Program Overview

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Psychology

The Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology degree program at UMass Lowell provides an immersive and hands-on research experience, equipping students with a strong foundation in psychological science and the tools to apply psychological theories to real-world challenges.

Program Overview

The Ph.D. in Psychology program is designed to provide students with specialized training in high-demand areas, including advanced quantitative and qualitative methods, behavior analysis, epigenetics, psychophysiology, narrative methods, grant and policy writing, and meta-analytic approaches. Students will have the opportunity to work alongside renowned faculty who are experts in their fields and passionate about mentoring the next generation of scholars.

Degree Pathway

The degree pathway for the Ph.D. in Psychology includes:

• Required Coursework:
  • PSYC.5120: Applied Research Methods (3 credits)
  • PSYC.6500: Advanced Quantitative Methods (3 credits)
  • PSYC.7030: Selected Topics in Applied Psychology and Prevention Science (3 credits)
  • PSYC.6200: Special Topics in Applied Behavior Analysis (3 credits)
• Methods Course (Choose 2):
  • PSYC.7010: Narrative Methods (3 credits)
  • PSYC.7020: Participatory Action Research (3 credits)
  • PSYC.7050: Intro to Structural Equation Modeling (3 credits)
  • PSYC.7060: Multilevel Modeling (3 credits)
  • PUBH.6890: Advanced Regression Modeling (3 credits)
  • EDUC.7040: Qualitative Research Methods (3 credits)
  • EDUC.7050: Survey Research (3 credits)
  • CRIM.7920: Survival Analysis & Longitudinal Data (3 credits)
• Electives (total courses required = 3):
  • PSYC.6930: Directed Study in Applied Psychology and Prevention Science
  • PSYC.6940: Mentored Research Experience
  • PSYC.7030: Selected Topics in Applied Psychology and Prevention Science
  • PSYC.6200: Special Topics in Applied Behavior Analysis
• Other Requirements:
  • PSYC.XXXX: Professional Development in Psychology (6 credits)
  • PSYC.7630: Dissertation Credits (12 credits)
  • PSYC.6930, PSYC.6940, OR PSYC.6950: Directed or Independent Study (8 credits)

Learning Outcomes

Graduates of the Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology will be able to:

1. Use psychological science to conduct research on issues related to promoting healthy outcomes, preventing problematic behaviors, and/or intervening to diminish existing problems.
2. Understand key concepts, theories, and methodology in the field of applied psychology and prevention science.
3. Have a thorough grounding in the ethical conduct of research and practice in real-world settings.
4. Understand and empower diverse, underrepresented groups in real-world settings.
5. Work with interdisciplinary teams to stimulate innovative problem-solving addressing multiple levels (e.g., individual, familial, organization, community, and societal levels).

Career Outcomes

Graduates from the program are highly sought after across a range of fields, including academic positions as faculty at colleges and universities, research and data analysis roles in government and private industries, and careers in policymaking, evaluation, and consulting.

Faculty Research Areas

The faculty's expertise spans a wide range of disciplines, including:

• Aging and Developmental Psychology
• Applied Behavior Analysis
• Cognitive Psychology
• Community and Social Psychology
• Diversity and Feminist Psychology
• Health Psychology
• Psychology and Law
• Quantitative and Qualitative Methods

Funding Opportunities

UMass Lowell strives to provide financial support for all admitted Ph.D. students, including funding through Teaching Assistantships (TA), Research Assistantships (RA), and summer research support.

Admissions

The admissions process includes:

• Application
• Application Fee: $50
• Statement of Purpose: Outline goals, experience, and achievements (max 2 pages)
• Letters of Recommendation: Two (2) for master's, three (3) for doctoral applicants
• Transcripts: Unofficial transcripts may be submitted with the application, but official transcripts are required if accepted
• Test Scores: UMass Lowell's school code is 3911; the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is required for certain programs
• Resume: Required for certain programs; Ph.D. in Psychology applicants should submit a curriculum vitae (CV) instead

International Applicants

International applicants must submit transcripts showing degree completion and a credential evaluation from a National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) member. English proficiency is required, with minimum scores for TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo, ASC English, or Pearson Test of English (PTE).