About the Doctoral Program
Overview
Graduate study focuses primarily on training at the Ph.D. level for research in normal human development. Students specialize in an area such as cognitive development, language, learning, perceptual development, social and personality development, or developmental psychobiology and neuroscience. There is a strong focus on research throughout the program, and students who find the best fit with this program are those with a background in research and a strong interest in research at the doctoral level. Most graduates of the program take positions in academic or research settings.
Graduate study in the Institute is full-time with most students completing the program in five years. Components of the program include coursework, a first-year research project, a teaching apprenticeship (optional for clinical students), written and oral preliminary examinations, and a doctoral dissertation. See the curriculum overview for more information about general requirements. All students complete training in general developmental psychology. Two specialized training tracks are available to supplement the work in developmental psychology. Students may apply to one of these tracks at the time of application to the Ph.D. program.
Admission for a terminal M.A. degree is not granted.