PhD in Psychology

Advance psychological science through original research, specialized training, and scholarly collaboration in UNC Greensboro’s Ph.D. in Psychology. One of UNCG’s longest-standing doctoral programs, the Ph.D. prepares students to become researchers, educators, and leaders who contribute new knowledge to the understanding of human behavior, cognition, development, and social interaction.

Students build on prior master’s-level training through advanced coursework, faculty mentorship, and individualized research experiences. While all doctoral students complete a shared foundation in psychological science, each develops a specialized program of study aligned with their research interests and professional goals.

Students pursue advanced study in one of four concentrations:

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

Psychology Ph.D PROGRAM DISTINCTIONS

• Join one of UNCG’s longest-standing doctoral programs. Build advanced expertise in psychological science through a program with a strong tradition of preparing researchers, educators, clinicians, and leaders in the field.
• Customize your doctoral training. Pursue specialized study in Clinical, Cognitive, Developmental, or Social Psychology while developing an individualized program of research aligned with your interests and career goals.
• Train in a research-intensive environment. Access advanced facilities, technologies, and resources that support the study of cognition, behavior, development, emotion, and social processes. Equipment facilities include:
  • 3T scanner (Siemens Magnetom Trio)
  • 64-channel ERP system (Brain Products: actiCHamp and actiCap active electrodes system)
  • remote eye tracking system (SensoMotoric Products)
• Develop expertise in advanced research methods. Gain experience with experimental design, psychometrics, experience sampling, eye-tracking, protocol analysis, and other contemporary approaches to psychological research.
• Access financial support for your studies. Many doctoral students receive multi-year funding packages that may include assistantships, tuition remission, fellowships, scholarships, and research opportunities.

THE Psychology pdh STUDENT EXPERIENCE

• Receive individualized faculty mentorship. Work closely with a faculty advisor who supports your research, professional development, and progress toward your academic and career goals.
• Become part of an active scholarly community. Participate in colloquia, lab meetings, research presentations, and professional development events that connect you with faculty, students, and emerging ideas across psychology.
• Conduct original research from concept to publication. Develop research questions, collect and analyze data, present findings, and contribute new knowledge within your area of specialization.
• Gain hands-on experience in clinical and community settings. Ph.D students develop practical skills through training opportunities at UNCG’s Psychology Clinic, a nonprofit facility that provides affordable mental health services to community members.
• Apply psychology to real-world challenges. Students may contribute to initiatives such as Dream Camp, the Psychology Clinic’s summer program for youth on the autism spectrum, gaining experience in assessment, intervention, program development, and community engagement.

AFTER GRADUATIng with a PhD in Psychology

After graduating with a Ph.D. in Psychology, you’ll have the research expertise, analytical skills, and professional experience to advance psychological science and apply it in a variety of settings. Through specialized training, original research, and mentorship from faculty scholars, you’ll develop the knowledge and leadership skills needed to contribute to the field as a researcher, educator, clinician, or practitioner. UNCG alumni work in colleges and universities, healthcare systems, research organizations, community agencies, government institutions, and private practice settings. Many graduates also complete postdoctoral fellowships that provide advanced specialty training and support the next stage of their professional development.

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.

Potential Career Path