Our combined master's and doctoral program in psychology prepares you to use science to make a meaningful impact after you graduate. We train students from all over the world in the use of applied research as a lever for understanding complex social problems and implementing social change.

Our program has a curriculum that allows you to complete a master's degree on the way to a doctoral degree. You'll learn to use innovative conceptual and methodological tools while working closely in faculty teams with community partners to understand and solve social problems.

Our faculty are clustered in five concentrations — applied developmental psychology, applied social psychology, community psychology, industrial and organizational psychology, and applied quantitative psychology — and provide you with a rich training experience in an apprenticeship model. With cohorts of 10 to 12 students each and a small faculty-to-student ratio, we will ensure that you have the support and experience you need to succeed.

Our graduates are in high demand and you’ll leave our program prepared to work in a variety of applied research and academic settings, including private and public organizations, research institutes, and universities.

Become a part of our commitment to psychological science that makes the world a better place.

WHY PSU?

Join our nationally competitive graduate program that is organized around purpose-driven and community-engaged research.

Our deep community connections give you unmatched opportunities to participate in hands-on research that translates into theory development, practical solutions, and effective social policy.

You'll learn how to conceptualize complex social problems using sophisticated theories grounded in the lived experiences of those most closely allied with these issues. Our training in applied research will prepare you to study and solve these problems working in the rich and messy contexts of everyday life, as well as learn how to communicate with community partners and the general public about these topics in ways that are scientifically accurate yet understandable and meaningful.

Our apprenticeship model means you'll work closely with individual faculty on every phase of their research, including recruiting community partners, data collection and analysis, publication and presentation of research, writing proposals for external funding, and giving back to community partners through interventions, consultations, and outreach.

Our expert faculty are committed to your success with teaching and mentoring students at the heart of their scholarly activities and professional identities.

And you’ll find that it’s possible to graduate without taking on extra student debt: We offer a modest stipend, including full tuition remission for five years and four summers of funding with our innovative Summer Research Institute, where you are paid to work with faculty on their research.

WHAT CAN I DO WITH A MASTER'S DEGREE OR DOCTORATE IN PSYCHOLOGY?

Our graduates go on to positions all over the country, in a range of settings, from private and public organizations to research institutes and universities.