The doctoral program in psychological sciences is offered jointly by the Department of Psychology in the College of Arts and Science and the Department of Psychology and Human Development in Peabody College. The Psychological Sciences program focuses on psychological theory and the development of original empirical research. Students are admitted to work toward the Ph.D. degree in the following areas of concentration:
- Clinical Science
- Cognition and Cognitive Neuroscience
- Cognition in Context
- Developmental Science
- Neuroscience
- Quantitative Methods
A major goal of our doctoral program is the placement of its graduates in academic settings. The faculty aim to tailor graduate training to meet the needs and the interests of each individual student. Students are monitored very closely from the beginning of their training, and emphasis is on active student participation during every stage of training.
The curriculum is designed to: (a) familiarize students with the major areas of psychology; (b) provide specialized training in at least one of the five specific areas of psychology emphasized in the program; and (c) provide students sufficient flexibility to enroll in classes consistent with their interests and long-term developmental trajectory. During the first two to three years, students take several core courses in quantitative methods and in substantive areas. Beyond this, the program consists of seminars, further research participation, and other inquiries expressly designed to fulfill career objectives. Each of the five areas offers a seminar on current research every semester, attended by all faculty and graduate students in that area.
We expect students to be continually involved in research throughout their tenure in our program. We use a one-on-one mentoring model as a primary though not exclusive means for the acquisition of scientific skills by students. As such, students work very closely with their advisers in all phases of the research process. In addition, advisory committees that consist of both the adviser and other faculty members offer guidance throughout the student's graduate school years. There is also potential for considerable interaction among programs and with other disciplines across campus. This interaction produces an exciting intellectual environment that is further enriched by visiting faculty members and speakers. Interested students are encouraged to find out more about our research programs by reading the descriptions of faculty research interests available on our program website (vanderbilt.edu/psychological_sciences).
The Clinical Science program in Psychological Sciences at Vanderbilt subscribes to the clinical scientist model of training, with the primary goal of training clinical scientists. Through the combination of advanced course work, practicum experiences, and research emphases, students concentrate in one or more of the following areas: developmental psychopathology (including children and/or adults), prevention and treatment, clinical health psychology, clinical neuroscience, socio-affective science, developmental disabilities (including children and/or adults), and quantitative methods. Regardless of concentration, the training experience includes a core curriculum, a common set of course requirements and research milestones, and a variety of practicum opportunities.
All of our Ph.D. program areas offer a range of financial support options for graduate students, including research fellowships, research assistantships, teaching assistantships, and graduate fellowships.
Applicants to our program need to submit scores on the Graduate Record Examination General Test. Applicants may also submit scores on the Psychology subject test, but this is not required. In addition to the overall potential for a scientific career, the fit between an applicant's research interests and those of a potential faculty mentor significantly influence admissions decisions. Admission is not limited to students with undergraduate backgrounds in psychology.