Developmental Psychology

The Developmental Psychology Area comprises a group of faculty and doctoral students who are addressing questions involving cognitive, social, or emotional development within and across various phases of the lifespan. Understanding developmental processes is an invaluable part of understanding any psychological phenomenon. Developmental students often specialize in one phase of development or a particular content area, but they are also encouraged to explore the general nature of the change process across the lifespan. Developmental students take graduate courses on a variety of topics, including the option to pursue advanced statistical training. 

Each student works closely with a faculty advisor or a co-mentoring team to develop a programmatic line of research. We emphasize presenting work at major academic conferences as well as publishing in top peer-reviewed journals. For more details, please explore the web pages of developmental faculty (see below) to get a closer look at their research topics. Envisaging a good fit between an applicant’s research interests and those of a specific developmental faculty member is a very important aspect of the admissions process.

The Psychology doctoral program offers optional concentrations in Quantitative Methods and Developmental Psychopathology. Psychology doctoral students with neuroscience interests can also receive a Specialization in Neuroscience through the interdisciplinary Neuroscience Program that is based in the College of Liberal Arts. 

• For more information see the Cognition & Neuroscience, Developmental, and Social Areas FAQ
• For information on how to apply to the Developmental Psychology program, please visit the Psychology Graduate Bulletin

For further information or questions concerning the Doctoral Program in Developmental Psychology, please contact the Director of Graduate Area of Developmental Psychology Dr. Hongling Xie: