Research Training

During the course of their graduate training the students gain proficiency in applied research methods. The PhD program emphasizes training psychologists to be producers of scientific research and PhD students begin their research training right from the beginning of the program.

In addition to formal coursework, which provides a basic understanding of research methodology and statistics, first year students may seek a research assistantship in which they work with a faculty member on a research problem. Within the first two years, PhD students complete two semesters of research practicum which emphasizes how to plan and carry out experimental designs. In the third year, students enroll in Research in Applied Settings and focus on the development of research skills and investigating problems in practical situations.

Fourth year students enter into formal dissertation work with a faculty mentor to produce a scholarly and methodologically sound dissertation proposal which is to be completed by the end of the fifth year. The mentor becomes the student's dissertation chair when preliminary orals have been successfully completed.

Students must pass preliminary orals by the end of their fourth year.

The PhD program faculty oversees the dissertation process, approves dissertation proposals and advises students regarding problems that may arise during the course of dissertation work. The program director is responsible for advising students who have difficulties in finding an appropriate dissertation topic or dissertation chair.