General/Experimental Psychology

The General/Experimental (G/E) Ph.D. program provides students with both a breadth of knowledge about theory and research in psychology, and an opportunity to develop expertise in a specific research area.

An emphasis is placed on helping students learn how to design and perform studies, analyze data, and communicate one’s discoveries to the public. The goal is to give students the knowledge and skills used in both academia and in non-academic, research-focused careers.

The program includes a coursework sequence that focuses on experimental design and methods of analysis. Other coursework options allow students to delve into different specializations within psychology, develop additional quantitative skills, and learn and practice methods of college teaching.

Degree Option

Graduate Training

G/E students work closely with a faculty member who shares their research interests. The advisor introduces the student to research in their specialty area and chairs the student’s thesis and dissertation committees. Students have opportunities to perform additional research projects and collaborations with other students and faculty are encouraged. The Department of Psychology and the School of Graduate Studies support student research through assistantships, grants, and awards.

G/E students commonly receive a graduate teaching assistantship, and they have the option of preparing for teaching in higher education through coursework and a mentored teaching experience. Former students of the program are employed at colleges and universities across the United States.

Admission into the program is competitive. Potential students will have either a bachelor's degree or a master’s degree in psychology or another, related discipline.