Program: Psychology, Developmental, PhD - Clark University

Graduate Study in Developmental Psychology

The Developmental Psychology Ph.D. program aims to prepare students for careers in research and teaching, including applying theory to practice. The program focuses on the study of human development in societal and cultural contexts. Faculty members emphasize sophistication and innovation in theory and methods, and encourage students to use diverse qualitative and/or quantitative methods. Faculty and student research projects focus on all parts of the life course, from early childhood through adolescence and emerging adulthood into later adulthood. There is also a focus on addressing local and global issues of real-world relevance. Examples of recent research foci include pretend play, cognitive effects of bilingualism, early literacy, human learning in diverse cultural contexts, the societal constitution of personal epistemology, the discursive construction of identity, qualitative inquiry, experiences related to race and ethnicity, achievement gaps in academic performance, and youth purpose. Developmental Psychology Ph.D. students are mentored by a primary advisor (first as part of the departmental portfolio system and subsequently in the context of their dissertation committee). Students also have ample opportunity to draw upon the expertise of other faculty members across all three Ph.D. programs in the department (developmental, clinical, and social), both in courses and outside the classroom. Furthermore, visiting scholars (often from abroad) are present in the department every year. In terms of course work, developmental students are required to complete a total of 16 courses, of which eight are developmental (two Developmental Forums, and six Developmental Content courses). There are opportunities for research in schools and in other community settings. Students have access to a wide range of research facilities (at Clark University and many other universities in area). The Goddard Library on campus has an extensive collection of books and journals going back to the inception of graduate study in psychology in the United States. Currently, the department is also home to several high-quality academic journals and book series and several faculty serve as journal/book series editors or associate editors. Computer facilities are available on campus and in the department. For additional information about study in developmental psychology, please contact the Developmental program head, Nancy Budwig.

Psychology Graduate Program General Requirements

Course Work

Students typically take four courses each semester for the first two years, including one semester of Theory and Method: Research Design (PSYC 301), and two consecutive semesters of Statistical Methods (PSYC 302). In subsequent semesters in residence, students take two or three content courses and research or reading courses. A total of 16 one-semester courses is required for the Ph.D.

Portfolio

Students demonstrate qualification to begin dissertation work by completing a portfolio of elements totaling 6 points during the first three years. Examples of elements include conference posters, papers, journal submissions, and grant proposals.

Independent Research Project

Each student must be actively involved in research from the beginning of their graduate training. At the end of their first year, students will present their work-in-progress in poster format at an annual Graduate Research Conference. At the end of their second year, they will present this work at the Conference as an oral paper. The project will be deemed complete when it is written up in the format of a journal article. Students wishing to obtain a formal M.A. should consult the University Web site for M.A. requirements.

Credit for Prior Graduate Work

Prior completion of a master’s degree in psychology at an institution requiring an empirical master’s thesis may, on rare occasions and at the student’s request, be recognized by waiver of: 1. First- and second-year independent research projects; 2. Up to six content courses because of equivalent (non-applied) graduate courses at the prior institution; and 3. Up to two portfolio elements provided the previous work (e.g., conference presentations, articles submitted for publication) meets the standard requirements for portfolio elements. Previous completion of graduate work in psychology or a related discipline that did not result in a master’s thesis may be recognized by waiver of some requirements at the discretion of the program chair.

Ph.D. Dissertation

The student demonstrates the ability to conduct research by the presentation of an acceptable dissertation. A dissertation committee of three faculty members is formed to supervise all phases of the research. A dissertation proposal is first written and defended at a meeting with the committee and other faculty who have read the proposal. Once completed and approved by the committee, the dissertation is presented publicly to the psychology faculty, graduate students, and appropriate guests, and is open to questions from the faculty. The format of this oral examination is that of a professional presentation. The candidate is expected to demonstrate the ability to address questions on their work and on related matters. This oral includes at least the committee and two additional faculty members.

Special Resident Status

Probationary Status is assigned to any student who has not completed a program requirement on schedule. In such a situation, the student will be placed on Probationary Status for no longer than one semester. During this time, only Directed Study relating to the incomplete work can be pursued. Failure to complete requirements after one semester on Probationary Status will result in termination from the graduate program. Students can be placed on Probationary Status a maximum of two times throughout their time in the Ph.D. program. Thus, any student who has been on Probationary Status twice and then fails to complete a requirement that would normally place them on Probationary Status will be terminated from the program.

Psychology Faculty

Program Faculty

James Córdova, Ph.D. - Department Chair
Michael Addis, Ph.D.
Michael Bamberg, Ph.D.
Nancy Budwig, Ph.D.
Esteban Cardemil, Ph.D.
Alena Esposito, Ph.D.
Rachel Falmagne, Ph.D.
Abbie Goldberg, Ph.D.
Wendy S. Grolnick, Ph.D.
Amy Heberle, Ph.D.
Ana K. Marcelo, Ph.D.
Nicole Overstreet, Ph.D.
Kathleen Palm Reed, Ph.D.
Andrew Stewart, Ph.D.
Johanna Ray Vollhardt, Ph.D.
Marianne Wiser, Ph.D

Research Faculty

Jeffrey Jensen Arnett, Ph.D.
Denise Hines, Ph.D.
Lene Arnett Jensen, Ph.D.
Seana Moran, Ph.D.
Joseph de Rivera, Ph.D.

Clinical Faculty

Wendy Grolnick, Ph.D. - Director of Clinical Training
Kathleen Palm Reed, Ph.D. - Associate Director of Clinical Training
Michael Addis, Ph.D.
Esteban Cardemil, Ph.D.
James Cordova, Ph.D.
Abbie Goldberg, Ph.D.
Amy Heberle, Ph.D.

Developmental Faculty

Michael Bamberg, Ph.D. - Head of Developmental Program
Nancy Budwig, Ph.D.
Alena Esposito, Ph.D.
Rachel Falmagne, Ph.D.
Ana K. Marcelo, Ph.D.
Marianne Wiser, Ph.D.

Social Faculty

Johanna Ray Vollhardt, Ph.D. - Head of Social Program
Nicole Overstreet, Ph.D.
Andrew Stewart, Ph.D.

Emeriti Faculty

Roger Bibace, Ph.D.
Joseph de Rivera, Ph.D.
James Laird, Ph.D.
David Stevens, Ph.D.
Nicholas Thompson, Ph.D.
Jaan Valsiner, Ph.D.

Affiliate Faculty

Cathleen Crider, Ph.D.
Christina Hatgis, Ph.D.
Johanna Sagarin, Ph.D.

Psychology Graduate Courses

Courses offered within the last 2 Academic Years