Psychology (Ph.D)
The Department of Psychology offers a four- or five-year program of study leading to the doctor of philosophy degree. The basic goal of the program is the development of behavioral scientists who have a broad knowledge of psychology, can teach and communicate effectively, and can carry out sound research in an area of specialization. Although some students seek employment outside academia, the program is oriented toward developing the skills required by the research psychologist who intends to become a college or university teacher.
Highlights of the Graduate Program
Recognition: The UNH Graduate Psychology Program has been recognized by the American Psychological Association for Innovation in Graduate Education in Psychology: Honoring innovative graduate programs; Honorable mentions.
Financial Assistance: All graduate students who are admitted to the Ph.D. program receive a full tuition waiver and stipend for at least four years contingent on university funding.
Teaching: Students in each semester of their third year teach Introduction to Psychology (under the guidance of a master teacher in our department), while taking a year-long seminar on the teaching of psychology. In their fourth year, they typically teach a mid-level course in their area of specialty during one semester and teach another course, such as statistics, in the other semester. Thus, by the time they graduate, our students typically have experience teaching three different courses. Students have full autonomy over these courses. Our students are also prepared for other aspects of higher education (e.g., advising, committee work, issues facing professors). Many of our students also earn a master's degree or Cognate in College Teaching. In addition, we have a nationally recognized program for training and preparing future faculty, especially with regard to teaching, called Preparing Future Faculty (PFF) Program.
Research: Our program is organized into three clusters: Brain, Behavior, and Cognition; Social/Personality; and Developmental Psychology. With a student-to-faculty ratio of approximately 3:2, students work closely with faculty in conducting their research. En route to their Ph.D., students obtain a master's degree, which is based on an empirical study. They often do other research as well, besides their dissertation work. Generally, our students have at least one or two publications as well as conference presentations before leaving the program.
Job Placement: About 75% of our recent Ph.D.'s have taken positions at colleges and universities across the United States.
For more information on the graduate program, contact Elizabeth Cross at psyc-grad.admission@unh.edu or at 603-862-2369
