A group of people in a therapy session.

Doctor of Philosophy in
Social and Personality Psychology

Prepare for a Career Researching Social Cognition, Emotion, and Behavior

Explore the intricacies of human cognition and behavior in social environments in the doctoral program in social and personality at the University at Albany. From studying the thoughts, feelings, and behaviors of individuals to group identity and collective action you will acquire the theory, concepts and research skills to prepare for research careers in academia, data analytics, consulting, public health, and criminal justice.

Collaborate with a team of faculty mentors whose research interests include group dynamics, moral judgment, imagination, self-control, criminal justice, and the link between music and emotion. You will obtain hands-on training in research design, methods, and advanced data analytic techniques, while gaining teaching experience.

Program of Study

programofstudy

In the PhD in Social and Personality Psychology program build foundational knowledge through core classes in social psychology and statistics and then proceed to specialized classes tailored to your interests.


Social and Personality Core Courses

  • Social Psychology I
  • Attitudes and Social Cognition
  • Four specialization courses such as:
    • Multivariate Analysis
    • Meta-Analysis
    • Group Dynamics
    • Theories of Personality
    • Research Methods in Psychology
    • Psychometric Theory and Research
    • Special Topics in Social Psychology


Out of Area Courses

Two courses from two different areas of specialization within Psychology PhD programs


Statistics/Method Courses

  • Statistical and Experimental Methods I
  • Statistical and Experimental Methods II

Initial Research Project

Demonstrate basic research competency in your subfield of psychology


Research Tool Requirement - demonstrated proficiency in one of the following:

  • Pass a foreign language test
  • Course in computer programming, mathematics, electronics, biochemistry, histological techniques, foreign language, pharmacology, or advanced statistics
  • Master a technique, statistical or otherwise, in the process of conducting the Initial Research Project or another research project


Qualifying Examinations

  • Two-day general exam based on a reading list provided by the area OR
  • Write a comprehensive literature review


Dissertation
 

Additional Information

See the Graduate Bulletin for details.

For more information, contact Program Director Cynthia Najdowski at [email protected].

Research and Applied Learning


You will engage in research-intensive study throughout your graduate training, beginning in your first year with the Initial Research Project and culminating in your doctoral dissertation.

Strengthen your research, writing, and critical-thinking skills in a collaborative environment. In the Social Area at UAlbany, you will work closely with faculty to foster learning and interest across labs. You will have the opportunity to conduct research in the lab, online, and in real-world settings.

As a doctoral candidate funding is available for conference travel and for independent research. You will have the opportunity to present and discuss research findings with peers from other universities as well as publish research articles. Gain experience teaching your own courses either in the classroom or online.

 

 

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Career Outcomes


Pursue your area of specialty to make an impact on communities, corporations or individuals. Recent graduates of UAlbany's social and personality PhD program have obtained positions at Yale University, the University of North Carolina and Union College, as well as research positions in the government, military, and private sector.

With a PhD in Social and Personality Psychology potential careers include:

  • Professor
  • Researcher
  • Data Scientist
  • Educational Program Designer
  • Human Resource Manager
  • Marketing Researcher

 

 

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careers

"The faculty are very supportive and collegial. The classes and supervised research projects prepare you for conducting rigorous independent research."

- Christa Taylor, Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence

International Students

This degree is designated as a STEM program. International students maintaining F-1 status are allowed to apply for up to 12 months of post-completion Optional Practical Training (OPT) following completion/graduation from their degree program. Currently, this degree program is also designated by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) as an eligible degree for the F-1 STEM OPT work authorization extension; students who secure qualifying employment may be eligible to apply for the STEM OPT extension for a cumulative total of up to 36 months of F-1 OPT work authorization.

Admissions Requirements
Deadlines
Deadlines

Departmental Admission and Assistantship Consideration

  • Fall: December 1
Required Application Materials
Required Application Materials
  • Transcripts from all schools attended
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Statement of goals
Special Notes
Special Notes

This program offers an internship, field experience, study abroad component, or clinical experience in the course listing as an option to fulfill course requirements. Students who have previously been convicted of a felony are advised that their prior criminal history may impede their ability to complete the requirements of certain academic programs and/or to meet licensure requirements for certain professions. If applicants have concerns about this matter please contact the Dean’s Office of the intended academic program.

admissions


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Student Learning Objectives


Learning objectives that UAlbany students are expected to attain through their course of study within their academic program.

PhD
PhD

1.  Students will demonstrate expertise in one or more major areas of inquiry within social/personality psychology, including:
   a)    the ability to develop a comprehensive and critical understanding of the area through systematic review of the literature.
   b)    the ability to synthesize findings and draw principled connections across theoretical frameworks and lines of research.
   c)    the ability to apply critical thinking and inductive reasoning to generate novel theoretical models and/or testable research hypotheses.

2.   Students will demonstrate the ability to design and conduct original research, as evidenced by the acquisition and application of laboratory and/or field research skills, including:
   a)    the ability to design methodologically rigorous studies.
   b)    proficiency in implementing appropriate experimental, observational, or field-based methodologies in an ethical manner.
   c)    the ability to manage and document research processes in preparation for scholarly dissemination.

3.  Students will demonstrate the ability to analyze and interpret data in social/personality psychology, including:
   a)    proficiency in performing appropriate quantitative and/or qualitative data analyses.
   b)    the ability to accurately interpret and draw valid inferences from analytic results.
   c)    the ability to integrate empirical findings with existing literature, articulate their theoretical and practical implications, and identify directions for future research.

4.  Students will demonstrate effective presentation and scientific communication skills, including:
   a)    the ability to clearly and coherently present research findings in oral formats (e.g., conference presentations) to both specialized and general audiences.
   b)    the ability to communicate complex theoretical concepts, research designs, and analytic results in a clear, organized, and engaging manner.
   c)    the ability to use appropriate visual and technological aids to enhance audience understanding.
   d)    the ability to respond thoughtfully and professionally to questions, critiques, and feedback.

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