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Psychology, Ph.D.

A Scientific Understanding of How Humans Behave, Think and Feel
  • 3

    Concentrations: Applied Behavior Analysis, General Clinical and Psychological Science

  • Service

    Hands-on Opportunities to Put Your Knowledge in Action

  • Skills

    Scholarship − Solid Foundation of Quantitative & Methodological Skills

Choose Your Area of Study

Psychology is natural science and social science used to advance areas ranging from basic brain, behavioral and developmental processes, to understanding cultural effects on behavior, to developing and evaluating treatments for chronic psychological and behavioral disorders.

At this level of study, you will conduct and disseminate human and non-human research in both laboratory and applied settings.

Our program offers three concentrations:

The Ph.D. program in general clinical psychology is accredited by the American Psychological Association. In our most recent site visit, we were accredited for the maximum duration, ten years. Our next site visit will be in 2034. 

Learn more about APA accreditation

 

The doctoral degree program in psychology with a concentration in applied behavior aanalysis is accredited by the Association for Behavior Analysis International Accreditation Board.

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Learn more about ABAI accreditation

Learn To

Understand theoretical and empirical frameworks of the science and application of psychology

Demonstrate comprehensive knowledge in research design and quantitative methods

Effectively communicate empirical findings

Critically evaluate research and develop a plan based on empirical findings

“ I think this university is one of the most accommodating I’ve seen, and that’s a result of the supportive atmosphere if you communicate your needs. ”
Sydney Batchelder '19 M.A., '21 Ph.D.
Psychology, Ph.D. Program Overview

A Core Connection

We not only provide training for specific pursuits within our own field, but we also provide instruction that translates to the disciplines of education, nursing, medicine, social work, business and law. Psychological literacy is achieved through active learning experiences, resulting in an improved ability to analyze and communicate.

The UNCW General Psychotherapy & Assessment Clinic (GPAC) is a psychology clinic serving the community while offering hands-on for training students in the general clinical psychology concentration. It provides affordable psychodiagnostic assessment services (e.g., testing for learning disabilities, ADHD, etc.) for individuals ages 18 and up.

Sound Scientists

Faculty members will treat you as a colleague fully supporting your advancing intellectual inquiry. The department recognizes scientific research as not only a teaching tool, but as a means to improving the quality of life. You will be equipped to translate basic science into clinical application and address societal challenges.

Learn More about the Department of Psychology
student pointing to graph on computer screen

Psychology professors Raymond Pitts and Christine Hughes received a grant from the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health to research how acute and chronic exposure to oxycodone affect specific processes involved in impulsive and risky behavior.

Sample Courses in the Psychology, Ph.D. Program

see sample courses
PSY 505 History & Systems of Psychology
PSY 589 Advanced Research Methods in Psychology
PSY 552 Cultural, Ethical, & Legal Issues in Mental Health
PSY 556 Advanced Physiological Psychology
PSY 547 Advanced Psychopathology
PSY 619 Verbal Behavior: A Translational Approach
See The Full Curriculum

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Find your career as a:

Provide assessment and therapy in hospitals, clinics or private practice (doctoral health-service licensure).

Lead behavioral-health programs and supervise psychology trainees.

Deliver and research evidence-based care in federal or hospital systems.

Supervise clinical teams in providing behavior analytic assessments and interventions.

 Teach, mentor and run an independent research lab.

Direct services and applied research at a behavioral-health organization.
Lead an independent research program and teach at the college level.
Conduct research in settings such as NIH, the VA or private R&D.

Learn more about the Ph.D. Program 

Learn more about theDepartment 

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