The PhD in Psychology provides knowledge of the basic content areas in psychology and practical experience in applying this knowledge to solve human problems in relationships, work, and education. Core course requirements cover subject matter identified by the profession as essential to doctoral training. This includes biological, social, cognitive, and individual bases of behavior, as well as the history of psychology. The program offers the following concentrations: applied developmental psychology, clinical psychology, cognitive and behavioral neuroscience, human factors/applied cognition, and industrial/organizational psychology.

Admissions

Applicants to all graduate programs at George Mason University must meet the admission standards and application requirements for graduate study as specified in Graduate Admissions.

For specific information, see Application Requirements and Deadlines.

Policies

For policies governing all graduate programs, see AP.6 Graduate Policies.

Grading

Students in the doctoral program are evaluated on the basis of grades, comprehensive exams, research, and communication skills. In doctoral courses, a range of A to B- are the only acceptable grades. Students in the doctoral program must successfully complete comprehensive exams.

Banner Code: LA-PHD-PSYC

Degree Requirements

Total credits: 72-79

Students should be aware of the specific policies associated with this program, located on the Admissions & Policies tab.

In addition to satisfying the requirements for all doctoral degrees, students must successfully complete 72–79 credits of required coursework chosen in one of five concentrations. Each concentration consists of four educational components: core courses, upper-level specialty courses, supervised practica, and dissertation.

Concentration in Applied Developmental Psychology (APD)

Overview

The applied developmental psychology concentration is concerned with enhancing developmental processes and preventing developmental disorders in individuals and families across the life span. It uses the knowledge base and methodologies of developmental science to assist the development of individuals who vary in cultural and ethnic backgrounds; economic and social opportunities; physical, social, emotional, and cognitive abilities; and conditions of living (e.g., families, neighborhoods, communities, and physical settings). The program's emphasis is on child development (infancy, early childhood, middle childhood, and adolescence), and students may focus their studies on the cognitive, social, emotional, language, personality, or physiological aspects of development.

The applied developmental concentration has two goals: to train students to teach and do research on basic and applied issues in child development for employment in such settings as universities, research institutes, and organizations, and to train students to do applied work in developmental psychology (consultation, program evaluation, assessment and evaluation, developmental interventions, and parent training) in such settings as schools, hospitals, courts, child care facilities, and other organizations. 

Students pursuing this concentration must complete 72 credits comprised of doctoral coursework and at least 12 credits of dissertation research.

Doctoral Coursework

Developmental Core

PSYC 704Life-Span Development3
Total Credits3

Psychology Core

Select one course from the following:3
Cognitive Bases of Behavior
Biological Bases of Human Behavior
Social Bases of Behavior
Emotional Bases of Behavior
Total Credits3

Quantitative and Specialized Methods

PSYC 642General Linear Modeling I4
PSYC 643General Linear Modeling II4
Additional courses9
Choose at least two from the following:
Neuroimaging
Psychometric Methods
Longitudinal Data Analysis
Doing Social Network Research in Psychological Science
Quantitative Methods IV: Multivariate Techniques in Psychology
Advanced Topics in Statistical Analysis (with approval)
Structural Equation Modeling and Meta-Analysis
Special Topics (with approval)
Special Topics in Psychology (with approval)
Additional course can be taken from the following:
Program Evaluation
Qualitative Methods in Educational Research
Mixed Methods Research: Integrating Qualitative and Quantitative Approaches
Item Response Theory
Hierarchical Linear Modeling
Special Topics (when topic is Matlab for Psychologists)
Seminar in Human Factors and Applied Cognition (when topic is Python for Psychology)
Applied Statistics and Visualization for Analytics
Total Credits17

Developmental Specialized Content

Choose four courses from the following:12
Social and Emotional Development
Cognitive and Perceptual Development
Language Development
Developmental Psychopathology
Applied Developmental Psychology
Advanced Learning, Motivation, and Self-Regulation
Special Topics 1
Special Topics in Psychology
Total Credits12
1

When topic is Adolescent Development; Autism Spectrum Disorders; Child Development and Social Policy; Executive Functions Development; or developmental in content, with approval.

Professional Seminar/Professional Ethics

Students take 1 credit in fall and 1 credit in spring of their first year and 1 additional credit at any other time (preferably in their second year). 

PSYC 890Seminar in Professional Psychology (3 credits)1-3
Total Credits3

Directed Reading and Research or Practicum

Students may fulfill this requirement with 8 credits of PSYC 897 Directed Reading and Research or a combination of PSYC 897 Directed Reading and Research and PSYC 792 Psychology Practicum.

Select 8 credits from the following:8
Directed Reading and Research (can be repeated for credit)
Psychology Practicum (A maximum of 6 credits may be applied to this requirement.)
Teaching Practicum in Psychology
Total Credits8

Elective Courses

Select 14 credits in consultation with your advisor to complete 72 total required for the degree.14

Students complete the 72 credits required for the degree with additional coursework from within or outside the department, excluding PSYC 798 Thesis Proposal and PSYC 799 Master's Thesis, with prior approval of the advisor.

Advancement to Candidacy

To advance to candidacy, students must complete all courses required by the program. Students must also successfully complete and pass written and oral comprehensive exams.

Dissertation Research

The dissertation requirement is designed to demonstrate the student's ability to apply psychological principles to research problems. Once enrolled in PSYC 999 Doctoral Dissertation, students must follow the university's continuous registration policy as specified in AP.6.10.6 Dissertation Research. Students who defend in the summer must be registered for at least 1 credit of PSYC 999 Doctoral Dissertation.

Students complete a minimum of 3 credits of PSYC 998 Doctoral Dissertation Proposal and 3 credits of PSYC 999 Doctoral Dissertation. They must apply a minimum of 12 dissertation credits (PSYC 998 Doctoral Dissertation Proposal and PSYC 999 Doctoral Dissertation combined) to the degree. Because of the continuous registration policy, students may be required to register for additional credits of these courses.

Select 12 credits from the following:12
Doctoral Dissertation Proposal
Doctoral Dissertation
Total Credits12

Concentration in Clinical Psychology (CLN)

Overview

The clinical psychology concentration is committed to the clinical science model. Our goal is to train clinical psychologists who are capable of integrating research and applied clinical activities. The program is unique in approaching clinical psychology from social psychological and contextual perspectives. A social psychological approach uses theory and research from social psychology to understand emotional, cognitive, behavioral, and interpersonal functioning. A contextual perspective stresses the impact of social and cultural factors on the individual and vice versa. Most of the faculty members employ cognitive-behavioral and interpersonal approaches to research and clinical practice, but students also receive exposure to humanistic, existential, and psychodynamic perspectives.

Students pursuing this concentration must complete 79 graduate credits comprised of doctoral coursework and at least 12 credits of dissertation research.

 Anticipated Plan of Study

This is a typical schedule. Course credit overloads are required for this program in Year 1, in the Fall (15 credits) and Spring (14 credits) semesters. Consult with your advisor to resolve any concerns or formulate individual schedules. In particular, discuss the timing of dissertation proposal and defense, coverage of tuition in fourth year and beyond, and other factors. To review the complete degree requirements for the Clinical Psychology concentration, please see the "Doctoral Coursework" tab below.

Year One (29 credits)

Fall (15 credits)
PSYC 810Psychological Assessment I4
PSYC 822Scientific Foundations of Clinical Psychology I3
PSYC 856Diversity, History and Clinical Psychology3
PSYC 642General Linear Modeling I4
PSYC 890Seminar in Professional Psychology1-3
Spring (14 credits)
PSYC 811Psychological Assessment II4
PSYC 864Foundations of Evidence-Based Psychotherapy3
PSYC 644Methods for Social Research3
PSYC 643General Linear Modeling II4

Year Two (20-21 credits)

Fall (10-11 credits)
PSYC 861Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Youth3
PSYC 862Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Adults3
PSYC 646Longitudinal Data Analysis3
PSYC 792Psychology Practicum1-6
PSYC 850Teaching Practicum in Psychology (for those teaching a course)2
Spring (10 credits)
PSYC 861Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Youth3
PSYC 862Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Adults3
PSYC 792Psychology Practicum1-6
PSYC 883Ethical and Professional Issues in Clinical Practice3

Year Three (15 credits)

Fall (9 credits)
PSYC 881Practicum in Clinical Psychology3
PSYC 704Life-Span Development3
PSYC 855Social, Cognitive, and Affective Foundations of Behavior (even years)3
OR Advanced Stats/Elective (odd years)
Spring (6 credits)
PSYC 881Practicum in Clinical Psychology3
PSYC 702Biological Bases of Human Behavior (even years)3
OR Advanced Stats/Elective (odd years)

Year Four (12 credits)

Fall (6 credits)
PSYC 813Supervision, Consultation, and Interprofessional Skills3
PSYC 855Social, Cognitive, and Affective Foundations of Behavior (even years)3
PSYC 998Doctoral Dissertation Proposal (odd years)3
PSYC 885Clinical Externship0
Spring (6 credits)
PSYC 998Doctoral Dissertation Proposal3 or 6
PSYC 702Biological Bases of Human Behavior (even years)3
PSYC 885Clinical Externship0

Year Five (7 credits)

Fall (6 credits)
PSYC 999Doctoral Dissertation6
PSYC 885Clinical Externship0
Spring (1 credit)
PSYC 999Doctoral Dissertation1
PSYC 885Clinical Externship0

*Approved Dissertation proposal is due by October 1, prior to submitting any applications for internships that start the following year. Students should not register for the match without an approved dissertation proposal.

Year Six - Internship*/ Dissertation Credits
Registration in PSYC 999 (1 credit) or Internship each term until final defense of dissertation is required.

Doctoral Coursework

Course credit overloads are required for this program in Year 1, in the Fall (15 credits) and Spring (14 credits) semesters.

Biological Bases of Behavior

Select one course from the following:3
Mammalian Neurobiology
Biological Bases of Human Behavior
Total Credits3

Developmental Bases of Behavior

PSYC 704Life-Span Development3
Total Credits3

Design and Data Analysis Emphasis

Select one of the following three emphases (A, B, or C):
Basic Emphasis A
PSYC 642General Linear Modeling I4
PSYC 643General Linear Modeling II4
PSYC 644Methods for Social Research3
Total Credits11
Enhanced Quantitative Emphasis B
PSYC 642General Linear Modeling I4
PSYC 643General Linear Modeling II4
PSYC 644Methods for Social Research3
Select one additional approved quantitative course, such as those in the list shown under Quantitative Emphasis C3
Total Credits14
Quantitative Emphasis C
PSYC 642General Linear Modeling I4
PSYC 643General Linear Modeling II4
PSYC 644Methods for Social Research3
Select two additional approved quantitative courses, such as:6
Psychometric Methods
Longitudinal Data Analysis
Quantitative Methods IV: Multivariate Techniques in Psychology
Advanced Topics in Statistical Analysis (varies by semester but includes Bayesian methods)
Special Topics in Psychology (Credits: 3 that include Meta-analysis/SEM)
Structural Equation Modeling and Meta-Analysis
Qualitative Methods in Educational Research
Total Credits17

Required Courses

PSYC 810Psychological Assessment I4
PSYC 811Psychological Assessment II4
PSYC 813Supervision, Consultation, and Interprofessional Skills3
PSYC 822Scientific Foundations of Clinical Psychology I3
PSYC 861Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Youth 16
PSYC 862Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Adults 16
PSYC 864Foundations of Evidence-Based Psychotherapy3
PSYC 881Practicum in Clinical Psychology 26
PSYC 883Ethical and Professional Issues in Clinical Practice3
PSYC 855Social, Cognitive, and Affective Foundations of Behavior3
PSYC 856Diversity, History and Clinical Psychology3
PSYC 890Seminar in Professional Psychology1
PSYC 792Psychology Practicum2
Total Credits47
1

Students take 3 credits in fall and 3 credits in spring of the second year.

2

Students take 3 credits in fall and 3 credits in spring of the third year.

Electives

The choice of quantitative emphasis affects the number of credits available for electives. Those who choose Emphasis A take 3 credit hours of electives; students choosing Emphasis B or Emphasis C take 0 hours of electives. PSYC 850 Teaching Practicum in Psychology is recommended for anyone considering academia.

Select 0-3 electives with the approval of the advisor.0-3
Total Credits0-3

Advancement to Candidacy

To advance to candidacy, students must complete all core courses required by the program. Students must also successfully complete and pass written and oral comprehensive exams.

Dissertation Research

The dissertation requirement is designed to demonstrate the student's ability to apply psychological principles to research problems. Once enrolled in PSYC 999 Doctoral Dissertation, students must follow the university's continuous registration policy as specified in AP.6.10.6 Dissertation Research. Students who defend in the summer must be registered for at least 1 credit of PSYC 999 Doctoral Dissertation.

Students complete a minimum of 3 credits of PSYC 998 Doctoral Dissertation Proposal and 3 credits of PSYC 999 Doctoral Dissertation. They must apply a minimum of 12 dissertation credits (PSYC 998 Doctoral Dissertation Proposal and PSYC 999 Doctoral Dissertation combined) to the degree. Because of the continuous registration policy, students may be required to register for additional credits of these courses.

Select 12 credits from the following:12
Doctoral Dissertation Proposal
Doctoral Dissertation
Total Credits12

Internship

Students complete a full-time, 12-month clinical psychology internship at a site accredited by the American Psychological Association.

Externship (optional, but recommended)

Students complete a part-time clinical psychology externship in the fourth and/or fifth year of the program.

Concentration in Cognitive and Behavioral Neuroscience (CBNR)

Overview

This cognitive and behavioral neuroscience concentration focuses on studying biological substrates of behavior. Core and affiliated faculty study areas as diverse as neural control of behavioral development; animal models of learning and memory and their disorders (such as Alzheimer's); human brain systems involved in cognition, perception, human error, decision making, and movement; the relation of neural activity to human performance; and cognitive aging. A focus of the program is on translational neuroscience-complementary study of neural systems in humans and animals, including application of animal research to human behavior.

The program’s core facilities have well-equipped behavioral testing and histological/histochemical facilities. The program’s strong links to the Krasnow Institute for Advanced Study and the Center for Biomedical Genomics and Informatics allows opportunities for collaborative work as diverse as tissue slice preparations and molecular genetics. The doctoral program prepares students for research-based careers in academics, government, or industry.

Students pursuing this concentration must complete 72 graduate credits comprised of coursework and at least 12 credits of dissertation research.

Doctoral Coursework

Cognitive and Behavioral Neuroscience Core

PSYC 531Mammalian Neurobiology3
or NEUR 603 Mammalian Neuroanatomy
PSYC 555Neuroimaging3
PSYC 559Behavioral Chemistry3
PSYC 558Neuronal Bases of Learning and Memory3
or PSYC 685 Cognitive Neuroscience
Total Credits12

Quantitative and Research Methods 

Two required Courses
PSYC 642General Linear Modeling I4
PSYC 643General Linear Modeling II4
Elective Statistics and Methods6
Students will choose from research methods and statistics courses in consultation with their advisor. May include but not limited to PSYC 563.
Laboratory Methods in Cognitive and Behavioral Neuroscience
Total Credits14

Teaching Practicum

PSYC 850Teaching Practicum in Psychology2
Total Credits2

Research Credits

The research credit requirement can be met through completion of a master's thesis (recommended) or other research course as approved by the program.

Select 6 credits in either a master's thesis or other research course 16
Total Credits6

Elective Credits

Students can complete the 72 credit requirement through credits of additional coursework, within or outside the department, with prior approval of the advisor. 

Some options for fulfilling this requirement:

NEUR 602 Cellular Neuroscience
NEUR 689 Topics in Neuroscience
BIOL 585 Eukaryotic Cell Biology Laboratory
BIOS 740 Laboratory Methods in Functional Genomics and Biotechnology

Advancement to Candidacy

To advance to candidacy, students must complete all core courses required by the program. Students must also successfully complete and pass written and oral comprehensive exams.

Dissertation Research

The dissertation requirement is designed to demonstrate the student's ability to apply psychological principles to research problems. Once enrolled in PSYC 999 Doctoral Dissertation, students must follow the university's continuous registration policy as specified in AP.6.10.6 Dissertation Research. Students who defend in the summer must be registered for at least 1 credit of PSYC 999 Doctoral Dissertation.

Students apply to this degree a minimum of 3 credits of PSYC 998 Doctoral Dissertation Proposal and 3 credits of PSYC 999 Doctoral Dissertation; they may apply a minimum 12 and a maximum of 24 dissertation credits (PSYC 998 Doctoral Dissertation Proposal and PSYC 999 Doctoral Dissertation combined) to the degree. Because of the continuous registration policy, students may be required to register for additional credits of these courses.

Select 12-24 credits from the following:12-24
Doctoral Dissertation Proposal
Doctoral Dissertation
Total Credits12-24

Concentration in Human Factors/Applied Cognition (HF)

Overview

The human factors and applied cognition concentration covers basic theoretical and empirical issues and emphasizes research that applies cognitive science to real-world problems. The program builds bridges between human factors engineering and cognitive psychology. Many applications of cognitive science are in the domain of human factors, and many doctoral students who complete our program go on to be human factors professionals.

Students pursuing this concentration must complete 72 graduate credits comprised of coursework and at least 12 credits of dissertation research.

Doctoral Coursework

Cognitive Core

PSYC 737Psychology of Human-Technology Interaction3
Total Credits3

Quantitative and Research Methods

PSYC 642General Linear Modeling I4
PSYC 643General Linear Modeling II4
Total Credits8

Advanced Statistics or Qualitative Methods

Select three courses from the following:9
Nonparametric Statistics and Categorical Data Analysis
Psychometric Methods
Longitudinal Data Analysis
Quantitative Methods IV: Multivariate Techniques in Psychology
Advanced Topics in Statistical Analysis
Structural Equation Modeling and Meta-Analysis
Qualitative Research Methods
Total Credits9

Specialized Content

PSYC 530Cognitive Engineering: Cognitive Science Applied to Human Factors3
PSYC 645Research Methods in Human Factors and Applied Cognition3
Select five courses from the following: 115
Seminar in Human Factors and Applied Cognition
Topics may include: Python for Psychologists, Eye Tracking, Usability & Product Design, Other topics introduced by the program
Advanced Topics in Cognitive Science
Topics may include Cognitive Neuroscience of Attention, Individual Differences in Cognition and Performance, Ergonomics, Human-Systems Interaction, Affect and Performance, Technology, Stress, and Work, Other topics introduced by the program
Total Credits21
1

These are seminars with variable topics that may be repeated for credit when the topic is different.

Special Topics in Professional Issues

PSYC 890Seminar in Professional Psychology1-3
Total Credits3

Directed Reading and Research

Students are encouraged to take a minimum of 1 credit of this course each semester until they advance to candidacy.

PSYC 897Directed Reading and Research1-3
Total Credits1-3

Elective Courses

Students have several options for completing the remaining 72 credits required for the degree. They may take additional content courses with permission of their advisor. Students who do not have work experience in applied cognition or human factors are encouraged to take up to 6 credits of practicum.

Students are strongly encouraged to develop competence in programming and computer science through coursework or independent study. Students are also encouraged to identify and take relevant courses within or outside the department with permission of their advisor.

Some options for fulfilling this requirement:

PSYC 734Seminar in Human Factors and Applied Cognition3
PSYC 768Advanced Topics in Cognitive Science3
PSYC 730Practicum in Applied Psychology1-6
or PSYC 592 Special Topics
or PSYC 892 Special Topics in Psychology

Advancement to Candidacy

To advance to candidacy, students must complete all core courses required by the program. Students must also successfully complete and pass written comprehensive exams.

Dissertation Research

The dissertation requirement is designed to demonstrate the student's ability to apply psychological principles to research problems. Once enrolled in PSYC 999 Doctoral Dissertation, students must follow the university's continuous registration policy as specified in AP.6.10.6 Dissertation Research. Students who defend in the summer must be registered for at least 1 credit of PSYC 999 Doctoral Dissertation.

Students complete a minimum of 3 credits of PSYC 998 Doctoral Dissertation Proposal and 3 credits of PSYC 999 Doctoral Dissertation. They must apply a minimum of 12 dissertation credits (PSYC 998 Doctoral Dissertation Proposal and PSYC 999 Doctoral Dissertation combined) to the degree. Because of the continuous registration policy, students may be required to register for additional credits of these courses.

Select 12 credits from the following:12
Doctoral Dissertation Proposal
Doctoral Dissertation
Total Credits12

Concentration in Industrial/Organizational Psychology (IO)

Overview

The industrial/organizational psychology concentration focuses on multiple aspects of behavior in organizational settings, including personnel selection, quantitative analysis, teams, leadership, work and family issues, and organizational health issues. Mason’s graduate work in this area emphasizes research as the key to knowledge in both academic and applied settings. The program fosters a peer-oriented environment whereby students collaborate on numerous projects in addition to working with faculty members, in many different areas of industrial/organizational psychology.

Students pursuing this concentration must complete 72 graduate credits comprised of coursework and at least 12 credits of dissertation research.

Doctoral Coursework

Core Course

PSYC 703Social Bases of Behavior3
PSYC 668Personality: Theoretical and Empirical Approaches3
Total Credits6

Required Courses in Statistics

PSYC 557Psychometric Methods3
PSYC 633Evaluative Research in Psychology3
PSYC 642General Linear Modeling I4
PSYC 643General Linear Modeling II4
Select two additional specialized statistics courses from the following:6
Longitudinal Data Analysis
Quantitative Methods IV: Multivariate Techniques in Psychology
Structural Equation Modeling and Meta-Analysis
Special Topics in Psychology (when topic is Specialized Statics)
Total Credits20

Survey of Content

PSYC 636Survey of Industrial-Organizational Psychology3
Total Credits3

Specialized Content 

Students taking 18 credits of specialized content may take an additional 3 credits of PSYC 897 Directed Reading and Research.

Select six to seven courses of specialized content from the following:18-21
Organizational Change and Development
Industrial and Personnel Testing and Evaluation
Training: Psychological Contributions to Theory, Design, and Evaluation
Behavior in Small Groups and Teams
Issues in Personnel Psychology
IO Psychology and Legal Issues in Employment Discrimination
Seminar in Industrial/Organizational Psychology
Psychology of Work Motivation
Careers
Behavior and Performance at Work
Special Topics in Psychology
Other graduate courses with permission of I/O faculty and psychology department.
Total Credits18-21

Professional Development 

Required:
PSYC 890Seminar in Professional Psychology3
PSYC 892Special Topics in Psychology 16
Total Credits9
1

When topic is IO Learning Series.

Electives (1-4 credits)

Students complete the remaining credits required for this degree through additional coursework, within or outside the department in a content area, professional development, teaching practicum, or dissertation, with prior approval of the advisor.

Advancement to Candidacy

To advance to candidacy, students must complete all core courses required by the program. Students must also successfully complete and pass written and oral comprehensive exams.

Dissertation Research

The dissertation requirement is designed to demonstrate the student's ability to apply psychological principles to research problems. Once enrolled in PSYC 999 Doctoral Dissertation, students must follow the university's continuous registration policy as specified in AP.6.10.6 Dissertation Research. Students who defend in the summer must be registered for at least 1 credit of PSYC 999 Doctoral Dissertation.

Students complete a minimum of 3 credits of PSYC 998 Doctoral Dissertation Proposal and 3 credits of PSYC 999 Doctoral Dissertation. They must apply a minimum of 12 dissertation credits (PSYC 998 Doctoral Dissertation Proposal and PSYC 999 Doctoral Dissertation combined) to the degree. Because of the continuous registration policy, students may be required to register for additional credits of these courses.

Select 12 credits from the following:12
Doctoral Dissertation Proposal
Doctoral Dissertation
Total Credits12

Program Outcomes

  1. Students will be able to summarize and critically evaluate theoretical and empirical literature within a relevant domain of psychology.
  2. Students will be able to communicate psychological knowledge in their area of specialization to a variety of audiences.
  3. Students will be able to design and complete an innovative, independent research project that contributes to the knowledge base in their area of specialization.
  4. Students will be able to competently disseminate research findings to the scientific community
  5. Students will understand ethical principles of the discipline, and act in an ethical manner with respect to research and practice.