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Developmental psychology phd @ boston college.

The Ph.D. program in Developmental Psychology at Boston College’s Department of Psychology and Neuroscience is now accepting applications for Fall of 2022. The Psychology and Neuroscience Department offers a vibrant and rapidly-growing community, with a strong commitment to interdisciplinary research as well as new and emerging research fields and methods. Successful applicants are guaranteed five years of full tuition and stipend. Four developmental faculty are currently recruiting graduate students for Fall 2022:  — Dr. Sara Cordes (Infant and Child Cognition Lab,  www.cordeslab.org ), whose research explores the acquisition of numerical concepts and social influences of math learning (e.g., math and spatial gender stereotypes) — Dr. Joshua Hartshorne (Language Learning Lab,  l3atbc.org ), whose research focuses on what makes language learning possible 

— Dr. Angie Johnston (Social Learning Lab,  https://sites.bc.edu/doglab/ ), whose research explores the evolutionary origins of human social learning by comparing children and dogs  — Dr. Katherine McAuliffe (Cooperation Lab,  www.bccooperationlab.com ), whose research focuses on the development and evolution of cooperation in humans  Students interested in working with any of these four faculty are strongly encouraged to apply. For more information, please feel free to contact the corresponding faculty members. Further information about the application can be found on the BC Psychology and Neuroscience website ( https://www.bc.edu/bc-web/schools/mcas/departments/psychology/graduate.html ). The deadline for applications is December 15.

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Massachusetts Doctorate and PhD in Psychology Programs

Written by Sarah Walsh

Clinical PsyD — Rutgers University | Clinical Psychologist

Dive into the world of psychology in the vibrant state of Massachusetts, where a wealth of cutting-edge Doctorate in Psychology programs await! From the bustling streets of Boston to the picturesque college towns scattered throughout the state, Massachusetts offers a unique blend of history, innovation, and academic excellence. Immerse yourself in groundbreaking research, develop your skills in clinical practice, and collaborate with some of the brightest minds in the field. Whether you’re seeking a career in academia, research, or clinical practice, our comprehensive guide to Massachusetts Doctorate in Psychology programs will help you navigate the path to your future success. You can also discover the excellence of Massachusetts Masters in Psychology Programs , where cutting-edge education meets a rich academic tradition. Get ready to embark on a transformative journey in the heart of New England!

Doctorate in General Psychology

Boston university – ph.d. in psychological and brain sciences.

Boston University offers a Ph.D. program in Psychological and Brain Sciences, which covers a broad range of psychological disciplines. The program focuses on research, theory, and evidence-based practice, preparing students for careers in academia and research settings. Students have the opportunity to specialize in areas such as cognitive psychology, developmental psychology, neuroscience, or social psychology. The program emphasizes collaboration, critical thinking, and methodological rigor, fostering a supportive academic community that values cultural competence, ethical practice, and professional development. Boston University’s program is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE).

Doctorate in Clinical Psychology

Harvard university – ph.d. in clinical psychology.

Harvard University offers a prestigious Ph.D. program in Clinical Psychology, where students engage in groundbreaking research, advanced coursework, and practical clinical experiences. The program emphasizes the integration of science and practice, training students to excel in academia, research, and clinical settings. Students benefit from a strong mentorship model and have access to the renowned resources of Harvard University. The program is accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA) and prepares graduates to make significant contributions to the field of clinical psychology.

Boston College – Ph.D. in Counseling, Developmental, and Educational Psychology

Boston College’s Ph.D. program in Counseling, Developmental, and Educational Psychology provides an interdisciplinary approach to clinical psychology, focusing on research, theory, and evidence-based practice. Students develop expertise in areas such as mental health, developmental psychopathology, and prevention science. The program fosters a supportive academic community with opportunities for collaborative research, close faculty mentorship, and hands-on clinical experiences. Boston College’s program is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE) and prepares graduates for careers in academia, research, and clinical practice.

University of Massachusetts Boston – Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology

The University of Massachusetts Boston offers a Ph.D. program in Clinical Psychology that emphasizes research, theory, and evidence-based practice. Students receive extensive training in psychological assessment, intervention, and consultation, preparing them for careers in clinical, academic, and research settings. The program values cultural competence, social justice, and ethical practice, providing students with opportunities for community-based research and clinical work in diverse settings. The University of Massachusetts Boston’s program is accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA).

Doctorate in Counseling Psychology

Boston college – ph.d. in counseling psychology.

Boston College offers an esteemed Ph.D. program in Counseling Psychology, focusing on the integration of research, theory, and practice. This program prepares students to address psychological, emotional, and social challenges in diverse populations, emphasizing multiculturalism, social justice, and evidence-based interventions. Students engage in collaborative research, hands-on clinical experiences, and close faculty mentorship. The program is accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA) and prepares graduates for careers in academia, research, and clinical practice.

Click here for Masters in Clinical Psychology programs in the state of Massachusetts.

University of Massachusetts Boston – Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology

The University of Massachusetts Boston provides a comprehensive Ph.D. program in Counseling Psychology, committed to research, theory, and evidence-based practice. Students develop expertise in areas such as mental health, career counseling, and prevention science. The program values diversity, social justice, and ethical practice, offering opportunities for community-based research and clinical work in a variety of settings. Graduates are prepared for careers in academia, research, and clinical practice. The University of Massachusetts Boston’s program is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP).

Doctorate in School/Educational Psychology

Northeastern university – ph.d. in school psychology.

Northeastern University’s Ph.D. program in School Psychology focuses on the integration of research, theory, and practice to address the educational and psychological needs of children and adolescents. The program fosters expertise in areas such as mental health, prevention science, and educational policy. Students participate in collaborative research, clinical experiences, and close faculty mentorship, preparing them for diverse careers in academia, research, and educational settings. Northeastern University’s program is accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA).

University of Massachusetts Amherst – Ph.D. in School Psychology

The University of Massachusetts Amherst provides a comprehensive Ph.D. program in School Psychology, emphasizing research, theory, and evidence-based practice. The program trains students in psychological assessment, intervention, and consultation, preparing them for careers in educational, clinical, and research settings. The program values diversity, social justice, and ethical practice, offering opportunities for community-based research and clinical work in various settings. The University of Massachusetts Amherst’s program is accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA) and the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP).

Doctorate in Behavioral Psychology

Harvard university – ph.d. in behavioral psychology.

Harvard University’s prestigious Ph.D. program in Behavioral Psychology offers students a rigorous, interdisciplinary education. The program focuses on research, theory, and evidence-based practice in areas such as learning, decision-making, and behavior change. Students collaborate with renowned faculty, engaging in cutting-edge research and hands-on clinical experiences. Graduates are prepared for careers in academia, research, and clinical practice. Harvard University’s program is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE).

University of Massachusetts Amherst – Ph.D. in Behavioral Neuroscience

The University of Massachusetts Amherst offers a comprehensive Ph.D. program in Behavioral Neuroscience. This program emphasizes research, theory, and evidence-based practice in the study of the biological basis of behavior. Students develop expertise in areas such as neuroplasticity, neuropharmacology, and behavioral genetics. Collaborative research, clinical experiences, and close faculty mentorship prepare graduates for diverse careers in academia, research, and industry. The University of Massachusetts Amherst’s program is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE).

Western New England University – PsyD in Behavior Analysis

Western New England University’s PsyD program in Behavior Analysis focuses on the application of behavioral principles to assess and treat human behavior. Students gain expertise in areas such as applied behavior analysis (ABA), verbal behavior, and performance management. The program emphasizes research, theory, and evidence-based practice, providing students with hands-on clinical experiences and close faculty mentorship. Graduates are prepared for careers in academia, research, and clinical practice. Western New England University’s program is accredited by the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI).

Doctorate in Child Psychology

Tufts university – ph.d. in child study and human development.

Tufts University’s Ph.D. program in Child Study and Human Development provides students with an interdisciplinary foundation for understanding and promoting the well-being of children, adolescents, and families. With an emphasis on research, theory, and evidence-based practice, students explore topics such as cognitive development, social-emotional functioning, and family dynamics. Close faculty mentorship, hands-on research, and practical experiences prepare graduates for careers in academia, research, and policy. The program is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE).

Doctorate in Developmental Psychology

Boston college – ph.d. in developmental and educational psychology.

Boston College’s Ph.D. program in Developmental and Educational Psychology offers a comprehensive education in understanding and addressing the needs of diverse populations of children and adolescents. Students engage in cutting-edge research, collaborate with experienced faculty, and explore areas such as cognitive development, social-emotional learning, and resilience. The program emphasizes theory, research, and evidence-based practice, preparing graduates for careers in academia, research, and policy-making. Boston College’s program is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE).

Clark University – Ph.D. in Developmental Psychology

Clark University’s Ph.D. program in Developmental Psychology offers students an in-depth understanding of the complex processes that shape child development. Students delve into topics such as cognitive, social, and emotional development, as well as the impact of culture and context on child outcomes. With a strong emphasis on research and theory, students collaborate with renowned faculty, engage in hands-on research experiences, and develop the skills needed for successful careers in academia, research, and policy development. Clark University’s program is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE).

Doctorate in Forensic/Criminal Psychology

William james college – psyd in clinical psychology with a forensic psychology concentration.

William James College offers a PsyD program in Clinical Psychology with a Forensic Psychology Concentration, providing students with a strong foundation in clinical practice and specialized knowledge in forensic psychology. The program focuses on the intersection of psychology and the legal system, emphasizing the assessment, treatment, and evaluation of individuals involved in criminal and civil proceedings. Hands-on training, research opportunities, and collaboration with experienced faculty prepare graduates for careers as forensic psychologists in various settings, including courts, prisons, and private practice. The program is accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA).

Doctorate in Industrial/Organizational Psychology (IO)

University of massachusetts amherst – ph.d. in organizational science.

The University of Massachusetts Amherst offers a cutting-edge Ph.D. program in Organizational Science, focusing on the application of psychological principles to improve organizational performance and well-being. This program emphasizes research, theory, and practice in areas such as leadership, motivation, work-life balance, and team dynamics. Through rigorous coursework and hands-on research opportunities, students develop skills to address workplace challenges and contribute to organizational success. Graduates are prepared for careers in academia, consulting, and various industries. The program is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE).

Boston University – Ph.D. in Applied Social and Organizational Psychology

Boston University’s Ph.D. program in Applied Social and Organizational Psychology prepares students to become leading scholars and practitioners in the field of Industrial/Organizational (I/O) psychology. The program offers a strong foundation in psychological theories and methods, with a focus on applying research to improve organizational performance and employee well-being. Students engage in diverse research experiences and collaborate with renowned faculty members on projects related to personnel selection, training, leadership, and organizational culture. The program is accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA).

Doctorate in Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT)

Boston college – ph.d. in counseling psychology: marriage and family therapy concentration.

Boston College offers a distinctive Ph.D. program in Counseling Psychology with a concentration in Marriage and Family Therapy. This program equips students with advanced clinical and research skills to work effectively with diverse couples and families in various settings. Students gain a deep understanding of systemic and relational therapy approaches while participating in rigorous coursework, research, and practicum experiences. Graduates are prepared for careers as practitioners, researchers, and educators in the field. The program is accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA).

William James College – PsyD in Clinical Psychology: Couples and Family Therapy Emphasis

William James College provides an innovative PsyD program in Clinical Psychology, which emphasizes Couples and Family Therapy. This program is designed for students interested in developing expertise in working with couples and families, addressing complex relational dynamics and mental health issues. Students receive comprehensive training in assessment, intervention, and research related to family systems while gaining hands-on experience through supervised clinical work. Graduates are prepared for leadership roles in clinical practice, research, and academia. The program is accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA).

Doctorate in ABA/Behavioral Analysis

Simmons university – ph.d. in behavior analysis.

Simmons University offers a cutting-edge Ph.D. program in Behavior Analysis designed for individuals passionate about advancing the science and practice of behavior analysis. Students engage in rigorous coursework, research activities, and professional experiences, acquiring deep expertise in experimental, applied, and theoretical aspects of the field. Graduates are equipped for careers in academia, research, and leadership roles within various service delivery settings. The program is accredited by the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI).

Western New England University – Ph.D. in Applied Behavior Analysis

Western New England University features an exceptional Ph.D. program in Applied Behavior Analysis, preparing students to become leading practitioners, researchers, and educators. This program emphasizes evidence-based practices, research methodology, and advanced intervention strategies for addressing complex behavioral challenges. Students gain hands-on experience through clinical work, supervised practicum placements, and research projects. Graduates are well-prepared to contribute to the field in diverse settings, including healthcare, education, and human services. The program is accredited by the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI).

Doctorate in Other Psychology Programs

Clark university – ph.d. in social psychology.

Clark University’s prestigious Ph.D. program in Social Psychology equips students with a solid foundation in theoretical, empirical, and methodological aspects of the field. This innovative program fosters interdisciplinary collaborations, encouraging students to explore various research areas, such as prejudice, intergroup relations, and social cognition. Graduates are prepared for successful careers in academia, research, and applied settings. Clark University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE).

Suffolk University – Ph.D. in Applied Developmental Psychology

Suffolk University’s acclaimed Ph.D. program in Applied Developmental Psychology prepares students to conduct impactful research and engage in practical applications to enhance the well-being of children, families, and communities. Students receive comprehensive training in developmental theory, research methods, and evidence-based practice. The program emphasizes the integration of research, policy, and practice to inform real-world decision-making. Graduates emerge as skilled professionals, ready to contribute meaningfully to various fields. Suffolk University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE).

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Best Psychology colleges in Boston

Best psychology colleges in boston for 2024.

Lesley University offers 14 Psychology degree programs. It's a small, private not-for-profit, four-year university in a midsize city. In 2022, 340 Psychology students graduated with students earning 200 Master's degrees, 134 Bachelor's degrees, and 6 Doctoral degrees.

University of Massachusetts-Lowell offers 6 Psychology degree programs. It's a large, public, four-year university in a large suburb. In 2022, 249 Psychology students graduated with students earning 192 Bachelor's degrees, 40 Certificates, 13 Master's degrees, and 4 Doctoral degrees.

Boston University offers 11 Psychology degree programs. It's a very large, private not-for-profit, four-year university in a large city. In 2022, 396 Psychology students graduated with students earning 277 Bachelor's degrees, 110 Master's degrees, and 9 Doctoral degrees.

University of New Hampshire-Main Campus offers 10 Psychology degree programs. It's a large, public, four-year university in a small suburb. In 2022, 292 Psychology students graduated with students earning 239 Bachelor's degrees, 39 Certificates, 11 Master's degrees, and 3 Doctoral degrees.

Boston College offers 8 Psychology degree programs. It's a large, private not-for-profit, four-year university in a small city. In 2022, 316 Psychology students graduated with students earning 253 Bachelor's degrees, 48 Master's degrees, and 15 Doctoral degrees.

Bridgewater State University offers 3 Psychology degree programs. It's a medium sized, public, four-year university in a large suburb. In 2022, 326 Psychology students graduated with students earning 312 Bachelor's degrees, and 14 Master's degrees.

University of Massachusetts-Boston offers 10 Psychology degree programs. It's a large, public, four-year university in a large city. In 2022, 391 Psychology students graduated with students earning 295 Bachelor's degrees, 65 Master's degrees, 17 Doctoral degrees, and 14 Certificates.

Harvard University offers 11 Psychology degree programs. It's a very large, private not-for-profit, four-year university in a midsize city. In 2022, 165 Psychology students graduated with students earning 80 Master's degrees, 66 Bachelor's degrees, and 19 Doctoral degrees.

Northeastern University offers 12 Psychology degree programs. It's a very large, private not-for-profit, four-year university in a large city. In 2022, 181 Psychology students graduated with students earning 111 Bachelor's degrees, 46 Master's degrees, 14 Doctoral degrees, and 10 Certificates.

Salem State University offers 4 Psychology degree programs. It's a medium sized, public, four-year university in a large suburb. In 2022, 177 Psychology students graduated with students earning 145 Bachelor's degrees, and 32 Master's degrees.

Top schools offering Psychology degrees in Boston

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List of all Psychology colleges in Boston

Boston Graduate School of Psychoanalysis

Doctor of Psychoanalysis (PsyaD)

Home » Academics » Degree Programs » Doctor of Psychoanalysis (PsyaD)

Program Objectives

Course of study.

• Admission Criteria

BGSP is unique among both psychoanalytic training institutes and graduate schools in offering the Doctor of Psychoanalysis degree (PsyaD). This post-master’s program combines full training to become a psychoanalyst with academic and research studies leading to the doctorate. 

Tailored to take into account your prior education and training, the program fosters a high level of emotional attunement, attainable only through the combination of seminars, self-examination in the training analysis, and intensive clinical supervision — all hallmarks of  our integrative approach to learning .

The PsyaD program helps candidates understand how people develop their emotional lives, and teaches them to intervene in the intrapsychic life of clients.

The doctoral candidate:

• Explores the full range of character structures and psychopathology, integrating academic study with clinical work to understand patients’ repetitions, defenses, resistances, and symbolic communications
• Learns to utilize their emotional responses to understand and work with patients
• Learns  to integrate theory, empirical research, and clinical observations culminating in the doctoral dissertation

“Since completing the doctoral program, I have been very busy working with children, adolescents, families, and adults at an outpatient psychotherapy practice, and as a psychoanalyst in private practice. Even after graduating from the doctor of psychoanalysis program, I have been continuing my journey aimed at furthering my knowledge and understanding about the deepest mysteries of the human condition.”  Michael Birnkrant, PsyaD, MA

Degree Requirements

Students in the Doctor of Psychoanalysis degree program fulfill the following requirements to graduate:

• A minimum of 69 credits of required and elective course work (candidates entering without a clinical mental health degree are required to complete up to 20.5 additional credits of required coursework)
• Satisfactory completion of the fieldwork externship, case presentation, and written case study
• Successful completion of the Candidacy Entrance Exam
• 450 hours of training analysis, of which 150 may be group analysis
• Analysis of a minimum of three psychoanalytic cases over time in the School’s Therapy Center
• 200 hours of supervision with at least three supervisors (at least 50 hours are completed with each of two different supervisors)
• Satisfactory presentation of cases for Clinical Case Review after 25 hours of control supervision, demonstrating understanding of cases and current resistances including countertransference resistance
• Successful completion of the Qualifying Paper, a case study exploring transference, countertransference and resistance in the control case submitted at the same time as the Clinical Case Review.
• Completion of a doctoral dissertation: a well-executed original research project demonstrating mastery of psychoanalytic concepts, a body of literature, research methodology and valid inference making
• Successful oral presentation of doctoral dissertation to the faculty

Program Catalog

Please refer to the program catalog for exact graduation requirements

Doctoral candidates gain a psychoanalytic perspective on both human development and clinical work.  They learn about the development of the human psyche from infancy onward, study unconscious processes such as repetition, defenses, transference, resistance, and symbolism, and develop a psychoanalytic framework for understanding psychopathology across a wide range of diagnoses.  Candidates explore advanced psychoanalytic theories from a range of perspectives, including those of Freud, Klein, Bion, Spotnitz, the theorists who followed them, and a range of other contemporary psychoanalysts.  Advanced clinical seminars on resistance analysis, transference and countertransference, symbolism, and theory of technique inform candidates’ work with patients. Courses in psychoanalytic research hone candidates’ skills in systematic observation and inference and facilitate the student’s work on the dissertation.

Clinical Studies

Doctoral fieldwork program.

Prior to beginning psychoanalytic practice under supervision, doctoral candidates participate in a two-semester fieldwork program, which provides direct contact with regressed patients in mental hospitals or comparable settings, giving students the opportunity (a) to observe extremes of pathology at the earliest levels of fixation or regression and (b) develop basic skills for establishing a therapeutic relationship with regressed or narcissistic clients.  The fieldwork experience fosters an ability to read the client’s contacts, responses to stimulation, and symbolic communications while observing the emotional responses induced in oneself. These skills are basic to working with people at all levels of functioning.  The fieldwork experience culminates in a clinical oral and written presentation of cases.

Candidacy Entrance Exam

After completing the first year of full-time coursework (or its equivalent) and the fieldwork program, candidates sit for the Candidacy Entrance Exam.  In conjunction with assessment from first-year coursework and the fieldwork presentations, the Candidacy Entrance Exam is used to assess readiness for further doctoral study.

Therapy Center Internship

Once approved for candidacy, students apply to begin their  Therapy Center  Internship. During the internship, students work with three or more analytic cases (at least weekly) under supervision for the duration of their studies (minimally three years). Candidates enroll in the clinical seminar appropriate to their level of training, beginning with Case Management and progressing through advanced psychoanalytic seminars, in which they remain until graduation. Initially, students engage in group supervision; they then choose individual control supervisors, one of whom covers only the primary control case.  (A “control case” is the term used for a case studied under close supervision.)

Candidates present their work with cases to the clinical faculty at two points during training: once after 25 hours of control supervision, for the Clinical Case Review, and again at the end of their studies, for the Final Clinical Presentation.  The Clinical Case Review is a time for the candidate to gain formal feedback on clinical work, including case formulations, patient dynamics, and countertransference resistances, in order to work more productively towards the Final Clinical Presentation.  This phase of the program takes from three to six years depending on the pace at which the student develops a caseload and progresses in meeting clinical and academic requirements. 

Training Analysis

Each candidate participates in a training analysis, working individually with an analyst throughout the program for a minimum of 450 hours of analysis, of which 150 hours may be group analysis.  The training analysis is a cornerstone of the educational process for psychoanalysts.  It deepens the candidate’s understanding of course material through personal experience and helps the candidate tolerate the feelings aroused by psychoanalytic study.  It offers a fuller appreciation of one’s own emotional dynamics, increases the candidate’s access to all emotional states, and increases self-understanding, which is particularly critical for understanding others.  Most importantly, the training analysis provides a space for the analyst-in-training to recognize how clients activate his or her own unconscious processes, in order to contain those reactions and use them productively, rather than acting them out.

Psychoanalysts study the unconscious level of mental functioning through making valid inferences from the stream of verbal and behavioral responses comprising human behavior, whether individually or in groups. Psychoanalytic research projects address a question about underlying motivation and conflict, about what leads to change in psychic functioning, about resistances to change, and a variety of other questions of interest both clinically and theoretically. In working with a patient, the analyst has the opportunity to make multiple observations over time under similar conditions while intruding minimally into the patient’s presentation of their experience and conflicts. Each case may be an in depth study, in itself contributing to the knowledge base on a particular pathology or character structure. Alternatively, the researcher may be interested in particular clinical phenomena best studied with a group of cases, e.g., somatization, phobias, eating disorders, or may undertake studies of particular interventions, e.g., group work with a particular diagnosis, or interpretation versus reflective techniques.

The doctoral research curriculum includes courses in psychoanalytic research, inference making, and proposal development as well as individual research advisement with experienced clinical researchers. The curriculum helps the student identify an area of interest, review relevant literature, design a viable study, and use his or her academic, clinical and research training to formulate a question and make valid inferences from data.

Dissertation

The dissertation is an original research project making a contribution to the field or applying psychoanalytic concepts or technique to understand something in a related field. A three-person dissertation committee guides the student through all phases of the project, culminating in the dissertation and the presentation to the faculty in the dissertation defense. Recent doctoral research projects include a study of the unconscious motivation behind a manic patient’s actualization of a conscious fantasy, a single case study of the unconscious fantasy underlying an obsessional patient’s state of paralysis, a study of increasing resilience in first responders as a result of psychoanalytic educational intervention, and a multiple case study of underlying unconscious factors in psychosomatic disorders.

Time to program completion

Because of the emotional growth inherent in learning to analyze patients, becoming a psychoanalyst takes more than a checklist of requirements, and every candidate’s progression is unique. On a full-time basis, students take at least four years to graduate, but developing a robust caseload of psychoanalytic training cases can take more time. Almost all candidates reduce their studies to part-time status for one period of time or another. Some students do attend full-time and complete the program in four years, and many more students study part-time and complete the program in closer to 8 years. Students without previous coursework in somatic factors, socio-cultural influences and diversity, research methods, psychopathology and clinical work may expect an additional year of coursework and clinical requirements.

Most students in the program are working while pursuing doctoral studies. Classes are scheduled during the evening or on Fridays to accommodate working students.

Psychoanalysts who have already been certified but would like to pursue the doctorate may apply for the  Hybrid Accelerated PsyaD .

Admissions Criteria

The program is open to all candidates who have earned a master’s degree. Candidates who have already earned a master’s degree in a mental health field may follow the four-year sample program of studies. Those candidates whose master’s degree is in a different field tailor the program to cover any missing material, adding up to one year to the program. (Those without a master’s degree, or who wish to obtain a license in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, should first pursue BGSP’s MA in Psychoanalysis or MA in Mental Health Counseling.)

Beyond this credential, however, applicants demonstrate through their personal statement and interviews (when invited) their motivation to learn, capacity to understand oneself and others, academic and applied interests, and readiness to engage in studies of unconscious processes.

In order for BGSP to determine academic readiness for doctoral level study, applicants submit transcripts, 2 letters of recommendation, and a writing sample. For those applicants who meet the academic criteria, there will be three admissions interviews scheduled with the faculty.  In addition, applicants who are interviewing are asked to write a spontaneous response to a psychoanalytic text.

International applicants are also evaluated for English proficiency based on their TOEFL or IELTS scores (required) and their performance during the admissions interview and on their writing samples.  Some international students require additional training in writing in a second language.  Newly accepted students are sometimes advised that this training and support will be required in order to succeed in the program, and may choose to register for additional writing support throughout the course of their studies at BGSP.

Graduates of the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program at BGSP who wish to continue in the doctoral program are required to apply to that program separately. At that time, their readiness to progress into an advanced clinical or academic program is assessed on the basis of interviews and their previous work at BGSP and performance on the Candidacy Entrance Exam.

BGSP does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, sex, gender identity, ethnicity, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, disability or socioeconomic status in administration of its educational policies, admission policies, scholarship and loan programs, and other School-administered programs.

• Tuitions and Fees
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Hear from Doctor of Psychoanalysis Students and Alumnae

Seyed Vahid Hosseini MA

Minjee Park MA

Judith Sanditen PsyD, PsyaD

Frederick Stecker DMin, PsyaD

Claudia Sheftel Luiz PsyaD, Cert. Psya, EdM

R. Danielle Egan PsyaD, PhD

Apply today.

Application deadline for Spring 2025 is November 1st. Classes start in January.

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Welcome to the Department of Psychology

UMass Boston's Department of Psychology in the College of Liberal Arts is your gateway to a rich and diverse world of understanding human behavior and cognition. Our dedicated faculty members are both educators and active researchers, offering a range of educational and research opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students.

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Academic Programs

Undergraduate programs.

• Cognitive Science Minor
• Psychology, BA
• Psychology, BS
• Psychology Minor

Graduate Programs

• Clinical Psychology, PhD
• Developmental and Brain Sciences (DBS) PhD

About Our Department

Psychology is a diverse field united by the common goals of understanding how people think and behave, as well as how various environmental and biological forces shape behavior.

• Cognitive scientists delve into how individuals perceive, learn, remember, think, and understand.
• Behavioral neuroscientists explore the intricate relationship between the brain and behavior, alongside evolutionary and biological processes.
• Developmental psychologists investigate the processes of change and continuity throughout the lifespan.
• Social psychologists seek to fathom the intricate dynamics of human relationships, both within and among groups.
• Personality and clinical psychologists focus on understanding individual behavior patterns and implementing interventions to foster change.

Our graduates embark on diverse career paths, including roles as psychologists, social workers, educators, business managers, and human resource specialists.

• Resources for Students

Michelle Browning Department Manager & Advising Coordinator [email protected]

Applying to the Clinical Program

The Clinical Psychology PhD program will not require students to submit GRE (General Test of the Graduate Record Exam) scores for the Fall 2024 admissions cycle.  Applicants who have taken or are planning to take the GRE may submit their scores if they choose. However, admissions decisions will not be based on whether or not an applicant has submitted their GRE scores. Applications will be evaluated based on all available materials provided as part of a holistic review process.

The deadline for submission of applications to the Clinical Psychology Doctoral Program is 11:59 PM, EST on December 1 st . The application and all required credentials must be received by the graduate school by this deadline. Applications must be submitted online (please see the GRS admissions website for the online application), and must include a personal statement, at least 3 letters of recommendation, GRE scores (see note above) and transcripts. Please note that you must enter the program name (Clinical) under specialization in the online application.

Given the large number of applications we receive and the expense you incur by applying to multiple programs, we offer what guidance we can as to how you might assess your “fit” with the program and your general chances of acceptance.

From 2016 to 2020, we received an average of approximately 560 applications per year and have accepted an average of 7 students per year. In this competitive process, virtually all the accepted students met a number of criteria. The successful applicants in those years had a combined average Verbal and Quantitative score of 324, and an undergraduate GPA averaging 3.6. Most of the successful applicants had scores and grades within a small range around these numbers.

The Boston University program largely works on a mentorship model. The most important criterion for entry is that your interests and experience fit closely with a mentor who is able to accept a student in the upcoming year. Unfortunately, it is difficult for us to predict which mentors will have funding for a student at the time that you apply to the program. However, of the faculty members listed in the department, only a core group are clinical “mentors”. The mentors listed below with an asterisk (*) will NOT be taking a student for the 2024-2025 class.

Clinical “mentors” are:

• Tim Brown *
• Alice Cronin-Golomb *
• Todd Farchione
• Dan Fulford
• Kristin Long
• Michael Otto *
• Tibor Palfai
• Donna Pincus
• Mark Richardson *
• Amelia Stanton
• Martha Tompson *

You should locate and carefully read their published materials and website profiles and assess whether you have experience in their area of study. Successful applicants typically have actual working experience in research in a closely related field. You should indicate which mentors you are qualified to work with, and therefore you would like to consider your application, in your personal statement.

Of course, we welcome all qualified applications. Our students cannot be described as fitting into any particular mold; we are extremely interested in applications from students from all ethnic/racial backgrounds, genders, sexual orientations, and nationalities. We hope this information will help you in the challenging process of selecting programs and submitting applications and that the experience will prove successful and satisfying.

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The Psychology Department offers three majors: the Psychology Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) major, the Psychology Bachelor of Science (B.S.) major, and the Neuroscience Bachelor of Science (B.S.) major. All options introduce students to the broad range of topics that psychologists study, while also allowing students to choose an individualized course of study and focus on aspects of psychology and neuroscience in greater depth. Each option allows students to gain research experience working in our research labs.

Programs at a Glance

• Psychology Bachelor of Arts & Psychology Bachelor of Science
• Psychology Bachelor of Science
• Neuroscience Bachelor of Science

Psychology B.A. and Psychology B.S.

The Psychology B.A. and the Psychology B.S. majors are particularly suited to students who wish to understand human behavior and mental function. Students will take Psychology courses relevant to social, developmental, biological, and cognitive psychology and will learn how animal models can be used to inform human behavior. Together these courses will provide students with an appreciation for the theories that have been put forth to explain human behavior and for the importance of considering clinical, cultural, social, biological, and developmental factors when trying to understand why humans think, feel, and act as they do. Both degree options introduce students to the broad range of topics that psychologists study, while also allowing students to choose an individualized course of study and focus on some aspects of psychology in greater depth.

Psychology B.S.

The Psychology B.S. is a research-focused track. Students interested in psychology as it relates to other scientific disciplines and/or who are planning to pursue research-focused graduate work (e.g., Ph.D., M.D.) are encouraged to select the B.S. major. B.S. students will take courses in Psychology and choose from elective co-requisites in departments including Economics, Computer Science, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. Together these courses will provide students with an in-depth understanding of the scientific study of the human mind and with opportunities for exposure to hands-on, laboratory science. This major is well-suited for students interested in a research-based approach to psychology. For students who are more likely to pursue graduate work without a focus on research (e.g., social work, law, Psy.D., Ed.D.) and/or would like greater flexibility in their course schedule, the B.A. may be more appropriate.

Neuroscience B.S.

The Neuroscience B.S. major is a research-focused degree for students who are interested in understanding the biological basis of brain function in relation to thought and behavior. The major has co-requisites in Biology and Chemistry as well as elective natural science co-requisites. It emphasizes exposure to hands-on, laboratory science. Students will take courses that are related to evolution, genetics, physiology, neurobiology, and the neural basis of higher cognitive and emotional processes in humans. Together these courses will provide students with a strong foundation in the neurobiological processes that underlie behavior, motivation, and cognition. The Neuroscience major covers many of the requirements for premed.

Most students majoring in Psychology or Neuroscience are assigned a faculty member in the Psychology Department as an advisor. Some exceptions include freshmen and students for whom Psychology or Neuroscience is a second major. If you have not been assigned an advisor from Psychology, you should seek some form of departmental advising prior to registering for courses. You can obtain advising from any faculty member. You need only pick up your degree audit from your assigned advisor. Faculty advisors can be valuable as sources of opinion and guidance. However, it is unlikely that any one person will be able to answer all of your questions. Here are some suggestions:

• The Department holds informational sessions for students considering graduate work in clinical psychology.
• The main office has syllabi for almost all psychology courses. You can request that a syllabus be emailed to you.

Meeting Your Advisor

Keep in mind that the registration period is particularly busy. Each faculty member has many advisees who all need to pick up forms and receive advising during a brief period of time. To keep this process running smoothly, consider the following suggestions.

• Prepare your questions carefully ahead of time so that you get the answers you need.
• Read and know the specific requirements for the major before you meet with your advisor. These detailed requirements are listed in the course catalog. You must assume responsibility for knowing what you must take in order to graduate. Your advisor is there to offer advice and some perspective on larger issues rather than to repeat what is readily available in print or to tell you what to do.
• Make an appointment to talk to your advisor at some other time during the semester when things are not so hectic. Doing so will give you an opportunity to discuss the longer-term issues which are certainly relevant to your Boston College experience.
• If you are interested in some special programs, make an appointment to see the relevant advisor: pre-medical advisor Prof. Robert Wolff of the Biology Department in Higgins Hall, pre-law advisor Dean Joseph Burns in the Morrissey Associate Deans Office, Gasson 109B, junior year abroad advisor Prof. Jeff Flagg at the Foreign Study Office, etc. Again, it is best to make these appointments before the registration period starts.

Your Degree Audit

Your DeGRE (Degree and Graduation Requirements Evaluation) audit, which contains your access code number, is mailed to your advisor. (Seniors’ degree audits are sent to them directly.) You contact this person to pick up your audit form and access code and to review your course selections for the coming semester.

This document lists all courses that Student Services is counting towards your requirements for graduation. A completed requirement has *** in front of it. Once you have declared your major, there is a separate listing of the major requirements you have satisfied and those you have not. If you have a question about a requirement that is not completed, you should check with Student Services. If the question concerns the Psychology or Neuroscience major, you may be referred to the Director of Undergraduate Studies . It is a good idea to straighten out these problems as early as possible.

Major Requirements

The University Catalog contains the most up-to-date description of major requirements. The department does not offer a minor in psychology or neuroscience.

University Catalog

Department of Psychology and Neuroscience McGuinn 300

617-552-4100

Psychology at Boston College

Psychology degrees available at boston college, boston college psychology rankings.

Popularity of Psychology at Boston College

Psychology student diversity at boston college, boston college psychology bachelor’s program.

Of the 245 students who earned a bachelor's degree in Psychology from Boston College in 2020-2021, 19% were men and 81% were women.

The following table and chart show the ethnic background for students who recently graduated from Boston College with a bachelor's in psychology.

Boston College Psychology Master’s Program

Of the 18 students who earned a master's degree in Psychology from Boston College in 2020-2021, 6% were men and 94% were women.

The following table and chart show the ethnic background for students who recently graduated from Boston College with a master's in psychology.

Psychology Majors

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