Program Overview

Program Overview

The Psychology PhD program at Temple University is designed to provide students with a comprehensive education in the field of psychology. The program offers several areas of specialization, including Clinical Psychology, Cognition and Neuroscience, Developmental Psychology, and Social Psychology.

Program Requirements

General Program Requirements

The program requires 32-68 credits, depending on the area of specialization. The required credits are distributed as follows:

• Clinical Psychology: 68 credits
• Cognition and Neuroscience: 32 credits
• Developmental Psychology: 32 credits
• Social Psychology: 32 credits

Required Courses

The required courses for each area of specialization are as follows:

Area of Specialization in Clinical Psychology

• Core Courses:
  • PSY 8011: Graduate Statistics I
  • PSY 8017: Professional Development and Research Ethics in Psychology and Neuroscience
  • PSY 8021: Graduate Statistics II
  • PSY 8410: Multicultural Issues in Clinical Psychology
  • PSY 8411: Cognitive-Behavioral Therapies
  • PSY 8412: Core Course in Psychopathology
  • PSY 8413: Psychological Assessment I
  • PSY 8423: Psychological Assessment II
  • PSY 8433: Clinical Psychology: Scientific and Professional Dimensions
  • PSY 8481: Social, Cognitive, and Developmental Aspects of Behavior
  • PSY 9411: Clinical Research Methodology
  • PSY 9485: Ph.D. Internship Course
  • PSY 9987: Assessment Practicum
• Clinical Practicum: 12 credits
• General Electives: 9 credits
• Research Courses: 6 credits

Areas of Specialization in Cognition and Neuroscience, Developmental Psychology, and Social Psychology

• Core Courses:
  • PSY 8011: Graduate Statistics I
  • PSY 8015: Teaching of Psychology
  • PSY 8017: Professional Development and Research Ethics in Psychology and Neuroscience
  • PSY 8021: Graduate Statistics II
• Electives and Topical Seminars: 18 credits
• Research Courses: 6 credits

Optional Concentration in Quantitative Methods

The optional concentration in Quantitative Methods requires 3 credits, which can be fulfilled by taking the following courses:

• PSY 8011: Graduate Statistics I
• PSY 8021: Graduate Statistics II
• PSY 8031: Survey of Multivariate Techniques

Internship and Culminating Events

Internship

An internship is required for the Clinical Psychology area of specialization.

Culminating Events

The culminating events for the program include:

• Preliminary Examination: The purpose of the preliminary examination is to demonstrate critical and interpretive knowledge in a specialized area of psychology.
• Dissertation Proposal: The dissertation proposal demonstrates the student's knowledge of and ability to conduct the proposed research.
• Doctoral Dissertation: The doctoral dissertation is an original empirical study that makes a significant contribution to the field of psychology.

Dissertation Examining Committee

The Dissertation Examining Committee evaluates the student's dissertation and oral defense. The committee consists of the Doctoral Advisory Committee plus at least three additional doctorally prepared individuals. The majority of the individuals on the committee must be members of the Temple University Graduate Faculty.