Psychology, Ph.D.
The Psychology Ph.D. program at the University of South Carolina provides training in psychological science across four areas of concentration: Clinical-Community Psychology, Cognitive and Neural Sciences, Quantitative Psychology, and School Psychology. These concentrations share a commitment to research to improve knowledge about health and functioning, cutting edge-research methods, and high-quality STEM-focused research training. The two American Psychological Association (APA) accredited concentrations, Clinical-Community and School Psychology, also add instruction and training in delivering evidence-based health practices. Having multiple well-established concentrations allows for an integrative focus in training that prepares students to work across disciplines to tackle difficult health and social challenges as well as understand basic principles of cognition, behavior, and brain function.
We prepare students to conduct their own primary research that can advance knowledge in and across their areas of concentration. Training is provided in statistical methods for psychological research, neuroscience, and affective, biological, cognitive, developmental, and social bases of behavior. Some students choose to specialize in community-engaged research that is focused on social and cultural dimensions of health. Others will specialize in psychophysiological measurement of neural and cognitive functioning and understanding basic processes of healthy functioning or how impairment can affect functioning. Students in the Clinical-Community and School concentrations gain this research foundation along with specialized training in treatment, prevention, and health promotion that supports functioning across the lifespan for children, families, and adults. They also receive training in how services can best be delivered with evidence-based practice and effective implementation in schools and health systems. The Psychology Ph.D. program seeks to train the next generation of psychological scientists. While we offer an M.A. degree, it is part of the doctoral level training that individuals obtain while earning a Ph.D. We do not offer a terminal M.A. degree.
Admissions Requirements
Admission to our program is based on academic achievement, prior research experience, other relevant experience, and research interests. Prior research experience and fit with a faculty member are especially important. The personal statement should reflect the applicant’s research interests and fit with potential mentors. Letters of recommendation should reflect the applicant’s promise as a scholar, academic achievement, and personal qualities that will help them be successful for graduate studies. Application files are reviewed in a holistic manner. Admission to our doctoral program is very competitive. We typically have over 500 applications and will enroll about 20 students a year.
Degree Requirements
All concentrations require the following 24 hours for post-baccalaureate students; a concentration advisory committee will determine which, if any, of these courses are required for post-masters students:
Core (6 hours)
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| PSYC 709 | Basic Quantitative Methods in the Analysis of Behavioral Data I | 3 |
| PSYC 710 | Basic Quantitative Methods in the Analysis of Behavioral Data II | 3 |
Note: (may be substituted by STAT 700 and STAT 701, or STAT 702 and STAT 703)
Research Methods (6 hours)
Varies by concentration and courses must be approved by a concentration advisory committee.
Dissertation (minimum of 12 hours required of all Ph.D. students)
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| PSYC 899 | Doctoral Research and Dissertation Preparation | 1-12 |
Concentrations
The four concentrations are listed below with additional requirements.
Clinical Community Psychology (post-baccalaureate: 57 hours; post-masters: 39 hours)
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Practicum Courses | 13 | |
| Remaining coursework must be approved by a concentration advisory committee | 38-56 | |
School Psychology (post-baccalaureate: 69 hours; post-masters: 51hours)
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Practicum Courses | 13 | |
| Remaining coursework must be approved by a concentration advisory committee | 38-56 | |
Cognitive and Neural Science (post-baccalaureate: 36 hours; post-masters: 18 hours)
Courses must be approved by a concentration advisory committee.
Quantitative Psychology (post-baccalaureate: 36 hours; post-masters: 18 hours)
Courses must be approved by a concentration advisory committee.