PhD in Psychology - Personality/Social in Boston United States | Northeastern University

The Psychology Department's PhD program explores diverse aspects of modern behavioral science through an intimate academic environment where faculty and students collaborate closely. Students can specialize in four interrelated experimental domains: behavioral neuroscience, cognitive processes, perceptual systems, and social/personality psychology. Note that clinical and counseling psychology training is not available. The program's primary aim is to develop students into skilled researchers and educators in psychological science. This is achieved through an apprenticeship model where graduate students work alongside faculty mentors in research laboratories throughout their studies. Beyond core lab work, the curriculum includes mandatory coursework (primarily in years one and two), specialized seminars, interdisciplinary studies, research colloquia, teaching assistantships, a master's thesis, and doctoral dissertation with defense. Following the first year, the program offers flexible coursework options to accommodate individual research interests and learning styles. Students gain valuable teaching and research experience by supervising undergraduate research assistants. This full-time, year-round program spans five years, with selective admissions to maintain the personalized mentorship approach - students are accepted to work directly with specific faculty members. Research responsibilities transition progressively from mentor to student, culminating in the doctoral dissertation. While most students earn a Master's degree during their second year en route to the PhD, those entering with a relevant Master's degree are exempt from this requirement.