Master's to PhD in Psychology

UNCG has a master’s to Ph.D. in psychology that leans heavily on research and science and statistics coursework for students who want to complete their doctoral degree. The master’s in psychology for the doctoral track is more competitive and requires more of a commitment from students but offers the same close-knit cohorts that all students in UNCG’s psychology department enjoy.

Students typically work with a faculty member from one of our four areas:

• Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology
• Ph.D. in Cognitive Psychology
• Ph.D. in Developmental Psychology
• Ph.D. in Social Psychology

UNCG also has faculty qualified to direct research in quantitative psychology and biological psychology. One-on-one mentorship helps students define a good match for theoretical study throughout their doctoral programs. Students who commit to UNCG through completion of their Ph.D. benefit from streamlined studies while obtaining the critical research experience needed for publications and theses that turn heads.

psychology master’s to PhD PROGRAM DISTINCTIONS

UNCG’s graduate programs in psychology rank just behind much larger universities in North Carolina. Here, psychology master’s and doctoral students will learn in facilities equipped with cutting-edge instruments, but with smaller faculty-to-student ratios than found in the bigger research institutions. These advantages are especially important for students who want to continue to a doctoral program.

Research equipment includes:

• 64-channel Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system (Brain Products: actiCHamp and actiCap active electrodes system)
• remote eye-tracking system (SensoMotoric Products)
• access to a 3T scanner (Siemens Magnetom Trio)

THE psychology master’s to phd STUDENT EXPERIENCE

Extensive one-on-one faculty mentorship benefits students who choose the master’s to Ph.D. in psychology. During the 5–7-year educational commitment, they can focus their studies on an area that fits their interests and develop deeper mentorship relationships. Collaborative interactions with faculty and peers sharpen research skills and practical applications of their knowledge.

• Students will become familiar with research happening throughout the department by attending colloquia and lab meetings. Thus, they’ll find labs and interdisciplinary opportunities to apply their studies.
• Ph.D. candidates gain experience in clinical settings through the department’s Psychology Clinic, which is a nonprofit offering affordable mental health services to community members.
• The Psychology Clinic manages Dream Camp, a unique camp that serves youth on the autism spectrum every summer. As Dream Camp interns, Ph.D. students gain clinical experience and program development skills.

AFTER GRADUATIng with your PhD in psychology

Psychology Ph.D.’s are well-prepared for successful careers as licensed psychologists in practice settings or as consultants. Graduate studies can also prepare them for high-ranking positions in non-profit organizations and industry, in addition to research development and tenure-track faculty positions. According to U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics, psychology positions are on the rise, with the median income for Ph.D. graduates reporting 35-40% more than master’s graduates.

Get more information on the master of arts in psychology for the Doctoral TracK