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Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology General Psychology courses

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General Psychology coursework overview

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Planning for your degree

  • total quarter credits: 84
  • Quarter length: 10 weeks
  • Course length: 10 weeks
  • Break: 3 weeks between quarters
Example sequence Core Specialization Residency Dissertation

General Psychology course requirements

  • Core 7 courses
  • Specialization 3 courses
  • Elective 4 courses
  • Residencies 3 courses
  • Dissertation Minimum 4 courses

Example program course sequence

This example course sequence takes course prerequisites into account, so it can be helpful as a general guide when you register for courses. In GuidedPath, the number of courses you take in a quarter and time it takes to complete your program can vary. Your academic coach can help answer any course registration questions.

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PSY7015 Core Foundations of Doctoral Studies in Applied Psychology 4 quarter credits Learners improve their ability to navigate the virtual campus and become familiar with library, career center, and writing center resources. Learners identify the educational steps and requirements necessary to successfully completing the doctoral degree program in their chosen specialization; review their specialization's requirements, associated professional roles and organizations, and ethics and professional standards; and articulate a professional identity based on doctoral-level psychology training. For PhD in Psychology learners only. Must be taken during the learner's first quarter. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. 4 quarter credits
Elective Requirement Choose an Elective Course 5 quarter credits
RSCH7020 Core Navigating the Ethical Landscape of Research in a Modern World 4 quarter credits Learners evaluate their own biases with an emphasis on self-awareness and reflection on cultural identity and ethics in research. Learners will develop strategies to apply and incorporate ethical and multicultural principles and influences in research and publications. 4 quarter credits
RSCH7864 Core Quantitative Design and Analysis 4 quarter credits Learners gain an understanding of the logic, computation, and interpretation of statistics, with an emphasis on decision-making skills in the research process and on the application and interpretation of statistical results. Learners utilize the statistical program JASP to practice running and interpreting statistical analyses. 4 quarter credits
Elective Requirement Choose an Elective Course 5 quarter credits
RSCH7868 Core Qualitative Design and Analysis 4 quarter credits Learners investigate essential concepts and methods for conducting qualitative research. Learners engage in hands-on practice with qualitative research techniques, focusing on the appropriate applications, strengths, and limitations of various qualitative approaches, sampling methods, and analysis strategies. Throughout the course, learners develop an understanding of ethical considerations, particularly when researching vulnerable and diverse populations, and strategies to protect human subjects. Learners also examine the alignment of qualitative approaches with sampling and analysis approaches to ensure rigor and produce meaningful insights. Prerequisite: PhD in Psychology learners must have completed RSCH7020 4 quarter credits
PSY7105 Core Building a Doctoral Foundation: History, Theory, and Topics in Psychology 4 quarter credits Learners explore historical and contemporary schools of thought such as behavioral, humanistic, and psychodynamic psychology. In particular, learners begin the process of becoming independent researchers by developing a dissertation topic that is appropriate for their specialization and aligned with foundational theories within their chosen school of thought. Learners will begin building a theoretical foundation to support their future dissertation research study. For PhD learners in Psychology only. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. Prerequisite: RSCH7020 or PSY5110; RSCH7864 or PSY7864; RSCH7868 or PSY7868 4 quarter credits
Elective Requirement Choose an Elective Course 5 quarter credits
PSY-V8925 Residency Doctoral Project Development - Topic Ideation 3 quarter credits In this ten-week virtual residency, learners develop and evaluate proposed topic areas and theories for their doctoral project. Learners analyze the literature on potential topics to assess relevance to the discipline and potential methods to use in the doctoral project. Learners gain an understanding of the writing, research, and critical thinking skills necessary to complete the final project. Further development of the doctoral project is determined through a final assessment. This residency includes required synchronous sessions. For PhD in Behavior Analysis and PhD in Psychology learners only. Grading for this course is S/NS. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. Prerequisite: PhD in Psychology learners must have completed PSY7105 or PSY7115. PhD in Behavior Analysis learners must have completed PSY8301, PSY8302, PSY8303, PSY8352, RSCH7860. 3 quarter credits
PSY7610 Specialization Course Tests and Measurements 5 quarter credits Learners investigate focuses on essential concepts, principles, applications, and social and theoretical issues of psychological testing. Learners gain understanding in the construction of tests; analyze the development and use of tests in measuring aptitudes, achievement, attitudes, interests, and personality; and identify underlying theories of various tests. Learners analyze the characteristics desired in psychological and educational tests, with particular emphasis on reliability and validity, and evaluate best practices and professional standards for educational and psychological testing, including test bias and fairness. In addition, learners assess the role of technology in delivery, administration, scoring, and interpretation of tests. Prerequisite(s): Undergraduate learners in BS in Psychology, Combined BS in Psychology/MS in Clinical Psychology option and BS in Psychology, Combined BS in Psychology/MS in Psychology option learners must have completed Student Group BMGA. Graduate learners are exempt from this prerequisite. 5 quarter credits
Elective Requirement Choose an Elective Course 5 quarter credits
PSY7660 Specialization Course Survey Construction and Administration 5 quarter credits Learners in this course explore the conceptual and applied aspects of survey construction and administration processes. Course topics include comparative study designs (cross sections versus panels); sampling techniques; data collection procedures and methods (face-to-face, telephone, paper, and Internet); survey question design that accurately measures behavior, attitude, and personality; data processing and analysis; results reporting; ethics of surveys; causal inference; and survey critiques. Prerequisite(s): PSY7864 or RSCH7864. 5 quarter credits
PSY7870 Core Doctoral Research Design 4 quarter credits Learners synthesize knowledge of quantitative research methodology and use it to develop a quantitative research design that may form the basis of their dissertation research project. Learners compare their quantitative research design to a previously developed qualitative design on a similar topic and identify and justify the methodology most appropriate for investigating their research topic. For PsyD and PhD in Psychology learners only. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. Prerequisite: PSY-V8925. 4 quarter credits
PSY-V8926 Residency Doctoral Project Development - Topic Development 3 quarter credits In this ten-week virtual residency, learners apply advanced research and writing skills through the development of a detailed project framework based on work in prior residencies. Learners develop a project framework that includes methodological and/or research design, sampling or participant recruitment plan, intervention plan (if applicable), strategies for data collection, analysis, and outcomes of the project. Further development of the doctoral project is determined through an assessment of the project framework, which is finalized once the learner enters the advanced doctoral stage of the program. This residency includes required synchronous sessions. For PhD in Behavior Analysis and PhD in Psychology learners only. Grading for this course is S/NS. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. Prerequisite: PSY-V8925. PhD in Psychology learners must have completed PSY7870; or PSY8625 and RSCH7868. PhD in Behavior Analysis learners must have completed PSY8307. 3 quarter credits
Specialization Course Choose a Specialization Course - Specialization Course 5 quarter credits
Core Choose a Core Course - Core 4 quarter credits
PSY-V8927 Residency Doctoral Project Development - Framework Development 3 quarter credits In this ten-week virtual residency, learners apply advanced research and writing skills through the development of a detailed project framework based on work in prior residencies. Learners develop a project framework that includes methodological and/or research design, sampling or participant recruitment plan, intervention plan (if applicable), strategies for data collection, analysis, and outcomes of the project. Further development of the doctoral project is determined through an assessment of the project framework, which is finalized once the learner enters the advanced doctoral stage of the program. This residency includes required synchronous sessions. For PhD in Behavior Analysis and PhD in Psychology learners only. Grading for this course is S/NS. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. Prerequisite(s): PSY8307 or PSY7870 or PSY8658 or RSCH8625 or PSY8625 or RSCH8635 or PSY8635; PSY-V8926; and completion of all didactic coursework. 3 quarter credits
PSY9960 Dissertation Dissertation Courseroom 3 quarter credits This course provides learners with resources, guidance, and peer and mentor support during each dissertation course as they complete the required milestones. Special permission is required for registration. Grading for this course is S/NS. Learners must register for this course a minimum of four times to fulfill their specialization requirements. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. Prerequisite PSY9909 or PSY9919 or PSY-V8927. 3 quarter credits
PSY9960 Dissertation Dissertation Courseroom 3 quarter credits This course provides learners with resources, guidance, and peer and mentor support during each dissertation course as they complete the required milestones. Special permission is required for registration. Grading for this course is S/NS. Learners must register for this course a minimum of four times to fulfill their specialization requirements. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. Prerequisite PSY9909 or PSY9919 or PSY-V8927. 3 quarter credits
PSY9960 Dissertation Dissertation Courseroom 3 quarter credits This course provides learners with resources, guidance, and peer and mentor support during each dissertation course as they complete the required milestones. Special permission is required for registration. Grading for this course is S/NS. Learners must register for this course a minimum of four times to fulfill their specialization requirements. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. Prerequisite PSY9909 or PSY9919 or PSY-V8927. 3 quarter credits
PSY9960 Dissertation Dissertation Courseroom 3 quarter credits This course provides learners with resources, guidance, and peer and mentor support during each dissertation course as they complete the required milestones. Special permission is required for registration. Grading for this course is S/NS. Learners must register for this course a minimum of four times to fulfill their specialization requirements. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. Prerequisite PSY9909 or PSY9919 or PSY-V8927. 3 quarter credits

Core course requirements

Complete at least 28 quarter credits in the core courses category. Choose from the courses shown below.

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RSCH7864 Core Quantitative Design and Analysis 4 quarter credits Learners gain an understanding of the logic, computation, and interpretation of statistics, with an emphasis on decision-making skills in the research process and on the application and interpretation of statistical results. Learners utilize the statistical program JASP to practice running and interpreting statistical analyses. 4 quarter credits
RSCH7868 Core Qualitative Design and Analysis 4 quarter credits Learners investigate essential concepts and methods for conducting qualitative research. Learners engage in hands-on practice with qualitative research techniques, focusing on the appropriate applications, strengths, and limitations of various qualitative approaches, sampling methods, and analysis strategies. Throughout the course, learners develop an understanding of ethical considerations, particularly when researching vulnerable and diverse populations, and strategies to protect human subjects. Learners also examine the alignment of qualitative approaches with sampling and analysis approaches to ensure rigor and produce meaningful insights. Prerequisite: PhD in Psychology learners must have completed RSCH7020 4 quarter credits
PSY7015 Core Foundations of Doctoral Studies in Applied Psychology 4 quarter credits Learners improve their ability to navigate the virtual campus and become familiar with library, career center, and writing center resources. Learners identify the educational steps and requirements necessary to successfully completing the doctoral degree program in their chosen specialization; review their specialization's requirements, associated professional roles and organizations, and ethics and professional standards; and articulate a professional identity based on doctoral-level psychology training. For PhD in Psychology learners only. Must be taken during the learner's first quarter. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. 4 quarter credits
PSY7105 Core Building a Doctoral Foundation: History, Theory, and Topics in Psychology 4 quarter credits Learners explore historical and contemporary schools of thought such as behavioral, humanistic, and psychodynamic psychology. In particular, learners begin the process of becoming independent researchers by developing a dissertation topic that is appropriate for their specialization and aligned with foundational theories within their chosen school of thought. Learners will begin building a theoretical foundation to support their future dissertation research study. For PhD learners in Psychology only. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. Prerequisite: RSCH7020 or PSY5110; RSCH7864 or PSY7864; RSCH7868 or PSY7868 4 quarter credits
PSY7870 Core Doctoral Research Design 4 quarter credits Learners synthesize knowledge of quantitative research methodology and use it to develop a quantitative research design that may form the basis of their dissertation research project. Learners compare their quantitative research design to a previously developed qualitative design on a similar topic and identify and justify the methodology most appropriate for investigating their research topic. For PsyD and PhD in Psychology learners only. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. Prerequisite: PSY-V8925. 4 quarter credits
RSCH7020 Core Navigating the Ethical Landscape of Research in a Modern World 4 quarter credits Learners evaluate their own biases with an emphasis on self-awareness and reflection on cultural identity and ethics in research. Learners will develop strategies to apply and incorporate ethical and multicultural principles and influences in research and publications. 4 quarter credits
RSCH8635 Core Advanced Qualitative Analysis 4 quarter credits Learners further explore the philosophical underpinnings of qualitative research and inquiry and investigate effective execution of the six school-approved dissertation research methodologies: ethnography, case study, grounded-theory phenomenology, heuristics, and generic qualitative research. Learners examine primary source references, books, and journal articles written by the developers of the six methodologies and gain an understanding of their nuances and applications. Learners gain skills necessary to develop and conduct their own qualitative study for a dissertation. Prerequisite: PSY-V8926. 4 quarter credits
RSCH8625 Core Advanced Quantitative Statistics 4 quarter credits Learners investigate statistics commonly used in quantitative dissertations including multiple regression, factorial analysis of variance (ANOVA), chi-square, and logistic regression. Learners also analyze statistics such as exploratory factor analysis that facilitate the selection of reliable and valid surveys used in dissertations. Additionally, learners gain an understanding of power analysis to determine the minimum sample size needed for a dissertation. Proficiency with statistical software is expected. Prerequisite: PSY-V8926 or PSY-R8926; RSCH7864 or PSY7864. 4 quarter credits
Show all descriptions
PSY7610 Specialization Course Tests and Measurements 5 quarter credits Learners investigate focuses on essential concepts, principles, applications, and social and theoretical issues of psychological testing. Learners gain understanding in the construction of tests; analyze the development and use of tests in measuring aptitudes, achievement, attitudes, interests, and personality; and identify underlying theories of various tests. Learners analyze the characteristics desired in psychological and educational tests, with particular emphasis on reliability and validity, and evaluate best practices and professional standards for educational and psychological testing, including test bias and fairness. In addition, learners assess the role of technology in delivery, administration, scoring, and interpretation of tests. Prerequisite(s): Undergraduate learners in BS in Psychology, Combined BS in Psychology/MS in Clinical Psychology option and BS in Psychology, Combined BS in Psychology/MS in Psychology option learners must have completed Student Group BMGA. Graduate learners are exempt from this prerequisite. 5 quarter credits
PSY7660 Specialization Course Survey Construction and Administration 5 quarter credits Learners in this course explore the conceptual and applied aspects of survey construction and administration processes. Course topics include comparative study designs (cross sections versus panels); sampling techniques; data collection procedures and methods (face-to-face, telephone, paper, and Internet); survey question design that accurately measures behavior, attitude, and personality; data processing and analysis; results reporting; ethics of surveys; causal inference; and survey critiques. Prerequisite(s): PSY7864 or RSCH7864. 5 quarter credits
PSY7421 Specialization Course Cognitive/Affective Psychology 5 quarter credits Learners in this course apply knowledge of theoretical foundations and the basic principles and models of cognitive/affective psychology to mental processes, such as how individuals acquire, process, and store information; how they think, perceive, remember, and learn; and how they experience feelings, moods, and emotions. Learners also demonstrate ways in which the integration of cognitive and affect influence an individual's behavior. 5 quarter credits
PSY5120 Specialization Course Social Psychology 5 quarter credits This course provides an overview of how behavior is shaped and influenced within a social context. Within this framework, learners analyze interpersonal relationships, social cognition, social inference, emotion, and personality. Learners review and demonstrate their knowledge of the social psychology of decision making, attitude formation, and social attribution as they relate to contemporary issues. Learners also apply social psychological theory and research to various clinical, educational, and organizational settings. 5 quarter credits
PSY8626 Specialization Course Multivariate Statistics: Theory and Application 5 quarter credits Learners investigate the theory and application of multivariate statistics, including discriminant analysis, factor (components) analysis, multiple analysis of variance (MANOVA), and logistic regression. Using JASP, learners perform and interpret the results of these analyses. Learners also apply multivariate analysis, analyze and understand research results in peer-reviewed psychology journals, and utilize JASP to produce output consistent with the correct parameters and assumptions of specific multivariate procedures. In addition, learners evaluate the mathematical aspects of multivariate and inferential statistics theory and application. Prerequisite: RSCH8625 or PSY8625. 5 quarter credits
PSY5140 Specialization Course Program Evaluation 5 quarter credits This course provides an examination of the theories, techniques, methods, and processes of program evaluation. Learners synthesize knowledge and skills gained from prior coursework to design a program evaluation, plan its implementation, and communicate the results in appropriate and effective formats. Prerequisite(s): PSY7864 or RSCH7864. 5 quarter credits
Show all descriptions
PSY-V8926 Residency Doctoral Project Development - Topic Development 3 quarter credits In this ten-week virtual residency, learners apply advanced research and writing skills through the development of a detailed project framework based on work in prior residencies. Learners develop a project framework that includes methodological and/or research design, sampling or participant recruitment plan, intervention plan (if applicable), strategies for data collection, analysis, and outcomes of the project. Further development of the doctoral project is determined through an assessment of the project framework, which is finalized once the learner enters the advanced doctoral stage of the program. This residency includes required synchronous sessions. For PhD in Behavior Analysis and PhD in Psychology learners only. Grading for this course is S/NS. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. Prerequisite: PSY-V8925. PhD in Psychology learners must have completed PSY7870; or PSY8625 and RSCH7868. PhD in Behavior Analysis learners must have completed PSY8307. 3 quarter credits
PSY-V8927 Residency Doctoral Project Development - Framework Development 3 quarter credits In this ten-week virtual residency, learners apply advanced research and writing skills through the development of a detailed project framework based on work in prior residencies. Learners develop a project framework that includes methodological and/or research design, sampling or participant recruitment plan, intervention plan (if applicable), strategies for data collection, analysis, and outcomes of the project. Further development of the doctoral project is determined through an assessment of the project framework, which is finalized once the learner enters the advanced doctoral stage of the program. This residency includes required synchronous sessions. For PhD in Behavior Analysis and PhD in Psychology learners only. Grading for this course is S/NS. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. Prerequisite(s): PSY8307 or PSY7870 or PSY8658 or RSCH8625 or PSY8625 or RSCH8635 or PSY8635; PSY-V8926; and completion of all didactic coursework. 3 quarter credits
PSY-V8925 Residency Doctoral Project Development - Topic Ideation 3 quarter credits In this ten-week virtual residency, learners develop and evaluate proposed topic areas and theories for their doctoral project. Learners analyze the literature on potential topics to assess relevance to the discipline and potential methods to use in the doctoral project. Learners gain an understanding of the writing, research, and critical thinking skills necessary to complete the final project. Further development of the doctoral project is determined through a final assessment. This residency includes required synchronous sessions. For PhD in Behavior Analysis and PhD in Psychology learners only. Grading for this course is S/NS. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. Prerequisite: PhD in Psychology learners must have completed PSY7105 or PSY7115. PhD in Behavior Analysis learners must have completed PSY8301, PSY8302, PSY8303, PSY8352, RSCH7860. 3 quarter credits
Show all descriptions
PSY9960 Dissertation Dissertation Courseroom 3 quarter credits This course provides learners with resources, guidance, and peer and mentor support during each dissertation course as they complete the required milestones. Special permission is required for registration. Grading for this course is S/NS. Learners must register for this course a minimum of four times to fulfill their specialization requirements. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. Prerequisite PSY9909 or PSY9919 or PSY-V8927. 3 quarter credits
PSY9960 Dissertation Dissertation Courseroom 3 quarter credits This course provides learners with resources, guidance, and peer and mentor support during each dissertation course as they complete the required milestones. Special permission is required for registration. Grading for this course is S/NS. Learners must register for this course a minimum of four times to fulfill their specialization requirements. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. Prerequisite PSY9909 or PSY9919 or PSY-V8927. 3 quarter credits
PSY9960 Dissertation Dissertation Courseroom 3 quarter credits This course provides learners with resources, guidance, and peer and mentor support during each dissertation course as they complete the required milestones. Special permission is required for registration. Grading for this course is S/NS. Learners must register for this course a minimum of four times to fulfill their specialization requirements. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. Prerequisite PSY9909 or PSY9919 or PSY-V8927. 3 quarter credits
PSY9960 Dissertation Dissertation Courseroom 3 quarter credits This course provides learners with resources, guidance, and peer and mentor support during each dissertation course as they complete the required milestones. Special permission is required for registration. Grading for this course is S/NS. Learners must register for this course a minimum of four times to fulfill their specialization requirements. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. Prerequisite PSY9909 or PSY9919 or PSY-V8927. 3 quarter credits

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