Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Psychology

For students entering Fall 2025 and beyond.

Options for electives:

PSYC.6930 Directed Study in Applied Psychology and Prevention Science

PSYC.6940 Mentored Research Experience

PSYC.7030 Selected Topics in Applied Psychology and Prevention Science

PSYC.6200 Special Topics in Applied Behavior Analysis

Updated 9/12/25

Graduates of the Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology will be able to:

1. use psychological science to conduct research on issues related to promoting healthy outcomes, preventing problematic behaviors, and/or intervening to diminish existing problems;
2. understand key concepts, theories, and methodology in the field of applied psychology and prevention science;
3. have a thorough grounding in the ethical conduct of research and practice in real-world settings;
4. understand and empower diverse, underrepresented groups in real-world settings;
5. work with interdisciplinary teams to stimulate innovative problem-solving addressing multiple levels (e.g., individual, familial, organization, community, and societal levels).

Graduates from our program are highly sought after across a range of fields, including academic positions as faculty at colleges and universities, research and data analysis roles in government and private industries, and careers in policymaking, evaluation and consulting.

To date, all of our graduates have secured full-time employment by the time they graduate. Recent employers include:

• Fors Marsh Group
• The Nielsen Company
• Temple University
• UMass Amherst
• VA Boston Healthcare System

• Application:
  • Summer 2025 - Spring 2026
  • Summer 2026 - Spring 2027
• Application Fee: $50
• Statement of Purpose: Outline goals, experience and achievements (max 2 pages).
• Letters of Recommendation: Two (2) for master's, three (3) for doctoral applicants. Criminal Justice, Master of Arts (M.A.): Letters of recommendation are optional.
• Transcripts: You may apply with unofficial transcripts, but official transcripts are required if accepted.
• Test Scores: UMass Lowell’s school code is 3911. The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is required for Criminology and Criminal Justice and Global Studies doctoral programs. The Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure (MTEL) is required for the Master of Music in Music Education. Scores are accepted but not required for other programs.
• Resume: The following programs require a resume for admission:
  • Master of Music Education
  • Master of Public Administration
  • Master of Education programs (except Education Administration, M.Ed)
  • Education Specialist in Language Arts and Literacy
  • Ph.D. in Psychology applicants should submit a curriculum vitae (CV) rather than a resume to highlight academic and professional achievements.
• Writing Sample: Education Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) programs only.
• Forms: Principal's Acknowledgement Form (pdf) for Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Education Administration, pre-kindergarten through 12th grade (PK-12) only.

All materials must be received before your application is reviewed. To add documents before review, log in and select “Program Materials.”

Application Deadlines

• Global Studies Ph.D. and Psychology Ph.D.: January 15
• Criminology Ph.D.: February 1
• Applied Behavior Analysis and Autism Studies: February 15
• Leadership in Schooling Doctor of Education (Ed.D.): Applications are accepted from July – October 15.

International Applicants

Transcripts must show degree completion and include a credential evaluation from a National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) member, such as:

• Center for Educational Documentation (CED)
• Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE)
• World Education Services (WES)

English proficiency is required. If English is not your country’s national language, please submit one of the following scores:  

• Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL): 79+ 
• TOEFL for Leadership in Schooling Ed.D. programs: 90+
• International English Language Testing System (IELTS): 6.5+
• IELTS for Leadership in Schooling Ed.D. programs: 7+
• Duolingo: 115+
• ASC English: Level 6+
• Pearson Test of English (PTE): 53+