Applied Developmental Psychology

Nationally recognized for research excellence and pioneering contributions to the field, Fordham’s Ph.D. program in applied developmental psychology focuses on human development across the life span with a strong commitment to social justice. Fordham's psychology professor, Celia Fisher, helped establish applied developmental psychology as a field of study, which conducts rigorous research and advances policies and programs that improve lives. In our doctoral program, you’ll gain hands-on experience and work closely with our renowned faculty, who have won prestigious awards and secured millions in grant funding.

• Strong foundation in developmental theories and research methods
• Yearlong practicum in a community-based organization
• Emphasis on ethical decision-making
• Collaboration with Fordham's highly regarded psychometrics program on statistical analysis of data

• Academic Transcripts: All transcripts from previously attended post-secondary institutions MUST be submitted in English, or be accompanied by a certified English translation. Transcripts and credentials conversion information is available on the GSAS International Students page.
• Letters of Recommendation: When communicating with your recommendation letter writers, please provide them with at least one month’s advance notice to submit their recommendations. You will enter each recommendation provider’s name and email address directly into the online application. They will be notified electronically of your request. Please note: you may submit your application even if the submission of your recommendation letters is still in progress.
   
• Statement of Purpose/Intent: Can be submitted directly in the online application. Requirements for the statement may vary by program. Please see individual program requirements.
   
• Resume/CV: Can be submitted directly in the online application
   
• Official Graduate Record Examination (GRE scores): Due to the impact of COVID-19 on standardized testing, submission of GRE scores is optional/not required for select GSAS programs for the 2022-2023 application. However, some programs are still requiring the GRE. Please see the admissions information/requirements page on the individual program pages to determine if the GRE is optional/not required, required, or not accepted at all for your chosen program. Students who do not submit GRE scores will not be at any disadvantage in the process.

Many graduates go on to work for nonprofit organizations including the Foundation for Child Development and The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. Alumni have gone on to tenure-track and postdoctoral positions at colleges including the State University of New York, St. John's University, and Dickinson College as well as postdoctoral work at Yale University, Arizona State University, Mount Sinai Hospital, and the City University of New York.

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Thank you for your interest in Fordham University's graduate programs. Please note that in addition to the application found here, each program has its own admission requirements. Please check the webpage of the program to which you are applying, or consult with the program director, to be sure you are including the proper documentation with your application.

Once you begin your application, you may save it and return to it at a later time.