PhD in Psychology - Social Psychology in Washington United States | Howard University

Our program develops social psychologists dedicated to advancing research on social psychological theories, exploring the emotional, cognitive, cultural, motivational, neurological, and biological foundations of social interactions. Students examine how these processes are influenced by political, social, organizational, and environmental contexts.

Howard University's Graduate School offers an APA-accredited Ph.D. in Psychology with a Social Psychology specialization, delivering comprehensive training in studying the emotional, cognitive, cultural, motivational, neurological, and biological bases of social behavior. Researchers investigate how these mechanisms are affected by political, social, organizational, and other contextual forces. The program equips graduates for roles as psychologists, social scientists, practitioners, and academics who apply social psychological theories (such as attitudes, social cognition, and decision-making) and methodologies (including quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-method approaches) to examine self-perception, interpersonal relationships, and social dynamics. The curriculum emphasizes modern theoretical frameworks and diverse methodologies incorporating assessment tools, behavioral observations, experiential studies, longitudinal analyses, dyadic research, surveys, field studies, EEG/ERP techniques, eye-tracking, and psychophysiological measurements. Doctoral candidates join Howard's vibrant research community, working alongside faculty across various social psychology domains. Students regularly present findings at prominent Washington, DC conferences and receive personalized guidance from faculty specializing in areas like social cognition, self-concept, group identity, decision processes, intergroup dynamics, and bias formation.