Psychology (PSYC)

Degree Offered: Ph.D., M.A.

This program is offered in Durham.

Department of Psychology offers a four- or five-year program of study leading to the doctor of philosophy degree. The basic goal of the program is the development of behavioral scientists who have a broad knowledge of psychology, can teach and communicate effectively, and can carry out sound research in an area of specialization. Although some students seek employment outside academia, the program is oriented toward developing the skills required by the research psychologist who intends to become a college or university teacher.

The Department of Psychology also offers an accelerated B.A to M.A in experimental psychology that can be accomplished in a total of 5 years. The basic goal of the program is the development of behavioral scientists who have a broad knowledge of psychology and can carry out sound research in an area of specialization. Although some students seek employment outside academia, the program is oriented toward developing the skills required by the research psychologist who intends to seek admission to a non-clinical Ph.D. program.

Areas in which the student may specialize are brain, behavior, and cognition; developmental psychology; or social psychology/personality. The department does not offer training in clinical or counseling psychology.

Distinctive Features

All psychology graduate students in the Ph.D. program receive a stipend and a full tuition waiver for up to five years. A low graduate student/faculty ratio provides opportunities to work closely with one or more faculty mentors. Graduates typically acquire tenure-track academic or postdoctoral positions at colleges and universities across the U.S.

The Department of Psychology is a national model for preparing future faculty. All graduate students teach Introduction to Psychology while taking a year-long seminar in the teaching of psychology, as well as one or two undergraduate survey courses in statistics and/or the student's area of specialization.

There are active research laboratories in all areas represented in the graduate program. The department has strong partnerships with such nationally recognized programs as UNH's Child Study and Development Center and the Family Research Laboratory. UNH also has a Center for Teaching Excellence to help graduate students and faculty improve the quality of their teaching.

The accelerated B.A. to M.A. program in experimental psychology aims to

1. improve opportunities for excellent undergraduates to prepare for competitive non-clinical Ph.D. programs or add an additional credential before entering a competitive job market; and
2. allow students interested in experimental psychology to advance and further specialize their psychology education in only one additional year at UNH.

Admission Requirements

Please see the Graduate School website for detailed admissions requirements: gradschool.unh.edu/programs-of-study

Psychology (PSYC)

Psychology Department Faculty