Doctorate

Developmental Psychology

The BGSU combined master’s and doctorate in developmental psychology provides a challenging, yet supportive environment in which you can acquire a strong foundation in theory, research and methodology in developmental psychology across the life span.

Most students meet the requirements for the master's en route to the doctorate. We do not generally admit students who only seek a master's degree.

In collaboration with a diverse faculty, you will actively engage in an individualized program of study. You will receive training that prepares you for careers in academic and applied settings.

If you are interested in applying to our clinical program, please review the BGSU psychology applicant data, internship placement, or matching, data and graduation rates for the past seven years.

Join us in advancing psychological knowledge

Developmental psychologists are interested in how people change throughout their lifespans, considering biological, cognitive, emotional, social and cultural factors.

Traditionally, the field of developmental psychology has focused on childhood and adolescence, but as life expectancies have increased, developmental psychologists have become increasingly interested in adulthood and aging.

The primary goal of this doctoral program is the development of scientists capable of advancing psychological knowledge. The BGSU developmental psychology program is research-oriented and you will be encouraged to become involved in research early in your first year of graduate training.

The program is characterized by both an emphasis on extensive academic training in general psychology and an early and continuing commitment to research.

Although each graduate student will seek an area in which to develop their expertise, you will be expected to be knowledgeable about many areas. You’ll also be encouraged to pursue interests that cross conventional specialty lines.

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The BGSU Psychology doctorate program has a 100 percent APA/CPA-accredited internship placement record for five years running.

Career opportunities

The BGSU doctorate in psychology believes the traditional, but essentially false, distinctions between scholar and practitioner can be blurred.

This approach results in graduates with wide-ranging experience in clinical settings and solid foundations in research, methodology and experiment design.

The resulting alumni body is distributed across academic and clinical settings, and contributes directly to patient outcomes and the progression of the developmental psychology discipline.

Career paths

Developmental Psychologist
Clinical Psychologist
Educational Psychologist
Social Worker
Research Psychologist
Industrial Psychologist

Quick Facts from the Bureau of Labor Statistics

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Curriculum

Each student normally works in close association with a sponsor or chairperson whose special competence matches the student's interests. You will be free to pursue research interests with any faculty member and in any area(s) you choose. Both basic and applied psychological research are well represented within the department.

The student-faculty ratio is low, permitting extensive supervision and individual attention to student growth and development while studying developmental psychology.

One of the major strengths of our program is the extent to which students and faculty share interests with those in other areas. Students frequently work closely with faculty from as many as three areas or interests during their time at BGSU.