for companies and organizations. If you want to work directly with patients, you could pursue licensure as a social psychologist.

Universities Offering Online PhD in Social Psychology Degree Programs

Methodology: The following school list is in alphabetical order. To be included, a college or university must be regionally accredited and offer degree programs online or in a hybrid format.

California Institute of Integral Studies

The California Institute of Integral Studies offers a PhD in Psychology with a concentration in Integral and Transpersonal Psychology. The program is fully online and starts in the fall of each year. Classes are typically taken part-time, and the coursework can usually be finished in 2 years. The dissertation usually takes around 3 years to complete.

CIIS is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges – Senior College and University Commission.

Capella University

Capella University offers a PhD in Psychology through its School of Social and Behavioral Sciences. Concentrations offered include Developmental Psychology, Educational Psychology, and Industrial-Organizational Psychology. The program is fully online, and students take part in virtual residencies instead of on campus. Doctoral projects may be started early in the program.

Capella University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Capitol Technology University

Capitol Technology University is the first school in the country to offer an online program for a PhD in Cyberpsychology. The program is fully online. Capitol’s curriculum is industry-based, and the program’s instructors are experienced in their industries. Students may choose between a dissertation or publication project. The program requires the completion of 60 credits in courses like Cyberpsychology Future Demands.

Capitol Technology University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Fielding Graduate University

Fielding Graduate University offers a PhD in Clinical Psychology. The program offers three concentrations to choose from, including Social Justice and Diversity. Coursework can be completed online, but students must attend two residencies that are 5 days long each year, for the first three years of the program. The program also requires the completion of 600 clinical hours and a dissertation.

Fielding Graduate University is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Senior Colleges and Universities of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.

Grand Canyon University

Grand Canyon University offers a PhD in General Psychology with an emphasis in Cognition and Instruction. Courses may be taken online or on campus in the evening. The program requires the completion of 60 credit hours, and courses are offered in an 8 week, accelerated format. It can potentially be completed in 4 years.

Grand Canyon University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Liberty University

Liberty University offers a PhD in Psychology with an emphasis in Social Psychology. The courses are taught from a biblical worldview. The program may be taken fully online or in a hybrid format. Courses are offered in an 8 week, accelerated format, and the program can potentially be completed in just 3 years.

Liberty University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Saybrook University

Saybrook University offers a PhD in Clinical Psychology. Students may customize their electives to specialize in Social Psychology. Courses are offered fully online, but an orientation and residential learning experiences on campus are required. The program can potentially be completed in 5 years when attended full-time.

Saybrook University is accredited by the Senior Commission of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.

Sofia University

Sofia University offers a PhD in Transpersonal Psychology. Coursework is fully online, but four residential seminars must be attended over the course of the program. Each seminar is 5 days long. The program requires the completion of 75 credits and can potentially be finished in 3 years when attended full-time.

Sofia University is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.

University at Albany

The University of Albany offers a PhD in Social and Personality Psychology. Coursework may be completed online. The program offers students the opportunity to teach either online or on campus. The program requires the completion of a dissertation, research projects, and comprehensive exams. It is offered in the fall, spring, and summer.

UAlbany is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Walden University

Walden University offers a PhD in Psychology with an emphasis in Social Psychology. Coursework is entirely online. Students can choose between three tracks based on their previous degrees. Some students may be able to get credit for previously completed courses. Up to 55 qualifying credits may be transferred in. There are multiple start dates offered throughout the year.

Walden is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Online Social Psychology PhD Programs

An online PhD in Social Psychology program is designed to prepare students to become researchers, teachers, and practitioners in the field of social psychology.

Much like with a social psychology masters online or on campus, with a PhD program, you can expect to be exposed to rigorous scientific methods and approaches in cognitive neuroscience, behavioral experimentation, data analysis, field studies, psychophysiology, and more.

Social psychology PhD coursework may include a focus on:

• Research training—both in class settings and community experiences
• Advanced statistical and qualitative methods
• How social structures influence behavior, social and political attitudes, and even health
• How human experience, including thoughts and behavior, is shaped by various groups
• Teaching methods—such as course preparation, teaching strategies, and assessment
• Research applications to real-world processes—such as policy-making and counseling

Students can also expect to engage in multi-method approaches such as direct behavioral observation, survey and field research design, and peripheral psychophysiology. PhD students are typically heavily involved in an active research culture with mentorship opportunities.

You may have the opportunity to work closely with faculty mentors on research projects in an on-campus or online psychology degree programs. Common research areas include intergroup relations, social cognition, social identification, and more. Most PhD programs require the completion of a dissertation as well as a residency or fellowship.

Social Psychology Careers & Salaries

Social psychologists typically find careers in research, teaching, or consulting with individuals or organizations. Social psychology PhD graduates may teach at the university level or conduct research for private, academic, or government institutions.

Social psychologists who want to work directly with patients go on to obtain state licensure. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics , here are some potential career paths associated with the study of social psychology.

Earning a degree in social psychology may lead to diverse opportunities to focus on behavior, research, data, and more in various career settings. Social psychology graduates may also work directly with organizations to solve societal problems. To give an example, a social psychologist might help to create public awareness campaigns for certain health issues.

Professionals with a background in social psychology could also work for marketing agencies or corporations. They might apply their knowledge to help companies develop employees, understand customers’ buying behavior, or improve advertising campaigns.

Social Psychology PhD Curriculum & Courses

While the coursework of social psychology PhD programs online can differ from school to school, many curriculums feature similar courses, including:

• Research Methods: This course delves into the fundamentals of research methodology, including best practices and ethics.
• Statistics: This course prepares you for working with and analyzing data sets, probability, statistical inference, and statistical theory.
• Overview of Social Psychology: This course overviews the broad themes and theories present in modern social psychology as well as accumulated research.
• Group Processes and Intergroup Relations: This course examines the psychology behind social group processes, along with relations between social groups.
• Self and Identity: This course evaluates concepts of the self and how this identity process impacts both individuals and groups.
• Attitudes and Social Influence: This course introduces historical and modern social theories as well as experimental and correlational research regarding social influence.
• Interpersonal Processes: This course explores the nature of interpersonal relationships and their processes.
• Motivation, Affect, and Cognition: This course explores research on motivational systems, as well as the effect of cognition on motivation.
• Foundations of Doctoral Study in Psychology: This course focuses on scholarly writing, critical thinking, and empirical research in view of PhD requirements.
• Teaching of Psychology: This course focuses on the skills necessary to teach psychology at the university level, including rapport, learning strategies, course creation, and more.

Much like with a doctoral online clinical psychology degree program , earning an online PhD in Social Psychology also tends to require the completion of a dissertation and dissertation support courses. Some programs may also include the opportunity for residences.

How to Become a Social Psychologist

In order to hold the title of social psychologist, it’s necessary to earn a doctoral degree in social psychology.

Below are the common steps toward becoming a licensed social psychologist:

• Doctoral degree. Social psychologists practicing, teaching or researching psychology typically need to earn either a Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) or a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Psychology from an accredited university.
• Internship or residency. Social psychology students will typically conduct research under the supervision of a licensed psychologist.
• Licensure. Most psychologists working with patients are required to become licensed in the state that they practice. This may include the prerequisites of holding a doctorate, passing an exam, and completing a supervised fellowship. Social psychologists who do not work with patients may not need licensure.
• Certification. Although not always required, licensed social psychologists may choose to become board certified. This credential could help psychologists pursue specialized careers and expand their opportunities.

The type of licensure or certification you may need depends on whether you’re looking to pursue an academic career or work directly with patients.

Admissions Requirements

Admissions requirements for entry into social psychology doctoral programs can vary depending upon your school, but many core requirements remain the same. These may include:

• Bachelors or masters degree in a related field
• Personal essay
• Academic research sample
• Letters of recommendation
• 0 minimum GPA, on average

Many schools no longer require GRE or GMAT scores for graduate admissions, so you may want to check with your school to see if you need them. Some universities may also require an interview or departmental approval for entrance into a PhD psychology program.

Social Psychology Graduate Programs Accreditation

Determining whether your potential school or college is accredited is an important step to take before you apply. Accreditation is, in essence, quality assurance that a postsecondary institution meets a set of professional education standards.

Enrolling in accredited online psychology programs is a precondition for certain types of financial aid. Plus, many employers and license boards only recognize doctoral degrees that are awarded by accredited schools. Regional accreditation is considered the most prestigious and widely recognized accreditation.

You can find out whether your school is regionally accredited by visiting the Council for Higher Education Accreditation ’s website.

Social Psychology Licensure and Certifications

While requirements vary by state, social psychologists usually need to become licensed if they want to work with patients. Here is a breakdown of common licensing requirements:

• Hold a doctoral degree in psychology
• Complete supervised work experience
• Pass the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP)

Board certification with agencies like the American Board of Professional Psychology (ABPP) is optional, but it may lead to advanced opportunities in the field. To become certified, practicing psychologists must be licensed and pass an exam of competency. If you plan to teach or conduct research, you may not need a state license.

Financial Aid and Scholarships

Many students seek financial assistance to complete a social psychology PhD program. Luckily, there are many types of aid options available to students who qualify. These options may include federal aid, state aid, scholarships, grants, and more.

There are a number of scholarship and grant opportunities offered by schools and private organizations that could be based on a student’s need, merit, or area of study. If you require assistance in the form of student loans, both federal and state loan options may be available. You can fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to see your eligibility for federal aid options.

Some employers also offer tuition benefit programs to help their workers further their education. Schools may also have assistantships available for doctoral students.

What Can You Do with a PhD in Social Psychology?

Earning a PhD in Social Psychology can help prepare you for a research career at various academic, private, or government institutions.

PhD graduates may also teach at the university level, where they might conduct research as well. Some professionals choose to work directly with patients, individuals, or organizations as consultants. In organizations, they might use their knowledge of behavior and social influence to help with employee development or marketing research.

Social psychologists who want to work directly with patients in a clinical or counseling setting often need to obtain licensure or certification.

What Does a Social Psychologist Do?

Social psychologists focus on understanding human behavior within social interactions, groups, and relationships. They primarily study how these interactions affect the individual. Because of this, social psychologists may work as researchers in a variety of fields that deal with groups. They can also teach at the postsecondary level.

Social psychologists can also apply their knowledge of group dynamics, behavior, social perception, and social environments in clinical settings. They may work directly with individuals in need of counseling. Others consult with organizations, especially when it comes to marketing or employee training.

Where Do Social Psychologists Work?

Social psychologists can be found in a variety of career settings. Many social psychologists enter the research field, where they can be found at academic institutions like universities, government research centers, or laboratories.

Social psychologists may also be found in correctional facilities, schools, and welfare organizations. Those in clinical settings may work directly with patients. Others work at marketing or advertising firms to assist in market research. Many social psychologists also teach at the university level, where they can simultaneously conduct research.

Should I Earn a Doctorate in Social Psychology?

If you’re interested in human behavior and how people are affected by social settings, then earning a doctorate in social psychology could expand your career opportunities in this field.

Professionals in this field often have the opportunity to be involved in research that contributes to the field of psychology. Some also work in government or politics. Doctoral graduates may also work with organizations, individuals, and even the military to improve societal-related issues.

Social psychology professionals with a PhD may also qualify to teach and conduct research at colleges and universities. Whether a social psychology doctorate is right for you may depend on your personal interests and career goals.

How Long Do Social Psychology PhD Programs Take Online?

Generally, earning a PhD takes 3 to 5 years to complete with full-time study. The length of your program can depend, though, on the number of credit hours required as well as how long it takes you to complete the dissertation process.

If no dissertation is required, a social psychology doctorate program can sometimes be completed in 3 years with full-time study. Of course, students enrolled part-time due to other career or family obligations may take longer to complete a doctoral program.

What’s the Difference Between PsyD vs. PhD Programs in Social Psychology?

Although Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Social Psychology programs are similar in many aspects, they differ when it comes to career focus and outcomes.

• PsyD in Social Psychology: A PsyD is a professional doctorate that’s primarily designed to prepare students for clinical careers working directly with patients.
• PhD in Social Psychology: A PhD is designed to prepare students for entering research careers as well as careers in academia and clinical settings.

PhD programs typically admit fewer students than PsyD programs, which may cause PhD programs to be more competitive.

Is a PhD in Social Psychology Worth It?

Yes, a PhD in Social Psychology is worth it for many students. Earning a psychology PhD can help you qualify for a range of career opportunities in this lucrative field.

Graduates may choose to work in research that has an impact on human interaction and individual psychology. Those with a PhD may also choose to teach at the university level. Social psychology professionals can also consult with organizations or pursue psychologist licensure to work directly with patients.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment of psychologists is projected to grow by 6% over the next ten years.

Getting Your PhD in Social Psychology Online

A PhD in Social Psychology program is designed to help you prepare to become a researcher, teacher, or practitioner in social psychology.

The study of social psychology is focused on human behavior and how individuals are affected by social interaction and society. Earning your doctoral degree online is a convenient way to advance your expertise and professional qualifications in this lucrative field.

If you’re ready to take this next step in your educational and professional journey, you can start researching accredited schools to see which PhD program in social psychology is right for you.

Ph.D. in Psychology – Social Psychology

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As our world grows closer together, with people across the globe connecting more every day, our social fabric changes. From the local to the international scale, new challenges in interpersonal relationships and new social movements are emerging. Liberty University’s Ph.D. in Psychology – Social Psychology is designed to help you see the large-scale challenges of society and be a part of real-world solutions.

Liberty’s Ph.D. in Psychology is ideal for students who want to have a people-centered, ethical approach to bringing new knowledge of human behavior to the field. With our help, you can dig deep into the underlying causes of social crises and find new ways to address wide-reaching social issues. Our mission is to Train Champions for Christ , and we fulfill this mission by training professionals to use science with biblical values to understand the full breadth of human experience.

With our online Ph.D. in Psychology, you will learn effective clinical techniques and advanced behavioral theory, as well as how to develop your research and writing skills. Our unique, biblically-based approach to this field can help prepare you to make a positive impact on the world.

What Will You Learn in Our Doctorate in Psychology – Social Psychology?  

Through this program, you will:

• Develop psychological practices rooted in biblical values.
• Learn a practice-grounded critical approach to psychology research and theory.
• Learn how to apply principles of psychology to large-scale social thought and group psychology.
• Master psychological research and writing techniques that will establish you as an expert.
• Complete dissertation research with mentorship from Liberty faculty.

With our online Ph.D. in Psychology, you can learn effective clinical techniques, essential behavioral theory, and develop your research and writing expertise. The social psychology area of study applies these specialized skills to larger-scale societal issues, allowing you to guide governments, businesses, and nonprofits to solutions for social challenges.

Our goal is to help you venture into the world of psychology research and practice by offering insights rooted in biblical foundations of truth that can help communities heal and thrive.

Potential Careers with a Ph.D. in Psychology  

• College professor
• Independent social psychology consultant
• Organizational mentor/consultant
• Social issues writer
• Social psychology researcher

Highlights of Our Psychology Doctoral Programs

As a leader in distance education since 1985, we understand what it takes to create a flexible and affordable education for busy people. Since we have been investing in distance and online learning for decades, our experience has taught us how to streamline our degree options so you can focus on what really matters to you. While many schools offer online degrees, we believe Liberty stands out.

Here’s what sets us apart:

• We are recognized by multiple institutions for our academic quality, affordability, and accessibility . Our commitment to excellence also helped us rank in the top 10% of Niche.com’s best online schools in America . Earning your online Ph.D. in Psychology – Social Psychology degree from a nonprofit university with this kind of recognition can help set you apart from others in your field.
• Your success is our success, which is why we are committed to providing quality academics at an affordable tuition rate. While other colleges are increasing their tuition, we have frozen tuition rates for our undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs for the past 9 years – and counting.
• Our degrees allow you to apply biblical principles to advanced research techniques through courses like Psychological Research and Biblical Worldview.

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Ph.D. in Social Psychology

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The doctoral program in Social Psychology at New York University offers training in the scientific study of social psychology and social behavior. To this end, it offers training in the psychological theories, principles, and research methods relevant to understanding human behavior among individuals, groups, and organizations .

Program Vision

Social behavior is best understood from a multi-level perspective. The focal level of analysis often concerns the individual and the situation, with an emphasis on the cognitive, emotional, and motivational processes that drive behavior in social contexts. Our multi-level approach may examined how these processes are shaped by political, societal, and organizational factors, at a higher level, and supported by neural and physiological systems, at a lower level.

Our multi-level perspective is reflected in our methodologies. Students receive training in advanced quantitative methods and in a broad range of approaches such as behavioral experimentation, psychophysiology and cognitive neuroscience, big data (e.g., from social media), experience sampling, online data collection, dyadic measurement, computational modeling, and field studies, to name a few. Members of the program have access to fMRI, EEG/ERP, eye-tracking, and peripheral psychophysiology facilities housed within the Psychology Department.

Finally, we are committed to connecting our research to the real world. Although our questions often focus on basic processes that drive social cognition and motivation, our broader goals are to understand real-life human behaviors and pressing societal issues and to contribute solid scientific knowledge to policy makers and human service providers.

Program Culture and Activities

The NYU social program has a history of a special communal, cooperative spirit, with very high morale among the students and faculty. Moreover, the program culture is constantly evolving, influenced by interactions among current students, postdocs, and faculty, by changes in the broader scientific field, and by events in the world. We hold weekly program meetings (our “brownbag” meeting) that emphasize new findings and lively discussions, and we feature multiple talk series featuring prominent outside speakers (e.g., Social Colloquium, Social Neuroscience Series, Distinguished Lecture Series). Members of the program also enjoy interactions with colleagues in Cognition & Perception, Development, Neuroscience, Applied Psychology, Linguistics, Politics, Philosophy, and the Stern School of Business. Our location in an exciting and central neighborhood in New York City makes it easy for students and faculty to come in early and/or stay late to meet with each other and distinguished visitors.

Graduate study in the Social Psychology program at NYU means being part of an unusually active research culture. We share well-equipped laboratories, and we promote 'open door' relationships between professors and students. Although students typically have a primary home in one professor's laboratory, we require that students work in at least one other laboratory to promote breadth of training in a variety of methodological approaches and research issues. Our goal is to prepare students to be highly competitive in the job market for the type of career they seek, and we are proud of the steady success of our students in obtaining academic positions at top research universities and teaching colleges.

All students accepted into our graduate program are fully funded through the Henry M. MacCracken Program or the NYUAD Global PhD Fellowship.

MacCracken funding is provided through a combination of teaching assistantship, research assistantship, and fellowship, in proportions to be determined. The award package typically includes a full tuition scholarship, comprehensive health insurance and a stipend. Funding is typically guaranteed for five years, although students with substantial graduate credits or a Master's degree may only be guaranteed four years of support.

NYUAD Global PhD Fellowships include full tuition scholarship, health insurance, travel benefits, and a stipend. Funding is for five years, which typically includes two years or less of course work in New York and the remaining at least three years or more of dissertation research in Abu Dhabi. Campus housing in Abu Dhabi is provided free of cost and is available to all Global Fellows.

There is a very limited supply of subsidized housing available for graduate students which is generally used for a subset of each entering class to provide them the opportunity to get settled in New York City during their first year of residence.

NYU Abu Dhabi PhD Program

The Program in Social Psychology maintains a relationship with the Social Psychology faculty at NYU Abu Dhabi. This relationship supports opportunities for collaboration between students and faculty across the New York and Abu Dhabi campuses. Students accepted for the NYU Abu Dhabi Ph.D. program will typically spend two years primarily in New York with multiple visits to Abu Dhabi. During those two years, students complete all or most of their coursework as well as carrying out research in collaboration with an NYU Abu Dhabi advisor and a co-mentor in New York. The subsequent three years are spent in Abu Dhabi completing the dissertation research and any remaining course requirements. For further information on the Global Ph.D. program, click here .

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Home / Discover Psychology Degrees / Online Social Psychology Programs / Online Ph.D. and PsyD in Social Psychology Degree Programs

Online Ph.D. and PsyD in Social Psychology Degree Programs

What will i learn in an online social psychology doctorate program, what to look for in an online social psychology doctorate program, admissions requirements for a doctorate in social psychology, list of social psychology doctorate degree programs.

Social psychology is the study of how thoughts, behaviors, and feelings are influenced by social norms or the presence or perceived presence of other people and how they’re behaving. In this field, human behavior is believed to be the result of the combination of social situations and the participants’ mental states.

This field is notably different than sociology. In sociology, the attitudes and behaviors of groups are studied, with each group being seen as one unit. Meanwhile, social psychology focuses on the individuals within the groups.

Doctors of social psychology are mostly interested in research, so doctorate degree programs focus on this aspect. Many hope that by bringing about a better understanding of how individuals interact and behave in group situations, improved policies and practices will come about.

Many social psychology PhDs go on to become university professors themselves, where along with teaching directly, they run labs and supervise students in their research projects. Others go into research, again typically working at universities. New discoveries may later affect the thought processes behind policy-making, so this research can have widespread effects.

Find out what your options are for online learning when it comes to doctorate degrees in social psychology with the information below.

Since this field is centered on research, academics, and public policy, the best doctorate degrees in social psychology are PhDs. You will find that getting this doctorate online is a more involved process than most other psychology doctorates, with plenty of lab time and research being mandatory. Because you’ll be enrolled in an online program, you’ll likely have the option to perform these lab hours within your own community, but it’s best to double-check before fully committing.

While this field is lab-heavy, there is still some classroom time involved. You may be required to take courses covering:

• Social Identity
• Personality Psychology
• Psychology and Law
• Social-cultural Psychology
• Prejudice and Discrimination
• Social Health Psychology

Some schools also teach in unique or innovative ways. For example, at the University of Arizona’s Online College of Science Psychology Department, you will also be required to participate in lively “brown bag” seminars, complete a 9-credit minor, assist with teaching other classes, take part in meetings, and more.

When searching for an online doctorate program in social psychology, there are several crucial factors to consider. Accreditation is paramount, ensuring that the program meets rigorous academic standards and is recognized by reputable accrediting bodies. Look for programs accredited by recognized organizations in the field of psychology, such as the American Psychological Association (APA) or other relevant accrediting bodies.

The curriculum should be comprehensive, covering advanced topics in social psychology. Look for programs that offer courses on social cognition, attitudes and persuasion, group dynamics, intergroup relations, research methodologies in social psychology, applied social psychology, and advanced topics specific to social psychology. A well-rounded curriculum will equip students with the necessary knowledge and skills to understand and analyze social behavior and interactions.

Evaluate the qualifications and expertise of the faculty members in the program. They should possess strong academic backgrounds in social psychology, with experience conducting research or working in applied social psychology settings. Faculty members who have published research or have expertise in specific areas of social psychology can greatly enhance the learning experience and provide valuable guidance for doctoral research or practical applications.

Access to resources is crucial for staying up-to-date with advancements in the field of social psychology. Ensure that the program provides access to online databases, scholarly journals, and other relevant resources in the field. Additionally, look for programs that offer interactive online platforms that foster collaboration and discussion among students. This can create a dynamic learning environment and facilitate meaningful interactions with peers and faculty members.

Practical experiences are invaluable in a social psychology program. Look for programs that provide opportunities for practical application, such as research projects, internships, or fieldwork in social psychology settings. These experiences allow students to apply social psychology principles, develop research skills, and gain practical insights into real-world social phenomena.

Consider the support services offered by the program, such as mentorship, career guidance, and networking opportunities within the social psychology community. Look for programs that provide access to experienced professionals who can offer mentorship and guidance throughout your doctoral journey. Networking opportunities can help you connect with professionals in the field, create potential collaborations, and enhance your career prospects in social psychology.

While there are always differences between universities, there are some aspects that are almost identical across the board. This gives you the chance to prepare at least some of your admissions package ahead of time. You can expect an admissions office to require these basics:

• Application
• Official transcripts of prior college degree studies
• A relevant master’s degree
• A minimum GPA
• Letter(s) of recommendation
• Statement of purpose

Some online universities require GRE scores, but many do not. You may also have to have an interview with one or more faculty members in the psychology department. Certain programs have an application fee, too, but this is usually set at a reasonable cost.

Since there are variables like the ones mentioned, and possibly others, it is important to check with any universities of interest for specific details before applying. This will ensure that you can meet all of the requirements.

Find an online or campus-based doctorate program in social psychology today – our state-by-state listings make it easy to find a great program near you.

Jump to Your State Listings

The university of alabama.

• Social Psychology Campus

University of Arizona

• Ph.D. Social Psychology Campus

Claremont Graduate University

• Applied Social Psychology Campus

University of California-Santa Cruz

• Social Psychology, PhD Campus

Connecticut

University of connecticut.

• Ph.D in Social Psychology Campus

University of Delaware

Florida atlantic university.

• Ph.D. degree in Experimental Psychology Social Psychology and Personality Campus

Florida State University

University of georgia.

• Behavioral and Brain Sciences Doctoral Program-Social-Personality Concentration Campus

University of Hawaii at Manoa

• Cognition, Neuroscience, and Social Campus

University of Illinois Chicago

• Social and Personality Campus

Iowa State University

Kansas state university.

• Social/Personality Campus

Massachusetts

Clark university.

• Ph.D. in Social Psychology Online

Harvard University

Wayne state university.

• Ph.D. in Psychology: Social-Personality Campus

University of Nevada-Reno

• Social Psychology Ph.D. Campus

CUNY Graduate School and University Center

• Critical Social/Personality Program Campus

Stony Brook University

• Social and Health Psychology Campus

North Carolina

University of north carolina at greensboro, miami university-oxford.

• Ph.D. in Social Psychology Campus

Ohio State University-Main Campus

University of oklahoma-norman campus, portland state university, pennsylvania, temple university, the pennsylvania state university, university of pittsburgh-pittsburgh campus.

• Social Program Campus

The University of Tennessee-Knoxville

Texas tech university, the university of texas at austin.

• Social & Personality Campus

The University of Texas at El Paso

• Social and Cultural Psychology Campus

University of Houston

• Social, Personality, & Health Psychology Campus

University of Utah

• Social Psychology Program Campus

Utah State University

• Sociobehavioral Epidemiology Campus

University of Vermont

• Social Psychology Subprogram Campus

Liberty University

• Ph.D. in Psychology - Social Psychology Online

University of Virginia-Main Campus

Virginia commonwealth university.

Are we missing your school's program or need to update information listed? Please contact us so we can make the necessary changes.

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The Best Online Doctorate in Psychology Programs

Staff Writers

Contributing Writer

Learn about our editorial process .

Updated April 19, 2024

thebestschools.org is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.

Are you ready to discover your college program?

A Ph.D in psychology prepares graduates for careers as licensed psychologists, research psychologists, and psychology professors. Doctoral students examine human behavior, social interactions, and mental health treatments. The degree also incorporates practical training through a supervised internship or practicum, helping students develop the skills needed for careers in psychology.

With a psychology degree , graduates can work many different psychology jobs . For example, psychologists earn a median annual salary of over $92,740, and a doctorate meets the requirements for most careers in this field.

Our list includes the top psychology programs offering some online coursework. It is important to note that while several doctorate in psychology programs offer online courses, there are no fully online psychology doctoral programs accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA). Thus, rather than ranking schools, we list these programs alphabetically to help prospective applicants find the program that best matches their needs.

This article also explores the differences between Ph.D. and Psy.D. degrees, common courses and specialization options, and careers for graduates who earn doctorates in psychology.

Featured Online Schools

The best doctoral psychology programs available online.

We use trusted sources like Peterson's Data and the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools. TheBestSchools.org is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site. from our partners appear among these rankings and are indicated as such.

#1 The Best Online Doctorate in Psychology Programs

California Southern University

• Costa Mesa, CA

The doctor of psychology program at California Southern University offers an online option for doctoral students. Degree-seekers benefit from flexible course options through the private institution. Doctoral students conduct research and participate in academic conferences.

The 66-credit doctoral program incorporates advanced psychology coursework. After passing comprehensive examinations, doctoral candidates spend 1-2 years researching and writing their dissertation. With a doctorate in psychology, professionals work in academia, research, and leadership roles.

Doctoral students pay for the program with federal financial aid, fellowships, and scholarships. Contact the psychology program to learn more about doctoral admission requirements.

California Southern University at a Glance:

Accepts Transfer Credits: Accepted

#2 The Best Online Doctorate in Psychology Programs

Fielding Graduate University

• Santa Barbara, CA
• Online + Campus

Doctoral students seeking an online psychology program benefit from the Ph.D. in clinical psychology program at Fielding Graduate University. The private university provides flexible enrollment options to meet the needs of diverse degree-seekers. Doctoral students conduct research and participate in academic conferences.

The doctoral program includes a rigorous curriculum in psychology. Doctoral candidates advance in the program by passing comprehensive exams and writing an original dissertation. Graduates with a doctorate pursue roles in research, academia, and leadership.

Online doctoral students can pay for their degree with scholarships, fellowships, and other forms of financial aid. Reach out to the program to learn more about the application process and start dates.

Fielding Graduate University at a Glance:

Online Student Enrollment: 944

Online Master's Programs: 2

Graduate Tuition Rate: $17,292

#3 The Best Online Doctorate in Psychology Programs

Southern California Seminary

• El Cajon, CA

The doctor of psychology program at Southern California Seminary offers an online option for doctoral students. At the private university, degree-seekers participate in virtual classrooms to earn a doctorate. Doctoral students work closely with faculty mentors and career advisors.

In the online psychology program, graduate learners complete advanced classes. After passing comprehensive examinations, doctoral candidates begin working on an original dissertation project. A doctorate in psychology prepares graduates for careers in academia, research, and leadership.

Online doctoral students at the accredited institution qualify for several forms of financial aid. Prospective applicants can contact the program to learn more about the enrollment process and start dates.

Southern California Seminary at a Glance:

Online Student Enrollment: 130

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 8-to-1

Graduate Tuition Rate: $15,588

#4 The Best Online Doctorate in Psychology Programs

The Chicago School of Professional Psychology

• Chicago, IL

The online Ph.D. in international psychology program at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology ranks among the best in the field. At the private university, degree-seekers participate in virtual classrooms to earn a doctorate. Doctoral students receive library access, research support, and career services.

During the online program, learners take doctoral courses to earn their degree. The psychology program also requires passing scores on a comprehensive examination and the successful defense of an original dissertation project. With a doctorate in psychology, professionals work in academia, research, and leadership roles.

Doctoral students attending the accredited institution online qualify for several forms of financial aid. Reach out to the program to learn more about transfer credit policies, research support, and admission requirements.

The Chicago School of Professional Psychology at a Glance:

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 4-to-1

Graduate Tuition Rate: $20,610

#5 The Best Online Doctorate in Psychology Programs

Touro University Worldwide

• Los Alamitos, CA

The doctor of psychology in human and organizational psychology program at Touro University Worldwide offers an online option for doctoral students. Thanks to a flexible format, the private institution makes it easier to complete a doctorate. Doctoral students benefit from support services like career advising.

The online program requires doctoral coursework. After passing comprehensive examinations, doctoral candidates conduct research for their dissertation. As the terminal degree in psychology, the doctoral program trains graduates for roles in academia, research, and industry.

At the accredited institution, online doctoral students qualify for scholarships, federal loans, and other forms of financial aid. Reach out to the program to learn more about transfer credit policies, research support, and admission requirements.

Touro University Worldwide at a Glance:

Online Student Enrollment: 1,903

Online Master's Programs: 8

Online Doctoral Programs: 1

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 11-to-1

Graduate Tuition Rate: $9,000

Online Doctorate in Psychology Programs Ranking Guidelines

We selected these degree programs based on quality, curricula, school awards, rankings, and reputation.

What Is an Online Ph.D. in Psychology?

Doctoral degrees in psychology cannot be conducted completely online. However, some programs do make some coursework available to learners online, helping them complete their graduate studies from anywhere.

The typical curricula for a Ph.D. in psychology emphasizes research and prepares graduates for academic and research roles. Doctoral students take courses in research design and methods, psychology statistics, and cognitive development. Ph.D. programs also offer specialized coursework in neuroscience and affective science.

A Ph.D. in psychology builds strong research and analytical skills. In addition to coursework, each doctoral student must pass a comprehensive examination and conduct research within their specialization. The degree culminates in an original doctoral dissertation that contributes to the field of psychology. After graduation, professionals with Ph.D. degrees in psychology typically work as psychology professors or researchers.

Earning a Ph.D in psychology typically takes 5-7 years, depending on the program and whether the doctoral student completes an internship. Applicants generally need a master's degree in psychology and a strong GPA to gain admission. Some Ph.D. programs in psychology offer fellowships and other forms of funding for doctoral students.

What Is an Online Psy.D. in Psychology?

As with the online Ph.D. in psychology, an online Psy.D. in psychology refers to a doctorate in psychology program where some but not all coursework is offered online. A Psy.D. degree trains graduates for clinical roles and licensure as psychologists. Common courses include psychology research methods, psychopharmacology, and psychological testing. Doctoral students also examine research in evidence-based practice. Online Psy.D. programs also incorporate supervised internships to strengthen clinical skills.

Within a Psy.D. program, graduate students focus on specialty areas such as counseling psychology, child psychology , or behavioral psychology. After completing coursework requirements and passing a comprehensive examination, doctoral candidates conduct clinical research in their specialization areas. Degree-seekers analyze clinical problems or examine topics based on original research, then write research-based dissertations.

Earning a Psy.D. typically takes 4-6 years for full-time students. Some programs offer accelerated or part-time enrollment options. Applicant often need a master's in psychology to gain admission to a Psy.D. program.

What's the Difference Between a Psy.D. and a Ph.D. in Psychology?

At the doctoral level, psychology offers Psy.D. and Ph.D. degrees. The two pathways offer different coursework and prepare graduates for different careers.

A Psy.D. emphasizes clinical training for careers in psychology, while a Ph.D. focuses on research and academic training. Licensed psychologists who work directly with patients often hold Psy.D. degrees, while psychology professors typically have Ph.D. degrees. In addition, a Ph.D. typically takes more time than a Psy.D.; while a Psy.D. can take as little as four years, a Ph.D. often requires 5-7 years.

When comparing Ph.D. and Psy.D. programs, prospective psychologists should consider their professional goals. Those seeking research or academic positions may prefer a Ph.D., while those considering careers as licensed psychologists should pursue Psy.D. degrees.

Choosing an Online Doctoral Psychology Program

When choosing a partially online doctoral program, prospective students must weigh several factors. For many, program cost, specialization options, and program length rank among the most important concerns.

Ph.D. and Psy.D. degrees prepare psychologists for different career paths, so applicants should also consider which degree aligns best with their goals. Candidates should also consider enrollment options, course delivery methods, internship options, and tuition discounts when evaluating partially online doctorates in psychology.

By examining these factors, future psychologists can ensure that they find the best fit for their unique needs and career aspirations.

Accreditation for Online Psychology Degree Programs

Prospective applicants should always research program and university accreditation when choosing a partially online doctorate in psychology. Accredited programs follow best practices for educating psychologists, and only graduates of APA-accredited programs qualify for licensure as psychologists. Applicants should also research other state licensure requirements before choosing a program.

What Else Can I Expect From a Doctoral Psychology Program?

Doctoral-level psychology students take courses in areas like counseling psychology, evidence-based practice, human development, and psychopharmacology. These courses build advanced knowledge and skills in psychology. Doctoral students often further specialize their training by choosing concentrations like clinical psych, school psychology, or developmental psychology.

After completing coursework requirements, doctoral candidates must pass examinations and meet any internship requirements. Most programs also require a research-based doctoral dissertation in the candidate's specialization.

Common Courses for an Online Doctorate in Psychology

• Child and Adolescent Therapy: In this class, psychology students strengthen their counseling and treatment skills for children and adolescents. The coursework emphasizes clinical practice and diagnostic approaches for professionals in clinical, child, counseling, and school psychology.
• Clinical Supervision and Consultation: Students practice their supervision skills and learn how to oversee less experienced workers in the field. The course also trains psychology graduates for consultation and mediation roles.
• Community Psychology and Social Justice: The course examines psychology during times of social change. Learners explore social justice in a mental health context and its impact on society more broadly.
• Evidence-Based Practice: Doctoral students examine current research in psychology to identify applications in clinical practice. The course covers topics like evaluating evidence and applying practical research.
• Intellectual and Personality Testing: Psychology students learn to administer and interpret personality assessments. The course covers the theoretical foundations of personality testing and how to perform clinical diagnoses based on those tests.
• Psychopharmacology: In this course, doctoral students learn about the human body and its interactions with drugs. The course emphasizes mental health needs, pharmacological approaches to treating mental health issues, and drug abuse and addiction.

Psychology Specializations

• Collapse All

Clinical Psychology

A clinical psychology specialty emphasizes mental healthcare and research-based practice. Within clinical psychology, doctoral students specialize in demographics, like child psychology and geriatric mental health. The specialty trains learners to apply psychology research in diverse clinical settings.

Developmental Psychology

Developmental psychology examines human growth and development across the lifespan. Doctoral students in this specialty conduct research on childhood development, social and emotional development, and information processing. The specialty prepares graduates for careers in research and academia.

School Psychology

A school psychology specialty emphasizes mental health in young learners. Doctoral students explore learning and behavior, including challenges to academic and social development. These psychologists work with children, families, and schools to help students thrive in education.

Social Psychology

Social psychology examines individual behavior in social settings. This specialty focuses on human interactions and their impact on people's beliefs and feelings. Social psychologists can apply their skills in several settings, including workplaces.

How Long Does It Take to Complete an Online Doctorate in Psychology Program?

No psychology doctorate program is fully online, but earning a partially online doctorate in psychology takes around five years, depending on the program. Many Ph.D. programs require at least five years to complete coursework, research, and a dissertation, and some also require an internship. A Psy.D. program typically takes 4-6 years, including internship requirements.

Some programs offer accelerated or part-time options, which can change degree timelines. Enrollees may also complete coursework faster through a self-paced, asynchronous model, though only online courses are offered asynchronously. Because the length varies, prospective doctoral students should be sure to research prospective programs' requirements and enrollment options before applying.

Psychology Jobs

With a doctorate in psychology, graduates can pursue careers as psychologists and psychology professors. In these career paths, psychologists can conduct research, educate students, and provide clinical services. A psychology doctorate also prepares graduates for supervisory roles, such as healthcare executive.

Other psychology careers include school or educational psychologist, industrial-organizational (I/O) psychologist, and clinical social worker. This section explores common psychology jobs, including the earning potential, licensure requirements, and projected job growth for each career.

Postsecondary Psychology Teachers

Postsecondary psychology teachers, also known as psychology professors, teach at the college level. They educate undergraduate and graduate students on different topics in psychology, including research, behavioral psychology, and human development. In addition to developing syllabi, psychology professors create assignments and exams to assess student learning. These professors also conduct research and publish their work.

A tenure-track psychology professor typically needs a Ph.D., though some colleges hire candidates with Psy.D. degrees to teach clinical psychology or for adjunct positions. Psychology professors may need special licensure, depending on their research and teaching areas.

Median Annual Salary

Projected Growth Rate

Psychologists

Psychologists research behavior and the decision-making process. In specializations like clinical or counseling psychology, they work with individuals and groups managing emotional or behavioral problems. Psychologists also conduct research into human development, identify organizational dynamics, and test neurological responses, often publishing their research.

Most psychologist jobs require a doctorate, though a school psychologist or I/O psychologist may hold only a master's degree. A Psy.D. prepares psychologists for clinical roles and professional licensure. A licensed psychologist typically needs a doctorate, passing scores on a national exam, and supervised professional experience. Psychologists can also pursue specialty certification.

Medical and Health Services Managers

Medical and health services managers, also known as healthcare executives, coordinate services in hospitals, medical practices, and other healthcare organizations. They set policy for their units, analyze data on quality, and implement plans to improve efficiency and effectiveness. Healthcare executives also ensure their organizations follow laws and regulations.

With psychology training, healthcare executives can work for community health and behavioral health facilities, including inpatient treatment centers. They also need administrative training in management and budgeting, and medical and health services managers often hold graduate degrees. The career path does not require a professional license.

Psychology Professional Organizations

Professional organizations help doctoral students expand their professional networks and prepare to transition into clinical practice, research roles, or other psychology careers. These organizations offer career resources, scholarships, and professional development support for doctoral candidates. They may also offer discounted student memberships.

APA represents over 122,000 researchers, clinicians, educators, and students in psychology. The association promotes psychology as a discipline, accredits psychology programs, and offers career resources for students. Members can visit the psychology help center for clinical support or read APA publications to stay current with the field. The association also awards scholarships and fellowships.

Since its founding in 1941, ICP has connected psychologists around the world. Members benefit from annual conferences and newsletters, mentorship opportunities, and professional development resources, such as webinars. This organization also offers travel and recognition awards for members.

AASP dates back to 1985 and represents sports and performance psychology professionals. Members work with athletes, business professionals, and military personnel to improve their physical and mental performance. The association offers professional certifications, hosts an annual conference with networking opportunities, and provides webinars and publications to help practitioners stay current in the field. AASP also offers grants and a student center.

Paying for Your Online Doctorate in Psychology Degree

Doctoral programs typically cost tens of thousands in tuition and fees, even when courses are offered partially online. Fortunately, doctoral students qualify for many forms of financial aid to pay for their degrees.

To start, students should fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which qualifies filers for federal student loans and work-study programs. In addition to federal loans, students can also use private loans to cover costs. Many states also support degree-seekers with grants or scholarships.

Institutional support helps many graduate students earn psychology degrees. Universities often award fellowships, scholarships, and other forms of financial aid to help recruit and retain students. Some doctoral fellowships include tuition waivers and stipends. To learn about the options at your school, check with the student assistance or finance office.

Finally, psychology degree-seekers qualify for scholarships offered by professional associations, private foundations, and private donors. For example, the Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology offers both scholarships and fellowships. The APA also offers scholarships and fellowships for psychology doctoral students.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you become a psychologist with an online degree.

Yes, though there are no accredited psychology doctorates that are available fully online. Instead, programs offer a mix of online and in-person coursework. Psychologists who earn APA-accredited degrees partially online qualify for a professional license in most states. Some career paths, including academia and research, may not require a license.

Are Online Psy.D. Programs APA Accredited?

The APA does not currently accredit any fully online Psy.D. programs. However, the APA does accredit hybrid programs. Always check local state requirements for psychologist licensure before enrolling in a psychology doctoral program to ensure that it meets specifications.

Can You Earn a Doctorate in Psychology Completely Online?

No. As of 2021, the APA — the only agency authorized to accredit psychology doctoral programs — does not accredit any fully online programs.

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Social Psychology Doctoral Program

The Interdisciplinary Social Psychology Ph.D. program applies rigorous psychological and sociological scholarship to better understand the processes, structures and contexts that impact social interactions.

Program overview

The program emphasizes training in theoretical foundations, as well as qualitative and quantitative methods in basic and applied research. Though not all students choose one of these specializations, areas of emphasis include psychology and law, personal and social relationships, social psychology and health and organizational behavior. Gender, culture and development issues are integrated into the curriculum in each area of emphasis.

• Collective behavior
• Emotion expression and regulation
• Health and health policy
• Interpersonal communication and relationships
• Intergroup relations
• Law and juvenile studies
• Life span and aging research
• Political psychology
• Social inequality
• Social networks
• Socialization

Incoming students develop a mentoring relationship with a faculty member of the program. Students are encouraged to engage in scholarly research, often in collaboration with faculty, to present findings at professional meetings and to publish in reviewed journals and volumes. In addition to the support offered by the University's Graduate Student Association , the social psychology Ph.D. program offers financial assistance for student travel and research.

The program's interdisciplinary focus allows students to experience a wide range of perspectives within the field of social psychology. This holistic approach prepares students for engaging and rewarding work in both academic and applied settings upon completion of the program.

Graduates of the program are today employed in a variety of capacities. Roughly one-third teach and conduct research at universities, typically in tenure-track positions. One-third have full-time research positions in the public sector (county, state or federal level positions, including nonprofit organizations). The final third of graduates work in the private sector, either for commercial organizations -- for example, Adobe or Hotwire -- or operate their own consulting business. In short, advanced graduate training in social psychology can lead to a wide range of career paths.

Program resources

The handbook provides the necessary information for students to understand the requirements, expectations and opportunities associated with this graduate program.

Requirements

The curriculum of the program extends over a minimum of four years and includes multiple requirements. Learn more  on general and credit requirements, deficit coursework and more.

View a semester-by-semester timeline of the degree program both with or without the optional master degree track. 

Funding opportunities

General award resources.

• American Psychological Association (APA):   The APA provides access to information about a large number of funding sources, ranging from federal grants to student award by different APA divisions.
• American Psychological Foundation (APF) : APF offers a number of scholarships for students. They range from $2,000 to $5,000. Students at any stage of graduate study are encouraged to apply. The purpose of the scholarship program is to assist graduate students of psychology with research costs associated with the master’s thesis or doctoral dissertation.
• American Psychology-Law Association (AP-LS) : AP-LS as an organization has funding opportunities for social psychologists interested in the law.
• Association for Psychological Science (APS) . APS collects links to a number of different national and international funding programs.
• American Sociological Association (ASA) : ASA offers a number of grants and fellowships.
• National Science Foundation (NSF) Graduate Research Fellowship Program :  A variety of NSF fellowships exist.
• Society for the Psychological Study of Social Issues (SPSSI):  This organization offers grants and awards to social psychologists for a range of different purposes
• Western Social Science Association : This organization also offers awards for best paper/poster and other things. 

Comprehensive lists of funding sources available to graduate students across the U.S.

• The Graduate School, University of Nevada, Reno funding list
• University of Tennessee, Knoxville Collection : UTK makes available a collection of links to websites & organizations that offer various grants types of graduate funding.

Dissertation funding

• American Council of Learned Societies :  The American Council of Learned Societies offers a variety of different dissertation grants/fellowships.
• APA Dissertation Research Award : The APA offers a dissertation research award. They have a number of grants (about 30-40) for $1,000 each; there are also several larger grants up to $5,000 each. 
• American Educational Research Association:  Proposal are encouraged from a variety of education fields or fields doing education-related research. It is a one-year fellowship and is worth $25,000. See website for criteria/eligibility.
• Bilinski Fellowship: This fellowship is offered every year to help fund the final year of the doctoral students within a Ph.D. program associated with the College of Liberal Arts. Students can ask the director of the program for more information about the fellowship. The deadline to apply is usually in early March.
• Council of Graduate Departments of Psychology (COGDOP) . In conjunction with the American Psychological Foundation (APF), COGDOP offers over 20 graduate research scholarships to support dissertation research
• Ford Foundation : This fellowship is offered every year. The stipend is $21,000. 
• Horowitz Foundation : The Horowitz Foundation offers grants for graduate students to work on their dissertations. They offer $7,500 ($5,000 is awarded initially and $2,500 is awarded upon completion of the project). 
• Decision, Risk and Management Sciences : It supports research “directed at increasing the understanding and effectiveness of decision making by individuals, groups, organizations, and society.” 
• Law & Social Sciences : The website says that the program considers proposals that address social scientific studies of law and law-like systems/rules.
• Political Science Doctoral Dissertation Research Improvement Grants : Areas include, but are not limited to: American government and politics; comparative government and politics; international relations; political behavior; political economy; and political institutions. 
• Science, Technology, and Society : This focuses on a variety of different science, technology, and society (STS) topics. For instance, it includes interdisciplinary studies of ethics, equality, governance, and policy issues. 
• Sociology Program – Doctoral Dissertation Research Improvement Awards : This is for dissertation projects. It focuses on a variety of different topics, so it is not limited to just one type of research. 
• P.E.O. Scholar Award : One-time, competitive, merit-based awards intended to recognize and encourage academic excellence and achievement by women in doctoral-level programs. These awards provide partial support for study and research. P.E.O. Scholars have demonstrated their ability to make significant contributions in their chosen field of study, having assumed leadership positions in university academics, scientific research, medicine, law, performing arts, international economics, history, literature, government and other demanding fields. The award is $20,000.
• SPSP Heritage Dissertation Research Award : Each year, the Foundation for Personality and Social Psychology awards six grants of $2,000 each. At least two grants are in personality psychology and at least two grants are in social psychology.
• Woodrow Wilson Dissertation Fellowship in Women’s Studies :  “The WW Women’s Studies Fellowships support the final year of dissertation writing for Ph.D. candidates in the humanities and social sciences whose work addresses topics of women and gender in interdisciplinary and original ways.” Winners receive $5,000 to be used for expenses connected with completing their dissertations (e.g., research-related travel, data work/collection, and supplies).

Graduate student research grants

• American Council of Learned Societies : The American Council of Learned Societies offers a variety of different grants for research.
• American Educational Research Association : Research grants are available for various education research fields, as well as fields and disciplines engaged in education-related research. Minorities are strongly encouraged to apply. “Awards for research grants are up to $25,000 for a 1-year project or up to $35,000 for 2-year projects.” See the website for additional eligibility criteria.
• Wayne F. Placek Grants : This grant is designed to “support empirical research from all fields of the behavioral and social sciences on any topic related to lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender issues.” Grant is up to $10,000.
• Violet and Cyril Franks Scholarship : This is designed to “support graduate-level scholarly projects that use a psychological perspective to help understand and reduce the stigma associated with mental illness.” The scholarship amount is up to $5,000.
• American Psychology-Law Society (AP-LS) : AP-LS offers various grants/awards, and includes a Grant-in-Aid and the Diversity in Psychology and Law Research Award.
• American Sociological Association (ASA) : ASA offers various grants/awards (e.g., a Community Action Research Initiative Grant and Fund for the Advancement of the Discipline [FAD]).
• Society for Personality and Social Psychology (SPSP) : SPSP offers small research grants up to $1,500.
• Clara Mayo grant in support of Masters’ theses and pre-dissertation research on sexism, racism, or prejudice
• This organization also offers funding for travel.
• Society for the Scientific Study of Religion : Offers research grants to graduate students. Applicants must have been a member of the society at least one year prior to their application.

Pre-doctoral fellowships

• American Sociological Association : The American Sociological Association offers a minority fellowship program designed specifically for doctoral students of color. The annual stipend is $18,000. 
• Ford Foundation pre-doctoral fellowships :  Just as the Ford Foundation offers dissertation fellowships, it also offers pre-doctoral fellowships. 
• National Science Foundation (NSF) Graduate Research Fellowship Program . The GRFP provides funding for three years in addition to research expenses.

Student travel/participation grants

• American Psychology-Law Society:  Offers a travel award to fund travel to AP-LS every year. Students have won up to $500.
• American Sociological Association:  The American Sociological Association offers a few travel awards/grants.
• Society for Personality and Social Psychology (SPSP):  SPSP offers a number of different grants to graduate students, undergraduate students and scholars to attend its annual conference.
• Society for the Psychological Study of Social Issues (SPSSI) : Offers funds to travel to and attend SPSSI meetings.
• Western Psychological Association : T here is a Psi Chi WPA regional travel grant. This grant will help cover travel costs to the conference. Recent awards have been $225.
• Western Social Science Association :  This organization offers a travel grant to attend its annual meeting. There is also a grant available to waive the conference registration fees for local students.

This program is part of the  Western Regional Graduate Program  (WRGP), a tuition-savings program that makes out-of-state graduate studies more affordable for students. Through WRGP, you will receive a reduced tuition rate, giving you more educational options for your money.

Questions? Contact the graduate program director

Monica Miller, Graduate Program Director and Foundation Professor

• [email protected]
• (775) 784-1287

Students are also encouraged to contact any faculty that they might be interested in working with as their graduate advisor. Feel free to contact more than one faculty member. View our filtered faculty listing to see who is currently accepting students.

Ph.D. Social Psychology

Our PhD program in Social Psychology is research-intensive, and designed as a five-year PhD program to prepare students for scholarly careers in academic and other research settings. We train graduate students to become productive social psychologists who will contribute to the field through the advancement of theoretical understanding and empirical research in social psychology, and by effectively teaching courses within the domain of social psychology. Formal course requirements are minimized and collaborative research with one or more faculty is emphasized.

Preparing You For Success

We offer a robust, dedicated, and active program that leads to successful students.   With four core faculty and a group of around 10 graduate students, the Social/Personality Program is relatively small by national standards, however, this allows for faculty and graduate students to develop deeply collaborative and productive working relationships.

Seminars are also small and highly productive. We are selective with graduate student admissions, and our students develop strong bonds with their mentors and cohort. By graduation, our students are well-prepared for the academic job market, as shown by the fact that most currently have a permanent or visiting faculty position. 

Recent Alumni Job Placements & Awards

• Hannah Buie, Ph.D. (2023), Assistant Professor of Psychology, Western Carolina University
• Dylan Horner, Ph.D. (2023), Assistant Professor of Psychology, Minot State University
• Harrison Schmidt, Ph.D. (2023), Assistant Professor of Psychology, Skidmore College
• Jake Taylor, Ph.D. (2023), Research Administration Coordinator, Memorial Hermann - Rockets Sports Medicine Institute
• Ciara Atkinson, Ph.D. (2022), Evaluation Specialist, University of Arizona Department of Campus Recreation
• Eva-Maria Stelzer, Ph.D. (2020), Research Analyst Health, Hubert Burda Media
• Isaac Young, Ph.D. (2020) visiting assistant professor, Beloit College, Wisconsin
• Peter Helm, Ph.D. (2019) postdoc, University of Missouri
• Uri Lifhsin, Ph.D. (2017) postdoc, IDC, Herzylia, Israel
• Advanced User Experience Researcher, State Farm
• Peter Leavitt, Ph.D., (2016) Assistant Professor at Indiana State University
• Elizabeth Focella, Ph.D., (2012) Senior Consultant at Opinion Dynamics
• Rebecca Covarrubias, Ph.D., (2012) Associate Professor at U.C. Santa Cruz
• Melissa Soenke, Ph.D., (2012) Associate Professor at Cal State Channel Islands
• Megan Robbins, Ph.D., (2011) Associate Professor at U.C. Riverside
• Dave Weise, Ph.D., (2011) Senior Lecturer and Psych Advisor at Texas Christian University
• Shannon Holleran, Ph.D., (2010) Lecturer, Owens Community College, Ohio
• Daniel "Spee" Kosloff, Ph.D., (2009) Associate Professor at Cal State Fresno
• Chad Forbes, Ph.D., (2009) Associate Professor, and Social Psychology Program Director at the University of Delaware
• Mark Landau, Ph.D., (2007) Full Professor at the University of Kansas

Although our program is relatively young, we also take great pride in the accomplishments of the alumni of our program, three of whom have garnered early career awards: APA (Mark Landau, PhD. in 2007), International Society for Self and Identity (Jamie Arndt, Ph.D. in 1999; Mark Landau), the Society of Experimental Social Psychology (Eddie Harmon-Jones, Ph.D. in 1995) and the Society for Psychophysiological Research (Eddie Harmon-Jones).

Updated: 05/25/23

Interdisciplinary Collaboration

The University of Arizona is a highly interdisciplinary environment, and the social psychology students have a history of successful collaboration with students and faculty in the clinical and cognitive neuroscience psychology programs and in other departments on campus (e.g., Family Studies and Human Development, Communications, Management, Marketing, Public Health).

Our program is especially enhanced by clinical students who are mentored by our social faculty and by clinical faculty who mentor our social students. Whenever a social student is interested in psychophysiology, perception, clinical, or other topics in psychology, there is usually a great opportunity for collaboration with faculty from our other departmental programs.

Updated: 09/29/22

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Why apply to Clark’s social psychology doctoral program?

Rooted in Clark University’s distinguished history in psychology, the department’s social psychology doctoral program at the nationally-renowned Frances L. Hiatt School of Psychology is dedicated to understanding the psychological processes that underlie today’s most pressing local, national, and global social and political issues.

Our program emphasizes contextualized, interdisciplinary learning and diversity in its research and pedagogy while encouraging novel theoretical work and methodological breadth. Our intimate size allows for close student-faculty relationships and collaboration while providing opportunities to work with and mentor fellow graduate students and undergraduates. Our approach prepares students for academic, research, and policy careers in social psychology.

All full-time graduate students are guaranteed tuition remission and stipends for four years through graduate assistantships. Along with Clark’s pedigree as a small urban research university where G. Stanley Hall, its first president, founded the American Psychological Association in 1892, our close-knit program fosters a collegial, supportive intellectual community.

Psychology Graduate Handbook

Our Community

The social psychology program encourages students, through initiative and intellectual curiosity, to develop and advance their research interests in urgent social issues among our dedicated, collaborative community. Many different methodological approaches are represented and valued. Our department intentionally structures classes to allow students to focus on the topics at hand, not competition among peers. The social psychology program is committed to the inclusion of diverse populations and to enhancing diversity within the field as a whole. As such, we create a respectful, supportive learning environment.

Meet our faculty           Meet our graduate students

Our Research in Social Psychology

From studying the psychology of activism to politically motivated intergroup conflict and violence, Clark’s social psychology graduate students analyze some of the day’s most pertinent issues using quantitative and qualitative research methods. Our graduate program ensures students receive extensive research training that builds cumulatively from foundational and more heavily mentored experiences to more independent activities, like building a research portfolio and dissertation research. Much of our faculty and student research takes place within community settings, locally or internationally.

Through lab work, graduate students collaborate among faculty, their cohorts, and undergraduates. Graduate students present their work at external conferences such as the Society for Personality and Social Psychology , the International Society of Political Psychology , or the Society for the Psychological Study of Social Issues and at Clark’s Graduate Student Multidisciplinary Conference , and publish in journals like Feminism and Psychology , the Journal of Social Issues , and Psychology of Men and Masculinity .  Graduate students’ scholarship, along with our faculty’s research, is diverse both in theory and method, which is a mark of distinction and strength across our department’s three programs.

Our faculty has guest-edited special issues in the Journal of Social Issues as well as the European Journal of Social Psychology and founded the Journal of Social and Political Psychology . Their research and expertise have been recognized with funding from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , the American Psychological Association, and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, among others.

At the heart of our research are the program and department’s research groups, forums, and lab meetings where faculty, graduate, and undergraduate students discuss common theoretical concerns and research interests. In fact, graduate students are encouraged to work closely with one another, with advanced undergraduate students, and with faculty colleagues in developing their program of research with the goal of growing as an independent researcher.

Faculty Expertise           Research groups, labs, and forums

Key Details

Clark’s social psychology doctoral program examines the interaction of individual differences and social structures in producing and reflecting social and political attitudes, behavior, and health.

Our expertise

Faculty interests include intergroup relations, collective and interpersonal violence, the aftermath of violent conflict, health disparities, and commitment to social change, including collective action and intervention, among others.

Our emphasis

We pay particular attention to how human experience — thought, behavior, feelings — is shaped by history and intersectionality of group memberships, and how social structure reinforces power relations.

Our training

Graduate students in our program take several rigorous research methods and statistics courses, and have the option of receiving training in advanced statistical methods and/or advanced qualitative methods. Additionally, we offer several graduate and capstone seminars in topics related to the social psychology of social issues (e.g, Prejudice; Stigma; Intersectionality; Collective Violence and its Aftermath), and students can take courses in other graduate programs at Clark as well. A core component of our training is the Social Forum in which all graduate students and faculty participate each semester.

Our connections

With our interdisciplinary emphasis and emphasis on diversity, our faculty members hold affiliations with the following centers, departments, and programs at Clark:

• The Strassler Center for Holocaust and Genocide Studies
• The Gender and Women’s Studies Program
• The Peace Studies Concentration
• The Race and Ethnic Relations Concentration
• The Africana Studies Concentration
• Health Science in Community and Global Health

We view Worcester and neighboring communities as learning environments as well, and have partnerships with organizations like the YWCA and the Connecticut Alliance to End Sexual Violence. Much of our research takes place within community settings in the U.S. and various other parts of the world.

All graduate students receive full tuition remission and a 9-month graduate assistantship stipend for four years (except for students who have obtained external funding). This arrangement fosters a collegial, supportive intellectual community.

In the recent past, many students have received funding throughout their doctoral studies. In addition, through the generous support of the Hiatt fund, the department is able to provide other stipends for first-year summer and independent research and support for travel to conferences to present research.

How long will it take to complete the Ph.D. in social psychology at Clark University? Will I need to come to campus for an interview? What are the requirements? Applicants can find the answers to these questions in the links below.

Learn More about Application Requirements Learn More about General Requirements for the Psychology Ph.D. Program Timeline

Psychology Graduate Education Handbook

Explore courses in social psychology

Clark’s Psychology Department has more than 35,000 square feet dedicated to learning, research, and laboratory work. Graduate students have semi-private offices and access to dedicated lab clusters, which include the Bliss Child and Family Study Center and a psychotherapy research lab. The psychological services area contains two therapy suites that allow for observation and recording of clinical sessions.

Alumni Careers

Clark’s psychology Ph.D. programs train scholars to work in academic and professional fields, and produces distinguished Ph.D. alumni who become valuable members of their professions. Their extensive training and research experience prepares them for positions at universities and nonprofits around the world.

Frances L. Hiatt School of Psychology

Jonas Clark Hall, 3rd floor 950 Main Street Worcester MA 01610

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Ph.D. in Social Psychology

Graduate students trained in Cognitive, Developmental, Social, or Quantitative Psychology follow a single curriculum with a uniform set of requirements, but their research programs and seminar courses focus on their unique areas of interest.

Our philosophy can be summed up as cooperative, and the small size of our program ensures individualized attention for all students. Although students work directly with a faculty advisor, following a mentor-apprentice model, they also have considerable freedom to collaborate with other faculty and students within and beyond the Department. Indeed, we encourage students to publish with several faculty members before they graduate. Greensboro’s central location in NC has resulted in close ties to other top departments, creating opportunities for our students to take courses, collaborate, and network.

We are no longer accepting GRE scores from applicants to the MA-PhD program in Social Psychology, for entry starting in Fall 2024.

Application Deadline:

Program highlights.

• Individual attention and mentoring from faculty
• Students have a primary faculty advisor but are also supported to conduct research projects with other faculty if it fits with their goals
• Students typically receive 5 years of funding, including tuition remission
• We’re a collegial and collaborative group
• Methods training in experimental design, experience sampling, eye-tracking and pupillometry, psychometrics, meta-analysis, fMRI, mouse-tracking, longitudinal designs, behavioral observation, and advanced statistical methods
• Recent graduate seminars in Self and Identity, Social Comparison, Social Neuroscience, Creative Thought

Recent graduates have secured academic and industry positions:

• Alexander Christensen, Vanderbilt University
• Emily Nusbaum, Amazon.com
• Roger Beaty, Penn State University
• Katherine Cotter, Positive Psychology Center, UPenn
• Jason Strickhouser, California Dept of Health Care Services
• Ashlyn Brady, Sweet Briar College

Faculty in Social Psychology

Levi r. baker.

Associate Professor

Close Relationships Lab

Close relationships, including relationship maintenance and problem solving; self beliefs, including self-esteem, shyness, and social anxiety

Accepting students

Brittany Cassidy

Social Cognition Lab

Face perception, trait and emotional inferences, effects of stereotyping and prejudice on impressions, and social cognition in healthy aging

Ashleigh Gallagher

Senior Lecturer

Not accepting students

Adena Rottenstein

Paul silvia.

Research Website

Interest; aesthetics, creativity, and the arts; self-regulation and effort; experience sampling methods

Professor and Graduate Program Director

Self and Social Perception Lab

Self-evaluation, social comparison, accuracy of social perception, and meta-analysis

SELECTED PUBLICATIONS BY CURRENT/RECENT STUDENTS

Brady, A. , Baker, L. R., Agnew, C. R., & Hadden, B. W. (2022). Playing the field or locking down a partner?: Perceptions of available romantic partners and commitment readiness. Journal of Experimental Social Psychology, 101 , 104334.

Brady, A. , Baker, L. R., Muise, A., & Impett, E. A. (2021). Gratitude increases the motivation to fulfill a partner’s sexual needs. Social Psychology and Personality Science, 12 , 273-281.

Lesick, T. L. , & Zell, E. (2021). Is affirmation the cure? Self-affirmation and European Americans’ perception of systemic racism. Basic and Applied Social Psychology , 43 , 1–13 .

Liebenow, H. A. , Boucher, K. L., Cassidy, B. S. (in press). Understanding evaluations of Kamala Harris in 2020: Political ideology qualifies perceived communality effects when communal cues are present. Psychology of Women Quarterly.

Ojeda, J. T. , Silvia, P. J., Cassidy, B. S. (2022). Mental representations of sickness positively relate to adaptive health behaviors. Evolutionary Psychology, 20 (3), 1-12 .

Rodriguez, R. M. , Fekete, A., Silvia, P. J., & Cotter, K. N. (2021). The art of feeling different: Exploring the diversity of emotions experienced during an art museum visit. Psychology of Aesthetics, Creativity, and the Arts. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1037/aca0000443

Rodriguez-Boerwinkle, R. M. , Boerwinkle, M. J. & Silvia, P. J. (2022). The Open Gallery for Arts Research (OGAR): An open-source tool for studying the psychology of virtual art museum visits. Behavior Research Methods. https://doi.org/10.3758/s13428-022-01857-w

Stockus, C. A. , & Zell, E. (2023). The regional big-fish-little-pond effect: Evidence from national and subnational comparisons. British Journal of Social Psychology , 62 , 1158–1176.

Request more information

Please address all Graduate Application questions to:

Malcolm Mohan

Administrative Assistant

[email protected] 336-334-5014

Please address all additional Graduate questions to:

[email protected] Eberhart 271

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About the PhD in Social and Behavioral Sciences Program

The PhD program in Social and Behavioral Sciences is designed for individuals seeking training for careers as social and behavioral scientists, health educators, and health promotion or communication specialists in the public health arena. The curriculum centers on the application of social and behavioral science perspectives to research on contemporary health problems, with a focus on understanding and influencing the social contexts and behaviors relevant to health. In addition to coursework, students complete a written exam at the end of the first year and gain experience in research skills and approaches. With faculty guidance, students develop and present a dissertation protocol in an oral exam. The final dissertation defense is conducted as an oral exam that includes a public seminar.

The program provides rigorous training in research methodology, theory, and program design and evaluation. Research is primarily focused in two areas—health education and communication, and social and psychological influences on health.

PhD in Social and Behavioral Sciences Program Highlights

Interdisciplinary theory.

with multi-level perspective

Rigorous methods

with practical application to contemporary health problems

Application of behavioral and social science perspectives

with attention to context

Community engagement

to understand and influence health behaviors that are risk factors in disease and illness

What Can You Do With a Graduate Degree In Social and Behavioral Sciences?

Sample careers.

• Postdoctoral Fellow
• Research Public Health Analyst
• Social Scientist, Food and Drug Administration Center for Tobacco Products
• Health Scientist-Alcohol Program
• Project Director
• Senior Communications Adviser
• Tenure Track Faculty
• Senior Program Officer
• Director of Clinical and Academic Research
• Senior Consultant
• Research and Evaluation Officer
• Program Director, Department of Public Health

Curriculum for the PhD in Social and Behavioral Sciences

Browse an overview of the requirements for this PhD program in the JHU  Academic Catalogue , explore all course offerings in the Bloomberg School  Course Directory , and find many more details in the program's Student Handbook . 

Research Areas

The emphasis of the curriculum is on the application of behavioral and social science perspectives to research on contemporary health problems. Understanding and influencing health behaviors that are risk factors in disease and illness, as well as behaviors that can be considered protective and health enhancing, are strengths of the program.

Rigorous training in research methods and program design and evaluation are also key elements of the curriculum. The program focuses its research in the following areas.

This area focuses on the application of principles from education, communication, behavioral, social science and psychological theories to encourage health behaviors conducive to optimal health in individuals, groups and communities. Students are exposed to current research on health education and communication, with particular focus on multilevel, ecological models of health and health behavior, design and evaluation of multifaceted intervention programs and patient-provider communication.

This area focuses on social and psychological factors and processes in the etiology and prevalence of disease in health-care-seeking behavior, disease prevention, long-term care and rehabilitation. Students are exposed to current research on health knowledge, attitudes and beliefs; social and psychological factors in disease etiology; risk reduction; and cultural influences in public health, including cross-cultural and multilevel studies.

Admissions Requirements

For general admissions requirements, please visit the How to Apply page.

Standardized Test Scores

Standardized test scores (GRE) are  optional  for this program. The admissions committee will make no assumptions if a standardized test score is omitted from an application, but will require evidence of quantitative/analytical ability through other application components such as academic transcripts and/or supplemental questions.  Applications will be reviewed holistically based on all application components.

Program Faculty Spotlight

Katherine Clegg Smith

Katherine Clegg Smith, PhD, MA, is a sociologist who examines health experiences and health communication, with a research focus on cancer and chronic disease.

Carl Latkin

Carl Latkin, PhD, conducts biobehavioral interventions for disadvantaged communities, with a focus on social networks, substance use, infectious diseases, and mental health.

Roland J. Thorpe, Jr.

Roland J. Thorpe, Jr., PhD, MS, is a gerontologist and social epidemiologist with nationally-recognized expertise in minority aging, men’s health, and place-based disparities.

Carol R. Underwood

Carol Underwood, PhD '93, MA, MA, studies the role of gender, social class, and marginalization in global health outcomes to contribute to the wellbeing of populations.

Get to Know Our Current Doctoral Students

Learn more about our doctoral students' research interests, publications, and more through our HBS doctoral student pages.

Full-time PhD students matriculating in or after 2022 will receive the following support for the first four years of the program: full tuition and matriculation fee, individual health insurance, University Health Services clinic fee, vision insurance, and dental insurance.

Need-Based Relocation Grants Students who  are admitted to PhD programs at JHU  starting in Fall 2023 or beyond can apply to receive a $1500 need-based grant to offset the costs of relocating to be able to attend JHU.   These grants provide funding to a portion of incoming students who, without this money, may otherwise not be able to afford to relocate to JHU for their PhD program. This is not a merit-based grant. Applications will be evaluated solely based on financial need.  View more information about the need-based relocation grants for PhD students .

Questions about the program? We're happy to help.

Application and Admissions Procedural Questions

Please direct questions about application and admissions procedures to the BSPH Admissions Office.

Email:   [email protected] Phone:   410-955-3543

General Academic Questions

For general academic questions about the PhD in Social and Behavioral Sciences program, please contact our Department's doctoral program coordinator, Krystal Lee, EdD, MPA.

Email:   [email protected]

Psychology, PhD (Social Psychology)

On this page:.

The doctoral program in Psychology with an emphasis on social psychology is designed to train researchers to use rigorous scientific methods to uncover the fundamental principles underlying social behavior and to address practical questions about everyday relations among people.

Program Description

Degree Awarded: Psychology, PhD

The doctoral program in Psychology with an emphasis on social psychology is a component of the  Robert B. Cialdini Social Psychology Laboratories  designed to train researchers to use rigorous scientific methods to uncover the fundamental principles underlying social behavior and to address practical questions about everyday relations among people. Our students combine continuous involvement in research with a series of courses designed to provide broad substantive knowledge, as well as methodological and quantitative expertise.

Since its implementation in 1973, the psychology Ph.D. program with an emphasis in social psychology at ASU has greatly grown and is now widely recognized as among the best such programs in the country. How do we account for this success?  Probably the best answer is that the faculty and students of the ASU social psychology program have been a highly productive group over the years in conducting research at the national and international level and in teaching at the university level. The unique collaboration between faculty mentors and graduate students provides a commitment to solutions for real-world problems, such as cultural biases and how we can all work towards universal goals. 

 The goals of our program are to:

• provide a setting in which students can grow toward mature roles as researchers, marketing professionals, social workers, counselors, teachers, and consultants in basic and applied areas of social psychology.
• advance basic knowledge in psychology and apply that knowledge to society; and
• make continuing contributions to our discipline through the achievements of the program’s graduates.

IMPORTANT: To be considered for PhD program, you must complete the application through ASU's online portal AND submit your material through  Slideroom .

The Robert B. Cialdini Social Psychology Research Laboratories

CARMA Lab  (Cohen)

Cooperation and Conflict Lab  (Aktipis)

Cultural Ecology Lab  (Varnum)

Culture and Decision Science Network Lab  (Kwan)

Evolutionary Social Psychology Co-Laboratory  (Kenrick-Neuberg-Becker-Varnum)

Evolution, Ecology, and Social Behavior Lab  (Neuberg)

SPLAT Lab  (Shiota)

Fellowships   Faculty Research Labs

Student Handbook

Concentrations

Areas of Interest

The productivity of the doctoral program in Psychology has been facilitated by two main factors:

1. Our faculty value one another's work and enjoy collaborating on research projects. It is common for faculty to publish jointly, and it is almost invariably the case that, when a faculty member produces an article or book chapter, at least one student from the program is a co-author;

2. The dialogue between traditional theoretical/academic perspectives on social psychology and the view that social psychology can be profitably applied to social problems, business, health, and family.

Several of the faculty combine social psychological theory with direct application to societal issues. Accordingly, the Program has developed an international reputation for providing a dual emphasis in these complementary arenas of theoretical and applied work. 

A minimum of 84 hours is required across five years. Students are expected to conduct a first-year project under the direct supervision of the student’s advisor. Following the first-year project, students will undertake a Master's Thesis. Additionally, all students will be required to complete a 12-credit dissertation and defense at the end of their PhD.  Please see accordion below for year breakdown:

Courses and electives

Students in the Social Psychology training area ordinarily receive coursework training in four distinguishable areas: 1. Social Psychology, 2. Quantitative Methods, 3. Psychological Foundations, 4. Research Activites.

The coursework for each student is individualized and based on the student's year, previous training, and faculty mentor. Each student will participate in research with faculty while completing their doctoral program. 

Students will take three core courses covering Social Psychology, four core courses covering Quantitative Methods, and three Social Psychology electives to expand their breadth of study, and one graduate level elective. Students will also be expected to participate in research courses and a doctoral dissertation. 

See the accordion below to see the breakdown of electives and requirements. 

At a Glance

• Location:   Tempe campus
• Second Language Requirement:  No

Degree Requirements

The 84-hour program of study includes a first-year project, a written comprehensive exam, an oral comprehensive, a prospectus and a dissertation. Prospective doctoral candidates should have a passion and interest in social science, have demonstrated research skills in a senior thesis and have a minimum of a 3.00 cumulative GPA. 

Admission Requirements

The Department of Psychology application process is completed online through  ASU Graduate Admissions . Prospective students must submit the admission application form along with the fee and official transcripts.

For the department’s doctoral programs, students must submit supplemental application materials through  SlideRoom , which requires an additional fee. For complete instructions for applying to the PhD program, visit our  Doctoral Admission requirements  page.

In the initial year of residence , students take the first course of the social psychology proseminar series; a seminar for current topics in social psychology; and quantitative and methodology courses. Immediately upon entering the program students also become involved in one or more research programs where they directly work with faculty members. These research affiliations are flexible and it is expected that students will participate in research with several faculty members while completing the doctoral program. 

Fall Semester:

• PSY 551 Advanced Social Psychology
• PSY 530 ANOVA Statistics
• PSY 591a Current Topics in Social
• PSY 592 Research

Spring Semester:

• PSY 531 Mult. Corr & Regr. Statistics
• PSY 600 Experimental Design Research
• Social Psychology Recommended Elective

In the second year , students take the second course in the social psychology proseminar series; continue to develop their statistical knowledge and skills; and complete and defend an independent research project to be reported as a master's thesis in passing for the M.A. degree. In the second and third year of a student's residence, he/she is also expected to enroll in the advanced courses available in the social psychology program. In addition, students are required during their time in the program to take two courses in other areas of psychology and are encouraged to begin enrolling in other relevant courses within the department and across the university.

• PSY 550 Advanced Social Psychology
• PSY 532 Multivariate Statistics
• PSY 599 Thesis Research (3–6 hrs)
• Psychology Core Required Elective
• Q & M Required Elective
• PSY 599 Thesis Research (3–6 hours)
• Master’s Degree awarded

 In the third year, students concentrate much of their effort on the development of a major area paper.

There are currently three options for this project:

• Option 1  is to review and integrate a substantive topic in social psychology. This paper follows the model of articles in Psychological Bulletin, Psychological Review, or Personality and Social Psychology Review.
• Option 2  is to prepare a grant proposal—often a pre-doctoral fellowship application—for submission to a major federal agency or private foundation. Such proposals may be for a program of basic or applied research.
• Option 3  is to perform and report a meta–analysis, a quantitative technique for distilling major findings from existing literature.

When the project has been completed and accepted by the faculty, it becomes the basis for an oral exam that focuses in part on the content defined by the project and in part, on the student's level of preparation within other topics in social psychology and related topics across the entire discipline ("comprehensives”). Upon defending this examination, the student is advanced to Ph.D. candidacy.

• Social Psychology Required Elective
• Q&M Required Elective
• PSY 792 Research (3–6 hrs)
• PSY 792 Research (3–9 hours)

Comprehensive Examination

+ Year 4 & 5

Year 4 (& 5)

The fourth and, typically, fifth years of enrollment  are devoted to continuing research projects and the doctoral dissertation. The student may also acquire teaching experience and undertake additional coursework. The program offers a graduate teaching seminar that includes supervised teaching experience that students may take after earning their master's degree. In addition, the formal curriculum is supplemented by a bi–weekly informal research meeting in which all members of the program participate. The whole social psychology group meets in the evening at a faculty member’s home to share ideas about research projects in the formative stages of development. The seminar is highly interactive and lively, providing useful feedback while offering a training ground for young critics.

• Elective PSY 792 Research (9 hours)
• Dissertation Prospectus
• Elective PSY 799 Dissertation (9 hrs)
• PhD awarded. 

+ Projects, Thesis, Dissertation (12 credit hours)

First Year Project . The first year project involves designing, conducting, and reporting research under the direct supervision of the student’s advisor.  By the end of the student’s first semester, two additional faculty members, called "readers," are selected to assist in the development of the project. The student must meet with the readers (either separately or as a committee) at least once. Also by the end of the first semester, the student will give a presentation of the plans for the first year project. No later than two weeks before the end of the second semester, the student provides to all faculty a written draft describing the project. The readers provide feedback to the student. The student gives an oral presentation to the Seminar by the end of the student's second semester.

Master’s Thesis.  The master's thesis is typically undertaken in the second year and defended during the third year. It is an original piece of research, closely supervised by the research advisor and an advisory committee. The thesis leads to the MA degree, which is considered to be a "masters in passing."  After forming a master’s thesis committee, the student must complete a three-step process:  (1) defend a written prospectus; (2) after data collection, conduct a “data meeting” at which the analyses are reviewed by the committee; and (3) pass a defense of the thesis.

During the third or fourth year of doctoral studies, the student concentrates much of his or her effort on a scholarly review of the areas of Social Psychology. The student works with four committee members to put together a reading list upon which the Comprehensive Exams — written and oral — are based. The student has the choice of completing a "closed-book," two-day written exam or an "open-book," two-week written exam. The oral exam is conducted one week after the conclusion of the written exam and serves to clarify the student's answers to the written questions. Often, the literature review that the student conducts during this time period becomes the basis of the doctoral dissertation.

Doctoral Dissertation (12 hours)

The doctoral dissertation is an extensive piece of original research that demonstrates the capability of the student to act as an independent scholar and use experimental methods. The dissertation is closely supervised by the research advisor and three additional faculty members who constitute the dissertation committee. As with the master’s thesis, there are three components. First, the student writes a formal dissertation proposal and defends it to the committee. After the defense, the student is admitted to PhD candidacy by the Graduate College. Second, following data collection, there is a "data meeting" at which the analyses are reviewed by the committee. The process culminates with the student's defense of the dissertation before the committee and the academic community.

Ideally, the typical student’s program of study will take five years for completion. In recognition that the program enrolls students who have basic and applied interests that may require specialized training experiences involving additional coursework or will engage in time-consuming community-based research, the program allows for some flexibility in milestone timing for students who demonstrate excellence in other areas of performance.

This flexibility reflects negotiations with the student’s faculty advisor/mentor. The program faculty shall monitor student progress towards training goals. The student's annual evaluation will include specific feedback about what the student is expected to do to stay on track with regard to milestone timing. Students who do not meet timing expectations will be put on probation. After a year of probationary status, progress will be considered unsatisfactory if expectations continue to be unmet.

To be considered as making satisfactory progress, students who enter the psychology PhD program with a bachelor’s degree must:

Successfully defend their master's within three years,

Complete and defend the comprehensive examination within two years following completion of the Masters, oral defense, and

Complete and defend the dissertation within two years following completion of the comprehensive examination.

To be considered as making satisfactory progress, students who enter the psychology PhD program with a master’s degree must:

Complete and defend the comprehensive examination within four years, and

+ Core Courses (24 credit hours)

1. Social Psychology REQUIRED COURSES:

• PSY 550 Advanced Social Psychology
• PSY 591 Current Topics in Social Psychology

2. Quantitative / Methods   REQUIRED COURSES:

• PSY 530  Intermediate Statistics
• PSY 531  Multiple Regression in Psychological Research
• PSY 532  Analysis of Multivariate Data
• PSY 600  Design of Experiments in Social Psychology

+ Electives (6 credit hours)

1. Social Psychology REQUIRED ELECTIVES: Students will take at least three additional content courses in social psychology from among those courses and seminars offered by the social psychology faculty. 

2. Quantitative / Methods   REQUIRED ELECTIVES: Students will  take at least one additional graduate level course in quantitative and Methodological areas related to social psychological research to improve their technical skills. These courses may be taught by department faculty, or, with the approval of the program, be offered by related departments on campus. RECOMMENDED:

• PSY 555 Quasi–Experimental Designs for Research

3. Psychological Foundations   REQUIRED ELECTIVES: Students will take at least two courses in the development, biological, cognitive, or clinical bases of human behavior that will enable the student to bring a broader perspective to creative scholarship. These courses, from at least two of the bases of behavior mentioned above, are taught by psychology department faculty and must be approved by the program.

+ Research Activities (42 credit hours)

4. Research Activities Students are required to develop competence in one or more substantive areas of research and theory, in which the student attempts to make a unique scholarly contribution.

This is typically achieved by: 

1) involvement in the ongoing research program of one or more mentors, for which the student receives academic credit through the Supervised Research courses, such as:

2) Master's Thesis (PSY 599) and Dissertation (PSY 799) courses, and

3) passing the comprehensive examination requirement. The three sets of required electives stated above should be regarded as default assumptions, and are viewed as appropriate for the typical social psychology student in the program. Individual needs and goals may vary from this typical pattern, and exceptions and substitutions may be proposed to the program. Only under unusual circumstances will petitions be approved that attempt to make substitutions for the eight required courses listed above. Advisors should be consulted before enrolling in courses that are intended to meet breadth requirements.

PROGRESS REPORTS : All students submit progress reports and self–evaluations to the program each year. This document describes progress towards meeting the student's curricular goals as well as updating his/her research agenda. It proposes any modifications to the earlier curricular plan, together with justification for these changes. It identifies short–term plans for the next year that fit with the student's longer term training goals. This document is used by the program faculty as its basis for providing evaluative and, if needed, corrective feedback each year. 

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Can Induced Awe Reduce Anti-Gay Prejudice in Heterosexual Adults and Does the Need for Closure Moderate this Effect?

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With sexual prejudice continuing to be widely prevalent and seriously harmful, there is a need to find ways to reduce anti-gay prejudice (AGP). This online experimental study examined if a novel intervention, induced awe, can reduce AGP; if those high in need for closure (NFC) show higher AGP; and if NFC moderates the effect of awe on AGP. In total, 154 heterosexual adults completed the Need for Closure Scale (Roets & Van Hiel, 2011) before being randomly assigned to one of three emotion inducement interventions – 1) watching a 4.43 min long video of the target emotion, awe, 2) watching the comparison emotion, amusement, or 3) watching a neutral emotion as a control. Post intervention, the participants completed the explicit measures Homosexuality Attitudes Scale (HAS; Kite & Deaux, 1986). Data were analysed using a 2 (NFC) x 3 (emotion type) independent factorial ANOVA. None of the three hypotheses were supported since there were no main effects of awe or NFC on AGP, and no interaction effect of awe and NFC on AGP. Key implications of these results were 1) awe inducement does not change prejudicial attitudes at an explicit level (Dale et al., 2020), 2) factors beyond NFC, like Right Wing Authoritarianism (RWA) and Social Dominance Orientation (SDO), may influence the effectiveness of awe in reducing prejudice, and 3) questions were raised about certain boundaries for awe’s effectiveness. Methodological modifications suggested for future research include using implicit measures or veiled elicitation methods for authentic measurement of AGP, employing more potent awe elicitors, and assessing the mediating role of RWA and SDO on the effect of NFC on AGP.

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