PhD in Psychology - Social Psychology in Santa Cruz United States | University of California, Santa Cruz

The UCSC social psychology graduate program stands out with its distinctive purpose and approach. Drawing from Kurt Lewin's full-cycle framework (theory-application-action), we investigate diverse social justice matters. Students master the application of psychological principles and empirical evidence to address various societal challenges. Action-based research findings subsequently inform fresh theoretical developments. We explore justice concerns across cultural, political, and policy landscapes using multiple research methodologies. The program trains students in laboratory experiments, field studies, and survey techniques while emphasizing considerations of race, class, sexuality, ethnicity, gender, and disability through critical lenses like feminist theory. Alumni pursue rewarding careers in academic institutions as well as community organizations, government agencies, and non-profit sectors. Our innovative research methodology and educational philosophy, coupled with our distinguished faculty's expertise, position our program as a national leader in psychological research on social justice topics.