Psychology: Social-Personality PhD

Social psychology is the scientific study of how behavior is influenced by the presence of other people. The topical areas of study in our doctoral program include: attitudes, automaticity, close relationships, goal pursuit, pro-social and anti-social behavior, self and self-regulation, social perception, stereotyping and intergroup relations, and stress and coping. Students work within the general program requirements to tailor their education to fit their own interests and professional goals through the selection of research projects and electives.

Required courses - 18 credits

The following courses are required of all students in the Social Psychology program:

PSY 607LEC - Adv Statistics Methods 1 Credits: 3
PSY 608SEM - Adv Statistics Methods 2 Credits: 3
PSY 609SEM - Multivariate Statistics Credits: 3
PSY 680SEM - Adv Social Psychology 1 Credits: 3
PSY 704SEM - Social Psych Res Methods Credits: 3
PSY 725SEM - Attitudes & Soc Cognition Credits: 3

Distribution Courses (6 credits)

Students choose 2 courses (1 from each of two areas outside of student’s program of study):

Elective Course (15 credits)

Students must take five social area electives, to be determined with the guidance of their advisor.

Research (6-31 credits)

PSY 600TUT - Graduate Work Credits: 1 - 6
* Second Year Research Paper Creidts 3-15

* Third Year Research Paper Credits 3-16

Culminating Experience (2-27 credits)

PSY 700TUT - Thesis Guidance Credits: 1 - 12

Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs)

1) Demonstrate skill in critical review and evaluation of the current corpus of knowledge on the problem of interest.

2) Exhibit competence in statistics and research methods.

3) Demonstrate skill in planning and conducting independent theoretical and empirical research. This research will be of high quality and completed in a timely manner.

4) Students will acquire knowledge and skills necessary to conduct themselves professionally and to prepare for careers in social psychology.

SED Statement

This program is officially registered with the New York State Education Department (SED).