Frequently Asked Questions

What Kind of Program Is It?

Walden University's Ph.D. in Psychology program with a specialization in General Psychology offers two educational tracks: teaching and research. Coursework includes advanced quantitative and qualitative reasoning and analysis, and research theory, design, and methods. Depending upon which track you choose, additional courses may include lifespan development, biopsychology, social psychology, human motivation, psychopathology, culture and psychology, or survey research methods.

What Are the Prerequisites?

If you are considering applying to the Ph.D. in Psychology program, you should be interested in learning about the cognitive, emotional, and social factors that affect human behavior. You must have a master's degree or higher and three years of related professional or academic experience.

What Are the Course Requirements?

Degree program curriculum and credits are subject to change, and you should contact Walden University for the most current information before enrolling in a program. The Ph.D. in Psychology program with a specialization in General Psychology consists of 105 or 106 credits, which includes core psychology courses, dissertation courses, and electives. In addition, you will have four 4-day, face-to-face residencies; some students may be eligible for virtual residencies.

Foundation Course

• Foundations of Graduate Study in Psychology

Core Courses

• Research, Theory, Design, and Methods
• Quantitative Reasoning and Analysis
• Qualitative Reasoning and Analysis
• Writing a Quality Prospectus
• Ethics and Standards of Psychology
• Advanced Quantitative Reasoning and Analysis
• Instructional Design for Online Course Development
• Choose one of the following:
  • Survey Research Methods (Research Track)
  • Teaching of Psychology (Teaching Track)
• Choose one of the following:
  • Program Evaluation (Research Track)
  • Principles of Instructional Design (Teaching Track)

Breadth Courses

• Choose two of the following:
  • History and Systems of Psychology
  • Lifespan Development
  • Biopsychology
  • Cognitive and Affective Bases of Behavior
  • Social Psychology
  • Tests and Measurement
• Choose three of the following:
  • Advanced Psychopathology
  • Human Motivation
  • Survey Research Methods
  • Program Evaluation
  • Philosophical Foundations in Psychological Research
  • Culture and Psychology

Elective Courses

Choose three elective courses.

Dissertation

Complete a 20-credit dissertation course.

What Could I Do After I Graduate?

Career Options

The Ph.D. in Psychology program with a specialization in General Psychology is designed to help you prepare for a career in the area of teaching or research, depending upon the track chosen. The critical-thinking skills and understanding of human behavior you may develop, however, can be applied to most any field. Upon successful completion of the program, you may seek employment in a variety of settings, such as colleges, universities, research facilities, corporations, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations. Your career opportunities may include:

• Researcher
• Psychology professor
• Consultant
• Human resources manager

Career options may require additional experience, training, or other factors beyond the successful completion of this degree program.