Frequently Asked Questions

What Kind of Program Is It?

The Ph.D. in Psychology program with a specialization in Social Psychology is intended to prepare you to teach the subject and to perform research in the business, government, and nonprofit sectors. As a student, you will receive instruction in the use of advanced research techniques that can be applied to the study of group dynamics, social attitudes, and interpersonal processes. Psychology and social psychology courses and electives form the basis of the curriculum. You'll also be expected to complete virtual and/or face-to-face Ph.D. residencies that allow you to sharpen your writing and research skills, develop contacts among your peers, and participate in professional development sessions.

What Are the Prerequisites?

A master's degree and three years of academic or professional experience are required for applicants to Walden University's Ph.D. in Psychology program with a specialization in Social Psychology. If you choose to earn an M.S. in Psychology at Walden University, you may find that those credits are applicable to the Ph.D. program. Applicants may need to complete additional requirements for some programs.

What Are the Program Requirements?

You must earn 106 credit hours in this doctoral psychology program. Additionally, you must complete four 4-day residencies. You must also complete a dissertation, which consists of in-depth research and data collection. Degree program curriculum and credits are subject to change. Contact Walden University for the most current information before enrolling in a program.

Required Courses

• Foundations for Graduate Studies in Psychology
• Social Psychology
• Social Cognition
• Research Theory, Design, and Methods
• Psychology of Personality
• Quantitative Reasoning and Analysis
• Attitudes/Attitude Change
• Survey Research Methods
• Culture and Psychology
• Intergroup Relations
• Advanced Social Psychology
• Qualitative Reasoning and Analysis
• Writing a Quality Prospectus
• Ethics and Standards of Psychology
• Advanced Quantitative Reasoning and Analysis
• Choose three electives from courses in these Ph.D. Psychology specializations: Educational Psychology, Forensic Psychology, General Psychology, Health Psychology, or Organizational Psychology.

Dissertation Course Requirements

• Dissertation I
• Dissertation II
• Dissertation III
• Dissertation IV

What Could I Do After I Graduate?

Career Opportunities

Psychologists are often employed in settings that include, but are not limited to, mental health facilities, social service and community agencies, and schools. After completing all educational, work experience, and state licensure requirements, you may be qualified to pursue positions such as the following:

• Staff psychologist
• Researcher
• Administrator
• Teacher
• Consultant

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

Find information on costs, occupation types, completion rates, and median loan debt for this program at http://waldendisclosures.com.

The Social Psychology specialization in the Ph.D. in Psychology is not a licensure program and does not prepare an individual to become a licensed psychology professional.

Walden University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association, www.ncahlc.org.