Developmental

Gain training and a foundation in developmental psychological theory and research methodology.

The developmental psychology area offers a program of study leading to the MA and PhD degrees.

From the first term on campus, students are encouraged to undertake a program of increasingly independent research. The variety of course offerings within the department and university, and a low student-to-faculty ratio, allow graduate training to be tailored to the needs and interests of individual students. Typically, there are approximately 12 students in the graduate program in developmental psychology.

Program Overview

The MA program requires full-time resident study and should be completed within two years.

  • 6 credits of Developmental core program courses
  • 3 credits of statistics
  • 3 credits of PSYC courses outside the Developmental area
  • Thesis (18 credits)

In addition, certain students may be required to complete additional courses or other undertakings because of deficiencies in their preparatory background; these requirements are specified by the program in coordination with the Graduate Student Progress Committee in writing during the first term of the student’s residence in the program.

Note: Students completing the MA program must apply for acceptance into the PhD program; acceptance depends upon the quality of the master’s-level work.

Full academic year residency is required for PhD students until the attainment of candidacy.

  • 6 credits of Developmental core program courses
  • 3 credits of statistics
  • 3 credits of PSYC courses outside the Developmental area
  • Comprehensive examination
  • Dissertation

Developmental students must take at least four (3-credit) courses from the following list during their graduate studies (MA and PhD). Not all courses are offered each year, and other courses may be substituted on a case-by-case basis with approval from the student’s supervisor, area, and Associate Head, Graduate Affairs.

PSYC 513 – Special Topics in Developmental Psychology PSYC 521 – Psycholinguistics
PSYC 584 – Language Development in Infancy and Childhood
PSYC 585 – Special Topics in Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience
PSYC 586 – Developmental Psychology
PSYC 587 – Cognitive Development
PSYC 588 – Special Topics in Social and Personality Development
PSYC 589 – Moral Development

For the Fall 2022 admissions, the GRE is not required for applicants applying to work with faculty members for the DEV area.

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