Program Overview

PhD in Psychology Overview

The Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences offers two graduate degrees: the PhD in Psychology and the MS in Psychology. Study is available in the following concentrations, which we refer to as programs:

• PhD in Psychology (includes earning the MS)
  • Clinical Psychology program (accredited by the American Psychological Association)
  • Health Psychology program
  • Neuroscience program
• MS in Psychology
  • Terminal Health Psychology program

All programs train students in the facts, methodologies, and theories of psychology, with special emphasis on developing research competence. The department has well-equipped laboratories and an on-campus training clinic.

Program Details

The city of Milwaukee provides additional opportunities for training at hospitals, social service agencies, and the Medical College of Wisconsin. Note that all of the department's doctoral programs are actually combined MS/PhD programs, although students who already have a master's degree in psychology or neuroscience are also encouraged to apply. If admitted, they will not be required to earn the MS at UWM if their master's degree included an empirically based thesis.

Time Limit and Enrollment

Although it is possible for the academic portion of the doctoral program to be completed in four years, most students require five or more years. Doctoral students are expected to be enrolled full time and to earn their PhDs within seven years of initial enrollment, exclusive of the one-year internship required in the clinical program.

Admission Requirements

Admission Requirements:

• Completion of an undergraduate major in psychology (or neuroscience)
• Receipt of positive recommendation by the Departmental Admissions Committee
• Admission is based on evaluation of an applicant's entire record
• In evaluating each application, the Admissions Committee examines such factors as:
  • Grades
  • Research record (e.g., research apprenticeships, publications, presentations, and senior or honors theses)
  • Letters of recommendation

Credits and Courses

General Psychology Track:

• Students in the general psychology track must be simultaneously enrolled in the doctoral program
• The minimum requirement for the MS is 30 graduate credits of psychology
• 24 of which must be earned in formal coursework (excluding practica)
• 6 of which must be earned through an acceptable thesis

Specialization in Health Psychology

Health psychology is concerned with the psychological variables that influence physical health and illness. The MS program in health psychology offers training in research and theories relevant to health promotion.

Course of Study

The course of study consists of at least 36 credits, distributed as follows:

• Core Health Psychology Courses (12 Credits)
  • PSYCH 955: Seminar in Social Psychology and Health (3 credits)
  • Select three of the following (9 credits):
    • PSYCH 578: Psychology of Race, Ethnicity, and Health
    • PSYCH 754: Proseminar in Neuroscience
    • PSYCH 756: Psychophysiology
    • PSYCH 711: Current Topics in Psychology (health-related topic)
    • PSYCH 833: Neuropsychology
    • PSYCH 854: Behavioral Neuroscience
    • PSYCH 930: Seminar in Social Psychology
• Research Coursework (15 credits)
  • PSYCH 510: Advanced Psychological Statistics (or an acceptable equivalent course) (3 credits)
  • PSYCH 610: Experimental Design (or an acceptable equivalent course) (3 credits)
  • PSYCH 790: Masters Research (6 credits)
  • PSYCH 890: Graduate Research (or an acceptable equivalent course, as determined by area faculty) (3 credits)
• Breadth coursework (9 credits)
  • Select 9 credits in consultation with an advisor

Psychology MS and PhD Learning Outcomes

Students graduating from UWM's MS and PhD programs in Psychology will:

• Acquire a core research knowledge base and methodological skills to conceptualize, design, and conduct rigorous scientific studies
• Demonstrate the ability to process, analyze, and interpret research data using appropriate quantitative/analytic techniques
• Demonstrate a broad foundation of knowledge pertinent to the field of psychological science
• Demonstrate skills in producing and comprehending oral and written communications that are accurate, informative, effective, and well-integrated
• Develop practical knowledge of ethical practice in actual research/clinical settings and demonstrate understanding and practice of relevant legal standards