Applied Developmental Psychology, Ph.D.

Degree Requirements

ADP Core Courses (9 Credits)

Methodology Courses (14 Credits)

PSYC 611 - Data Analytic Procedures I [3]
PSYC 711 - Data Analytic Procedures II [3]
PSYC 710 - Research Methods in Psychology [3]
Elective in Statistics or Methods - [3] Credits (e.g., Measurement of Behavior, Qualitative Methods, Program Evaluation, Advanced Quantitative Topics courses)

Basic Psychology Core Courses (8 Credits)

Other ADP Program Requirements (12 Credits)

Public Policy Issues OR Prevention OR Intervention 1 (e.g., PSYC 736) - [3]
Assessment (e.g., PSYC 629, PSYC 721) - [3]
PSYC 686 - Ethical and Professional Issues in Psychology [3]
PSYC 601 - Special Topics in Psychology [1-3]
PSYC 690 - Field Experience [1-3 credits each semester]

Specialization Courses (9 credits)

At least 6 credits must be from regular taught courses. Additional credits may come from courses, practica, or independent study. Courses that are used to fulfill the general requirements for ADP may not count as part of the specialization. Additional measurement and statistics courses may not count towards specialization unless the student is specializing in one or both of those areas.

Research Requirements

PSYC 799 - Master’s Thesis Research [2-9] (or research competency) - 6 credits
PSYC 899 - Doctoral Dissertation Research [9] (18 credits)

Total Number of Credits for Ph.D. Degree - 76

Students must choose one course in either Public Policy OR Prevention OR Intervention. Which of these topics is chosen will be based on discussion between the student and mentor about the student’s career goals. Note that not all courses offered, even within the Psychology program, in any of the 3 areas are necessarily pertinent for a student in the Applied Development Psychology Program. Students may choose to take a course in more than 1 of the 3 areas.
Students must attend Topics in ADP for two years, preferably in their first and second years. The course meets biweekly during the fall and spring semesters. In order to minimize the financial burden that students face, they do not have to register for formal course credit.
Up to 12 credits of field experience (practica) can be taken in partial satisfaction of degree requirements, 3 credits of which are required. Practica are typically taken in 3-credit blocks (150-180 hours). In order to receive credit for practica beyond the 3-credit minimum, each practicum experience must be uniquely defined, in consultation with one’s academic advisor and on-site practicum supervisor. If the circumstances warrant, a student may be given permission to register for a 2-semester practicum at the same site; advance approval of the program director is necessary. No more than 6 credits of practicum are permitted prior to the completion of the Master’s thesis. Under most circumstances, a student taking more than 6 practicum credits will graduate with more than 54 course credits.