Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences
Accepting 65 percent of applicants, the University of Delaware is a selective, private RU/VH research university enrolling more than 22,800 students on its sprawling 2,311-acre suburban campus in Newark just 12 miles southwest of Wilmington. Named America's 119th best value in Forbes magazine, UD is ranked the 75th best national university, 29th top public school, and 62nd best college for veterans by the U.S. News. Furthermore, the Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences is honored for the 36th best clinical psychology and 67th top graduate psychology programs nationwide.
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology (PSYC B.A.)
Giving the most flexibility, the Bachelor of Arts in Psychology (PSYC B.A.) program builds on a well-rounded liberal arts education with only 10 required major courses. UD students are introduced to modern psychological theories and learn about their practical applications in community-based social services. The B.A. is ideal for students considering a double major, such as Communications, Criminal Justice, International Relations, Linguistics, Marketing, or Sociology. A total of 124 credits is required, including one three-credit discovery learning experience. Students can engage further in Psychology Club or Psi Chi and lead mental health advocacy programs through Active Minds.
Bachelor of Science in Psychology (PSYC B.S.)
Featuring fewer college breadth courses, the Bachelor of Science in Psychology (PSYC B.S.) is a more structured, scientific program for students considering graduate school. Students delve deeper into the biological bases of human behavior to better understand how the mind works. This 124-credit curriculum must completed with a minimum GPA of 2.0. Core coursework is heavily focused in mathematics, computer science, chemistry, biology, and physics. The 12-course major will introduce students to everything from psychopathology to cultural psychology. Starting in the junior year, B.S. students conduct lab work with faculty mentors. Substantial research experience culminates with a senior thesis.
Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience (NSCI B.S.)
From the molecular to cellular and behavioral levels, the Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience (NSCI B.S.) program immerses UD students in analyzing the complex human brain. This research-based undergraduate degree is perfect for those fascinated by how neurochemistry and biology result in normal or abnormal behaviors. The interdisciplinary major consists of 54 credits within the four-year, 124-credit curriculum. Students are given electives for studying hormones, learning theory, sensation, cognition, personality, pharmacology, and more. Majors can complete an Experiential Internship and get involved in the Nu Rho Psi Honor Society. There's also a 4+1 bachelor's/master's program in neuroscience.
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology Education (PSYC ED B.A.)
Within the Social Studies Education program, the University of Delaware offers the unique Bachelor of Arts in Psychology Education (PSYC ED B.A.). In addition to the 10-course major in psychology, students take coursework in the social sciences, history, and education. Students are also encouraged to declare a History Minor. The 124-credit curriculum must be completed with a minimum 2.75 GPA and passing scores on the Praxis I exam. Students develop a learning portfolio during field practicum before a semester-long senior teaching internship. This B.A. will certify graduates for teaching history and social studies in secondary schools.
M.A./Ed.S. in School Psychology
UD's School of Education follows the NASP's standards to provide a M.A./Ed.S. in School Psychology program for outstanding graduate students capable of promoting children's development. The three-year, full-time program develops students' skills for systematically assessing PreK-12 children and developing custom interventions for improved functioning. Emphasis is also placed on implementing school-wide mental health prevention programs. For the 60-credit curriculum, students complete three school practica before a 1,200-hour internship. Graduates are qualified for taking the Praxis II exam and becoming state certified. Greater depth of training is available in the Ph.D. in Education with School Psychology Specialization.
Ph.D. in Behavioral Neuroscience
With mentor-based training, the Ph.D. in Behavior Neuroscience program gives Delaware graduate students the opportunity to advance research skills for examining the biological foundations of behavior. Doctoral students utilize cutting-edge neurophysiological strategies to test the effect of brain makeup on various psychological disorders. PhDs work closely with the program's nine full-time faculty, who have authored over 100 journal articles. The program has received the NIGMS' Center for Biomedical Research Excellence Grant for ample funding. Most candidates finish the 10 advanced courses, thesis project, qualifying exam, and dissertation research within four years full-time.
Ph.D. in Clinical Science
Continuously APA-accredited since 1975, the Ph.D. in Clinical Science program strives to produce competent researchers who contribute to empirical psychology findings for real-world clinical application. The program takes five years full-time, including a culminating, 12-month supervised internship. Beginning in the first year, students engage in practicum with the on-campus Psychological Services Training Center. As part of the PCSAS, the University of Delaware also has partnerships with the Helen F. Graham Cancer Center, DuPont Hospital, Kennedy Krieger Institute, and more. If desired, there's a Specialization in Developmental-Clinical Psychology available. 100 percent of tuition is covered with fellowships.
Ph.D. in Cognitive Psychology
Focused on spatial cognition, the Ph.D. in Cognitive Psychology program at UD explores the information-processing centers of the brain to better understand how people think and perceive their world. Key topics addressed include language, attention, memory, learning, object tracking, and categorization. Students work closely with peers in the Linguistics Department's Cognitive Science program. Full-time PhD candidates can complete requirements, including the doctoral dissertation, within four years. With faculty mentors, students utilize state-of-the-art ERP, fMRI, and brain stimulation equipment to test their hypotheses. Cohorts join together weekly for a Cognitive Brown Bag to present their research.
Ph.D. in Social Psychology
Known for winning the Gordon Allport Intergroup Relations Prize, the Ph.D. in Social Psychology is offered at UD over four years full-time. This research-based training program focuses on studying the interpersonal and organizational processes that shape how humans behave. Using an apprenticeship model, the program partners PhD candidates with faculty to engage in theory-driven research suited to unique interests. Coursework delves into personality, statistics, research methods, social cognition, interdependence, employee motivation, group dynamics, relationships, and multiculturalism. In the third year, students must pass a qualifying exam to start doctoral dissertation research.
Accreditations
American Psychological Association (APA)
Psychological Clinical Science Accreditation System (PCSAS)
Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
Contact
105 The Green
Newark, DE 19716
(302) 831-2271
info@psych.udel.edu
Program Link