online social psychology phd programs

• Best Online Programs
• Best Campus Programs
• Behavior Psychology
• Clinical Psychology
• Counseling & Mental Health
• Developmental Psychology
• Educational Psychology
• Forensic Psychology
• General Psychology
• Health Psychology
• Industrial/Organizational
• Marriage Family Therapy
• Social Psychology
• Social Work
• Educational Psychologist
• Forensic Psychologist
• Clinical Psychologist
• Family Psychologists
• Marriage Family Therapist
• School Psychologist
• Social Psychologist
• School Counselors
• Neuropsychologist
• I/O Psychologist
• Sports Psychologist
• Addiction Counselor
• Mental Health Psychologist
• Counseling Psychologist
• Occupational Psychologist
• Child Psychiatrist
• Connecticut
• Massachusetts
• Mississippi
• New Hampshire
• North Carolina
• North Dakota
• Pennsylvania
• Rhode Island
• South Carolina
• South Dakota
• West Virginia
• PsyD vs PhD

List of Online PhD in Social Psychology Programs

A lot of people wonder why others feel a need to conform. They want to know why there are mobs, and why these sometimes spiral out of control. They also want to find out why there continues to be such strong religious discrimination around the world, or why non-profit organizations continue to struggle to increase donations. These are just some of the many questions that social psychologists aim to answer.

A social psychologist is charged with studying human interaction. They are different from clinical psychologists, who work with individual patients. A social psychologist looks at trends and general features, trying to identify how different human beings relate to one another, without taking their unique idiosyncrasies into consideration. They look at everything involved in human interaction, from how two people relate to each other to how entire groups can communicate. Furthermore, they use the knowledge they gather through research to structure and manipulate so-called socio-psychological processes in an attempt to improve them.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), social psychologists are likely to earn an average of around $74,030 per year, although this varies tremendously depending on where they work, how long they have been employed and what their level of education is. The BLS has also reported that the field itself will experience around 12% growth between now and 2022, which is on the national average. However, the economy is still recovering and this means there is a good chance this percentage will grow as well.

The projected growth is particularly true because there is a new emerging trend within the field of social psychology. There is now a strong demand for professionals who understand social psychology across today’s internet age. This pertains to a new generation of social psychologists who are very tech-savvy are looking into how people interact online on social networking sites and chat rooms, and they can identify and break through patterns in cyber bullying.

If you want to hold a doctorate degree in social psychology, it is likely that you will go to an on campus institution, through which you will become involved in various research projects to work towards your dissertation. In fact, there is currently only one school that offers an online doctorate program in social psychology, which does require some residency as well. One other school is also not quite delivered online, but much of the curriculum encompasses self-guided study, which can be completed online. Let’s take a look, therefore, at the two possible programs for those who wish to obtain a doctorate in social psychology online.

1. Walden University

Walden University offers  a PhD in Social Psychology – Fast Track (BS Entry) option . This program encourages students to conduct research on various important social issues, including group dynamics, interpersonal processes, attitudes and social cognition. Graduates will get a Ph.D. in Psychology with a specialization in Social Psychology. This encourages them to become more knowledgeable on the various influence of social factors. Students are provided with sophisticated research methods and can become educators or researchers in higher education. Many graduates become consultants serving for-profit and not-for-profit organizations.

Additional Options

• Social Psychology – Related MS Entry (PhD)
• Social Psychology – BS Entry (PhD)
• Social Psychology – Fast Track (MS Entry) (PhD)

The program takes a total of 106 quarter credits to complete, which are made up of:

• 71 credits in core courses
• 15 credits in elective courses
• 20 credits for a dissertation
• 4 four day Ph.D. residency sessions

Some of the core courses include topics such as:

• Social cognition
• Culture and psychology
• Ethics and standards of psychology

The elective courses cover issues in Educational Psychology, Forensic Psychology, General Psychology, Health Psychology, or Organizational Psychology.

The program costs $67,610 to complete without any transfer credits.

To be admitted to the program, students must:

• Provide their academic records.
• Write a goal statement.
• Have relevant work experience.
• Hold a master’s degree at least.
• Have at least three years of relevant academic or professional experience.

2. The New School for Social Research

The program offered by the New School for Social Research in New York is not a traditional online degree, but it is one that includes a lot of independent learning, much of which can be completed online. This degree program is most suitable for those who currently hold a bachelor’s degree, as the program starts by completing a master’s in general psychology, after which graduates concentrate in social psychology.

Students are expected to research broad socio-psychological areas including culture and cognition, political psychology, existential psychology, and close relationships. They investigate specific questions in these areas, such as conflict resolution in political disputes, dehumanization, essentialism and entitativity, sacred values, culture and norms of reciprocity, self-objectification, the origins of racial categories, interpersonal motivation, and immigration.

The program is made up of 60 total credits, 30 of which are for the master’s degree. Students must complete these credits within a ten year time period and they must hold a GPA of 3.7 in order to graduate.

To be admitted to the program, students must hold a bachelor’s degree (those with a relevant master’s may be accepted straight onto the Ph.D. pathway).

3. Liberty University

Students interested in a Ph.D. in Social Psychology can earn their degree online at Liberty University. This Ph.D. in Psychology – Social Psychology is a highly specialized degree that can help the student to envision large scale challenges of society and be a key part of devising practical solutions. ( Liberty.edu )

Liberty University’s online Ph.D. in Social Psychology offers strong research training that will ready you for a career in academia and social psychology research. An online Ph.D. in this program is ideal for students who want to bring new human behavior knowledge to the field of social psychology and find ways to address pressing social issues. 

Learning objectives in this four-year program are: 

• Learn how to apply psychological principles to large scale social thought and group psychology.
• Master psychological writing and research techniques that will establish your work in human behavior studies. 
• Complete your Ph.D. dissertation research during the program with mentorship from your psychology professors. 

Required courses for graduation are: 

• Theories and Research in Social Psychology
• Biological Bases of Behavior
• Social Cognitive Development
• Contemporary Topics in Social Psychology
• Attitudes, Measurement and Change
• Social Relationships
• Social Cognitive Neuroscience
• Social Psychology of the Digital Age
• Quantitative Research and Analysis

*Indicates school is a Featured Partner.  Click here  for disclosure on Featured Partners. 

• No GRE Psychology Doctorate Degrees. (n.d.). Retrieved from  https://psydprograms.org/no-gre-online-psychology-phd-programs/
• 8+ Online Psychology Ph.D. Programs 2020. (2019). Retrieved from  https://psydprograms.org/most-affordable-online-psychology-phd-programs/

2024 Best Online PhD in Social Psychology Programs [Doctorate Guide]

Earning a social psychology PhD could help you advance your expertise and expand your career opportunities in the field.

Social psychology focuses on how social interactions and environments affect human behavior, such as why individuals behave differently when in a group versus when they are alone.

Editorial Listing ShortCode:

A doctoral degree in this specialty area can help graduates qualify for research and academic positions as well as consulting positions for companies and organizations. If you want to work directly with patients, you could pursue licensure as a social psychologist.

Universities Offering Online PhD in Social Psychology Degree Programs

Methodology: The following school list is in alphabetical order. To be included, a college or university must be regionally accredited and offer degree programs online or in a hybrid format.

California Institute of Integral Studies

The California Institute of Integral Studies offers a PhD in Psychology with a concentration in Integral and Transpersonal Psychology. The program is fully online and starts in the fall of each year. Classes are typically taken part-time, and the coursework can usually be finished in 2 years. The dissertation usually takes around 3 years to complete.

CIIS is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges – Senior College and University Commission.

Capella University

Capella University offers a PhD in Psychology through its School of Social and Behavioral Sciences. Concentrations offered include Developmental Psychology, Educational Psychology, and Industrial-Organizational Psychology. The program is fully online, and students take part in virtual residencies instead of on campus. Doctoral projects may be started early in the program.

Capella University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Capitol Technology University

Capitol Technology University is the first school in the country to offer an online program for a PhD in Cyberpsychology. The program is fully online. Capitol’s curriculum is industry-based, and the program’s instructors are experienced in their industries. Students may choose between a dissertation or publication project. The program requires the completion of 60 credits in courses like Cyberpsychology Future Demands.

Capitol Technology University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Fielding Graduate University

Fielding Graduate University offers a PhD in Clinical Psychology. The program offers three concentrations to choose from, including Social Justice and Diversity. Coursework can be completed online, but students must attend two residencies that are 5 days long each year, for the first three years of the program. The program also requires the completion of 600 clinical hours and a dissertation.

Fielding Graduate University is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Senior Colleges and Universities of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.

Grand Canyon University

Grand Canyon University offers a PhD in General Psychology with an emphasis in Cognition and Instruction. Courses may be taken online or on campus in the evening. The program requires the completion of 60 credit hours, and courses are offered in an 8 week, accelerated format. It can potentially be completed in 4 years.

Grand Canyon University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Liberty University

Liberty University offers a PhD in Psychology with an emphasis in Social Psychology. The courses are taught from a biblical worldview. The program may be taken fully online or in a hybrid format. Courses are offered in an 8 week, accelerated format, and the program can potentially be completed in just 3 years.

Liberty University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Saybrook University

Saybrook University offers a PhD in Clinical Psychology. Students may customize their electives to specialize in Social Psychology. Courses are offered fully online, but an orientation and residential learning experiences on campus are required. The program can potentially be completed in 5 years when attended full-time.

Saybrook University is accredited by the Senior Commission of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.

Sofia University

Sofia University offers a PhD in Transpersonal Psychology. Coursework is fully online, but four residential seminars must be attended over the course of the program. Each seminar is 5 days long. The program requires the completion of 75 credits and can potentially be finished in 3 years when attended full-time.

Sofia University is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.

University at Albany

The University of Albany offers a PhD in Social and Personality Psychology. Coursework may be completed online. The program offers students the opportunity to teach either online or on campus. The program requires the completion of a dissertation, research projects, and comprehensive exams. It is offered in the fall, spring, and summer.

UAlbany is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Walden University

Walden University offers a PhD in Psychology with an emphasis in Social Psychology. Coursework is entirely online. Students can choose between three tracks based on their previous degrees. Some students may be able to get credit for previously completed courses. Up to 55 qualifying credits may be transferred in. There are multiple start dates offered throughout the year.

Walden is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Online Social Psychology PhD Programs

An online PhD in Social Psychology program is designed to prepare students to become researchers, teachers, and practitioners in the field of social psychology.

Much like with a social psychology masters online or on campus, with a PhD program, you can expect to be exposed to rigorous scientific methods and approaches in cognitive neuroscience, behavioral experimentation, data analysis, field studies, psychophysiology, and more.

Social psychology PhD coursework may include a focus on:

• Research training—both in class settings and community experiences
• Advanced statistical and qualitative methods
• How social structures influence behavior, social and political attitudes, and even health
• How human experience, including thoughts and behavior, is shaped by various groups
• Teaching methods—such as course preparation, teaching strategies, and assessment
• Research applications to real-world processes—such as policy-making and counseling

Students can also expect to engage in multi-method approaches such as direct behavioral observation, survey and field research design, and peripheral psychophysiology. PhD students are typically heavily involved in an active research culture with mentorship opportunities.

You may have the opportunity to work closely with faculty mentors on research projects in an on-campus or online psychology degree programs. Common research areas include intergroup relations, social cognition, social identification, and more. Most PhD programs require the completion of a dissertation as well as a residency or fellowship.

Social Psychology Careers & Salaries

Social psychologists typically find careers in research, teaching, or consulting with individuals or organizations. Social psychology PhD graduates may teach at the university level or conduct research for private, academic, or government institutions.

Social psychologists who want to work directly with patients go on to obtain state licensure. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics , here are some potential career paths associated with the study of social psychology.

Earning a degree in social psychology may lead to diverse opportunities to focus on behavior, research, data, and more in various career settings. Social psychology graduates may also work directly with organizations to solve societal problems. To give an example, a social psychologist might help to create public awareness campaigns for certain health issues.

Professionals with a background in social psychology could also work for marketing agencies or corporations. They might apply their knowledge to help companies develop employees, understand customers’ buying behavior, or improve advertising campaigns.

Social Psychology PhD Curriculum & Courses

While the coursework of social psychology PhD programs online can differ from school to school, many curriculums feature similar courses, including:

• Research Methods: This course delves into the fundamentals of research methodology, including best practices and ethics.
• Statistics: This course prepares you for working with and analyzing data sets, probability, statistical inference, and statistical theory.
• Overview of Social Psychology: This course overviews the broad themes and theories present in modern social psychology as well as accumulated research.
• Group Processes and Intergroup Relations: This course examines the psychology behind social group processes, along with relations between social groups.
• Self and Identity: This course evaluates concepts of the self and how this identity process impacts both individuals and groups.
• Attitudes and Social Influence: This course introduces historical and modern social theories as well as experimental and correlational research regarding social influence.
• Interpersonal Processes: This course explores the nature of interpersonal relationships and their processes.
• Motivation, Affect, and Cognition: This course explores research on motivational systems, as well as the effect of cognition on motivation.
• Foundations of Doctoral Study in Psychology: This course focuses on scholarly writing, critical thinking, and empirical research in view of PhD requirements.
• Teaching of Psychology: This course focuses on the skills necessary to teach psychology at the university level, including rapport, learning strategies, course creation, and more.

Much like with a doctoral online clinical psychology degree program , earning an online PhD in Social Psychology also tends to require the completion of a dissertation and dissertation support courses. Some programs may also include the opportunity for residences.

How to Become a Social Psychologist

In order to hold the title of social psychologist, it’s necessary to earn a doctoral degree in social psychology.

Below are the common steps toward becoming a licensed social psychologist:

• Doctoral degree. Social psychologists practicing, teaching, or researching psychology typically need to earn either a Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) or a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Psychology from an accredited university.
• Internship or residency. Social psychology students will typically conduct research under the supervision of a licensed psychologist.
• Licensure. Most psychologists working with patients are required to become licensed in the state that they practice. This may include the prerequisites of holding a doctorate, passing an exam, and completing a supervised fellowship. Social psychologists who do not work with patients may not need licensure.
• Certification. Although not always required, licensed social psychologists may choose to become board-certified. This credential could help psychologists pursue specialized careers and expand their opportunities.

The type of licensure or certification you may need depends on whether you’re looking to pursue an academic career or work directly with patients.

Admissions Requirements

Admissions requirements for entry into social psychology doctoral programs can vary depending on your school, but many core requirements remain the same. These may include:

• Bachelors or masters degree in a related field
• Personal essay
• Academic research sample
• Letters of recommendation
• 0 minimum GPA, on average

Many schools no longer require GRE or GMAT scores for graduate admissions, so you may want to check with your school to see if you need them. Some universities may also require an interview or departmental approval for entrance into a PhD psychology program.

Social Psychology Graduate Programs Accreditation

Determining whether your potential school or college is accredited is an important step to take before you apply. Accreditation is, in essence, quality assurance that a postsecondary institution meets a set of professional education standards.

Enrolling in accredited online psychology programs is a precondition for certain types of financial aid. Plus, many employers and license boards only recognize doctoral degrees that are awarded by accredited schools. Regional accreditation is considered the most prestigious and widely recognized accreditation.

You can find out whether your school is regionally accredited by visiting the Council for Higher Education Accreditation ’s website.

Social Psychology Licensure and Certifications

While requirements vary by state, social psychologists usually need to become licensed if they want to work with patients. Here is a breakdown of common licensing requirements:

• Hold a doctoral degree in psychology
• Complete supervised work experience
• Pass the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP)

Board certification with agencies like the American Board of Professional Psychology (ABPP) is optional, but it may lead to advanced opportunities in the field. To become certified, practicing psychologists must be licensed and pass an exam of competency. If you plan to teach or conduct research, you may not need a state license.

Financial Aid and Scholarships

Many students seek financial assistance to complete a social psychology PhD program. Luckily, there are many types of aid options available to students who qualify. These options may include federal aid, state aid, scholarships, grants, and more.

There are a number of scholarship and grant opportunities offered by schools and private organizations that could be based on a student’s need, merit, or area of study. If you require assistance in the form of student loans, both federal and state loan options may be available. You can fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to see your eligibility for federal aid options.

Some employers also offer tuition benefit programs to help their workers further their education. Schools may also have assistantships available for doctoral students.

What Can You Do with a PhD in Social Psychology?

Earning a PhD in Social Psychology can help prepare you for a research career at various academic, private, or government institutions.

PhD graduates may also teach at the university level, where they might conduct research as well. Some professionals choose to work directly with patients, individuals, or organizations as consultants. In organizations, they might use their knowledge of behavior and social influence to help with employee development or marketing research.

Social psychologists who want to work directly with patients in a clinical or counseling setting often need to obtain licensure or certification.

What Does a Social Psychologist Do?

Social psychologists focus on understanding human behavior within social interactions, groups, and relationships. They primarily study how these interactions affect the individual. Because of this, social psychologists may work as researchers in a variety of fields that deal with groups. They can also teach at the postsecondary level.

Social psychologists can also apply their knowledge of group dynamics, behavior, social perception, and social environments in clinical settings. They may work directly with individuals in need of counseling. Others consult with organizations, especially when it comes to marketing or employee training.

Where Do Social Psychologists Work?

Social psychologists can be found in a variety of career settings. Many social psychologists enter the research field, where they can be found at academic institutions like universities, government research centers, or laboratories.

Social psychologists may also be found in correctional facilities, schools, and welfare organizations. Those in clinical settings may work directly with patients. Others work at marketing or advertising firms to assist in market research. Many social psychologists also teach at the university level, where they can simultaneously conduct research.

Should I Earn a Doctorate in Social Psychology?

If you’re interested in human behavior and how people are affected by social settings, then earning a doctorate in social psychology could expand your career opportunities in this field.

Professionals in this field often have the opportunity to be involved in research that contributes to the field of psychology. Some also work in government or politics. Doctoral graduates may also work with organizations, individuals, and even the military to improve societal-related issues.

Social psychology professionals with a PhD may also qualify to teach and conduct research at colleges and universities. Whether a social psychology doctorate is right for you may depend on your personal interests and career goals.

How Long Do Social Psychology PhD Programs Take Online?

Generally, earning a PhD takes 3 to 5 years to complete with full-time study. The length of your program can depend, though, on the number of credit hours required as well as how long it takes you to complete the dissertation process.

If no dissertation is required, a social psychology doctorate program can sometimes be completed in 3 years with full-time study. Of course, students enrolled part-time due to other career or family obligations may take longer to complete a doctoral program.

What’s the Difference Between PsyD vs. PhD Programs in Social Psychology?

Although Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Social Psychology programs are similar in many aspects, they differ when it comes to career focus and outcomes.

• PsyD in Social Psychology: A PsyD is a professional doctorate that’s primarily designed to prepare students for clinical careers working directly with patients.
• PhD in Social Psychology: A PhD is designed to prepare students for entering research careers as well as careers in academia and clinical settings.

PhD programs typically admit fewer students than PsyD programs, which may cause PhD programs to be more competitive.

Is a PhD in Social Psychology Worth It?

Yes, a PhD in Social Psychology is worth it for many students. Earning a psychology PhD can help you qualify for a range of career opportunities in this lucrative field.

Graduates may choose to work in research that has an impact on human interaction and individual psychology. Those with a PhD may also choose to teach at the university level. Social psychology professionals can also consult with organizations or pursue psychologist licensure to work directly with patients.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment of psychologists is projected to grow by 6% over the next ten years.

Getting Your PhD in Social Psychology Online

A PhD in Social Psychology program is designed to help you prepare to become a researcher, teacher, or practitioner in social psychology.

The study of social psychology is focused on human behavior and how individuals are affected by social interaction and society. Earning your doctoral degree online is a convenient way to advance your expertise and professional qualifications in this lucrative field.

If you’re ready to take this next step in your educational and professional journey, you can start researching accredited schools to see which PhD program in social psychology is right for you.

• Skip to Main

Ph.D. in Social Psychology

• News and Awards
• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
• Department History
• Administration
• Faculty List
• Faculty Directory
• Doctoral Students
• Current Students
• M.A. in Psychology
• M.A. in Industrial & Organizational Psychology
• Ph.D. in Cognition & Perception
• Global Ph.D.
• Program Requirements
• Honors in Psychology
• Study Abroad
• Research Opportunities
• Transfer Students
• Areas of Study
• Participate in Research
• Research Labs, Centers & Facilities
• Published Books by Faculty
• Social Psychology Events
• Cognition and Perception Events
• Psychology Faculty Meetings
• Developmental Psychology Events
• Open Lab Meetings
• Faculty Search

The doctoral program in Social Psychology at New York University offers training in the scientific study of social psychology and social behavior. To this end, it offers training in the psychological theories, principles, and research methods relevant to understanding human behavior among individuals, groups, and organizations .

Program Vision

Social behavior is best understood from a multi-level perspective. The focal level of analysis often concerns the individual and the situation, with an emphasis on the cognitive, emotional, and motivational processes that drive behavior in social contexts. Our multi-level approach may examined how these processes are shaped by political, societal, and organizational factors, at a higher level, and supported by neural and physiological systems, at a lower level.

Our multi-level perspective is reflected in our methodologies. Students receive training in advanced quantitative methods and in a broad range of approaches such as behavioral experimentation, psychophysiology and cognitive neuroscience, big data (e.g., from social media), experience sampling, online data collection, dyadic measurement, computational modeling, and field studies, to name a few. Members of the program have access to fMRI, EEG/ERP, eye-tracking, and peripheral psychophysiology facilities housed within the Psychology Department.

Finally, we are committed to connecting our research to the real world. Although our questions often focus on basic processes that drive social cognition and motivation, our broader goals are to understand real-life human behaviors and pressing societal issues and to contribute solid scientific knowledge to policy makers and human service providers.

Program Culture and Activities

The NYU social program has a history of a special communal, cooperative spirit, with very high morale among the students and faculty. Moreover, the program culture is constantly evolving, influenced by interactions among current students, postdocs, and faculty, by changes in the broader scientific field, and by events in the world. We hold weekly program meetings (our “brownbag” meeting) that emphasize new findings and lively discussions, and we feature multiple talk series featuring prominent outside speakers (e.g., Social Colloquium, Social Neuroscience Series, Distinguished Lecture Series). Members of the program also enjoy interactions with colleagues in Cognition & Perception, Development, Neuroscience, Applied Psychology, Linguistics, Politics, Philosophy, and the Stern School of Business. Our location in an exciting and central neighborhood in New York City makes it easy for students and faculty to come in early and/or stay late to meet with each other and distinguished visitors.

Graduate study in the Social Psychology program at NYU means being part of an unusually active research culture. We share well-equipped laboratories, and we promote 'open door' relationships between professors and students. Although students typically have a primary home in one professor's laboratory, we require that students work in at least one other laboratory to promote breadth of training in a variety of methodological approaches and research issues. Our goal is to prepare students to be highly competitive in the job market for the type of career they seek, and we are proud of the steady success of our students in obtaining academic positions at top research universities and teaching colleges.

All students accepted into our graduate program are fully funded through the Henry M. MacCracken Program or the NYUAD Global PhD Fellowship.

MacCracken funding is provided through a combination of teaching assistantship, research assistantship, and fellowship, in proportions to be determined. The award package typically includes a full tuition scholarship, comprehensive health insurance and a stipend. Funding is typically guaranteed for five years, although students with substantial graduate credits or a Master's degree may only be guaranteed four years of support.

NYUAD Global PhD Fellowships include full tuition scholarship, health insurance, travel benefits, and a stipend. Funding is for five years, which typically includes two years or less of course work in New York and the remaining at least three years or more of dissertation research in Abu Dhabi. Campus housing in Abu Dhabi is provided free of cost and is available to all Global Fellows.

There is a very limited supply of subsidized housing available for graduate students which is generally used for a subset of each entering class to provide them the opportunity to get settled in New York City during their first year of residence.

NYU Abu Dhabi PhD Program

The Program in Social Psychology maintains a relationship with the Social Psychology faculty at NYU Abu Dhabi. This relationship supports opportunities for collaboration between students and faculty across the New York and Abu Dhabi campuses. Students accepted for the NYU Abu Dhabi Ph.D. program will typically spend two years primarily in New York with multiple visits to Abu Dhabi. During those two years, students complete all or most of their coursework as well as carrying out research in collaboration with an NYU Abu Dhabi advisor and a co-mentor in New York. The subsequent three years are spent in Abu Dhabi completing the dissertation research and any remaining course requirements. For further information on the Global Ph.D. program, click here .

Share this page

• START HERE: Applying to Social Psychology
• Application and Instructions
• Ph.D. Program Application Deadlines, Requirements, and Guidelines
• GSAS Application Resource Center
• Application FAQ's
• FAQ's for International Applicants
• Social Psychology Faculty
• Developmental Concentration
• MacCracken Program
• Ph.D. Program FAQ's
• Stuart Cook Award Winners

Other Useful Links

• Graduate Fairs and Open House
• Academic Calendar

INFO FOR CURRENT STUDENTS

• Psych Central (NYU login required)

Best Social Psychology Programs

Ranked in 2022, part of Best Social Sciences and Humanities Schools

Social psychologists are often

Social psychologists are often niche practitioners who examine how environment affects a person's behaviors. This branch of psychology focuses on thoughts, feelings and behavior. These are the top schools for social psychology. Read the methodology »

• Clear Filters

Psychology, PhD (Social Psychology)

On this page:.

The doctoral program in Psychology with an emphasis on social psychology is designed to train researchers to use rigorous scientific methods to uncover the fundamental principles underlying social behavior and to address practical questions about everyday relations among people.

Program Description

Degree Awarded: Psychology, PhD

The doctoral program in Psychology with an emphasis on social psychology is a component of the  Robert B. Cialdini Social Psychology Laboratories  designed to train researchers to use rigorous scientific methods to uncover the fundamental principles underlying social behavior and to address practical questions about everyday relations among people. Our students combine continuous involvement in research with a series of courses designed to provide broad substantive knowledge, as well as methodological and quantitative expertise.

Since its implementation in 1973, the psychology Ph.D. program with an emphasis in social psychology at ASU has greatly grown and is now widely recognized as among the best such programs in the country. How do we account for this success?  Probably the best answer is that the faculty and students of the ASU social psychology program have been a highly productive group over the years in conducting research at the national and international level and in teaching at the university level. The unique collaboration between faculty mentors and graduate students provides a commitment to solutions for real-world problems, such as cultural biases and how we can all work towards universal goals. 

 The goals of our program are to:

• provide a setting in which students can grow toward mature roles as researchers, marketing professionals, social workers, counselors, teachers, and consultants in basic and applied areas of social psychology.
• advance basic knowledge in psychology and apply that knowledge to society; and
• make continuing contributions to our discipline through the achievements of the program’s graduates.

IMPORTANT: To be considered for PhD program, you must complete the application through ASU's online portal AND submit your material through  Slideroom .

The Robert B. Cialdini Social Psychology Research Laboratories

CARMA Lab  (Cohen)

Cooperation and Conflict Lab  (Aktipis)

Cultural Ecology Lab  (Varnum)

Culture and Decision Science Network Lab  (Kwan)

Evolutionary Social Psychology Co-Laboratory  (Kenrick-Neuberg-Becker-Varnum)

Evolution, Ecology, and Social Behavior Lab  (Neuberg)

SPLAT Lab  (Shiota)

Fellowships   Faculty Research Labs

Student Handbook

Concentrations

Areas of Interest

The productivity of the doctoral program in Psychology has been facilitated by two main factors:

1. Our faculty value one another's work and enjoy collaborating on research projects. It is common for faculty to publish jointly, and it is almost invariably the case that, when a faculty member produces an article or book chapter, at least one student from the program is a co-author;

2. The dialogue between traditional theoretical/academic perspectives on social psychology and the view that social psychology can be profitably applied to social problems, business, health, and family.

Several of the faculty combine social psychological theory with direct application to societal issues. Accordingly, the Program has developed an international reputation for providing a dual emphasis in these complementary arenas of theoretical and applied work. 

A minimum of 84 hours is required across five years. Students are expected to conduct a first-year project under the direct supervision of the student’s advisor. Following the first-year project, students will undertake a Master's Thesis. Additionally, all students will be required to complete a 12-credit dissertation and defense at the end of their PhD.  Please see accordion below for year breakdown:

Courses and electives

Students in the Social Psychology training area ordinarily receive coursework training in four distinguishable areas: 1. Social Psychology, 2. Quantitative Methods, 3. Psychological Foundations, 4. Research Activites.

The coursework for each student is individualized and based on the student's year, previous training, and faculty mentor. Each student will participate in research with faculty while completing their doctoral program. 

Students will take three core courses covering Social Psychology, four core courses covering Quantitative Methods, and three Social Psychology electives to expand their breadth of study, and one graduate level elective. Students will also be expected to participate in research courses and a doctoral dissertation. 

See the accordion below to see the breakdown of electives and requirements. 

At a Glance

• Location:   Tempe campus
• Second Language Requirement:  No

Degree Requirements

The 84-hour program of study includes a first-year project, a written comprehensive exam, an oral comprehensive, a prospectus and a dissertation. Prospective doctoral candidates should have a passion and interest in social science, have demonstrated research skills in a senior thesis and have a minimum of a 3.00 cumulative GPA. 

Admission Requirements

The Department of Psychology application process is completed online through  ASU Graduate Admissions . Prospective students must submit the admission application form along with the fee and official transcripts.

For the department’s doctoral programs, students must submit supplemental application materials through  SlideRoom , which requires an additional fee. For complete instructions for applying to the PhD program, visit our  Doctoral Admission requirements  page.

In the initial year of residence , students take the first course of the social psychology proseminar series; a seminar for current topics in social psychology; and quantitative and methodology courses. Immediately upon entering the program students also become involved in one or more research programs where they directly work with faculty members. These research affiliations are flexible and it is expected that students will participate in research with several faculty members while completing the doctoral program. 

Fall Semester:

• PSY 551 Advanced Social Psychology
• PSY 530 ANOVA Statistics
• PSY 591a Current Topics in Social
• PSY 592 Research

Spring Semester:

• PSY 531 Mult. Corr & Regr. Statistics
• PSY 600 Experimental Design Research
• Social Psychology Recommended Elective

In the second year , students take the second course in the social psychology proseminar series; continue to develop their statistical knowledge and skills; and complete and defend an independent research project to be reported as a master's thesis in passing for the M.A. degree. In the second and third year of a student's residence, he/she is also expected to enroll in the advanced courses available in the social psychology program. In addition, students are required during their time in the program to take two courses in other areas of psychology and are encouraged to begin enrolling in other relevant courses within the department and across the university.

• PSY 550 Advanced Social Psychology
• PSY 532 Multivariate Statistics
• PSY 599 Thesis Research (3–6 hrs)
• Psychology Core Required Elective
• Q & M Required Elective
• PSY 599 Thesis Research (3–6 hours)
• Master’s Degree awarded

 In the third year, students concentrate much of their effort on the development of a major area paper.

There are currently three options for this project:

• Option 1  is to review and integrate a substantive topic in social psychology. This paper follows the model of articles in Psychological Bulletin, Psychological Review, or Personality and Social Psychology Review.
• Option 2  is to prepare a grant proposal—often a pre-doctoral fellowship application—for submission to a major federal agency or private foundation. Such proposals may be for a program of basic or applied research.
• Option 3  is to perform and report a meta–analysis, a quantitative technique for distilling major findings from existing literature.

When the project has been completed and accepted by the faculty, it becomes the basis for an oral exam that focuses in part on the content defined by the project and in part, on the student's level of preparation within other topics in social psychology and related topics across the entire discipline ("comprehensives”). Upon defending this examination, the student is advanced to Ph.D. candidacy.

• Social Psychology Required Elective
• Q&M Required Elective
• PSY 792 Research (3–6 hrs)
• PSY 792 Research (3–9 hours)

Comprehensive Examination

+ Year 4 & 5

Year 4 (& 5)

The fourth and, typically, fifth years of enrollment  are devoted to continuing research projects and the doctoral dissertation. The student may also acquire teaching experience and undertake additional coursework. The program offers a graduate teaching seminar that includes supervised teaching experience that students may take after earning their master's degree. In addition, the formal curriculum is supplemented by a bi–weekly informal research meeting in which all members of the program participate. The whole social psychology group meets in the evening at a faculty member’s home to share ideas about research projects in the formative stages of development. The seminar is highly interactive and lively, providing useful feedback while offering a training ground for young critics.

• Elective PSY 792 Research (9 hours)
• Dissertation Prospectus
• Elective PSY 799 Dissertation (9 hrs)
• PhD awarded. 

+ Projects, Thesis, Dissertation (12 credit hours)

First Year Project . The first year project involves designing, conducting, and reporting research under the direct supervision of the student’s advisor.  By the end of the student’s first semester, two additional faculty members, called "readers," are selected to assist in the development of the project. The student must meet with the readers (either separately or as a committee) at least once. Also by the end of the first semester, the student will give a presentation of the plans for the first year project. No later than two weeks before the end of the second semester, the student provides to all faculty a written draft describing the project. The readers provide feedback to the student. The student gives an oral presentation to the Seminar by the end of the student's second semester.

Master’s Thesis.  The master's thesis is typically undertaken in the second year and defended during the third year. It is an original piece of research, closely supervised by the research advisor and an advisory committee. The thesis leads to the MA degree, which is considered to be a "masters in passing."  After forming a master’s thesis committee, the student must complete a three-step process:  (1) defend a written prospectus; (2) after data collection, conduct a “data meeting” at which the analyses are reviewed by the committee; and (3) pass a defense of the thesis.

During the third or fourth year of doctoral studies, the student concentrates much of his or her effort on a scholarly review of the areas of Social Psychology. The student works with four committee members to put together a reading list upon which the Comprehensive Exams — written and oral — are based. The student has the choice of completing a "closed-book," two-day written exam or an "open-book," two-week written exam. The oral exam is conducted one week after the conclusion of the written exam and serves to clarify the student's answers to the written questions. Often, the literature review that the student conducts during this time period becomes the basis of the doctoral dissertation.

Doctoral Dissertation (12 hours)

The doctoral dissertation is an extensive piece of original research that demonstrates the capability of the student to act as an independent scholar and use experimental methods. The dissertation is closely supervised by the research advisor and three additional faculty members who constitute the dissertation committee. As with the master’s thesis, there are three components. First, the student writes a formal dissertation proposal and defends it to the committee. After the defense, the student is admitted to PhD candidacy by the Graduate College. Second, following data collection, there is a "data meeting" at which the analyses are reviewed by the committee. The process culminates with the student's defense of the dissertation before the committee and the academic community.

Ideally, the typical student’s program of study will take five years for completion. In recognition that the program enrolls students who have basic and applied interests that may require specialized training experiences involving additional coursework or will engage in time-consuming community-based research, the program allows for some flexibility in milestone timing for students who demonstrate excellence in other areas of performance.

This flexibility reflects negotiations with the student’s faculty advisor/mentor. The program faculty shall monitor student progress towards training goals. The student's annual evaluation will include specific feedback about what the student is expected to do to stay on track with regard to milestone timing. Students who do not meet timing expectations will be put on probation. After a year of probationary status, progress will be considered unsatisfactory if expectations continue to be unmet.

To be considered as making satisfactory progress, students who enter the psychology PhD program with a bachelor’s degree must:

Successfully defend their master's within three years,

Complete and defend the comprehensive examination within two years following completion of the Masters, oral defense, and

Complete and defend the dissertation within two years following completion of the comprehensive examination.

To be considered as making satisfactory progress, students who enter the psychology PhD program with a master’s degree must:

Complete and defend the comprehensive examination within four years, and

+ Core Courses (24 credit hours)

1. Social Psychology REQUIRED COURSES:

• PSY 550 Advanced Social Psychology
• PSY 591 Current Topics in Social Psychology

2. Quantitative / Methods   REQUIRED COURSES:

• PSY 530  Intermediate Statistics
• PSY 531  Multiple Regression in Psychological Research
• PSY 532  Analysis of Multivariate Data
• PSY 600  Design of Experiments in Social Psychology

+ Electives (6 credit hours)

1. Social Psychology REQUIRED ELECTIVES: Students will take at least three additional content courses in social psychology from among those courses and seminars offered by the social psychology faculty. 

2. Quantitative / Methods   REQUIRED ELECTIVES: Students will  take at least one additional graduate level course in quantitative and Methodological areas related to social psychological research to improve their technical skills. These courses may be taught by department faculty, or, with the approval of the program, be offered by related departments on campus. RECOMMENDED:

• PSY 555 Quasi–Experimental Designs for Research

3. Psychological Foundations   REQUIRED ELECTIVES: Students will take at least two courses in the development, biological, cognitive, or clinical bases of human behavior that will enable the student to bring a broader perspective to creative scholarship. These courses, from at least two of the bases of behavior mentioned above, are taught by psychology department faculty and must be approved by the program.

+ Research Activities (42 credit hours)

4. Research Activities Students are required to develop competence in one or more substantive areas of research and theory, in which the student attempts to make a unique scholarly contribution.

This is typically achieved by: 

1) involvement in the ongoing research program of one or more mentors, for which the student receives academic credit through the Supervised Research courses, such as:

2) Master's Thesis (PSY 599) and Dissertation (PSY 799) courses, and

3) passing the comprehensive examination requirement. The three sets of required electives stated above should be regarded as default assumptions, and are viewed as appropriate for the typical social psychology student in the program. Individual needs and goals may vary from this typical pattern, and exceptions and substitutions may be proposed to the program. Only under unusual circumstances will petitions be approved that attempt to make substitutions for the eight required courses listed above. Advisors should be consulted before enrolling in courses that are intended to meet breadth requirements.

PROGRESS REPORTS : All students submit progress reports and self–evaluations to the program each year. This document describes progress towards meeting the student's curricular goals as well as updating his/her research agenda. It proposes any modifications to the earlier curricular plan, together with justification for these changes. It identifies short–term plans for the next year that fit with the student's longer term training goals. This document is used by the program faculty as its basis for providing evaluative and, if needed, corrective feedback each year. 

Next Steps to Attend ASU

Learn about our programs.

Request information

Apply to a program

Visit our campus.

Schedule a visit

Global Opportunities

With over 250 programs in more than 65 countries (ranging from one week to one year), study abroad is possible for all ASU students wishing to gain global skills and knowledge in preparation for a 21st-century career. Students earn ASU credit for completed courses, while staying on track for graduation, and may apply financial aid and scholarships toward program costs.

Request Information

If you have questions related to admission, please  click here  to request information and an admission specialist will reach out to you directly.

Psychology Headlines

From around the world.

• Scientists Unveil Most Detailed Map of the Human Brain Ever Created
• AI Deadbots Spur Call for Safeguards to Prevent Unwanted "Hauntings"
• AI Knowledge Gets Your Foot in the Door, Study Finds
• How a 1973 Missouri Law Makes It Hard for Pregnant Women to Divorce
• AI Systems Are Already Skilled at Deceiving and Manipulating Humans
• Eating Disorders Common in People with Type 1 Diabetes
• Tiktok to Automatically Label AI Content Made Outside the Platform
• Biden Says U.S. Won't Supply Arms for Israel to Attack Rafah

Source: Psychology News Center

Home / Discover Psychology Degree Programs / Online Social Psychology Programs

Online Social Psychology Programs

Choosing the right online social psychology degree program, which social psychology degree is right for you, social psychology degree program curriculum, social psychology degree program clinical requirements, list of online social psychology degree programs.

Social psychology delves into the intricacies of human behavior within social environments. It explores how individuals, groups, and cultures interact and the various factors that impact and shape their attitudes and behaviors.

For those interested in pursuing a career in social psychology, obtaining a degree in this field is crucial. The path to becoming a social psychologist involves completing a comprehensive educational program that equips you with the knowledge, skills, and hands-on experience necessary to succeed in this field.

Luckily many degree programs exist for those looking to earn their social psychology degree by taking classes online or primarily online.

Most social psychologists hold a doctorate degree in psychology, although there may be opportunities for working in lower-to mid-level positions with a master’s degree. There are also several online programs available to those who would like to earn a social psychology degree from the comfort other their home, however, a bachelor's is needed before you can pursue either of these graduate degrees.

When enrolling in a program, it is crucial to verify its accreditation from a recognized source. Two such sources are the Counsel for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs and the American Psychological Association .

Bachelor's Degree

Few colleges and universities offer a bachelor's degree in social psychology, and the same goes for online programs. A bachelor's in psychology, any sociology area, or counseling could prepare you well for more specialized graduate studies.

Expect to spend four years completing a bachelor's program. The first two years will be spent largely on general education requirements and basic courses in your chosen major. You'll take more advanced courses in your major during your junior and senior years.

Master's Degree

A master's degree in psychology is the minimum academic degree required to become licensed for treating patients. Completing a social psychology degree online will prepare you well for the specific interpersonal work that this type of psychology involves.

Most master's programs will take two to three years. A master's in social psychology will include both general psychology courses and more focused social psychology courses. You may also take classes in statistics, counseling, or other peripheral subjects. You can find these classes listen on your school’s website in the online curriculum section.

Accredited master's degrees include a practicum, which is an internship. The length of the practicum varies by state, but most are 600 hours of clinical and supervised work. Your practicum should be completed in a social psychology setting if this is the field you want to eventually work in.

Most social psychologists go on to earn a doctorate degree, and you may find many job opportunities that aren't available to those who only have a master's. A master's can prepare you for future doctoral work, though, and you can secure lower licensed positions with this degree.

Graduate Certificate

Some online programs don't offer a master's degree in social psychology and instead only offer a general master's in psychology. Some students don't decide to work in the field of social psychology until they're already in a general psychology degree program.

If you don't specialize through your master's program, then a graduate certificate gives you an alternative way to focus on social psychology. Social psychology certificates typically take six months to one year, and they're completed after a master's in most cases. They're mostly comprised of classes that specifically teach social psychology-related subjects.

Most social psychologists earn a doctorate, either after completing a bachelor's or a master's program online. Many job opportunities in social psychology require a doctorate.

Schools offer both Ph.D. and Psy.D. doctorates in social psychology. The former is more research-oriented, and typically involves two years of class followed by two to four years of research. The latter is more clinically focused, and typically involves three years of class and practicum. Psy.D. students commonly write a final paper that's much shorter than Ph.D. students.

The online doctorate program will be almost entirely in social psychology. It'll qualify you for licensure if you enroll in a doctorate immediately after your undergraduate degree.

Online degree programs become more specialized in social psychology as you move to higher degrees. Some courses you might eventually take are Psychology of Social Behavior, Group Dynamics, Methods of Social Psychology, and Psychosis in Social Context. You can find more examples of classes on your online programs curriculum page, or by asking for an informational packet from a school you’re interested in.

• Bachelor's: ~120 credits; Intro to Psychology, Human Development, Social Influences
• Master's: ~30-60 credits; Psychology of Social Behavior, Group Dynamics, Psychology of Violence
• Graduate Certificate: ~12-20 credits; Psychology of Social Behavior, Group Dynamics, Psychology of Violence
• Doctorate: ~80-12 credits; Advanced Psychopathology, Cognitive Assessment, Statistical Methods in Psychology

Though your classes will be primarily, or fully online, most master's and Psy.D. students are expected to complete clinical practicums during their degree program. Master's programs typically require 600 hours, and Psy.D. programs usually require 1,500 hours.

Faculty members can help students network to find practicums in social psychology settings. When enrolling online, where faculty don't have connections with nearby clinical social psychologists, you might have to rely more on job postings in your area. During your practicum, you can expect to engage in social psychology within a highly supervised setting.

Looking for an online social psychology degree program near you? Browse our state-by-state school listings below.

Jump to Your State Listings

University of florida-online.

• Master of Public Health-Social and Behavioral Sciences – Online

The Chicago School of Professional Psychology at Chicago

• Social and Community Psychology Certificate

Eastern Kentucky University

• Certificate in Social Intelligence & Leadership

Massachusetts

Clark university.

• Ph.D. in Social Psychology

Park University

• Social Psychology

Liberty University

• Ph.D. in Psychology - Social Psychology

Are we missing your school's program or need to update information listed? Please contact us so we can make the necessary changes.

Other Psychology Degree Program Profiles

Social Psychology Doctoral Program

The Interdisciplinary Social Psychology Ph.D. program applies rigorous psychological and sociological scholarship to better understand the processes, structures and contexts that impact social interactions.

Program overview

The program emphasizes training in theoretical foundations, as well as qualitative and quantitative methods in basic and applied research. Though not all students choose one of these specializations, areas of emphasis include psychology and law, personal and social relationships, social psychology and health and organizational behavior. Gender, culture and development issues are integrated into the curriculum in each area of emphasis.

• Collective behavior
• Emotion expression and regulation
• Health and health policy
• Interpersonal communication and relationships
• Intergroup relations
• Law and juvenile studies
• Life span and aging research
• Political psychology
• Social inequality
• Social networks
• Socialization

Incoming students develop a mentoring relationship with a faculty member of the program. Students are encouraged to engage in scholarly research, often in collaboration with faculty, to present findings at professional meetings and to publish in reviewed journals and volumes. In addition to the support offered by the University's Graduate Student Association , the social psychology Ph.D. program offers financial assistance for student travel and research.

The program's interdisciplinary focus allows students to experience a wide range of perspectives within the field of social psychology. This holistic approach prepares students for engaging and rewarding work in both academic and applied settings upon completion of the program.

Graduates of the program are today employed in a variety of capacities. Roughly one-third teach and conduct research at universities, typically in tenure-track positions. One-third have full-time research positions in the public sector (county, state or federal level positions, including nonprofit organizations). The final third of graduates work in the private sector, either for commercial organizations -- for example, Adobe or Hotwire -- or operate their own consulting business. In short, advanced graduate training in social psychology can lead to a wide range of career paths.

Program resources

The handbook provides the necessary information for students to understand the requirements, expectations and opportunities associated with this graduate program.

Requirements

The curriculum of the program extends over a minimum of four years and includes multiple requirements. Learn more  on general and credit requirements, deficit coursework and more.

View a semester-by-semester timeline of the degree program both with or without the optional master degree track. 

Funding opportunities

General award resources.

• American Psychological Association (APA):   The APA provides access to information about a large number of funding sources, ranging from federal grants to student award by different APA divisions.
• American Psychological Foundation (APF) : APF offers a number of scholarships for students. They range from $2,000 to $5,000. Students at any stage of graduate study are encouraged to apply. The purpose of the scholarship program is to assist graduate students of psychology with research costs associated with the master’s thesis or doctoral dissertation.
• American Psychology-Law Association (AP-LS) : AP-LS as an organization has funding opportunities for social psychologists interested in the law.
• Association for Psychological Science (APS) . APS collects links to a number of different national and international funding programs.
• American Sociological Association (ASA) : ASA offers a number of grants and fellowships.
• National Science Foundation (NSF) Graduate Research Fellowship Program :  A variety of NSF fellowships exist.
• Society for the Psychological Study of Social Issues (SPSSI):  This organization offers grants and awards to social psychologists for a range of different purposes
• Western Social Science Association : This organization also offers awards for best paper/poster and other things. 

Comprehensive lists of funding sources available to graduate students across the U.S.

• The Graduate School, University of Nevada, Reno funding list
• University of Tennessee, Knoxville Collection : UTK makes available a collection of links to websites & organizations that offer various grants types of graduate funding.

Dissertation funding

• American Council of Learned Societies :  The American Council of Learned Societies offers a variety of different dissertation grants/fellowships.
• APA Dissertation Research Award : The APA offers a dissertation research award. They have a number of grants (about 30-40) for $1,000 each; there are also several larger grants up to $5,000 each. 
• American Educational Research Association:  Proposal are encouraged from a variety of education fields or fields doing education-related research. It is a one-year fellowship and is worth $25,000. See website for criteria/eligibility.
• Bilinski Fellowship: This fellowship is offered every year to help fund the final year of the doctoral students within a Ph.D. program associated with the College of Liberal Arts. Students can ask the director of the program for more information about the fellowship. The deadline to apply is usually in early March.
• Council of Graduate Departments of Psychology (COGDOP) . In conjunction with the American Psychological Foundation (APF), COGDOP offers over 20 graduate research scholarships to support dissertation research
• Ford Foundation : This fellowship is offered every year. The stipend is $21,000. 
• Horowitz Foundation : The Horowitz Foundation offers grants for graduate students to work on their dissertations. They offer $7,500 ($5,000 is awarded initially and $2,500 is awarded upon completion of the project). 
• Decision, Risk and Management Sciences : It supports research “directed at increasing the understanding and effectiveness of decision making by individuals, groups, organizations, and society.” 
• Law & Social Sciences : The website says that the program considers proposals that address social scientific studies of law and law-like systems/rules.
• Political Science Doctoral Dissertation Research Improvement Grants : Areas include, but are not limited to: American government and politics; comparative government and politics; international relations; political behavior; political economy; and political institutions. 
• Science, Technology, and Society : This focuses on a variety of different science, technology, and society (STS) topics. For instance, it includes interdisciplinary studies of ethics, equality, governance, and policy issues. 
• Sociology Program – Doctoral Dissertation Research Improvement Awards : This is for dissertation projects. It focuses on a variety of different topics, so it is not limited to just one type of research. 
• P.E.O. Scholar Award : One-time, competitive, merit-based awards intended to recognize and encourage academic excellence and achievement by women in doctoral-level programs. These awards provide partial support for study and research. P.E.O. Scholars have demonstrated their ability to make significant contributions in their chosen field of study, having assumed leadership positions in university academics, scientific research, medicine, law, performing arts, international economics, history, literature, government and other demanding fields. The award is $20,000.
• SPSP Heritage Dissertation Research Award : Each year, the Foundation for Personality and Social Psychology awards six grants of $2,000 each. At least two grants are in personality psychology and at least two grants are in social psychology.
• Woodrow Wilson Dissertation Fellowship in Women’s Studies :  “The WW Women’s Studies Fellowships support the final year of dissertation writing for Ph.D. candidates in the humanities and social sciences whose work addresses topics of women and gender in interdisciplinary and original ways.” Winners receive $5,000 to be used for expenses connected with completing their dissertations (e.g., research-related travel, data work/collection, and supplies).

Graduate student research grants

• American Council of Learned Societies : The American Council of Learned Societies offers a variety of different grants for research.
• American Educational Research Association : Research grants are available for various education research fields, as well as fields and disciplines engaged in education-related research. Minorities are strongly encouraged to apply. “Awards for research grants are up to $25,000 for a 1-year project or up to $35,000 for 2-year projects.” See the website for additional eligibility criteria.
• Wayne F. Placek Grants : This grant is designed to “support empirical research from all fields of the behavioral and social sciences on any topic related to lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender issues.” Grant is up to $10,000.
• Violet and Cyril Franks Scholarship : This is designed to “support graduate-level scholarly projects that use a psychological perspective to help understand and reduce the stigma associated with mental illness.” The scholarship amount is up to $5,000.
• American Psychology-Law Society (AP-LS) : AP-LS offers various grants/awards, and includes a Grant-in-Aid and the Diversity in Psychology and Law Research Award.
• American Sociological Association (ASA) : ASA offers various grants/awards (e.g., a Community Action Research Initiative Grant and Fund for the Advancement of the Discipline [FAD]).
• Society for Personality and Social Psychology (SPSP) : SPSP offers small research grants up to $1,500.
• Clara Mayo grant in support of Masters’ theses and pre-dissertation research on sexism, racism, or prejudice
• This organization also offers funding for travel.
• Society for the Scientific Study of Religion : Offers research grants to graduate students. Applicants must have been a member of the society at least one year prior to their application.

Pre-doctoral fellowships

• American Sociological Association : The American Sociological Association offers a minority fellowship program designed specifically for doctoral students of color. The annual stipend is $18,000. 
• Ford Foundation pre-doctoral fellowships :  Just as the Ford Foundation offers dissertation fellowships, it also offers pre-doctoral fellowships. 
• National Science Foundation (NSF) Graduate Research Fellowship Program . The GRFP provides funding for three years in addition to research expenses.

Student travel/participation grants

• American Psychology-Law Society:  Offers a travel award to fund travel to AP-LS every year. Students have won up to $500.
• American Sociological Association:  The American Sociological Association offers a few travel awards/grants.
• Society for Personality and Social Psychology (SPSP):  SPSP offers a number of different grants to graduate students, undergraduate students and scholars to attend its annual conference.
• Society for the Psychological Study of Social Issues (SPSSI) : Offers funds to travel to and attend SPSSI meetings.
• Western Psychological Association : T here is a Psi Chi WPA regional travel grant. This grant will help cover travel costs to the conference. Recent awards have been $225.
• Western Social Science Association :  This organization offers a travel grant to attend its annual meeting. There is also a grant available to waive the conference registration fees for local students.

This program is part of the  Western Regional Graduate Program  (WRGP), a tuition-savings program that makes out-of-state graduate studies more affordable for students. Through WRGP, you will receive a reduced tuition rate, giving you more educational options for your money.

Questions? Contact the graduate program director

Monica Miller, Graduate Program Director and Foundation Professor

• [email protected]
• (775) 784-1287

Students are also encouraged to contact any faculty that they might be interested in working with as their graduate advisor. Feel free to contact more than one faculty member. View our filtered faculty listing to see who is currently accepting students.

Ph.D. Social Psychology

Our PhD program in Social Psychology is research-intensive, and designed as a five-year PhD program to prepare students for scholarly careers in academic and other research settings. We train graduate students to become productive social psychologists who will contribute to the field through the advancement of theoretical understanding and empirical research in social psychology, and by effectively teaching courses within the domain of social psychology. Formal course requirements are minimized and collaborative research with one or more faculty is emphasized.

Preparing You For Success

We offer a robust, dedicated, and active program that leads to successful students.   With four core faculty and a group of around 10 graduate students, the Social/Personality Program is relatively small by national standards, however, this allows for faculty and graduate students to develop deeply collaborative and productive working relationships.

Seminars are also small and highly productive. We are selective with graduate student admissions, and our students develop strong bonds with their mentors and cohort. By graduation, our students are well-prepared for the academic job market, as shown by the fact that most currently have a permanent or visiting faculty position. 

Recent Alumni Job Placements & Awards

• Hannah Buie, Ph.D. (2023), Assistant Professor of Psychology, Western Carolina University
• Dylan Horner, Ph.D. (2023), Assistant Professor of Psychology, Minot State University
• Harrison Schmidt, Ph.D. (2023), Assistant Professor of Psychology, Skidmore College
• Jake Taylor, Ph.D. (2023), Research Administration Coordinator, Memorial Hermann - Rockets Sports Medicine Institute
• Ciara Atkinson, Ph.D. (2022), Evaluation Specialist, University of Arizona Department of Campus Recreation
• Eva-Maria Stelzer, Ph.D. (2020), Research Analyst Health, Hubert Burda Media
• Isaac Young, Ph.D. (2020) visiting assistant professor, Beloit College, Wisconsin
• Peter Helm, Ph.D. (2019) postdoc, University of Missouri
• Uri Lifhsin, Ph.D. (2017) postdoc, IDC, Herzylia, Israel
• Advanced User Experience Researcher, State Farm
• Peter Leavitt, Ph.D., (2016) Assistant Professor at Indiana State University
• Elizabeth Focella, Ph.D., (2012) Senior Consultant at Opinion Dynamics
• Rebecca Covarrubias, Ph.D., (2012) Associate Professor at U.C. Santa Cruz
• Melissa Soenke, Ph.D., (2012) Associate Professor at Cal State Channel Islands
• Megan Robbins, Ph.D., (2011) Associate Professor at U.C. Riverside
• Dave Weise, Ph.D., (2011) Senior Lecturer and Psych Advisor at Texas Christian University
• Shannon Holleran, Ph.D., (2010) Lecturer, Owens Community College, Ohio
• Daniel "Spee" Kosloff, Ph.D., (2009) Associate Professor at Cal State Fresno
• Chad Forbes, Ph.D., (2009) Associate Professor, and Social Psychology Program Director at the University of Delaware
• Mark Landau, Ph.D., (2007) Full Professor at the University of Kansas

Although our program is relatively young, we also take great pride in the accomplishments of the alumni of our program, three of whom have garnered early career awards: APA (Mark Landau, PhD. in 2007), International Society for Self and Identity (Jamie Arndt, Ph.D. in 1999; Mark Landau), the Society of Experimental Social Psychology (Eddie Harmon-Jones, Ph.D. in 1995) and the Society for Psychophysiological Research (Eddie Harmon-Jones).

Updated: 05/25/23

Interdisciplinary Collaboration

The University of Arizona is a highly interdisciplinary environment, and the social psychology students have a history of successful collaboration with students and faculty in the clinical and cognitive neuroscience psychology programs and in other departments on campus (e.g., Family Studies and Human Development, Communications, Management, Marketing, Public Health).

Our program is especially enhanced by clinical students who are mentored by our social faculty and by clinical faculty who mentor our social students. Whenever a social student is interested in psychophysiology, perception, clinical, or other topics in psychology, there is usually a great opportunity for collaboration with faculty from our other departmental programs.

Updated: 09/29/22

LET US HELP

Welcome to Capella

Select your program and we'll help guide you through important information as you prepare for the application process.

FIND YOUR PROGRAM

Connect with us

A team of dedicated enrollment counselors is standing by, ready to answer your questions and help you get started.

Online PhD in Psychology

School of social and behavioral sciences.

Expand your opportunities for making a difference in people’s lives with a PhD in Psychology from Capella. Build expertise that matches your interests to help you prepare for the next phase of your career.

• PhD in Psychology

A flexible PhD in Psychology

The PhD in Psychology degree program provides students with advanced academic preparation with an emphasis on research and scholarship. Students pursue a specialization during which they engage in a competency-based, scholar-practitioner curriculum that can be applied within the field of psychology.

Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology

PhD in Psychology program overview

The PhD in Psychology program is designed to help you master psychology theory and practice, contribute original research and strengthen your ability to consult, teach or lead in diverse professional settings.

Capella University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission

Accreditation and recognitions provide assurance that we meet standards for quality of faculty, curriculum, learner services and fiscal stability. See all our accreditations and recognitions .

Why Capella?

• Cost & savings
• Quality curriculum
• Student experience
• Flexibility

Reduce your tuition

Scholarships & grants.

Capella scholarships and federal grants are funds that you don’t have to pay back.

• Capella Progress Rewards – These rewards are not need-based and are simply our way to support your commitment to your education. Eligibility rules and exclusions apply. Connect with us for details.
• Student/Alumni Referral Scholarship – Capella students and alumni can refer eligible friends, family or colleagues to Capella to pursue a degree with a scholarship.

Previous experience

Get the credit you deserve. You may be able to save time and money on your Capella degree by transferring credits from an accredited university or getting credit for prior learning

*All transfer and Credit for Prior Learning credit must be completed prior to starting any program in the FlexPath format. Any professional certification or external courses taken concurrently with FlexPath enrollment cannot be recognized in the Capella degree program.

Military benefits

Military benefits may be available in select programs and learning formats for service members, veterans, their spouses and family members.

Employer benefits

Tuition discounts and scholarships are available for eligible employees of our partner organizations.

Program specializations

Various factors impact your time and cost to complete your degree, such as your program specialization. For more information, visit the PhD in Psychology specialization pages.

PhD in Psychology specializations

• General Psychology
• Developmental Psychology
• Educational Psychology
• Industrial/Organizational Psychology

Expert advisory board

The purpose of the Social and Behavioral Sciences Advisory Board is to provide a critical link between the strategic objectives of the school and the needs of external constituents through input, insight, feedback and consultation. Board members have backgrounds in the fields of applied behavior analysis, clinical psychology, clinical mental health counseling, general psychology, marriage and family therapy, school counseling and school psychology.

The advisory board will help ensure that Capella University provides:

• Innovative, student-centered education that is competency-based, rigorous, relevant and transformative
• Preparation to help graduates be change makers in behavioral health to meet the needs of a diverse, ever-evolving society

PhD in Psychology outcomes

The PhD in Psychology program provides students with advanced academic preparation with an emphasis on research and scholarship. Students pursue a specialization during which they engage in a competency-based, scholar-practitioner curriculum that can be applied in a range of fields, including psychology, behavioral health, education, business and public policy. Successful graduates of this degree program will be prepared to apply psychological principles within the field of psychology.

Distinguished faculty

Our faculty bring a wealth of professional experiences to the classroom, with practical insights that can help you bridge the gap between learning in the classroom and working in the real world. They teach the skills you need right now and share their understanding of what it’s really like to work in your chosen profession.

1 86% of doctoral alumni agree that the Capella faculty were well qualified and did a good job.

Alumni Outcomes Survey, 2022–2023 

PhD in Psychology services and resources

Education isn’t one-size-fits-all – that’s why support is available to you at every step. From choosing your program and starting classes, to coursework assistance and graduation, our support teams are here for you.

Academic support

• One-on-one enrollment and advising support
• Writing center, online library and tutoring services
• Expert faculty with real-world knowledge

Financing support

• Assistance with the financial aid process
• Scholarships, transfer credits and credit for prior learning

Career support

• Resume help, interview prep and employer database of job listings
• One-on-one career coaching
• Learner & Alumni Networking Platform to connect in your field

Personal support

• Disability services
• Student communities and peer-to-peer mentoring
• 24/7 tech support

“My enrollment counselor at Capella made the process very easy and educated me on how my practical experience can be blended with my academic pursuits to further my career.”

Xaulanda Simmonds-Emmanuel

PhD in Industrial/Organizational Psychology

Alumni Association

As a graduate, you’ll have a community of Capella students, alumni and faculty you can tap into for career advice and networking.

1 87% of doctoral alumni agree that Capella provided the flexibility they needed to pursue their degree.

Career development center.

Explore your career options, navigate your job search and move toward your goals with help from our Career Development Center . We offer a variety of resources, including one-on-one career coaching. Start planning early.

PhD or professional doctorate: which is best for you?

There are two kinds of doctoral degrees: PhDs and professional doctorates. Deciding which is right for you depends, in part, on how you want to use your education and the standards in your professional field. The kind of research that most interests you should also play a part in your decision. For either option, our GuidedPath learning format offers the flexibility to study when it works for you, with set deadlines to keep you focused and on track.

1 93% of alumni agree Capella provided the flexibility they needed to pursue their degrees.

Research focus: original or applied.

PhD students are expected to create, expand and contribute to knowledge, research and theory in their discipline. This kind of discovery is often called original research.

Professional doctorate students are expected to expand and apply existing knowledge and research to existing problems in their professional field. This is often referred to as applied research.

Final deliverable: dissertation or project?

PhD students summarize the findings of their research in a five-chapter paper called a dissertation. At completion, they must defend their work in front of a faculty committee. The dissertation is ultimately published and shared with other scholars in the field and the general public.

Professional doctorate students present their research in one of a variety of forms including projects, portfolios, journal articles or even dissertations. In some instances, students are required to defend their work in front of a faculty committee.

Frequently asked questions

How do i apply for the phd in psychology program.

Applicants to the PhD in Psychology program must provide the following information for admission:

• Admission application – no application fee required 
• A master’s degree from an institution accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or from an internationally recognized institution
• Your official master’s transcripts, with a minimum grade point average of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale
• A valid, government-issued form of photo identification

GRE and GMAT are not required for admission.

International applicants will be subject to additional admission requirements.

View full admission requirements for PhD in Psychology specializations: General Psychology , Developmental Psychology , Educational Psychology , Industrial/Organizational Psychology

International student requirements

If you completed your most recent academic coursework, degree or credential at an institution outside the United States, regardless of your citizenship or where you currently live, you are considered an international applicant.

In addition to the above admission requirements, you will need to submit these materials:

• Minimum score on acceptable test for proof of English proficiency
• Transcript evaluation

Learn more about international student admissions .

What is a PhD in Psychology?

The online PhD in Psychology from Capella is for experienced professionals who want to build on their expertise and expand their opportunities for making a difference in people’s lives. Choose from four specializations that can help you build skills and knowledge in a specific area of focus.

What will I learn in the PhD in Psychology program?

Our faculty and students collaboratively explore the way humans, organizations and systems work and work together to promote optimal functioning. Using Capella’s competency-based curriculum design, the faculty focuses on assessing students on the knowledge and skills needed to be successful in the field of psychology.

Is the PhD in Psychology degree online or in person?

The PhD in Psychology is offered online in the GuidedPath learning format.

Learn more about the student experience at Capella and explore what additional support resources we offer to help you find and succeed in your degree program.

Additional PhD in Psychology resources

Explore your path in the field of psychology

Find ways to gain the skills and knowledge needed to pursue a career in the field of psychology.

Helping Professions Guide

Explore paths and programs that leverage your unique interests to help build a better world.

Ready for the next step?

Learning online doesn’t mean going it alone. Help is here, from enrollment assistance and advisors to faculty and academic coaches. Plus, you’ll have a supportive community of students who are as passionate about their careers as you are about yours.

Please Exit Private Browsing Mode

Your internet browser is in private browsing mode. Please turn off private browsing mode if you wish to use this site.

Are you sure you want to cancel?

MA in Applied Psychology – Developmental Psychology Study the Human Mind

Credit Hours

View Courses

100% online, 8-week courses

Transfer in up to 50% of the degree total

Advance Your Understanding of the Human Mind and Development by Earning a Master’s in Developmental Psychology from Liberty University

Are you interested in understanding how the human mind works and develops throughout the life cycle? Developmental psychology is the study of the human brain and thought development. This field focuses on why we do the things we do from infancy through adulthood. If you are in this field already or interested in getting started, our developmental psychology master’s program can help.

Liberty University’s 100% online Master of Arts in Applied Psychology – Developmental Psychology is designed to help you work with diverse backgrounds of individuals across the lifespan. No matter your current level of experience in the field, our degree is designed to help you meet your professional goals. Use our applied psychology and human development degree to make a difference in the lives of young people.

Ranked in the Top 10% of Niche.com’s Best Online Schools in America

• What Sets Us Apart?
• Private Nonprofit University
• 600+ Online Degrees
• No Standardized Testing for Admission
• Transfer in up to 75% of an Undergrad Degree
• Transfer in up to 50% of a Grad/Doctoral Degree

Why Choose Liberty University’s Developmental Psychology Online Program?

There are a variety of developmental psychology graduate programs that you could choose from. But we believe Liberty University’s master’s in psychology stands out. Our mission is Training Champions for Christ , so we strive for excellence in all that we do. This includes raising up ethical leaders grounded in biblical principles. As a developmental psych student, this is of the utmost importance because you will be impacting the minds of future generations.

Here are some additional reasons why our developmental psychology online master’s program stands out:

• Liberty University is accredited by SACSCOC , the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. That means your courses have met rigorous academic standards, and your degree will be well-respected among potential employers.
• Our flexible, 100% online format means that you can complete your degree while continuing to dedicate time to your family, community, and career.
• Our professors have real-life experience as counselors and psychologists . They are eager to partner alongside you and share their expertise.

What Will You Study with the Online Master’s in Developmental Psychology?

The core content of the online master’s in applied psychology provides a basis for evaluating and applying psychological research. This can help you address real-world problems from a scientific point of view. You’ll study the advanced concepts of social and cognitive psychology as you work towards your Master of Arts in Applied Psychology. Additionally, your classes will be taught from a biblical worldview.

The developmental psychology area of study for the online master’s in applied psychology uses these advanced concepts to help you better understand the specific issues and aspects of human development across the lifespan. Students can gain an understanding of how a person handles stress, life events, biological changes, and social interactions as they grow through stages of life. The insight our professors offer will be given from psychological fields such as developmental neuropsychology and psychopathology – all from a biblical perspective.

Potential Career Opportunities

• Child rights advocate
• Developmental specialist
• Human resources analyst
• Rehabilitation counselor
• Social services manager

As a graduate of the Master of Arts in Applied Psychology – Developmental Psychology you can have a flexible, advanced degree. This program seeks to prepare students for medical and psychology research, hands-on human services roles, and many human resources and mental health support roles in business. As you complete the online master’s in applied psychology you can also be more equipped for doctoral studies and academic scholarship.

Featured Courses

• PSYC 525 – Developmental Psychology
• PSYC 620 – Intervention and Behavior Support
• PSYC 631 – Adolescent Psychology *
• PSYC 676 – Developmental Neuropsychology *

*These courses represent potential elective choices

Degree Information

• This program falls under the School of Behavioral Sciences .
• View the Graduate Behavioral Sciences Course Guides (login required) .

Degree Completion Plan (PDF)

Not sure what to choose?

Speak to one of our admissions specialists to help you choose the program that best fits your needs.

• Tuition & Aid

Your success is our success, which is why we are committed to providing quality academics at an affordable tuition rate. While other colleges are increasing their tuition, we have frozen tuition rates for the majority of our undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs for the past 9 years – and counting.

All Tuition & Fees

Financial Aid & Scholarships

Financial Aid Forms & Eligibility

Scholarship Opportunities

• Admission Information

Admission Requirements

• A non-refundable, non-transferable $50 application fee will be posted on the current application upon enrollment (waived for qualifying service members, veterans, and military spouses – documentation verifying military status is required) .
• Unofficial transcripts can be used for acceptance purposes with the submission of a Transcript Request Form .
• Applicants whose native language is other than English must submit official scores for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or an approved alternative assessment. For information on alternative assessments or TOEFL waivers, please call Admissions or view the official International Admissions policy .

Preliminary Acceptance

If you are sending in a preliminary transcript for acceptance, you must:

• Be in your final term and planning to start your master’s degree after the last day of class for your bachelor’s degree.
• Complete a Bachelor’s Self-Certification Form confirming your completion date. You may download the form from the Forms and Downloads page or contact an admissions counselor to submit the form on your behalf.
• Submit an official/unofficial transcript to confirm that you are in your final term. The preliminary transcript must show a minimum of 105 completed credit hours.
• If you are a current Liberty University student completing your undergraduate degree, you will need to submit a Degree/Certificate Completion Application .
• Send in an additional, final official transcript with a conferral date on it by the end of your first semester of enrollment in the new master’s degree.

Dual Enrollment

Please see the Online Dual Enrollment page for information about starting graduate courses while finishing your bachelor’s degree.

Transcript Policies

Unofficial college transcript policy.

Unofficial transcripts combined with a Transcript Request Form can be used for admission. Official transcripts are required within 60 days of the admissions decision or before non-attendance drops for the first set of matriculated classes, whichever comes first, and will prevent enrollment into future terms until all official transcripts have been received.

Before sending unofficial college transcripts, please make sure they include the following:

• Your previous school’s name or logo printed on the document
• Cumulative GPA
• A list of completed courses and earned credit broken down by semester
• Degree and date conferred (if applicable)

Official College Transcript Policy

An acceptable official college transcript is one that has been issued directly from the institution and is in a sealed envelope. If you have one in your possession, it must meet the same requirements. If your previous institution offers electronic official transcript processing, they can send the document directly to [email protected] .

If the student uses unofficial transcripts with a Transcript Request Form to gain acceptance, all official transcripts must be received within 60 days of the admissions decision or before non-attendance drops for the first set of matriculated classes, whichever comes first. Failure to send all official transcripts within the 60-day period will prevent enrollment into future terms until all official transcripts have been received.

Admissions Office Contact Information

(800) 424-9596

(888) 301-3577

Email for Questions

[email protected]

Email for Documents

[email protected]

Liberty University Online Admissions Verification

1971 University Blvd.

Lynchburg, VA 24515

Ready to Apply?

Submit your application online or over the phone.

Apply by phone: (800) 424-9595

Liberty University is dedicated to providing world-class educational experiences to military students across the globe.

Who May Qualify?

• Active Duty
• Reserve/National Guard
• Veterans/Retirees
• Spouses of Service Members and Veterans/Retirees
• Current Department of Defense Employees

Available Benefits:

• Tuition discounts – $275 per credit hour for graduate courses
• Additional discount for veterans who service in a civilian capacity as a First Responder (less than $625 per course) *
• 8-week courses, 8 different start dates each year, and no set login times (may exclude certain courses such as practicums, internships, or field experiences)

*Not applicable to certificates.

Inner Navigation

• Why Choose Liberty?
• What Will You Study?

Have questions?

Are you ready to change your future?

Apply FREE This Week*

Request Information

*Some restrictions may occur for this promotion to apply. This promotion also excludes active faculty and staff, military, non-degree-seeking, DGIA, Continuing Education, WSB, and certificate students.

Request Information About a Program

Request info about liberty university online, what program are you interested in, choose a program level.

Choose a program level

Bachelor’s

Master’s

Certificate

Select a Field of Study

Select a field of study

Select a Program

Select a program

Next: Contact Info

Legal full name.

Enter legal full name

Legal Last Name

Enter legal last name

Enter an email address

Enter a phone number

Full Address

Enter an address

Apt., P.O. Box, or can’t find your address? Enter it manually instead .

Select a Country

Street Address

Enter Street Address

Enter State

ZIP/Postal Code

Enter Zip Code

Back to automated address search

Start my application now for FREE

Online Bachelor of Arts in Psychology

Finish your degree at ecu, find your focus with ecu online’s psychology degree completion program.

In today’s dynamic professional world, psychology underscores every decision, interaction, and strategy, providing valuable insights into human behavior and motivation. At East Carolina University®, our online BA in Psychology program offers a streamlined and comprehensive exploration of this fundamental discipline, deepening your understanding of the human experience and preparing you to utilize these insights in your life and career.

Through practical, real-world learning, our curriculum delves into core areas such as information processing, memory, and the biological basis of psychological phenomena. Then, we give you the tools to apply that understanding to key areas of any career such as critical thinking, written communication, and interpersonal collaboration.

Upon graduating from the program, you’ll be well-positioned to advance in industries like business, communication, mental health services, government, nonprofit, and more. Beyond academics, we pride ourselves on robust student support, from comprehensive academic advising to dedicated career coaching that sets you up for success.

What You’ll Learn

ECU’s online Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Psychology is designed to help you recognize your own unique perspective while enriching the connections with the people you meet and work with every day. Our widely applicable program with a built-in minor of your choice allows you to complete a bachelor’s degree that employers recognize and value, as you’ll learn key skills such as:

• Behavioral science and research design
• Interpreting data in decision-making
• Operating effectively in an organization
• Managing high stress situations
• Information processing and memory
• Professionalism and communication
• Critical thinking and cooperation
• Human behavior and the social environment

Career Outcomes With a Psychology Degree

A BA in Psychology can help you reach your career goals in practically any field, including business, government, nonprofit, and health services. Some job titles that some of our graduates hold include:*

Project Management Specialist

Median Annual Salary: $95,370

Market Research Analyst

Median Annual Salary: $68,230

Public Relations Specialist

Median Annual Salary: $67,440

Human Resources Specialist

Median Annual Salary: $64,240

Median Annual Salary: $61,190

Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselor

Median Annual Salary: $48,520

*Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Curriculum & Courses

Psychology is a dynamic major, and that’s reflected in our curriculum. The BA degree requires 120 total credit hours, with 40 hours of general education courses, 12 hours of a foreign language (1001 to 2004), 35 hours in the study of Psychology, a minor, and general electives.

Keep in mind that as a degree completion program we accept transfer credits, which may significantly reduce your required hours to graduate. The required psychology courses include:

Introductory Course (choose one) – 3 credit hours

PSYC 1000 - Introductory Psychology PSYC 1060 - Honors Introduction to Psychology

Statistics Course (choose one) – 4 credit hours

BIOS 1500 - Introduction to Biostatistics MATH 2228 - Elementary Statistical Methods MATH 2283 - Statistics for Business PSYC 2101 - Psychological Statistics\

Research Methods Course – 4 credit hours

PSYC 2210 - Research Methods in Psychology

Learning and Cognition Course (choose one) – 3 credit hours

PSYC 3225 - Psychology of Learning PSYC 3226 - Cognitive Psychology PSYC 3227 - Learning Theories and Applications\

Biological Bases Course (choose one) – 3 credit hours

PSYC 3310 - Introduction to Neuroscience PSYC 3311 - Neuropsychology PSYC 3312 - Sensation and Perception\

General Courses (choose two) – 6 credit hours

PSYC 3206 - Developmental Psychology PSYC 3221 - Social Psychology PSYC 3300 - Psychology of Personality PSYC 3325 - Introduction to Psychological Testing PSYC 3375 - Abnormal Psychology\

Capstone Course – 3 credit hours

PSYC 4000 - Advanced General Psychology

You will choose an additional 9 credit hours (three courses) as electives from the list above.

"I fully encourage anyone who might be considering distance education, to give East Carolina University serious consideration. Living at home and taking classes online meant that I had much more flexibility in my schedule and the ability to work full time without sacrificing my education. As a result, I was able to graduate on schedule, without any debt, and with a useful degree."

• Tuition and Financial Aid

$375 PER CREDIT HOUR

120 credit hours*.

*Transfer credits may reduce number of hours

FINANCIAL AID ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE

ECU online program tuition for in-state students is just $375 per credit hour plus fees. For out-of-state students, the tuition is $450 per credit hour plus fees. Active military stationed in North Carolina may be eligible for a lower tuition rate of $250 per credit hour. With transfer credits and financial aid, your bachelor’s degree is within reach.

WIDELY APPLICABLE SKILLS

You’ll gain key insights and professional competencies to lead organizational success across industries and effectively manage interpersonal relationships.

ADVANCE YOUR CAREER

The program will deepen your understanding of human behavior, empowering you to make the transition to management or increase your impact in your current role.

TRANSFER-FRIENDLY

You can transfer credits from coursework you’ve already completed and fast-track your path to a BA—with just 35 core credits required for our online psychology degree.

BEYOND ACADEMICS

Our focus on individualized attention, student support, and career services ensures that you leave not only with academic proficiency but the tools for advancement.

ECU was ranked in the top 10 of America’s Top Online Colleges 2023 by Newsweek , meaning that you’ll graduate with a degree respected by employers nationwide.

COMMUNITY CONNECTION

ECU is more than a university—it’s a community. Even as an online student, you’ll benefit from a powerful network of peers and faculty who truly care about your success.

The next class start date is approaching. Don’t wait to apply!

Complementary minor.

You’ll be able to choose from a variety of minors to enhance your employability, including including Human Development and Family Science, Criminal Justice, Communication, and more.

Online undergraduate students are required to have a minimum of 24 hours of transferable credits for admission. Students are evaluated under the transfer applicant criteria below:

• Only courses with a grade of “C” or higher from regionally accredited institutions are eligible to transfer and can be used to gain admission.
• Students under the age of 21 will also be expected to meet NC High School Minimum Course Requirements and are required to submit a final high school transcript.
• A minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA for all college-level coursework attempted.

Undergraduate Students Application Materials

• A completed online application .
• All official transcripts from each college, technical institute, or university attended, if applicable. Send transcripts to: Office of Undergraduate Admissions Mail Stop 517 East Carolina University Greenville, NC 27858-435 We also accept electronic transcripts from most transcript services. Please request to have them sent directly to [email protected] .

Residency Determination

The Residency Determination Service (RDS) has been established by the North Carolina State Legislature as the centralized service for determining residency for students. If you are a student applying for admission and claiming in-state residency for tuition purposes, you must visit NCresidency.org NCresidency.org to verify your residency.

If you’ve already completed the residency verification process and obtained your Residency Certification Number (RCN), you can enter your RCN when filling out our application. If you do not already have your RCN, you may submit your application and then come back and enter your RCN once you have it.

For more information, visit the Office of the Registrar’s Residency page , or contact RDS at 1-844-319-3640 or [email protected] .

About ECU Online

ECU is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACSCOC) and was the first university in North Carolina to offer online degrees. We’ve continued to enhance the online experience ever since. As an established institution in North Carolina, we pride ourselves on offering a student-first, community-centric experience that empowers graduates to complete their online degrees from a reputable institution that employers recognize.

Want to hear more about East Carolina University?

Fill out the form below, and an admissions representative will reach out to you with more information. After you’ve completed the form, you’ll automatically be redirected to learn more about East Carolina University and your chosen program.

Thank you for contacting ECU Online!

Or call 252-325-8390

By submitting this form, I am providing my digital signature that East Carolina University may email me or contact me regarding educational services by telephone and/or text message utilizing automated technology at the telephone number provided above. I understand this consent is not a condition to attend East Carolina University or to purchase any other goods or services.

• Online BS in ICT: Cybersecurity Concentration
• Online BS in MDST: Security Studies Degree
• Online Bachelor's Degree (BA) in Psychology
• Online Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice