phd clinical research topics

• Campus Safety
• (866) 825-5426

10 Clinical Psychology Research Topics to Explore

Whether you’re working toward a PsyD or a PhD in Clinical Psychology , landing on a research paper that will sustain your interest throughout your doctoral program can be both thrilling and challenging.

Should you go with a niche you know well or branch out to another psychology specialization ? Should you choose a research topic you’re passionate about or opt for something more topical and needed in the broader realm of behavioral and mental health?

Only you can answer these questions—however, this blog may provide you with some inspiration and direction. Let’s walk through 10 of the most fascinating clinical psychology research topics and how they might bring you closer to your educational and professional objectives.

Explore Clinical Psychology Programs

10 Emerging Research Topics in Clinical Psychology

One of the benefits of clinical psychology is that it’s far from a static field.

With each passing year, we gain more and more insight into the brain and how it affects behavior. In the last few years alone, for example, we’ve obtained a clearer picture of the negative effects of digital media on mental health and behavior. But we’ve also seen how digital media (specifically, mobile apps) can enhance mental health when used correctly. 1

Put simply, clinical psychology is a dynamic, exhilarating realm with seemingly boundless possibilities for further research.

Nonetheless, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed when settling on a clinical psychology research paper topic, especially when it’s one that you may be intimate with for years. To that end, consider these top 10 psychology topics to get you started in your research area:

#1. Mental Health Technology and Digital Interventions

The pandemic dramatically altered how healthcare practitioners interact with their patients and clients. Whereas psychotherapy and other forms of counseling were once performed almost exclusively in person, COVID-19 turned mental telehealth into our new reality.

But what might the long-term effects of this be? And will it persist as we march into the future?

Exploring the impact of digital mental health interventions (such as apps, other digital tools, and teleconferences) on well-being may open up a world of possible clinical psychology research topics and questions. 2 For instance, it may compel you to ask and research thoughts like:

• How will AI alter mental health treatments, if at all?
• Will digital mental health interventions ultimately cause or worsen isolation?
• What are the downsides and perks of turning to social media for mental health information?
• What is the relevance and value of in-person counseling sessions, post-pandemic?
• Do clients feel safer in online sessions?
• How can technology be employed to monitor patients outside of sessions?
• How does mental telehealth affect the elderly?

Technology is rapidly and constantly changing. In other words, psychology and technology may be exciting subjects to explore as you work towards starting or completing your doctorate.

#2. Cross-Cultural and Global Mental Health 

Globalization has its pros and cons. Studies indicate that while it may have its advantages, it can also heighten: 4

• Discrimination

Each of these may have lasting effects, including increasing the risk of mental disorders like addiction, depression, and anxiety. In other words, it needs to be examined by experts from multiple standpoints.

As a doctoral student, you’re in an ideal spot to investigate this complex issue. It also emphasizes the need to gain cultural competency and a global mindset as a mental health practitioner, which is another possible research topic in and of itself.

#3. Neuropsychology and Cognitive Processes

The field of neuropsychology and cognitive processes continues to grow, particularly with the advent of digital tools and their ability to monitor cognition. 5 Exploring our advancing knowledge of how the brain affects behavior may allow you to look at a wide range of mental health disorders and the newest clinical interventions that are being made available, such as treating:

• Alcohol use disorder (AUD)
• Eating disorders
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

#4. Trauma and Resilience Studies

Psychologists and psychiatrists ranging from Bessel Van der Kolk to Peter Levine forever altered our understanding of trauma. What was once thought of as a purely psychological issue is now understood as a bodily ailment. 6

But how might this look as we move forward in time and gain an enhanced understanding of neuroplasticity? Will somatics continue to play a role in treating trauma, or will technological advances send practitioners and their clients in a completely different direction?

You may be in a position to dig deeper and find out.

#5. Behavioral Health and Chronic Conditions

The unique relationship between chronic conditions and behavioral health is also up for exploration. Growing research indicates that chronic conditions (such as diabetes) can trigger mental health complications like depression, which can then perpetuate the cycle of the chronic condition.

This topic may be especially timely and relevant as it emphasizes the need to bridge the gap between a patient’s full healthcare team and points out flaws in treating chronic conditions solely from a pharmaceutical stance.

#6. Psychotherapy Process and Outcome Research

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), and other forms of traditional “talk therapy” have been mainstays in the field of clinical psychology for decades. But this, too, isn’t static, especially as clients continue to look more toward body-based therapies and technology-fueled solutions, like: 8

• Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)
• Neurofeedback therapy 
• Brainspotting
• Somatic Experiencing (SE)

Is it too soon to know if these and other fresh forms of mental health treatments have the same staying power as, say, cognitive behavioral therapy? This might be optimal for exploration.

#7. Social Determinants of Mental Health 

Social determinants of mental health (SDOMH) refer to the external circumstances that may impact an individual’s mental well-being and make them more vulnerable to conditions ranging from depression to addiction. SDOMH includes: 9

• Unemployment 
• Social isolation
• Urban crowding

How will SDOMH change as we move forward? Will it? Additionally, what is a clinical psychologist’s role in addressing these issues? What are the most effective strategies for working with those who have been disadvantaged?

This is an important topic as we, as a society, continue to address long-buried issues of race and class.

#8. Addiction and Substance Use Disorders

Addiction remains a prevalent topic: Alcohol use disorder (AUD) affects roughly 10.5% of the population, while 46.8 million Americans wrestled with a substance abuse disorder in 2022 alone. 10

Analyzing the most recent treatments and the future of treatments might not only pave the way for your own work after completion of your PsyD or PhD but also do a tremendous service for those who suffer from addiction (and their loved ones and families).

#9. Child and Adolescent Mental Health

Numerous studies indicate that kids and teens now have unusually high rates of: 11

• Substance use

What plays into this? Is social media entirely to blame, or can social sites also be a resource for youngsters? And how can clinical psychologists tweak their methods to resonate with kids and teens?

These are just three of the many questions you might ask if you decide to adopt this topic for your clinical research.

#10. Ethics and Professional Issues in Clinical Psychology

Last but not least, consider the value of examining both the main and more subtle ethics and professional issues in clinical psychology at work today, such as:

• Privacy 
• Informed consent
• Cultural sensitivity 
• Termination of counseling

Shape the Future of Mental Health with Alliant International University 

From making a substantial difference in the lives of others to eradicating the stigmas that surround certain mental health conditions, clinical psychologists are in a prime position to fuel lasting change. Selecting a clinical research topic that ignites your spirit and works toward solving larger social issues takes this notion to the next level.

Alliant International University may get you closer to becoming the type of clinical psychologist who can make an impact. Whether you’re exploring our PsyD in Clinical Psychology or have just started college, we’re proud to offer doctoral programs for psychology that can help you excel in your future profession. And with online and in-person classes and training, you might find the flexibility your life requires.

Learn more about our clinical psychology programs today.

Sources: 

• “Exploring the Latest Frontiers in Clinical Psychology Research.” The Clinic, March 25, 2024. https://theclinicca.org/exploring-the-latest-frontiers-in-clinical-psyc… .
•  Park, Susanna Y, Chloe Nicksic Sigmon, and Debra Boeldt. “A Framework for the Implementation of Digital Mental Health Interventions: The Importance of Feasibility and Acceptability Research.” Cureus, September 19, 2022. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9580609/.  
• Bond, Raymond R., Maurice D. Mulvenna, Courtney Potts, Siobhan O’Neill, Edel Ennis, and John Torous. “Digital Transformation of Mental Health Services.” Nature News, August 22, 2023. https://www.nature.com/articles/s44184-023-00033-y.  
• “Cross-Cultural Mental Health.” CMHA British Columbia, July 14, 2016. https://bc.cmha.ca/documents/cross-cultural-mental-health-and-substance-use-2/.  
• “New Research Looks at the Promise of ‘Digital Neuropsychology.’” McLean News | New Research Looks at the Promise of “Digital Neuropsychology,” January 7, 2019. https://www.mcleanhospital.org/news/new-research-looks-promise-digital-neuropsychology.  
• Kuhfuß, Marie, Tobias Maldei, Andreas Hetmanek, and Nicola Baumann. “Somatic Experiencing - Effectiveness and Key Factors of a Body-Oriented Trauma Therapy: A Scoping Literature Review.” European journal of psychotraumatology, July 12, 2021. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8276649/.  
• “The Intersection of Mental Health and Chronic Disease.” Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. Accessed April 17, 2024. https://publichealth.jhu.edu/2021/the-intersection-of-mental-health-and-chronic-disease.  
• Theodora Blanchfield, AMFT. “What to Know about Brainspotting Therapy.” Verywell Mind, January 16, 2024. https://www.verywellmind.com/brainspotting-therapy-definition-techniques-and-efficacy-5213947.  
• Social Determinants of Health and Mental Health. Accessed April 17, 2024. https://www.ncsc.org/__data/assets/pdf_file/0025/70864/Social-Determinants-of-Health.pdf.  
• “Alcohol and Drug Abuse Statistics (Facts about Addiction).” American Addiction Centers, April 4, 2024. https://americanaddictioncenters.org/addiction-statistics#.  
• “Data and Statistics on Children’s Mental Health.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, March 8, 2023. https://www.cdc.gov/childrensmentalhealth/data.html.  

David Stewart

Dean, California School of Professional Psychology

David G. Stewart, PhD, ABPP, is a board-certified clinical child and adolescent psychologist and Dean of the California School of...

Other Categories

University announcements, featured news, nursing and health sciences, start on your path to succeed on purpose, request information.

• 1 Current Select Interests
• 2 Provide Information

You might also like

7 psychology specializations: which is right for you.

By examining the link between brain function and human behavior, psychology can positively influence collective outcomes and...

Social Worker vs. Psychologist: 6 Key Differences

If you’re contemplating a career in psychology or human services, you might be both thrilled and overwhelmed by the number of...

How Long Does it Take to Get a Psychology PhD?

Obtaining a PhD in psychology comes with a number of benefits, from the freedom to start your private practice to the chance to...

• See us on twitter
• See us on facebook
• See us on youtube

PhD in Epidemiology and Clinical Research

The PhD program in epidemiology and clinical research provides methodologic and interdisciplinary training to equip students to carry out cutting-edge epidemiologic research. The program trains students in the tools of modern epidemiology, with heavy emphasis on statistics, computer science, genetics, genomics, and bioinformatics. We welcome applicants with diverse backgrounds.

Pre-Application Sessions and Recordings

We are EPH: Meet Sam Jaros

Sam Jaros is a fourth year PhD candidate in the Department of Epidemiology and Population Health. His current research and thesis projects are focused on finding actionable patterns in opioid addiction to better spend limited public health resources on improving care. Sam developed a passion for improving care for opioid addiction while working in Appalachia in previous mining towns. 

Read the Q&A with Sam

Student Bios

The Department of Epidemiology and Population Health is committed to fostering a diverse community in which all individuals are welcomed, respected, and supported to achieve their full potential.  

Stanford recognizes that the Supreme Court issued a ruling in June 2023 about the consideration of certain types of demographic information as part of an admission review. All applications submitted during upcoming application cycles will be reviewed in conformance with that decision.

The Department of Epidemiogy and Population Health welcomes graduate applications from individuals with a broad range of life experiences, perspectives, and backgrounds who would contribute to our community of scholars. The review process is holistic and individualized, considering each applicant’s academic record and accomplishments, letters of recommendation, prior research experience, and admissions essays to understand how an applicant’s life experiences have shaped their past and potential contributions to their field and how they might enrich the learning community at Stanford.

• Bipolar Disorder
• Therapy Center
• When To See a Therapist
• Types of Therapy
• Best Online Therapy
• Best Couples Therapy
• Best Family Therapy
• Managing Stress
• Sleep and Dreaming
• Understanding Emotions
• Self-Improvement
• Healthy Relationships
• Student Resources
• Personality Types
• Guided Meditations
• Verywell Mind Insights
• 2024 Verywell Mind 25
• Mental Health in the Classroom
• Editorial Process
• Meet Our Review Board
• Crisis Support

Clinical Psychology Research Topics

Stumped for ideas? Start here

Kendra Cherry, MS, is a psychosocial rehabilitation specialist, psychology educator, and author of the "Everything Psychology Book."

Emily is a board-certified science editor who has worked with top digital publishing brands like Voices for Biodiversity, Study.com, GoodTherapy, Vox, and Verywell.

Clinical psychology research is one of the most popular subfields in psychology. With such a wide range of topics to cover, figuring out clinical psychology research topics for papers, presentations, and experiments can be tricky.

Clinical Psychology Research Topic Ideas

Topic choices are only as limited as your imagination and assignment, so try narrowing the possibilities down from general questions to the specifics that apply to your area of specialization.

Here are just a few ideas to start the process:

• How does social media influence how people interact and behave?
• Compare and contrast two different types of therapy . When is each type best used? What disorders are best treated with these forms of therapy? What are the possible limitations of each type?
• Compare two psychological disorders . What are the signs and symptoms of each? How are they diagnosed and treated?
• How does "pro ana," "pro mia," " thinspo ," and similar content contribute to eating disorders? What can people do to overcome the influence of these sites?​
• Explore how aging influences mental illness. What particular challenges elderly people diagnosed with mental illness face?
• Explore factors that influence adolescent mental health. Self-esteem and peer pressure are just a couple of the topics you might explore in greater depth.
• Explore the use and effectiveness of online therapy . What are some of its advantages and disadvantages ? How do those without technical literacy navigate it?
• Investigate current research on the impact of media violence on children's behavior.
• Explore anxiety disorders and their impact on daily functioning. What new therapies are available?
• What are the risk factors for depression ? Explore the potential risks as well as any preventative strategies that can be used.
• How do political and social climates affect mental health?
• What are the long-term effects of childhood trauma? Do children continue to experience the effects later in adulthood? What treatments are available for PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) in childhood ?
• What impact does substance use disorder have on the family? How can family members help with treatment?
• What types of therapy are most effective for childhood behavioral issues ?

Think of books you have read, research you have studied, and even experiences and interests from your own life. If you've ever wanted to dig further into something that interested you, this is a great opportunity. The more engaged you are with the topic, the more excited you will be to put the work in for a great research paper or presentation.

Consider Scope, Difficulty, and Suitability

Picking a good research topic is one of the most important steps of the research process. A too-general topic can feel overwhelming; likewise, one that's very specific might have limited supporting information. Spend time reading online or exploring your library to make sure that plenty of sources to support your paper, presentation, or experiment are available.

If you are doing an experiment , checking with your instructor is a must. In many cases, you might have to submit a proposal to your school's human subjects committee for approval. This committee will ensure that any potential research involving human subjects is done in a safe and ethical way.

Once you have chosen a topic that interests you, run the idea past your course instructor. (In some cases, this is required.) Even if you don't need permission from the instructor, getting feedback before you delve into the research process is helpful.

Your instructor can draw from a wealth of experience to offer good suggestions and ideas for your research, including the best available resources pertaining to the topic. Your school librarian may also be able to provide assistance regarding the resources available for use at the library, including online journal databases.

Kim WO.  Institutional review board (IRB) and ethical issues in clinical research .  Korean Journal of Anesthesiology . 2012;62(1):3-12. doi:10.4097/kjae.2012.62.1.3

By Kendra Cherry, MSEd Kendra Cherry, MS, is a psychosocial rehabilitation specialist, psychology educator, and author of the "Everything Psychology Book."

• Student/Faculty Portal
• Learning Hub (Brightspace)
• Continuous Professional Development

Clinical and Translational Science

Clinical and translational science track, research focus.

across the translational spectrum from discovery to implementation

average amount of time to Ph.D. degree

Guaranteed 5-year internal fellowship

includes full tuition, stipend and benefits

Moving new biomedical discoveries into clinical use as new treatments and cures takes considerable time and resources. A translational scientist is at the forefront of this work, teaming with an integrated group of experts focused on taking knowledge gained through research and translating it for use in health care settings. This bench-to-bedside effort is essential to bridging the gap between basic science and patient care.

The Clinical and Translational Science (CTS) Track within the Ph.D. Program at Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Science is built upon Mayo Clinic's extensive interdisciplinary research and medical environment. It prepares you to lead the biomedical research teams of the future that will rapidly translate discoveries to new treatments and change the paradigms of how we conduct biomedical research.

As a graduate of this program, you’ll be able to conduct research leading to meaningful scientific contributions. In addition, you’ll be prepared to change and improve how biomedical research is conceptualized and implemented.

The Clinical and Translational Science Track allows students to personalize their studies in three areas of emphasis:

• Population-based translational science
• Patient-based translational science
• Laboratory-based translational science

A great strength of the Mayo Clinic CTS track is its focus on providing mentored research experiences for each student. The pre-eminent physicians, scientists, and educators who comprise the faculty at Mayo Clinic are available as mentors or co-mentors for students in the track.

All doctoral students in the CTS track have a common core curriculum.  Depending on your area of concentration (laboratory-, patient- or population-based translational science), you’ll select your advanced courses from either track courses or graduate school courses in the basic science disciplines.

• Core required courses  
• Track required courses  
• Introduction to research projects and methodologies used in the laboratories of clinical/translational investigators
• Completion of three research experiences or laboratory rotations, each lasting eight weeks
• Selection of laboratory for thesis research
• Advanced elective courses (areas of interest)
• Research gathering preliminary data for a thesis research project
• Preparation of a thesis proposal in the format of a grant application
• Selection of faculty for the oral qualifying exam committee, followed by defense of the research proposal in the oral exam (to be completed before the end of the fall quarter)
• Written Comprehensive Examination
• Oral Qualifying Examination (presentation of thesis proposal)
• Ongoing workshops/seminars/journal clubs
• Completion of thesis research and any remaining course requirements
• Selection of your Graduate School Thesis Advisory Committee that will evaluate the proposed direction, specific aims, and experimental strategies of your project, as well as meet with you at least twice a year to discuss your research progress
• Works-in-progress presentation of research project
• Final Oral Examination (thesis defense)

I chose the Clinical and Translational Science Track because of the flexibility of the program. Much of your coursework can be whichever topic helps you most for your research, and there are very few restrictions on the principal investigators you can work under. Also, because Mayo provides access to such unique patient populations, I’m able to use a lot of techniques that I wouldn’t be able to at a university or institution.

Kevin Kelly Ph.D. student, Clinical and Translational Science Track

One thing that attracted me to the CTS Track is how supported I felt as a student and the opportunities we have to learn and grow. We’re encouraged to explore career options other than the traditional academic route. I’m interested in translational science, and there have been numerous examples in which discoveries happened at the bench and ended up as clinical trials here at Mayo.

Alaa Koleilat, Ph.D. 2020 graduate of the Ph.D. Program, Clinical and Translational Science Track

Mayo Clinic draws students and patients from all over the world, which creates a unique educational environment. It also emphasize patient needs, which shapes the way that students learn and interact with other professionals. The small class size and primary focus on biomedical sciences contributes to the welcoming, energetic and collaborative environment. The leaders of all the programs I am associated with are clearly invested in my success.

Josiane Joseph M.D.-Ph.D. student, Clinical and Translational Science Track

• "BLOOM: Beta-lactam Optimization and Outcomes Management," Erin Barreto (Mentor: Andrew Rule, M.D.)
• "Differentiating types of dementia using extracellular vesicles," Maria Esperanza Bregendahl (Mentor: Pam J. McLean, Ph.D.)
• "Investigating Sulfatase 2 effects on the tumor microenvironment in hepatobiliary cancers," Tayla Brooks (Mentor: Lewis. R. Roberts, M.B., Ch.B., Ph.D.)
• "Defining racial differences in hedgehog-associated breast cancer risk biomarkers in normal breast biopsies," Jennifer Cabezas (Mentor: Derek Radisky, Ph.D.)
• "Cytokine Mediated Death and Survival in Multiple Myelom," Allison (Allie) Carr (Mentor: Adrian T. Ting, Ph.D.)
• "Peripheral multi-omics biomarkers of Alzheimer’s and related phenotypes," Xuan Chen (Mentor: Nilufer Taner, M.D., Ph.D.)
• "Pulmonary Hypertension Secondary to Left Heart Diseases," Ahmed Fayyaz (Mentor: Margaret M. Redfield, M.D.)
• "Using focused ultrasound (FUS) to enhance the delivery of intravenous umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells (UCMSC) in chronic spinal cord injured rats," Abdul Karim (AK) Ghaith (Mentors: Mohamad Bydon M.D., and Anthony J. Windebank M.D.)
• "The Role of the Endocannabinoid System in Systemic Stress Response in Zebrafish," Robin Heider (Mentor: Karl J. Clark, Ph.D.)
• "Utilizing long-read sequencing to unravel the clinical heterogeneity in motor neuron diseases and undiagnosed genetic disorders," Angita (AJ) Jain (Mentor: Marka M. Van Blitterswijk, M.D., Ph.D.)
• "Unraveling the Immunological Basis of Lobular Involution Stagnation in Breast Cancer Development," Jaida Lue (Mentor: Derek Radisky, Ph.D.)
• "Artificial intelligence derived voice biomarkers for the detection and management of cardiovascular disease," Jaskanwal Deep (Jas) Sara (Mentor: Amir Lerman, M.D.)
• "Characterization of Mitochondrial DNA variations, heteroplasmic levels, and deletion frequency in Pacbio’s continuous long reads," Ngan Tran (Mentor: Owen Ross, Ph.D.
• "Unrefined: Hepatocellular carcinoma and hepatitis burden and potential interventions in x population," Caitlin VanLith (Mentor: Lewis. R. Roberts, M.B., Ch.B., Ph.D.)
• "Data Independent Acquisition of Small Molecule Signatures to Characterize Inborn Errors of Metabolism," Rachel Wurth (Mentor: Devin Oglesbee, Ph.D.)
• "Developing Strategies to address health disparities for first generation regenerative medicine treatments," Mohamed (Mo) Addani (Mentor: Zubin Master, Ph.D.)
• "Utility of Methylated DNA Markers for the Diagnosis of Malignant Pancreatic Biliary Strictures," Matthew Cooley (Mentor: Lewis. R. Roberts, M.B., Ch.B., Ph.D.)
• "Electrical stimulation of hippocampus and amygdala modulates human ventral temporal cortex in distinct ways," Harvey Huang (Mentor: Dora Hermes, Miller Ph.D.)
• "Senolytics and antifibrotic treatment for chronic spinal cord injury," Vagisha Kulsreshtha (Mentors: James Kirkland M.D., Ph.D., and Isobel A. Scarisbrick Ph.D.)
• "HDAC1/OLIG2/STAT5 transcriptional complex facilitates GSC-mediated invasion and tumorigenesis," Auna’y Miller (Mentor: Nhan L. Tran, Ph.D.)
• "Transcriptional adaptation as a possible mechanism underlying amyotrophic lateral sclerosis," Adriana (Adri) Morales Gomez (Mentor: Nathan Staff M.D., Ph.D.)
• "Single Cell Landscape of Infiltrating Immune Cells in Cholangiocarcinoma," Hannah Stumpf (Mentor: Sumera I. Ilyas, M.B.B.S.)
• "Developing a Value-Based Hybrid Care Model for Stroke Patients," Stephanie Zawada (Mentor: Bart M. Demaerschalk, M.D.)
• “Improving Facial Paralysis Surgical Outcomes: Targeting Facial Nerve Regeneration,” Marissa Suchyta (Mentor: Samir Mardini, M.D.)
• “Regenerative Capabilities of Extracellular Vesicles in Myocarditis,” Danielle Beetler (Mentor: DeLisa Fairweather, Ph.D.)
• “Machine Learning-Aided Biomarker Discovery and Precision Genomics for Gallbladder Cancer,” Linsey Jackson (Mentor: Lewis R. Roberts, M.B., Ch.B., Ph.D.)
• “Pathway Discovery in Neurodegenerative Diseases by Integration of Multi-omics Data,” Yuhao (Harry) Min (Mentor: Nilufer Taner, M.D., Ph.D.)
• “Investigating Uterine Fibroids in Women of Color: A Translational Approach,” Minerva Orellana (Mentors: Felicity T. Enders, Ph.D. and Elizabeth (Ebbie) A. Stewart, M.D.)
• “Natural Language Processing Aided Discovery of Adverse Symptoms during Fertility Procedures,” Karen DSouza (Mentor: Megan A. Allyse, Ph.D.)
• “Understanding and Promoting Student Wellbeing Through Social-Emotional Behavioral Programming,” Catherine Knier (Mentor: Dr. Anthony J. Windebank, M.D, and Christopher K. Pierret, Ph.D.)
• “Reducing the Burden of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Among Migrant Populations: Improving Prevention and Outcomes Through Disease Modeling,” Kenneth Valles (Mentor: Lewis R. Roberts, M.B., Ch.B., Ph.D.)
• “Living Systematic Reviews and Guideline Updates in Areas with Rapidly Evolving Evidence,” Irbaz Bin Riaz (Mentor: M. Hassan Murad, M.D.)
• “Sex Differences in Mitochondria During Acute cvb3 Myocarditis,” Damian Di Florio (Mentor: DeLisa Fairweather, Ph.D.)
• “The Role of Convection-Enhanced Delivery for Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma,” Erica Power (Mentor: David J. Daniels, M.D., Ph.D)
• “Subcutaneous Combination Biodevice for the Treatment of Type 1 Diabetes,” Ethan Law (Mentor: Quinn P. Peterson, Ph.D.)
• “Technologies to Enable Closed-loop Neurochemical Control in Deep Brain Stimulation,” Aaron Rusheen (Mentor: Kendall H. Lee, M.D., Ph.D.)
• “Functional Validation in Unsolved Rare Disease Patients as a Method of Providing and Clarifying Diagnosis,” Brad Bowles (Mentor: Karl J. Clark, Ph.D. and Eric W. Klee, Ph.D.)
• “The Role of Glypican-3 Isoforms in the Development of Chimeric Antigen Receptor T Cells for Liver Cancer Therapy,” Aarti Koluri (Mentor: Lewis R. Roberts, M.B., Ch.B., Ph.D.)
• “Clinical Implementation of Tobacco Cessation Treatment among Cancer Patients,” Josh Ohde, Ph.D. (Mentor: David O. Warner, M.D.)
• “Metabolic Abnormalities Associated with Disease Alter Progenitor Cell Function and Precede Tissue Deterioration,” Josiane Joseph (Mentor: Jason D. Doles, Ph.D.)
• “Breast Cancer Mode of Detection Varies by Breast Density and Stage at Diagnosis in Population Based Cohort,” Susanna Basappa (Mentor: Lila J. Rutten, Ph.D.)

Your future

Many graduates of the Clinical and Translational Science Track choose to pursue postdoctoral training regardless of whether they intend to pursue careers in academia or industry. Other students choose to enter advanced training programs, such as genetics fellowships.

Meet the directors

Clinical and translational science is a rapidly developing area of science. Advances in technology and the way we approach and treat diseases or other conditions have set the stage for improved human health.

Our program combines the clinical and scientific resources of Mayo Clinic, where you’ll graduate with an understanding of how research is translated to health care, and ready to carry out research that accelerates medical discoveries into better health.

Felicity Enders, Ph.D.

Clinical and Translational Science Track Director Professor of Biostatistics Phone: 507-538-4970 Email:  [email protected] View research interests

Marina Walther-Antonio, Ph.D.

Clinical and Translational Science Track Associate Director Assistant Professor of Surgery Phone: 507-293-7070 Email:  [email protected]   View research interests

Anthony Windebank, M.D.

Clinical and Translational Science Track TL1 Principal Investigator Professor of Neurology Phone: 507-284-4716 Email: [email protected]   View research interests

Browse a list of Clinical and Translational Science Track faculty members

Search NYU Steinhardt

PhD in Clinical/Counseling Psychology

Research from faculty in the Clinical/Counseling Psychology program is conducted in laboratories at New York University and the schools, hospitals, neighborhoods, and community settings in New York. Additionally, international research is a cornerstone of the program, with faculty and students engaged in studying developmental processes and contextual influences across countries such as China, Argentina, Denmark, and Korea. We work closely with our affiliated global faculty at NYU Shanghai and NYU Abu Dhabi campuses.

Student Research

Students participate in the research team of a faculty member of the Clinical/Counseling Psychology program (or another Applied Psychology faculty, by program approval), beginning the first semester of the first year. Students are expected to allocate half of their time (at least 20 hours per week) to this research team throughout their graduate career. Students are free to transition to another team or collaborate with other research labs and/or research centers during their doctoral training. It is expected that student research experience will entail research productivity, including papers, grant writing, presentations, and publications.

Areas of Research Focus:

• Women and depression; immigrant women; cross-cultural research; feminist epistemology and social action
• Development of prevention, intervention, and service delivery models for youth at risk for or affected with disruptive behavior disorders
• Development of, and social response to, violence and antisocial behavior, focusing on psychopathology, criminal justice systems response, and the role of gender and adolescence
• Immigration, community contexts, individual differences, and racial minority status and the mental health of Asian American individuals and families
• Multicultural assessment and counselor training; qualitative research methods; intelligence testing with diverse populations
• Psychosocial and cultural predictors of health among ethnic minority cancer survivors; development of culturally-sensitive psychosocial interventions; individual differences in emotion regulation and negative self-reflection
• LGBTQIA+ psychology (including homonegative microaggressions) and psychological assessment

Affiliated Research Centers and Institutes

The Consortium for Research and Evaluation of Advanced Technologies in Education (CREATE)  engages in research on the design, critique, and evaluation of wide-ranging advanced digital technologies for learning. Projects housed in the consortium involve interdisciplinary teams of scholars and developers who bridge basic and applied research, development, and evaluation.

The Institute of Human Development and Social Change (IHDSC) 's mission is to stimulate interdisciplinary research and influence social policy on children, youth, families, and communities in the context of a rapidly changing social world.

Metro Center

The Metropolitan Center for Research on Equity and the Transformation of Schools (Metro Center)  promotes equity and opportunity in education through engaged science work: applied research, program evaluation, policy analysis, community engagement, and professional assistance to educational, governmental, and community agencies serving vulnerable populations.

Affiliated Research Labs/Projects

Chinese Families Lab (CFL)

The project draws from both the Nanjing Adolescent and Nanjing MetroBaby study, which are longitudinal, mix-methods studies with over 1100 Chinese families and children starting at 7th grade for the adolescent study and birth for the MetroBaby study. The project is led by  Dr. Niobe Way,   Dr. Hirokazu Yoshikawa ,  Dr. Sumie Okazaki,  and  Dr. Sebastian Cherng  from NYU, and is a collaboration across NYU, NYU-Shanghai, NYU-Abu Dhabi, University of Pennsylvania, and Southeast University in China. We are interested in how the changing social, economic, and cultural context influences Chinese parents' parenting practices and children’s development. The project has finished a ten-year follow-up from the MetroBaby project in 2016. Ongoing research papers under development include examining Chinese mothers’ and fathers gender socialization, adolescents' gender beliefs and their academic achievements, gender beliefs and friendship quality, parents' workplace climate and families' mental health, etc. 

The Culture, Emotion, and Health Lab (CEH)

CEH is directed by  William Tsai, Ph.D.  The lab studies how people regulate their emotions, cope with stress, and how these processes lead to health and well-being. We focus our research questions on how cultural tendencies and values can shape the development and use of these processes. Our work is interdisciplinary, spanning across social, clinical, and health psychology. Recently, we have begun a line of research with ethnic minority cancer survivors, which is a population that experiences significant cancer health disparities. We are interested in applying cultural psychology theories with psychosocial interventions to overcome cultural barriers to reduce the undue burden of cancer experienced by ethnic minority cancer survivors.

The Families and Children Experiencing Success (FACES) Lab

FACES is directed by  Anil Chacko, Ph.D . The lab was developed to serve the families of youth exhibiting disruptive behavior disorders such as Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, Oppositional-Defiant Disorder, and other conduct disorders. Its research aims to understand how to develop the most effective prevention, intervention, and service models for youth with disruptive behavior disorders and related conditions, or those at high risk for developing them.

The Researching Inequity in Society Ecologically (RISE)

RISE is directed by Erin Godfrey, Ph.D.,  and  Shabnam Javdani, Ph.D . The team’s research and activities serve traditionally marginalized populations, focusing on health and mental health disparities in women and youth who are involved, or at risk of involvement, with the justice system. As such, the RISE Team takes a contextual, multi-level and interdisciplinary approach to systems change and implementing evidence-based practices promoting health and well-being, working closely with community partners to bridge the gap between research and practice.

Faculty Publications

To find out more about a faculty member’s research, please visit their NYU Scholars page by clicking on the professor’s name below.

Anil Chacko

Shabnam Javdani 

Lisa Suzuki

William Tsai

A. Jordan Wright

Research Topics & Ideas: Psychology

100+ Psychology Topic Ideas To Fast-Track Your Research

If you’re starting out on the dissertation or thesis journey for your psychology degree, the very first challenge you’ll face is finding a solid research topic . In this post, we’ll help get the topic ideation process started by providing a meaty list of research ideas, spanning a range of psychology sub-disciplines. We’ll also look at some examples from actual theses and dissertations to give you an idea of what these look like in the real world.

NB – This is just the start…

The topic ideation and evaluation process has multiple steps (which we’ll explain a little later). Therefore, it’s important to recognise that this post is only the first step in finding a high-quality psychology-centred research topic. To develop a research topic, you’ll need to identify a clear and convincing research gap , and a viable plan of action to fill that gap.

If this all sounds a bit intimidating, be sure to check out our free dissertation mini-course , which covers the process of writing a dissertation or thesis from A-Z. You can also sign up for our free webinar that explores how to find a high-quality research topic. Alternatively, if you’d like hands-on help, have a look at our 1-on-1 coaching service .

Overview: Psychology-Related Topics

• How to find a research topic (video)
• Behavioural psychology
• Clinical psychology
• Cognitive psychology
• Developmental psychology
• Educational psychology
• Forensic psychology
• Social psychology
• Sports psychology
• Examples of actual dissertation topics
• Free Webinar : Topic Ideation 101
• Where to get extra help

How To Find A Research Topic

In the video below, we explain how to find suitable research ideas (in psychology or any field), and how to then refine those into well-articulated potential topics for your dissertation or thesis. We also discuss a few important evaluation criteria to help you make the right choice for your project.

Below you’ll find a list of research ideas to get your thinking started. Please note that these research topic ideas are intentionally broad and generic, so you will need to refine them a fair deal using the techniques we discussed in the video above.

We’ve grouped the topic ideas based on a few popular areas of psychology to make it a little easier for you to find something in your particular field of interest. That said, there is naturally some overlap between topics, so keep this in mind.

Research Ideas: Behavioural Psychology

• Cultural variation in behaviour and mental health of adolescents during a disaster: a case study
• The impact of parental drug use and risky behaviour on early child development
• The effects of video game violence on aggressive behaviour among teenage boys in school
• The relationship between adverse childhood experiences and adult risk-seeking behaviour
• The impact of physical exercise on anxiety and health-harming behaviour
• The relationship between personality traits and addiction behaviour
• The effects of reinforcement schedules on decision-making and associative learning
• The effects of daily mindfulness practice on stress and anxiety in middle-aged women
• The use of behavioural interventions in the treatment of eating disorders in poorer communities
• Understanding implicit cognitive processes involved in the over-consumption of fast food
• The use of cognitive behavioural therapy for alcohol addiction treatment
• The impact of extensive technology use in children on long-term attention and focus
• The impact of social media on self-destructive behaviour and poor mental health outcomes
• Exploring the role of sleep and sleep deprivation on healthy behaviours

Research Ideas: Clinical Psychology

• The use of mindfulness-based approaches in the treatment of anxiety disorders among college students
• The use of technology in the delivery of psychological services in war-torn countries
• The effectiveness of dialectical behaviour therapy for borderline personality disorder
• The use of virtual reality technology in the treatment of phobias and PTSD among war veterans
• The role of childhood adversity on adult mental health in immigrant populations in the USA
• The role of genetics and epigenetics in the development of bipolar disorder in Pakistani women: an integrative review
• The effectiveness of pharmacotherapy in the treatment of social anxiety among hikikomori in Japan
• The perception of healthcare workers and patients on the use of teletherapy for the delivery of psychological services
• The impact of social support on mental health outcomes among single parents.
• The effectiveness of integrative therapeutic approaches in the treatment of schizophrenia
• The effectiveness of trauma-focused therapies on post-traumatic growth in domestic abuse survivors
• The role and use of cognitive-behavioural therapy for depression among first-generation students
• The effectiveness of family therapy in addressing childhood trauma and depression
• The impact of cultural mistrust on the diagnosis and treatment of mental health issues in culturally-diverse populations
• The effectiveness of group therapy on post-traumatic stress symptoms among survivors of sexual assault

Research Ideas: Cognitive Psychology

• The impact of lifelong aerobic exercise on cognitive function in old age
• The effects of evening screen use on cognitive development in preschool children
• The impact of sleep deprivation on decision-making among graduate students
• The use of neuroimaging to understand the neural basis of memory retrieval
• The effect of conservative religious homes on social functioning in LGBT+ adolescents
• The role of positive emotions in working memory among high school learners
• The neural basis of decision-making and problem-solving during undergraduate statistic assessments
• The neural basis of language processing among adults learning English as a second language
• The role of technological tools in improving working memory in older adults
• The role of attention in emotional face processing among adult males
• The impact of depression on cognitive function during ageing The impact of daily meditation and mindfulness practice on cognitive function
• The relationship between increased protein intake and improved cognitive function
• The effects of stress on cognitive function among final-year learners

Research Ideas: Developmental Psychology

• The impact of maternal affection on cognitive, social, and emotional development
• The effects of parenting styles on children’s executive function
• The impact of late-night screen use on child development
• The role of digital play on child development outcomes
• Exploring the impact of poverty on early child development in Brazil
• The trauma-informed care as moderating the impact of trauma on child development
• Evaluating the relationship between peer relationship quality and child social development
• The impact of child-targeted media and advertising on child behavioural development
• The role of parental attachment in child resilience
• The moderating impact of culture on bullying and child social development
• The impact of single-parenting on child development in India
• The impact of early educational interventions on child socio-emotional development
• The impact of digital technology use on adolescent development and mental health
• The impact of socioeconomic status on child executive function
• The role of genetics and epigenetics on child neurodevelopmental outcomes linked to depression

Need a helping hand?

Research Ideas: Educational Psychology

• The relationship between self-regulated learning and academic performance in asynchronous versus synchronous learning environments
• Exploring effective parental involvement strategies and their impact on student achievement
• The role of intrinsic motivation in formative assessment in the classroom
• The impact of classroom management and practice on student learning and behaviour
• University students’ preference regarding online learning environments
• The effects of gentrification on student achievement in traditionally poor neighbourhoods
• The impact of teacher expectations and academic self-concept on K12 student mathematics performance
• The use and effectiveness of game-based learning in a high school biology classroom
• The impact of prejudice on the relationship between student motivation and academic performance among Black university students
• The impact of culture on second language English student learning preferences
• The effects of student self-efficacy and engagement on academic performance in secondary school mathematics
• The role of metacognition in learning musicality in hip hop
• The role of small group instruction on teacher efficacy and stress in early childhood education
• The perception and use of multimedia among high school biology teachers in France
• The use of augmented reality applications and its impact on student learning, motivation and attitude

Research Ideas: Forensic Psychology

• The impact of trauma on the psychological functioning of police officers and first responders
• Understanding cultural considerations during forensic psychological assessment and treatment of trauma
• Ethical considerations of the use of AI in forensic psychology in the legal system
• The psychological factors related to recidivism among white collar female offenders in the USA
• The psychological factors related to false confessions among juveniles
• Understanding the use of psychological assessment in the evaluation of eyewitness testimony in criminal courts in England
• The impact of trauma on the reflective functioning of adult female sexual assault victims
• The use and effectiveness of psychological interventions in reducing recidivism among non-violent criminals
• The impact of domestic violence on the mental health and forensic evaluation of men
• Exploring the ethical considerations and use of behavioural analysis in the study of criminal behaviour
• The use and limitations of neuropsychological assessment in forensic evaluations
• The use of social media forensics in evaluating criminal behaviour in violent crimes
• The racialised use of psychological assessment in the evaluation of competency to stand trial in Canada
• Exploring the use and availability of virtual reality technologies in forensic psychology in Spain
• The impact of motivational interviewing-based interventions among criminalized drug users

Research Ideas: Social Psychology

• The impact of prejudice and discrimination on social behaviour among African immigrants in South Africa
• The impact of social networks on behaviour and well-being among young adult females
• The effects of social identity on non-conformity in University students
• The effects of group dynamics on risk-seeking behaviour in adult men
• The impact of social media on the quality of interpersonal relationships among high school learners
• The impact of parental emotional intelligence on pro-social behaviour in children and adolescents
• The effects of conformity and deviance on social attitudes and behaviour during a global recession
• The effects of Tik Tok on social comparison and self-esteem among teenage girls
• Understanding gendered differences in social influence and algorithms on impulsive decision-making
• The effects of social support on mental health among healthcare workers in the UK
• The effects of gender roles on social behaviour among trans teens
• The impact of perceived power and social status on the behaviour of social media influencers
• The impact of social norms on prosocial behaviour among women
• The effects of community participation on aggression and violence in middle-aged men
• The impact of culture and gender on social behaviour during the COVID-19 pandemic

Research Ideas: Sports Psychology

• The moderating role of cultural factors on the relationship between mental health and sports performance in team sports
• The role of mindfulness practice in addressing stress and anxiety in young national athletes
• The relationship between team cohesion and performance in cricket teams
• The effect of transformational leadership on female sports teams in Canada
• The effect of positive self-talk on athletic performance and motivation among Olympic athletes
• The use and perception of hypnosis in New Zealand team sports Understanding stress and burnout in University team athletes
• The efficacy of personalised nutrition and diet on athletic performance among sprinters
• Exploring mental preparation techniques and their effect on athletic motivation and resilience among team-sport athletes
• Exploring the perception and understanding of goal-setting characteristics on athletic performance among team coaches
• The effects of motivational feedback on the performance of female gymnasts
• The perception and use of visualization and imagery among coaches as a means to enhance sport performance
• The impact of sports injuries on mental health and recovery in high school athletes
• The moderating role of sleep on mental toughness and sports performance in Olympic athletes
• The use and perception of technology in sports training and performance in little league softball

Psychology-Related Dissertations & Theses

While the ideas we’ve presented above are a decent starting point for finding a research topic in psychology, they are fairly generic and non-specific. So, it helps to look at actual dissertations and theses to see how this all comes together in practice.

Below, we’ve included a selection of research projects from various psychology degree programs to help refine your thinking. These are actual dissertations and theses, written as part of Master’s and PhD-level programs, so they can provide some useful insight as to what a research topic looks like in practice.

• Effects of a Patient Question Prompt List on Outpatient Palliative Care Appointments (McDarby, 2022)
• The role of affect and exercise goals in physical activity engagement in younger and older adults (Stojanovic, 2022)
• Lay Theories about Whether Emotion Helps or Hinders Reasoning and Well-being (Karnaze, 2022)
• The effects of blast-induced traumatic brain injury on two transgenic models of Alzheimer’s Disease (Gann, 2020)
• Understanding the parental mind: Examining the stability of parental reflective functioning across the birth of a child and associations with maternal mind-mindedness (Pitzen, 2021)
• An investigation of ineffective ally behaviours (Collier, 2019)
• Response Inhibition-Related Beta Power: Distinguishing Cognitively Intact Elders by Risk for Alzheimer’s Disease (Evans, 2021)
• Recognition Memory of Extremely High-Frequency Words (Miller, 2019)
• The Relationship between Dementia Caregiver Burden and Caregiver Communications in a Memory Clinic Setting (Martin, 2021)
• Examination of Maternal Versus Paternal Ratings of Child Pre-Injury Functioning in Predicting Child Post-Traumatic Stress Symptoms (Sayer, 2021)
• Electromyography As A Means of Predicting The Rubber Hand Illusion (Teaford, 2021)
• Linking Diversity Climate and Feedback Seeking Through Interpersonal Processes and Race Effects (Flores, 2021)

Looking at these titles, you can probably pick up that the research topics here are far more specific and narrowly-focused , compared to the generic ones presented earlier. This is an important thing to keep in mind as you develop your own research topic. That is to say, to create a top-notch research topic, you must be precise and target a specific context with specific variables of interest . In other words, you need to identify a clear, well-justified research gap.

Fast-Track Your Topic Ideation

Still unsure about how to find the right topic for your research project? Check out our private coaching services , where we work with psychology students on a 1:1 basis to help them find the perfect topic.

You Might Also Like:

10 Comments

Great insight

A very interesting site that offers a variety of options regarding research topics.

You’re most welcome

A good platform to get information

Amazing and interesting options 👌

Very useful but had not any field of research in health psychology

I feel honored going through this lovely stuff put together. Thank you so much

I need counseling psychology research topics

very empowering and insightful presentations. Can I be assisted in crafting a school psychology-related research topic about African context

Submit a Comment Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

• Print Friendly

• Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
• Biostatistics
• Environmental Health and Engineering
• Epidemiology
• Health Policy and Management
• Health, Behavior and Society
• International Health
• Mental Health
• Molecular Microbiology and Immunology
• Population, Family and Reproductive Health
• Program Finder
• Admissions Services
• Course Directory
• Academic Calendar
• Hybrid Campus
• Lecture Series
• Convocation
• Strategy and Development
• Implementation and Impact
• Integrity and Oversight
• In the School
• In the Field
• In Baltimore
• Resources for Practitioners
• Articles & News Releases
• In The News
• Statements & Announcements
• At a Glance
• Student Life
• Strategic Priorities
• Inclusion, Diversity, Anti-Racism, and Equity (IDARE)
• What is Public Health?

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Offered By: Department of Epidemiology

Onsite | Full-Time | 4 – 5 years

• MAS Application Fee Waiver Requirements
• Master of Arts (MA) in Geography and Environmental Engineering
• Master of Arts and Master of Science in Public Health (MA/MSPH)
• Master of Arts in Public Health Biology (MAPHB)
• Master of Bioethics (MBE)
• Mission, Vision, and Values
• Student Experience
• Program Outcomes
• For Hopkins Undergraduate Students
• Master of Health Science (MHS) - Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
• Master of Health Science (MHS) - Department of Epidemiology
• Alumni Update
• MHS Combined with a Certificate Program
• Master of Health Science (MHS) - Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology
• Alumni Highlights
• Post-Baccalaureate Program in Environmental Health for Pre-Medicine Students
• Bachelor's/MHS in Health Economics and Outcomes Research
• MHS HEOR Careers
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Master of Health Science (MHS)
• Concurrent School-Wide Master of Health Science Program in Biostatistics
• Master of Health Science - Department of Population, Family and Reproductive Health
• Master of Health Science Online (MHS) - Department of Population, Family and Reproductive Health
• Careers in Health Economics
• Core Competencies
• Meet the Director
• What is Health Economics
• MPH Capstone Schedule
• Concentrations
• Online/Part-Time Format
• Requirements

Tuition and Funding

• Executive Board Faculty
• Master of Science (MS) in Geography and Environmental Engineering
• Independent Professional Project and Final Essay 
• Program Objectives and Outcomes
• Internships
• Master of Science (ScM) - Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
• Master of Science (ScM) - Department of Biostatistics
• Master of Science (ScM) - Department of Epidemiology
• Master of Science (ScM) - Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology
• ScM Faculty Advisers
• Master of Science in Engineering (MSE) in Geography and Environmental Engineering
• Bachelor's/MSPH in Health Policy
• FAQ for MSPH in Health Policy
• Field Placement Experience
• MSPH Capstone
• MSPH Practicum
• Required and Elective Courses
• Student Timeline
• Career Opportunities
• 38-Week Dietetics Practicum
• Completion Requirements
• MSPH/RD Program FAQ
• Program Goals
• Master's Essay Titles
• Application Fee Waiver Requirements
• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) - Department of Biostatistics
• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) - Department of Epidemiology
• Program Goals and Expectations
• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) - Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology
• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) - Department of Population, Family and Reproductive Health
• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Clinical Investigation
• Track in Environmental Sustainability, Resilience, and Health
• Track in Exposure Sciences and Environmental Epidemiology
• Track in Health Security
• Track in Toxicology, Physiology and Molecular Mechanisms
• PhD in Geography and Environmental Engineering Faculty Advisers
• Recent Graduates and Dissertation Titles
• PhD Funding
• PhD TA Requirement
• Recent Dissertation Titles
• JHU-Tsinghua Doctor of Public Health
• Core Course Requirements
• Concentration in Women’s and Reproductive Health
• Custom Track
• Concentration in Environmental Health
• Concentration in Global Health: Policy and Evaluation
• Concentration in Health Equity and Social Justice
• Concentration in Health Policy and Management
• Concentration in Implementation Science
• Meet Current Students
• Combined Bachelor's / Master's Programs
• Concurrent MHS Option for BSPH Doctoral Students
• Concurrent MSPH Option for JHSPH Doctoral students
• Doctor of Medicine and Doctor of Philosophy (MD/PhD)
• Adolescent Health Certificate Program
• Bioethics Certificate Program
• Climate and Health Certificate Program
• Clinical Trials Certificate Program
• Community- Based Public Health Certificate Program
• Demographic Methods Certificate Program
• Environmental and Occupational Health Certificate Program
• Epidemiology for Public Health Professionals Certificate Program
• Evaluation: International Health Programs Certificate Program
• Food Systems, the Environment and Public Health Certificate Program
• Frequently Asked Questions for Certificate Programs
• Gender and Health Certificate Program
• Gerontology Certificate Program
• Global Digital Health Certificate Program
• Global Health Certificate Program
• Global Health Practice Certificate Program
• Health Communication Certificate Program
• Health Disparities and Health Inequality Certificate Program
• Health Education Certificate Program
• Health Finance and Management Certificate Program
• Health and Human Rights Certificate Program
• Healthcare Epidemiology and Infection Prevention and Control Certificate Program
• Humane Sciences and Toxicology Policy Certificate Program
• Humanitarian Health Certificate Program
• Implementation Science and Research Practice Certificate Program
• Injury and Violence Prevention Certificate Program
• International Healthcare Management and Leadership Certificate Program
• Leadership for Public Health and Healthcare Certificate Program
• Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ) Public Health Certificate Program
• Maternal and Child Health Certificate Program
• Mental Health Policy, Economics and Services Certificate Program
• Non-Degree Students General Admissions Info
• Pharmacoepidemiology and Drug Safety Certificate Program
• Population Health Management Certificate Program
• Population and Health Certificate Program
• Product Stewardship for Sustainability Certificate Program
• Public Health Advocacy Certificate Program
• Public Health Economics Certificate Program
• Public Health Informatics Certificate Program
• Public Health Practice Certificate Program
• Declaration of Intent - Public Health Preparedness
• Public Health Training Certificate for American Indian Health Professionals
• Public Mental Health Research Certificate Program
• Quality, Patient Safety and Outcomes Research Certificate Program
• Quantitative Methods in Public Health Certificate Program
• Requirements for Successful Completion of a Certificate Program
• Rigor, Reproducibility, and Responsibility in Scientific Practice Certificate Program
• Risk Sciences and Public Policy Certificate Program
• Spatial Analysis for Public Health Certificate Program
• Training Certificate in Public Health
• Tropical Medicine Certificate Program
• Tuition for Certificate Programs
• Vaccine Science and Policy Certificate Program
• Online Student Experience
• Online Programs for Applied Learning
• Barcelona Information
• Registration, Tuition, and Fees
• Agency Scholarship Application
• General Scholarship Application
• UPF Scholarship Application
• Course Evaluations
• Online Courses
• Registration
• General Institute Tuition Information
• International Students
• Directions to the Bloomberg School
• All Courses
• Important Guidance for ONSITE Students
• D.C. Courses
• Registration and Fees
• Cancellation and Closure Policies
• Application Procedures
• Career Search
• Current Activities
• Current Trainees
• Related Links
• Process for Appointing Postdoctoral Fellows
• Message from the Director
• Program Details
• Admissions FAQ
• Current Residents
• Elective Opportunities for Visiting Trainees
• What is Occupational and Environmental Medicine?
• Admissions Info
• Graduates by Year
• Compensation and Benefits
• How to Apply
• Academic Committee
• Course Details and Registration
• Tuition and Fees
• ONLINE SOCI PROGRAM
• Principal Faculty
• Johns Hopkins RAPID Psychological First Aid
• General Application
• JHHS Application
• Areas of Study
• Important Dates
• Our Faculty
• Welcome Letter
• Descripción los Cursos
• Programa en Epidemiología para Gestores de Salud, Basado en Internet
• Consultants
• Britt Dahlberg, PhD
• Joke Bradt, PhD, MT-BC
• Mark R. Luborsky, PhD
• Marsha Wittink, PhD
• Rebekka Lee, ScD
• Su Yeon Lee-Tauler, PhD
• Theresa Hoeft, PhD
• Vicki L. Plano Clark, PhD
• Program Retreat
• Mixed Methods Applications: Illustrations
• Announcements
• 2023 Call for Applications
• Jennifer I Manuel, PhD, MSW
• Joke Bradt, PhD
• Josiemer Mattei, PhD, MPH
• Justin Sanders, MD, MSc
• Linda Charmaran, PhD
• Nao Hagiwara, PhD
• Nynikka R. A. Palmer, DrPH, MPH
• Olayinka O. Shiyanbola, BPharm, PhD
• Sarah Ronis, MD, MPH
• Susan D. Brown, PhD
• Tara Lagu, MD, MPH
• Theresa Hoft, PhD
• Wynne E. Norton, PhD
• Yvonne Mensa-Wilmot, PhD, MPH
• A. Susana Ramírez, PhD, MPH
• Animesh Sabnis, MD, MSHS
• Autumn Kieber-Emmons, MD, MPH
• Benjamin Han, MD, MPH
• Brooke A. Levandowski, PhD, MPA
• Camille R. Quinn, PhD, AM, LCSW
• Justine Wu, MD, MPH
• Kelly Aschbrenner, PhD
• Kim N. Danforth, ScD, MPH
• Loreto Leiva, PhD
• Marie Brault, PhD
• Mary E. Cooley, PhD, RN, FAAN
• Meganne K. Masko, PhD, MT-BC/L
• PhuongThao D. Le, PhD, MPH
• Rebecca Lobb, ScD, MPH
• Allegra R. Gordon, ScD MPH
• Anita Misra-Hebert, MD MPH FACP
• Arden M. Morris, MD, MPH
• Caroline Silva, PhD
• Danielle Davidov, PhD
• Hans Oh, PhD
• J. Nicholas Dionne-Odom, PhD RN ACHPN
• Jacqueline Mogle, PhD
• Jammie Hopkins, DrPH, MS
• Joe Glass, PhD MSW
• Karen Whiteman, PhD MSW
• Katie Schultz, PhD MSW
• Rose Molina, MD
• Uriyoán Colón-Ramos, ScD MPA
• Andrew Riley, PhD
• Byron J. Powell, PhD, LCSW
• Carrie Nieman MD, MPH
• Charles R. Rogers, PhD, MPH, MS, CHES®
• Emily E. Haroz, PhD
• Jennifer Tsui, Ph.D., M.P.H.
• Jessica Magidson, PhD
• Katherine Sanchez, PhD, LCSW
• Kelly Doran, MD, MHS
• Kiara Alvarez, PhD
• LaPrincess C. Brewer, MD, MPH
• Melissa Radey, PhD, MA, MSSW
• Sophia L. Johnson, PharmD, MPH, PhD
• Supriya Gupta Mohile, MD, MS
• Virginia McKay, PhD
• Andrew Cohen, MD, PhD
• Angela Chen, PhD, PMHNP-BC, RN
• Christopher Salas-Wright, PhD, MSW
• Eliza Park MD, MS
• Jaime M. Hughes, PhD, MPH, MSW
• Johanne Eliacin, PhD, HSPP
• Lingrui Liu ScD MS
• Meaghan Kennedy, MD
• Nicole Stadnick, PhD, MPH
• Paula Aristizabal, MD
• Radhika Sundararajan, MD
• Sara Mamo, AuD, PhD
• Tullika Garg, MD MPH FACS
• Allison Magnuson, DO
• Ariel Williamson PhD, DBSM
• Benita Bamgbade, PharmD, PhD
• Christopher Woodrell MD
• Hung-Jui (Ray) Tan, MD, MSHPM
• Jasmine Abrams, PhD
• Jose Alejandro Rauh-Hain, MD
• Karen Flórez, DrPH, MPH
• Lavanya Vasudevan, PhD, MPH, CPH
• Maria Garcia, MD, MPH
• Robert Brady, PhD
• Saria Hassan, MD
• Scherezade Mama, DrPH
• Yuan Lu, ScD
• 2021 Scholars
• Sign Up for Our Email List
• Workforce Training
• Cells-to-Society Courses
• Course/Section Numbers Explained
• Pathway Program with Goucher College
• The George G. Graham Lecture

About the PhD in Epidemiology Program

The doctoral program in Epidemiology is anchored in public health and population research and analysis. Students approach research using epidemiologic methods to understand complex human health problems. The PhD requires two years of coursework followed by two (or more) years of research. Students are required to complete a teaching training curriculum and serve as a teaching assistant for methods and topical courses. Additionally, students must complete a written comprehensive exam, a practice oral exam, a preliminary exam, multiple oral and poster presentations, and a final dissertation including presentation and defense.

PhD in Epidemiology Program Highlights

Train with renowned faculty.

100+ faculty across 8 research tracks in epidemiology

Access to wide range of coursework

Explore your interests with a wide variety of courses taught by our faculty

Write and publish

All of our doctoral students get training in writing papers and proposals through didactic learning and mentoring

Participate on research teams

The School is the leading recipient of NIH research funding among U.S. schools of public health, providing robust hands-on research opportunities

What Can You Do With a Graduate Degree In Epidemiology?

Visit the  Graduate Employment Outcomes Dashboard to learn about Bloomberg School graduates' employment status, sector, and salaries.

Sample Careers

• Epidemiologist
• Faculty Member
• Science Director
• Health Commissioner

Curriculum for the PhD in Epidemiology

Browse an overview of the requirements for this doctoral program in the JHU Academic Catalogue and explore all course offerings in the Bloomberg School Course Directory .

Current students can view the PhD in Epidemiology requirements in the student handbook on the Epidemiology portal site.

Research Tracks

The Department's current research tracks in the PhD program include:

Cancer Epidemiology offers a rich, vibrant and dynamic environment for masters and doctoral students, and postdoctoral fellows to actively participate, learn, explore and conduct cancer-related population-based and clinical research. The track has a long and successful history of training masters and doctoral students and postdoctoral fellows. Past students continue to conduct population-based cancer research and have made successful transitions to positions in academia, government and private sector organizations.

Cardiovascular and Clinical Epidemiology focuses on the use of epidemiologic methods in clinical research and practice as well as interdisciplinary training on the epidemiology of cardiovascular disease. The program integrates knowledge on all aspects of the disease: biology, behavior, treatment, and prevention. Training emphasizes active participation in research and translational epidemiology using a collaborative approach, which is enhanced by the close relationships between the Department of Epidemiology and clinical departments of the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine at the Johns Hopkins Hospital.

Clinical Trials and Evidence Synthesis offers students a unique educational experience in clinical trial and evidence synthesis methodology. Methods are applied to a variety of clinical areas including respiratory-, eye- and infectious diseases, and mental health. Student-faculty discussions, journal clubs, research-in-progress meetings, seminars and active participation in research add to both the depth and breadth of the program.

Environmental Epidemiology concentrates on the impact of environmental exposures on health and disease states in human populations. This track integrates epidemiological methods, assessment of environmental exposures and understanding of specific disease processes to identify the health consequences of environmental exposures. Environmental Epidemiology provides basic information for risk assessment, risk communication, and environmental health policy decisions and has a central role in identifying, implementing and evaluating strategies for the prevention and control of environmental exposures. Training in Environmental Epidemiology emphasizes active participation in large population research projects, with close collaborations across the School and with national and international collaborators.

Epidemiology of Aging focuses on the determinants of physical and cognitive health, disease, and function in older adults. Offers multidisciplinary training in methods and theories needed for the study of older populations. Strong ties exist with several multi-departmental training grants and programs. This training program also is connected to numerous large research projects.

General Epidemiology and Methodology offers research and training opportunities in almost all areas of chronic disease epidemiology, including cardiovascular diseases, cancer and diseases of childhood and includes advanced methodology training in epidemiologic methods as well as providing individualized or customized training in statistical epidemiology, pharmacoepidemiology and social epidemiology.

Genetic Epidemiology focuses on the study of genetic and environmental factors, and their interaction in disease and normal variation. Emphasis is on understanding the methodology and approach to designing, executing and analyzing genetic studies. Training is broad-based and collaborative and encourages participation in research from faculty in the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, the Institute of Genetic Medicine, and the School of Medicine.

Infectious Disease Epidemiology provides training in the fundamentals of infectious disease epidemiology with an eye toward preparing graduates to work in teaching, research and practice. The program emphasizes principles and methods that can be used to understand the dynamics and control of transmissible diseases by all classes of organisms. The curriculum builds on the faculty's extensive and diverse experience researching and combating infectious diseases, ranging from hospital acquired infections, to neglected tropical diseases and sexually transmitted infections.

Admissions Requirements

For general admissions requirements, please visit the How to Apply page. This specific program also requires:

Prior Coursework

College-level math through pre-calculus, a biology course, and one additional science course

Prior Graduate Degree

Not required, but highly recommended

Prior Work Experience

One year of full-time work experience in a related field

Standardized Test Scores

Standardized test scores are  not required and not reviewed  for this program. If you have taken a standardized test such as the GRE, GMAT, or MCAT and want to submit your scores, please note that they will not be used as a metric during the application review.  Applications will be reviewed holistically based on all required application components.

All full-time PhD students will receive the following support for the first four years of the program: full tuition, individual health insurance, University Health Services clinic fee, vision insurance, and dental insurance.

Need-Based Relocation Grants Students who  are admitted to PhD programs at JHU   starting in Fall 2023 or beyond can apply to receive a $1500 need-based grant to offset the costs of relocating to be able to attend JHU.   These grants provide funding to a portion of incoming students who, without this money, may otherwise not be able to afford to relocate to JHU for their PhD program. This is not a merit-based grant. Applications will be evaluated solely based on financial need.  View more information about the need-based relocation grants for PhD students .

Questions about the program? We're happy to help.

General Inquiries:

[email protected]

Senior Academic Program Manager Frances S. Burman [email protected]

• How it works

Useful Links

How much will your dissertation cost?

Have an expert academic write your dissertation paper!

Dissertation Services

Get unlimited topic ideas and a dissertation plan for just £45.00

Order topics and plan

Get 1 free topic in your area of study with aim and justification

Yes I want the free topic

Clinical Psychology Dissertation Topics

Published by Owen Ingram at January 3rd, 2023 , Revised On August 11, 2023

Clinical psychology is a highly popular area of research for Masters and PhD nursing students. A well-thought-out and appropriate clinical psychology dissertation topic will address trending issues in the field of clinical psychology. You can develop a clinical psychology dissertation topic or idea by addressing a certain clinical experience.

If you are a nursing student looking for an intriguing topic in clinical psychology, you will find all the necessary information on this page. So without further ado, here is our selection of clinical psychology dissertation topics that you can choose from.

Related Links:

• Cognitive psychology dissertationtopics
• Educational psychology dissertation topics
• Counselling psychology dissertation topics
• Forensic-psychology-dissertation-topics
• Social Psychology Dissertation Topics
• Criminal Psychology Dissertation Ideas
• Neuro Psychology Dissertation Ideas
• Consumer Psychology Dissertation Ideas
• How to Identify and Differentiate Treatment-Resistant Depression?
• Understanding the Reasons People Join the Military
• Comprehensive Treatment for Postpartum Mood Disorders
• Using a Meaning-Making Process to Cope with Death
• What Kind of Relationship Do Teenagers Have with Video Games?
• Depression vs ADHD in Young Children
• Severe and Chronic Mental Illness and Life Quality
• Analyze the views of cancer patients suffering from advanced stages and their partners
• What therapy is available to treat panic attacks and anxiety disorders?
• What treatments and medications work best to treat addiction?
• Describe the many medical approaches to treating insomnia
• Analyze the efficacy of antidepressant medications in therapeutic interventions
• Describe the most successful depression treatments
• How does post-traumatic stress disorder develop?
• Antidepressants: are they addictive? Describe their efficacy and any possible negative effects
• Is behavioural therapy the ideal kind of care for offenders?
• How could psychology be used to treat persistent pain?
• What clinical and demographic factors cause individuals with obsessions and compulsions to have poor insight?
• The educational process for clinical psychologists who sought out personal therapy: a narrative assessment
• Dialysis patients’ psycho-social adjustment to their cases of renal failure and the resulting treatment
• Within a bio-psycho-social paradigm of a psychosis episode, the experiences connected to the psycho-social formulation
• The experiences and how they relate to eating habits in maturity
• A cognitive paradigm for assessing major depressive disorder
• The difficulties in communicating sexual dysfunction symptoms after a heart injury
• What are the main causes of adult anorexia?
• Examine major depressive disorder (MDD) in the context of cognitive theory
• Describe the communication obstacles caused by sexual dysfunction after cardiac trauma
• What relationship exists between adult eating habits and experiences?
• Investigate the idea of body image and identity in people who have had a heart or lung transplant
• Describe the clinical and demographic characteristics that predict insight in people with compulsions and obsessions
• Define schizophrenia and list possible treatments
• What drugs and therapies can be used to treat phobias and paranoia?

Hire Dissertation Specialist

Orders completed by our expert writers are

• Formally drafted in an academic style
• Free Amendments and 100% Plagiarism Free – or your money back!
• 100% Confidential and Timely Delivery!
• Free anti-plagiarism report
• Appreciated by thousands of clients. Check client reviews

Something is mesmerising about the human mind. By writing clinical psychology-based dissertation papers, students can engage in formally conducting research on a variety of topics, including intellect, personality, addiction, relationship dynamics, and so on. Use these clinical psychology dissertation topics to start your academic research now!

If you are struggling with your dissertation and need a helping hand, you may want to read about our dissertation writing services.

Free Dissertation Topic

Phone Number

Academic Level Select Academic Level Undergraduate Graduate PHD

Academic Subject

Area of Research

Frequently Asked Questions

How to find clinical psychology dissertation topics.

To find Clinical Psychology dissertation topics:

• Study recent research in the field.
• Focus on emerging therapies or disorders.
• Address gaps in current literature.
• Consider ethical and practical aspects.
• Explore diverse populations or age groups.
• Seek topics aligning with your passion and expertise.

You May Also Like

Physiotherapy is a healthcare profession that deals with movement disorders of the body arising from different conditions. Physiotherapy focuses on performing practices that reduce physical ailments.

Finding a unique wedding dissertation topic is difficult. We have gathered a list of 30 top wedding dissertation topic ideas for you.

Need interesting and manageable human rights law dissertation topics or thesis? Here are the trending human rights law dissertation titles so you can choose the most suitable one.

USEFUL LINKS

LEARNING RESOURCES

COMPANY DETAILS

• How It Works

Online PhD in Clinical Research: Scope and Job Opportunities 

Blog Summary 

Introduction , exploring online phd in clinical research , scope of clinical research , job opportunities , online clinical research programs , part-time phd in clinical research , tips for success in a part-time doctoral program , conclusion .

Embarking on a journey toward an online PhD in Clinical Research opens doors to possibilities. Clinical Research, the systematic investigation of treatments and therapies, is pivotal in advancing healthcare. Pursuing a PhD in this field signifies a commitment to deepening understanding and contributing to medical progress. The convenience and flexibility of online education make it an ideal avenue for aspiring researchers, allowing them to balance academic pursuits with other commitments. 

Moreover, online platforms offer specialized courses tailored to the nuances of Clinical Research, providing students with comprehensive knowledge and practical skills. In this digital age, harnessing the power of online learning is vital to unlocking the vast potential of Clinical Research studies. 

In today’s fast-paced world, pursuing higher education has become more accessible than ever, thanks to the advent of online learning platforms. An Online PhD in Clinical Research program allows students to increase their understanding and expertise in this vital field from the comfort of their homes. 

What is an Online PhD in Clinical Research? 

An online PhD in Clinical Research is a doctoral program designed to equip students with the abilities and information to do independent Research in clinical settings. It delves deep into the methodologies, ethical considerations, and data analysis techniques relevant to clinical Research.

Benefits of Pursuing an Online PhD in Clinical Research 

• Flexibility : Online programs allow students to study at their own pace and convenience, allowing working professionals to balance their academic pursuits with their career and personal commitments. 
• Accessibility : Online programs eliminate geographical barriers, facilitating access for students from many locations and backgrounds to high-quality education from reputed institutions worldwide. 
• Cost-effectiveness : Online PhD programs often prove to be more affordable than traditional on-campus options, as they eliminate expenses such as commuting, accommodation, and campus fees. 

Clinical Research encompasses activities that can enhance patient care and expand medical understanding. Let’s explore the scope and significance of this field. 

Exploring the vast scope of Clinical Research 

Clinical Research covers various domains, including drug development, epidemiology, medical device testing, and healthcare policy analysis. It involves designing and conducting studies to evaluate the safety and efficacy of medical interventions, ultimately contributing to the development of evidence-based medical practices. 

Importance of Clinical Research in the medical field 

Clinical Research is pivotal in bridging the gap between scientific discoveries and clinical practice. Generating robust evidence through rigorous research methodologies helps healthcare professionals make informed decisions, leading to better patient outcomes and advancements in medical science.

Discover the vital role of Clinical Research in improving patient care and expanding medical knowledge, while considering the best online clinical research programs for comprehensive training and skill enhancement. 

Emerging trends and advancements in Clinical Research 

Clinical Research continues to evolve with rapid technological advancements and changing healthcare needs. Emerging trends such as precision medicine, digital health interventions, and real-world evidence are reshaping the landscape of clinical studies, offering new opportunities for researchers to address complex healthcare challenges. 

A PhD in Clinical Research opens doors to many rewarding career opportunities in academia and industry. Let’s explore the diverse career pathways available to graduates. 

Diverse career pathways for Clinical Research graduates 

Graduates with a PhD in Clinical Research can pursue various career paths, including: 

• Academic research positions in universities and research institutions 
• Clinical trial management roles in pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies 
• Regulatory affairs positions in healthcare agencies and government bodies 
• Consulting opportunities in healthcare organizations and contract research organizations (CROs) 

Roles and Responsibilities in Clinical Research 

Clinical Research roles may vary, from principal investigators responsible for designing and leading research studies to clinical research associates tasked with ensuring compliance with legal standards and good clinical practice (GCP) principles.

Aspiring scholars seeking flexibility and convenience in their doctoral pursuits can explore the diverse offerings available through Online PhD Programs .

Demand for skilled professionals 

The demand for skilled professionals in Clinical Research is on the rise, driven by elements including:

• The increase in chronic illness prevalence.
• Improvements in medical technology.
• The growing emphasis on evidence-based medicine.

As a result, graduates with expertise in Clinical Research are highly sought after in the job market. 

According to Indeed, clinical research professionals in the US earn approximately USD 106,000 annually. An overwhelming 83% of Clinical Research Scientists in the United States deem their salaries sufficient to meet the cost of living in their respective areas. 

In today’s digital age, pursuing a PhD in Clinical Research has become more accessible through online programs. These programs offer flexibility, allowing students to balance their studies with other commitments. However, it’s crucial to ensure that the online program you choose is accredited and credible. 

Accreditation and Credibility of Online Programs 

When considering an online PhD in Clinical Research, it’s essential to verify the program’s accreditation status. Accreditation ensures that the program meets quality standards set by accrediting bodies, providing a rigorous and reputable education. Look for programs accredited by recognized agencies such as the Accreditation Council for Clinical Research and Education (ACCRE).

Credibility is another crucial factor to consider. Research the reputation of the institution offering the online program. Look for reviews, testimonials from current or former students, and success stories of graduates. A reputable institution will have a track record of producing competent professionals in Clinical Research. 

Comparison of Different Online PhD Programs in Clinical Research 

With the proliferation of online education, numerous options for pursuing a PhD in Clinical Research are available. It’s essential to compare different programs to find the one that best fits your needs and goals. 

Consider factors such as program curriculum, faculty expertise, research opportunities, and support services offered to online students. Look for programs that provide specialized tracks or concentrations aligned with your interests and career aspirations. 

Additionally, compare tuition costs, financial aid options, and any additional fees associated with the program. Remember that the cheapest option may not always be the best, as quality and support services vary among programs. 

For many working professionals, pursuing a PhD in Clinical Research full-time may not be feasible due to work and personal commitments. In such cases, a part-time PhD program offers a flexible alternative, allowing students to advance their education while balancing other responsibilities. 

Advantages of Pursuing a Part-time PhD in Clinical Research 

One of the primary advantages of a part-time PhD program is flexibility. Students can continue working full-time or part-time jobs while pursuing their doctoral studies . This flexibility allows individuals to maintain financial stability and gain practical experience in the field while earning their degree. 

Additionally, a part-time schedule may alleviate some of the financial burdens of full-time enrollment. Many part-time programs offer the option to pay tuition on a per-credit basis, allowing students to spread the cost of their education over a more extended period. 

Balancing Work, Life, and Studies 

Balancing work, life, and studies can be challenging, but with careful planning and time management, it’s possible to succeed in a part-time PhD program. Set realistic goals and prioritize tasks to manage your time effectively. Utilize calendars, to-do lists, and scheduling apps to maintain organization, academic rigour, and professional commitments. 

Here are some tips for succeeding in a part-time PhD program: 

• Create a Schedule : Establish a consistent study schedule that fits your existing commitments. 
• Set Realistic Goals : Break down larger tasks into smaller, manageable goals to stay motivated and focused. 
• Stay Connected : Stay in touch with your advisor, professors, and fellow students to stay informed and engaged in your studies. 
• Take Care of Yourself : Prioritize self-care and maintain a healthy work-life balance to prevent burnout. 

Online PhD in Clinical Research offers a gateway to a fulfilling and impactful career in the medical field. With the convenience and flexibility of online education, aspiring researchers can acquire comprehensive knowledge and practical skills while balancing other commitments. Accredited online programs provide credibility and ensure a rigorous education that meets industry standards. Additionally, part-time options offer flexibility for working professionals to advance their education without compromising work or personal life. By comparing different online programs and adopting effective time management strategies, students can excel in their doctoral studies and unlock a world of opportunities in Clinical Research.

Pursuing an Online PhD in Clinical Research offers flexibility, accessibility, and cost-effectiveness compared to traditional programs. 

Graduates with a PhD in Clinical Research can pursue diverse career paths in academia, clinical trial management, regulatory affairs, consulting, and other healthcare roles. 

Accreditation ensures program quality, while credibility reflects the institution’s reputation, both vital when considering an online PhD in Clinical Research. 

Success in a part-time PhD program requires establishing a consistent study schedule, setting realistic goals, staying connected, and prioritizing self-care. 

Subscribe For Newsletter

Select Category School of Public Health and Social Work School of Business Management and Public Administration School of Research School of Nursing

Select Program Ph.D in Public Health Master of Public Health Doctor of Public Health Administration

Ph.D in Management Doctor of Business Administration

Ph.D in Clinical Research

Ph.D in Nursing

From Zambia to the World: Toddy Sinkamba’s Journey to a PhD in Nursing

Is an executive master of business administartion right for you find out, social workers who earn the most: top specializations, the ultimate career advancement: value of an online emba, a testimonial of texila’s phd in social work experience, related posts, from awareness to action: pursuing a phd in clinical research, time mastery guide: 7 game-changing hacks for clinical research phd students, factors to consider before committing to a part-time phd in clinical research, part-time phd in clinical research: top 10 reasons, unleash your potential: 6 key skills for clinical research phd program.

We have 30 clinical trial PhD Projects, Programmes & Scholarships

All disciplines

All locations

Institution

All Institutions

All PhD Types

All Funding

clinical trial PhD Projects, Programmes & Scholarships

Identifying dna methylation signatures of prostate cancer progression and mortality among patients with clinically confirmed, localised disease at baseline in a large prospective clinical trial, phd research project.

PhD Research Projects are advertised opportunities to examine a pre-defined topic or answer a stated research question. Some projects may also provide scope for you to propose your own ideas and approaches.

Self-Funded PhD Students Only

This project does not have funding attached. You will need to have your own means of paying fees and living costs and / or seek separate funding from student finance, charities or trusts.

On-therapy monitoring of oesophageal cancer and recurrence detection: the Blood-based Liquid Sequencing Study (BLISS)

Funded phd project (students worldwide).

This project has funding attached, subject to eligibility criteria. Applications for the project are welcome from all suitably qualified candidates, but its funding may be restricted to a limited set of nationalities. You should check the project and department details for more information.

Gene therapy for neuromuscular diseases

Translational medicine: understanding the mechanism(s) of resistance to epa to personalise therapy and improve outcome, circadian rhythm effects on radiotherapy for prostate and other cancers, phd studentship in the health economics group: investigating approaches to the estimation of lifetime progression-free and post-progression mortality rates in cancer patients, development of integration bridges between the clinic and the laboratory, funded phd project (uk students only).

This research project has funding attached. It is only available to UK citizens or those who have been resident in the UK for a period of 3 years or more. Some projects, which are funded by charities or by the universities themselves may have more stringent restrictions.

Use of smart wearable devices in stroke rehabilitation trials

Competition funded phd project (students worldwide).

This project is in competition for funding with other projects. Usually the project which receives the best applicant will be successful. Unsuccessful projects may still go ahead as self-funded opportunities. Applications for the project are welcome from all suitably qualified candidates, but potential funding may be restricted to a limited set of nationalities. You should check the project and department details for more information.

Machine learning models for prognosis prediction in periodontal treatment

Competition funded phd project (uk students only).

This research project is one of a number of projects at this institution. It is in competition for funding with one or more of these projects. Usually the project which receives the best applicant will be awarded the funding. The funding is only available to UK citizens or those who have been resident in the UK for a period of 3 years or more. Some projects, which are funded by charities or by the universities themselves may have more stringent restrictions.

Evaluation of the leukocyte contribution to innate immune responses to malaria vaccination

Optimisation and feasibility testing of a self-administered gratitude intervention to promote mental health and wellbeing, self-funded phd– role of t and nk-cell immunity during dengue virus infection and impact of immune modulation during therapy, sweet sleep: exploring energy metabolism, sleep and mental performance, the efficacy of acute supplementation of new zealand blackcurrants (ārepa formulation) in supporting cognitive function in healthy adults during times of ecologically induced cognitive perturbation, blood biomarkers of small vessel disease related to cognitive impairment and neuroimaging findings.

FindAPhD. Copyright 2005-2024 All rights reserved.

Unknown    ( change )

Have you got time to answer some quick questions about PhD study?

Select your nearest city

You haven’t completed your profile yet. To get the most out of FindAPhD, finish your profile and receive these benefits:

• Monthly chance to win one of ten £10 Amazon vouchers ; winners will be notified every month.*
• The latest PhD projects delivered straight to your inbox
• Access to our £6,000 scholarship competition
• Weekly newsletter with funding opportunities, research proposal tips and much more
• Early access to our physical and virtual postgraduate study fairs

Or begin browsing FindAPhD.com

or begin browsing FindAPhD.com

*Offer only available for the duration of your active subscription, and subject to change. You MUST claim your prize within 72 hours, if not we will redraw.

Do you want hassle-free information and advice?

Create your FindAPhD account and sign up to our newsletter:

• Find out about funding opportunities and application tips
• Receive weekly advice, student stories and the latest PhD news
• Hear about our upcoming study fairs
• Save your favourite projects, track enquiries and get personalised subject updates

Create your account

Looking to list your PhD opportunities? Log in here .

Filtering Results

61 intriguing psychology research topics to explore

Last updated

11 January 2024

Reviewed by

Brittany Ferri, PhD, OTR/L

Short on time? Get an AI generated summary of this article instead

Psychology is an incredibly diverse, critical, and ever-changing area of study in the medical and health industries. Because of this, it’s a common area of study for students and healthcare professionals.

We’re walking you through picking the perfect topic for your upcoming paper or study. Keep reading for plenty of example topics to pique your interest and curiosity.

• How to choose a psychology research topic

Exploring a psychology-based topic for your research project? You need to pick a specific area of interest to collect compelling data. 

Use these tips to help you narrow down which psychology topics to research:

Focus on a particular area of psychology

The most effective psychological research focuses on a smaller, niche concept or disorder within the scope of a study. 

Psychology is a broad and fascinating area of science, including everything from diagnosed mental health disorders to sports performance mindset assessments. 

This gives you plenty of different avenues to explore. Having a hard time choosing? Check out our list of 61 ideas further down in this article to get started.

Read the latest clinical studies

Once you’ve picked a more niche topic to explore, you need to do your due diligence and explore other research projects on the same topic. 

This practice will help you learn more about your chosen topic, ask more specific questions, and avoid covering existing projects. 

For the best results, we recommend creating a research folder of associated published papers to reference throughout your project. This makes it much easier to cite direct references and find inspiration down the line.

Find a topic you enjoy and ask questions

Once you’ve spent time researching and collecting references for your study, you finally get to explore. 

Whether this research project is for work, school, or just for fun, having a passion for your research will make the project much more enjoyable. (Trust us, there will be times when that is the only thing that keeps you going.) 

Now you’ve decided on the topic, ask more nuanced questions you might want to explore. 

If you can, pick the direction that interests you the most to make the research process much more enjoyable.

• 61 psychology topics to research in 2024

Need some extra help starting your psychology research project on the right foot? Explore our list of 61 cutting-edge, in-demand psychology research topics to use as a starting point for your research journey.

• Psychology research topics for university students

As a university student, it can be hard to pick a research topic that fits the scope of your classes and is still compelling and unique. 

Here are a few exciting topics we recommend exploring for your next assigned research project:

Mental health in post-secondary students

Seeking post-secondary education is a stressful and overwhelming experience for most students, making this topic a great choice to explore for your in-class research paper. 

Examples of post-secondary mental health research topics include:

Student mental health status during exam season

Mental health disorder prevalence based on study major

The impact of chronic school stress on overall quality of life

The impacts of cyberbullying

Cyberbullying can occur at all ages, starting as early as elementary school and carrying through into professional workplaces. 

Examples of cyberbullying-based research topics you can study include:

The impact of cyberbullying on self-esteem

Common reasons people engage in cyberbullying 

Cyberbullying themes and commonly used terms

Cyberbullying habits in children vs. adults

The long-term effects of cyberbullying

• Clinical psychology research topics

If you’re looking to take a more clinical approach to your next project, here are a few topics that involve direct patient assessment for you to consider:

Chronic pain and mental health

Living with chronic pain dramatically impacts every aspect of a person’s life, including their mental and emotional health. 

Here are a few examples of in-demand pain-related psychology research topics:

The connection between diabetic neuropathy and depression

Neurological pain and its connection to mental health disorders

Efficacy of meditation and mindfulness for pain management

The long-term effects of insomnia

Insomnia is where you have difficulty falling or staying asleep. It’s a common health concern that impacts millions of people worldwide. 

This is an excellent topic because insomnia can have a variety of causes, offering many research possibilities. 

Here are a few compelling psychology research topics about insomnia you could investigate:

The prevalence of insomnia based on age, gender, and ethnicity

Insomnia and its impact on workplace productivity

The connection between insomnia and mental health disorders

Efficacy and use of melatonin supplements for insomnia

The risks and benefits of prescription insomnia medications

Lifestyle options for managing insomnia symptoms

The efficacy of mental health treatment options

Management and treatment of mental health conditions is an ever-changing area of study. If you can witness or participate in mental health therapies, this can make a great research project. 

Examples of mental health treatment-related psychology research topics include:

The efficacy of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for patients with severe anxiety

The benefits and drawbacks of group vs. individual therapy sessions

Music therapy for mental health disorders

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) for patients with depression 

• Controversial psychology research paper topics

If you are looking to explore a more cutting-edge or modern psychology topic, you can delve into a variety of controversial and topical options:

The impact of social media and digital platforms

Ever since access to internet forums and video games became more commonplace, there’s been growing concern about the impact these digital platforms have on mental health. 

Examples of social media and video game-related psychology research topics include:

The effect of edited images on self-confidence

How social media platforms impact social behavior

Video games and their impact on teenage anger and violence

Digital communication and the rapid spread of misinformation

The development of digital friendships

Psychotropic medications for mental health

In recent years, the interest in using psychoactive medications to treat and manage health conditions has increased despite their inherently controversial nature. 

Examples of psychotropic medication-related research topics include:

The risks and benefits of using psilocybin mushrooms for managing anxiety

The impact of marijuana on early-onset psychosis

Childhood marijuana use and related prevalence of mental health conditions

Ketamine and its use for complex PTSD (C-PTSD) symptom management

The effect of long-term psychedelic use and mental health conditions

• Mental health disorder research topics

As one of the most popular subsections of psychology, studying mental health disorders and how they impact quality of life is an essential and impactful area of research. 

While studies in these areas are common, there’s always room for additional exploration, including the following hot-button topics:

Anxiety and depression disorders

Anxiety and depression are well-known and heavily researched mental health disorders. 

Despite this, we still don’t know many things about these conditions, making them great candidates for psychology research projects:

Social anxiety and its connection to chronic loneliness

C-PTSD symptoms and causes

The development of phobias

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) behaviors and symptoms

Depression triggers and causes

Self-care tools and resources for depression

The prevalence of anxiety and depression in particular age groups or geographic areas

Bipolar disorder

Bipolar disorder is a complex and multi-faceted area of psychology research. 

Use your research skills to learn more about this condition and its impact by choosing any of the following topics:

Early signs of bipolar disorder

The incidence of bipolar disorder in young adults

The efficacy of existing bipolar treatment options

Bipolar medication side effects

Cognitive behavioral therapy for people with bipolar 

Schizoaffective disorder

Schizoaffective disorder is often stigmatized, and less common mental health disorders are a hotbed for new and exciting research. 

Here are a few examples of interesting research topics related to this mental health disorder:

The prevalence of schizoaffective disorder by certain age groups or geographic locations

Risk factors for developing schizoaffective disorder

The prevalence and content of auditory and visual hallucinations

Alternative therapies for schizoaffective disorder

• Societal and systematic psychology research topics

Modern society’s impact is deeply enmeshed in our mental and emotional health on a personal and community level. 

Here are a few examples of societal and systemic psychology research topics to explore in more detail:

Access to mental health services

While mental health awareness has risen over the past few decades, access to quality mental health treatment and resources is still not equitable. 

This can significantly impact the severity of a person’s mental health symptoms, which can result in worse health outcomes if left untreated. 

Explore this crucial issue and provide information about the need for improved mental health resource access by studying any of the following topics:

Rural vs. urban access to mental health resources

Access to crisis lines by location

Wait times for emergency mental health services

Inequities in mental health access based on income and location

Insurance coverage for mental health services

Systemic racism and mental health

Societal systems and the prevalence of systemic racism heavily impact every aspect of a person’s overall health.

Researching these topics draws attention to existing problems and contributes valuable insights into ways to improve access to care moving forward.

Examples of systemic racism-related psychology research topics include: 

Access to mental health resources based on race

The prevalence of BIPOC mental health therapists in a chosen area

The impact of systemic racism on mental health and self-worth

Racism training for mental health workers

The prevalence of mental health disorders in discriminated groups

LGBTQIA+ mental health concerns

Research about LGBTQIA+ people and their mental health needs is a unique area of study to explore for your next research project. It’s a commonly overlooked and underserved community.

Examples of LGBTQIA+ psychology research topics to consider include:

Mental health supports for queer teens and children

The impact of queer safe spaces on mental health

The prevalence of mental health disorders in the LGBTQIA+ community

The benefits of queer mentorship and found family

Substance misuse in LQBTQIA+ youth and adults

• Collect data and identify trends with Dovetail

Psychology research is an exciting and competitive study area, making it the perfect choice for projects or papers.

Take the headache out of analyzing your data and instantly access the insights you need to complete your next psychology research project by teaming up with Dovetail today.

Should you be using a customer insights hub?

Do you want to discover previous research faster?

Do you share your research findings with others?

Do you analyze research data?

Start for free today, add your research, and get to key insights faster

Editor’s picks

Last updated: 18 April 2023

Last updated: 27 February 2023

Last updated: 6 February 2023

Last updated: 15 January 2024

Last updated: 6 October 2023

Last updated: 5 February 2023

Last updated: 16 April 2023

Last updated: 7 March 2023

Last updated: 9 March 2023

Last updated: 12 December 2023

Last updated: 11 March 2024

Last updated: 13 May 2024

Latest articles

Related topics, .css-je19u9{-webkit-align-items:flex-end;-webkit-box-align:flex-end;-ms-flex-align:flex-end;align-items:flex-end;display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:wrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:wrap;-ms-flex-wrap:wrap;flex-wrap:wrap;-webkit-box-pack:center;-ms-flex-pack:center;-webkit-justify-content:center;justify-content:center;row-gap:0;text-align:center;max-width:671px;}@media (max-width: 1079px){.css-je19u9{max-width:400px;}.css-je19u9>span{white-space:pre;}}@media (max-width: 799px){.css-je19u9{max-width:400px;}.css-je19u9>span{white-space:pre;}} decide what to .css-1kiodld{max-height:56px;display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;}@media (max-width: 1079px){.css-1kiodld{display:none;}} build next, decide what to build next.

Users report unexpectedly high data usage, especially during streaming sessions.

Users find it hard to navigate from the home page to relevant playlists in the app.

It would be great to have a sleep timer feature, especially for bedtime listening.

I need better filters to find the songs or artists I’m looking for.

Log in or sign up

Get started for free

Research Topics

Cutting-edge research into the workings of the human mind

Our faculty conducts scientific research on topics that span across all areas of psychology. Some themes of research concentration are listed below. Click the topics to see the list of department faculty associated with each theme.

Addictive Behaviors

Computational Approaches

Decision Science

Developmental Approaches

Interventions

Learning & Memory

Mathematical Cognition

Meaning & Mental Representation

Motivation & Emotion

Neuroimaging

Plasticity & Change

Psychopathology & Risk

Reasoning & Problem Solving

Self & Identity

Self-Regulation & Control

Social Cognition

Stereotyping & Stereotype Threat

Vision Science

Words & Categories

2024-2025 Graduate Catalog

• About University of Jamestown
• Academic Calendar
• Academic Information and Policies
• University Personnel
• Graduate Learning Outcomes
• Masters Degree Programs

PhD in Clinical Research (Online)

• Doctor of Leadership (Online)
• Doctor of Physical Therapy
• Graduate Certificates
• Catalog Home
• All Catalogs

Program Details

As one of the only universities in the world with an accredited, all-online PhD in Clinical Research, University of Jamestown helps you advance in the field of your choice—without having to pause your career. In this program, you will master the skills necessary to conduct clinical trials, analyze research, and ensure the safety and efficacy of products, medication and information provided to the global society.

Earning your terminal degree in a broadly applicable program like Clinical Research means you can apply your knowledge to a range of disciplines, including government, higher education, healthcare, private industry, and beyond. You will not only learn how to critically analyze the literature and interpret evidence, but to design your own rigorous and ethical research projects—all while creating a repeatable and sophisticated methodology appropriate for dissemination at the national level.

Our Mission

Our mission is to provide students with rigorous academic preparation which produces independent investigators who can conceptualize research inquiry that positively impacts the University, community and global society. Students will gain the expertise needed to perform ethical data collection and analysis across a variety of disciplines and modalities.

Requirements

All cohorts for the Ph.D. matriculate in the fall of an academic calendar year. Students will then complete 2 full years (fall, spring, summer) and one partial year (fall, spring) to complete their PhD requirements, including thesis proposal and defense.

Required Core Courses

Thesis Credits

(12 credit hours total + 1 credit hour optional extension as needed)

Leadership Track Courses

Topics in Higher Education Track Courses

Health Services Research Track Courses

Admission and Costs

Application Information

Between September 7 and July 31 of a calendar year, applicants can use the Allied Health Common Application System (AHCAS) to submit their application to the University of Jamestown Ph.D. in Clinical Research program. The requirements for admission are:

• Undergraduate and graduate transcripts
• Selection of elective focus area
• Recommendations (optional)

Program Costs

48 Credits Total

*estimated costs based on student surveys

Plan of Study

Students who successfully complete a PhD in Clinical Research at the University of Jamestown will:

• Demonstrate profound knowledge of the disciplines inherent to performing ethically based and rigorous clinical research.
• Disseminate dissertation research that will achieve acceptance for dissemination at local and national level conferences and through peer reviewed journals.
• Apply local and federal guidelines that ensure safety and efficacy of products, medication and information provided to the global society.
• Appraise evidence in their respective fields.
• Define the value of data provided in evidence publications and presentations based on their extensive knowledge of research methodology and data analysis.
• Explain the importance of racial, ethnic, gender, age, socioeconomic and educational diversity in data collection, analysis, and research to produce results that are generalizable to the global community.
• Participate in their professional associations as evidenced by active membership and participation in local or national conferences or other forms of dissemination prior to graduation.
• Evaluate technology available for data collection and analysis, including survey instruments and statistical software.

• LMS@Hunimed

Humanitas University is an international medical school dedicated to the Life Sciences. Education and training are fully integrated with Humanitas Hospital and Humanitas Research Center.

• The Humanitas World
• Institutional Bodies |
• Official Documents |
• Financial Economic Data
• Quality Assurance Policies
• | Quality Assurance System Actors
• | Student Representatives
• | Faculty Representatives
• ENTRY KA220
• | Neurodecision KA220
• Opening Ceremony of the Academic Year
• Third Mission
• How to reach us
• Work with us
• Faculty & Research

Humanitas University is dedicated to basic and translational research in life sciences, with a close, direct and bidirectional interaction with clinic.

• Research at Humanitas University
• Degree Programmes

Built alongside the renowned Humanitas Research Hospital, Humanitas University offers a wide range of graduate and postgraduate courses in the field of life sciences.

• Programme Structure |
• Admissions |
• Fees & Scholarships |
• Preparation Week |
• International Mobility |
• Honors Tracks |
• M.Sc. in Nursing and Midwifery
• Post Lauream
• Medical Specialty Schools
• PhD in DASME

PhD in Applied Clinical Research

• Campus & Services

Humanitas University is the only medical school in English in Milan with its own campus, offering student accommodation just a few steps away from your University, Hospital and Research Center.

• Ask Students
• Campus and Accommodation
• Orientation Activities
• Researchers |
• Professors |
• PhD Students |
• Family Members
• Hunimed Language Center
• Student Services

A Simulation Lab of 3,000 square meters, one of the largest and most technologically advanced in Europe, integrated within the University Campus.

• Simulation Center
• Anatomy Lab

The PhD in Applied Clinical Research will provide the basic principles of clinical and applied research with the direct involvement of research institutions, public and private research hospitals, regulatory bodies, pharmaceutical companies and stakeholders.

The Programme

Didactic activities, admission requirements.

• Application Procedures

Academic Board

Research topics.

Call for applications a.y. 2024/2025

Bando di concorso a.a. 2024/2025

The PhD programme in Applied Clinical Research is targeted at graduates with a degree in medicine interested in acquiring knowledge and developing skills in the field of clinical research.

The PhD programme will equip students with general, transversal and specific competencies, and train professionals who are able to design, conduct and critically evaluate independent and for-profit clinical research projects.

This PhD course aims to train “generators” of high quality, innovative clinical trials, able to take into account the economic sustainability and ethical aspects of research as well as the real applicability of the results as a means to improving the health conditions and quality of life of patients.

The involvement of cross-disciplinary expertise (medical, methodological, economic, ethical), and experts from different backgrounds (clinical-preclinical, industrial, economic, regulatory/decisional), underscores the interdisciplinary aspect that will characterize the doctoral programme in Clinical Research at Humanitas University.

  Specifically, the doctoral student will :

• acquire the necessary tools for the identification and critical review of available evidence
• understand the regulation of clinical research
• acquire the tools to identify the correct type of study to be carried out according to the objectives and strengths/weaknesses of different types of clinical trials
• understand epidemiology and statistics for proper clinical study design
• understand economic principles underlying the economic sustainability of a clinical trial
• understand the basis of open science

At the end of the course, the doctoral students will have :

• learned the correct research methodology to be used for the specific objective: retrospective, observational or interventional, cross-sectional, prospective (from phase 1, including first-in-human studies, to phase 4 post-marketing) RTCs
• mastered the principles underlying the design, execution, and management of profit and nonprofit clinical research
• mastered the biostatistical foundations required for clinical trial design
• mastered the biostatistical foundations required for data analysis and proper interpretation of a clinical trial
• learned the economic foundations required for determining the sustainability of profit and nonprofit clinical research
• learned the regulatory and ethical principles of clinical research
• learned the principles of team working
• learned the basic principles of competitive grant writing
• mastered the basic principles of writing and submitting abstracts as well as manuscripts
• mastered the most effective ways of presenting clinical research findings to a lay audience (stakeholders)
• designed and conducted a clinical research project
• designed, written and submitted a research project to a national or international competitive call
• learned the basics in the area of open science

Career Opportunities

The expected employment outlets are managerial or high-profile careers in academia in biomedical disciplines and within public and private research organizations, public health, and the pharmaceutical or biomedical industry.

Specifically, the main areas of employment include :

• clinical research facilities (IRCCS, university hospitals);
• public and private research institutions operating in the biomedical field;
• ASLs and hospital companies, in areas dedicated to health monitoring and planning;
• Pharmaceutical companies (Clinical Development; Medical Affair Branch; Clinical Scientist; Manager Regulatory Operations) and Biotech pharmaceuticals;
• Clinical trial ethics committees.

The PhD programme includes the writing of a clinical research protocol as a thesis project under the supervision of a tutor and faculty members of the doctoral program. The thesis project is a structured activity involving the design and implementation of a research project aimed at the practical application of the knowledge acquired.

The PhD student is expected to:

• participate in clinical research activities under the supervision of the mentor
• write a proposal for national and international competitive grant
• design a clinical study
• write at least 1 clinical paper as first author

BIP – Blended Intensive Program

Among elective activities, PhD students enrolled to the second and third year have the opportunity to join the BIP (Blended Intensive Program) in Reserch Ethics and Integrity , organized with the Royal College of Surgeons, Ireland.

The course is composed of online classes plus an in-person part hosted on RCSI campus in Dublin for one week.

All costs related to registration, flight and accommodation for the in-person are covered by Humanitas University.

Applicants wishing to apply for the PhD course in clinical research must have:

• an Italian degree in Medicine and Surgery or equivalent qualification awarded by a foreign university
• the license to practice as a doctor
• the registration to the professional order of physicians
• a medical residency programme (concluded on ongoing)

Applicants who have not yet graduated at the date of application may still take part in the selection process providing they have passed all of their degree programme exams at the time of the online application, and will have been awarded the qualification before the beginning of the academic activities. Should these applicants pass the selection process, their enrolment on the PhD course is conditional upon providing proof that the qualification has been awarded.

Fees and Scholarships

PhD students are required to pay an annual fee for access and attendance, set at €250,00 for the academic year 2024/2025 , including the regional tax and stamp duty.

Detailed information about each topic’s scholarship or equivalent contract can be found in the research topics table below, by clicking on each topic ID.

How to Apply

• Registration  or access with your LOGINMIUR credentials
• Application form  submission
• Payment  of the application contribution

The application form must be  completed in all its parts , on penalty of exclusion. In particular, applicants must submit all of the following documents in  PDF  format:

• Curriculum vitae
• Copy of a valid ID or passport (for Non-EU citizens)
• Diploma Supplement
• Copy of the receipt of payment of € 30,00

Additionally, applicants may indicate name and contacts of maximum two referees, preferably chosen among those who have had a supervising role of the candidates. The referees will be directly contacted by Humanitas University and asked to complete a brief letter of reference, which should be sent by 15 th July 2024, h 1:00 PM. 

Further details about the application procedure will be reported in the official call for applicants.

Admission Process

Admission to the PhD Programme is based on a public selection process consisting of:

• the comparative evaluation of  titles and qualifications
• an  interview  carried out in English by an appointed Committee

The aim of the selection process is to assess the knowledge, competencies and aptitude of the applicants for clinical research as well as their motivation for undertaking the PhD programme.

A good knowledge of English is required and will be tested during the interview.

PhD coordinator : Professor Andrea Lania

What HU means to me?

Humanitas is a highly specialized Hospital, Research and Teaching Center. Built around centers for the prevention and treatment of cancer, cardiovascular, neurological and orthopedic disease – together with an Ophthalmic Center and a Fertility Center – Humanitas also operates a highly specialised Emergency Department.

• Student Life

Your privacy is important to us

Masks Strongly Recommended but Not Required in Maryland, Starting Immediately

Due to the downward trend in respiratory viruses in Maryland, masking is no longer required but remains strongly recommended in Johns Hopkins Medicine clinical locations in Maryland. Read more .

• Vaccines  
• Masking Guidelines
• Visitor Guidelines  

Research Topics

General research.

Cancer Research

Genetics Research

Genome Biology

Clinical Trials and Methodology MPhil/PhD

London, Bloomsbury

The UCL Institute of Clinical Trials and Methodology (ICTM) is a centre of excellence for clinical trials, methodology, meta-analysis and epidemiological research. This research degree programme aims to train and mentor the next generation of trialists and methodologists. Students are based within a UCL clinical trials unit, working alongside clinicians, researchers and trial teams.

UK tuition fees (2024/25)

Overseas tuition fees (2024/25), programme starts, applications accepted.

Prospective students should apply at least four months before their intended start date. If you require a visa we recommend allowing for more time.

• Entry requirements

A minimum of an upper second-class UK Bachelor’s degree and/or a Master’s degree (preferably with a merit or distinction) in a relevant discipline, or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard.

The English language level for this programme is: Level 2

UCL Pre-Master's and Pre-sessional English courses are for international students who are aiming to study for a postgraduate degree at UCL. The courses will develop your academic English and academic skills required to succeed at postgraduate level.

Further information can be found on our English language requirements page.

Equivalent qualifications

Country-specific information, including details of when UCL representatives are visiting your part of the world, can be obtained from the International Students website .

International applicants can find out the equivalent qualification for their country by selecting from the list below. Please note that the equivalency will correspond to the broad UK degree classification stated on this page (e.g. upper second-class). Where a specific overall percentage is required in the UK qualification, the international equivalency will be higher than that stated below. Please contact Graduate Admissions should you require further advice.

About this degree

ICTM has a particular focus on developing and delivering innovations in methodology that improve clinical trials, meta-analysis and epidemiological studies. The institute collaborates with national and international partners, which ensures student projects have immediate relevance and application. Recent graduates have secured employment in clinical trials units, academic research departments and the pharmaceutical industry.

Who this course is for

Many of our successful PhD applicants have a Master's degree in a health-related subject such as medical statistics, epidemiology, public health or clinical trials, and experience of working in a clinical trials environment.

What this course will give you

ICTM has global recognition for its expertise in the field of clinical trials, with a combined team of over 400 clinicians, statisticians, clinical trials specialists, and researchers working together to improve outcomes for patients.

As an MPhil/PhD student at ICTM, you will receive direct supervision by world-class scientists and clinicians and be based within a clinical trials unit, which allows daily interaction with researchers and trial teams. ICTM provides a unique opportunity to study in an environment where important trials are conducted alongside research into their methodology, and where each directly informs the other.

The foundation of your career

Most of our graduates continue working in clinical trials research - either in academia or in the private sector, both in the UK and overseas.

Employability

Graduates are likely to pursue careers as researchers or managers in a clinical trials unit, a pharmaceutical company, or another health research environment.

The programme provides an environment which enables you to interact and engage with other research fellows and students within UCL Faculty of Population Health Sciences and the wider UCL community. The clinical trials units within the institute collaborate with other researchers both nationally and internationally and run weekly seminars, often inviting high-profile speakers. Academics also have close links with industry and government organisations which provide excellent opportunities for networking.

Teaching and learning

A PhD at ICTM will provide you with excellent training across a number of disciplines related to clinical trials. You will have access to an outstanding research and transferable skills development programme, with training provided to support your personal, professional and career development. You will be in an environment which encourages sharing research ideas with fellow students and colleagues through seminars and symposia, as well as student events such as the 3-Minute Thesis and poster competitions. You will be expected to attend and present your research at national and international conferences providing you with opportunities to develop networks with peers and research leaders in academia, medicine and industry.

The UCL Doctoral School Skills Development Programme provides a broad range of free training for PhD students across UCL. For further information see the Doctoral Skills Development Programme page

Students initially register on the MPhil pathway and are expected to upgrade to PhD within 9-18 months of registration. For Part time students this is between 15-30 months. Further details of the upgrade process can be found here .

You should expect an absolute minimum of one in-person meeting with your supervisors per month and you are expected to attend regular group meetings and departmental seminars. Core working hours are 10 am to 4 pm. Contact hours and hours of self-study are agreed between you and your supervisors at the beginning of your research degree and should be reviewed on a regular basis. With the agreement of your supervisors, contact time can be on-site or remote working depending on the nature and stage of the project. Full-time Research students can take 27 days of annual leave, plus eight days of Bank holidays and six UCL closure days. For part-time students, annual leave is pro rata.

Research areas and structure

• Clinical Trials
• Epidemiology
• Meta-analysis
• Methodology

Research environment

The UCL Institute of Clinical Trials and Methodology (ICTM) is a centre of excellence for clinical trials, methodology, meta-analysis and epidemiological research. Comprised of four clinical trials units ICTM has the largest group of trialists – approximately 400 - in Europe.

ICTM is at the forefront of resolving internationally important questions in the treatment of some of the major illnesses and conditions affecting our lives. Our trials teams conduct studies across a range of  disease areas , and have expertise in a range of trials types - from early to late phase trials, and from simple to complex interventions. In addition, we have a particular focus on developing and delivering innovations in  trial methodology , to speed up the process for testing new therapies.

This PhD programme aims to train and mentor the next generation of trialists and methodologists, by placing you within a UCL clinical trials unit to work alongside researchers and trial teams. Your research will make an original contribution, typically addressing an important question of how clinical trials should be designed, conducted or analysed, grounded in one or more of our internationally relevant clinical trials. Students present their work to each other, and we have weekly institute seminars covering our wide range of research, including aspects of methodology relevant to you. The institute runs an MSc programme in Clinical Trials and as a PhD student you can attend selected modules to enhance your training, and may also have the opportunity to assist with teaching.

The length of registration for the research degree programme is 3 years for full-time students. You are required to register initially for the MPhil degree with the expectation of transfer to PhD after successful completion of an upgrade viva 9-18 months after initial registration. Within three months of joining the programme, you are expected to agree with your supervisory team the basic structure of your research project, the appropriate methodology, and a realistic plan of work to include any training that you require.

In your second year you will be expected to upgrade from an MPhil to a PhD. You are required to submit a report, often based around one chapter from your thesis, and a plan for the remainder. You are also required to give a presentation advertised across ICTM, and then answer questions about your work to a panel consisting of your secondary supervisor and an expert in the field who acts as an independent assessor.

As your research progresses you will discuss with your supervisors whether to submit any of your work to an academic journal for publication, and whether to submit your work to be presented at a relevant academic conference.

The PhD programme is expected to be completed within three years for full-time students. If you are not ready to submit at the end of this time, you may be able to transfer to Completing Research Status.

The length of registration for the research degree programme is 5 years for part-time students. You are required to register initially for the MPhil degree with the expectation of transfer to PhD after successful completion of an upgrade viva 15-30 months after initial registration. Within three months of joining the programme, you are expected to agree with your supervisory team the basic structure of your research project, the appropriate methodology, and a realistic plan of work to include any training that you require.

The PhD programme is expected to be completed over five years for part-time students. If you are not ready to submit at the end of this time, you may be able to transfer to Completing Research Status.

Accessibility

Details of the accessibility of UCL buildings can be obtained from AccessAble accessable.co.uk . Further information can also be obtained from the UCL Student Support and Wellbeing team .

Fees and funding

Fees for this course.

The tuition fees shown are for the year indicated above. Fees for subsequent years may increase or otherwise vary. Where the programme is offered on a flexible/modular basis, fees are charged pro-rata to the appropriate full-time Master's fee taken in an academic session. Further information on fee status, fee increases and the fee schedule can be viewed on the UCL Students website: ucl.ac.uk/students/fees .

Additional costs

There are no additional costs for this programme.

For more information on additional costs for prospective students please go to our estimated cost of essential expenditure at Accommodation and living costs .

Funding your studies

MRC-funded PhD Studentships are offered from time to time, as well as other funding schemes. Please check the ICTM website for further details or contact the Institute Administrator.

For a comprehensive list of the funding opportunities available at UCL, including funding relevant to your nationality, please visit the Scholarships and Funding website .

Research degrees typically start in October but may start in February or May. Start dates are usually dictated by funding arrangements so consider these in your application preparation.

You should identify and contact potential supervisors directly before making your application if you are able to, but otherwise please contact us to let us know your research interests and we will assist you. Some applicants develop a brief research proposal before making enquiries but this is not necessary. Some research projects are developed by supervisors or by an applicant and supervisor jointly. For more information see our How to apply page.

Please note that you may submit applications for a maximum of two graduate programmes (or one application for the Law LLM) in any application cycle.

Choose your programme

Please read the Application Guidance before proceeding with your application.

Year of entry: 2024-2025

Got questions get in touch.

Institute of Clinical Trials and Methodology

[email protected]

UCL is regulated by the Office for Students .

Prospective Students Graduate

• Graduate degrees
• Taught degrees
• Taught Degrees
• Applying for Graduate Taught Study at UCL
• Research degrees
• Research Degrees
• Funded Research Opportunities
• Doctoral School
• Funded Doctoral Training Programmes
• Applying for Graduate Research Study at UCL
• Teacher training
• Teacher Training
• Early Years PGCE programmes
• Primary PGCE programmes
• Secondary PGCE programmes
• Further Education PGCE programme
• How to apply
• The IOE approach
• Teacher training in the heart of London
• Why choose UCL?
• Entrepreneurship
• Inspiring facilities and resources
• Careers and employability
• Your global alumni community
• Your wellbeing
• Postgraduate Students' Association
• Your life in London
• Accommodation
• Funding your Master's

American Psychological Association

5 ways to improve mental health at work

Supportive workplace practices can boost employee well-being, company morale

U.S. workers adjust to changing nature of employment

Survey highlights include remote work, four-day workweeks, and AI adoption

Psychological safety in the changing workplace

Survey shows link with job satisfaction, including creativity and innovation

Younger workers feel stressed, lonely, and undervalued

Nearly one-third of U.S. employees prefer working with people their own age

Membership in APA

APA Community

A new exclusive destination tailored for APA members

Membership benefits

Unlock the tools, discounts, and services included with your membership

Renew your membership

Keep your benefits and access to leading psychological information

Psychology topics spotlight

Misinformation and disinformation

Resources to navigate trauma

Tips to foster a healthy workplace

Science and practice of psychology

Ethics Code

Continuing Education

Grants, Awards, and Funding

Standards and Guidelines

Networks and communities

Network with peers, enhance your professional development, expand your personal growth, and more

APA Divisions

High school teachers

Undergraduate educators

Graduate students

Early career psychologists

Managing your career

Resources to help you throughout your career in psychology, including finding a job, salary data, finances and money management, mentoring and supervision, and training and professional development

Explore career paths

Psychologist profiles

How did you get that job?

Events and training

Featured jobs

Apa publications and products.

Write with clarity, precision, and inclusion

Children’s books

Monitor on Psychology

Newsletters

Reports and surveys

Continuing education

Merchandise

Real Siblings

Jacob's Missing Book

Harper Becomes a Big Sister

Attachment-Based Family Therapy for Sexual and Gender Minority Young Adults and Their Non-Accepting Parents

Dismantling Everyday Discrimination

APA Services

Learn how you can help APA advocate for psychology-informed federal policy and legislation, and support psychological research

APA Services, Inc.

A companion professional organization to APA, serving all members and advocating for psychology

An official website of the United States government

Here’s how you know

Official websites use .gov A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock ( A locked padlock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

• Heart-Healthy Living
• High Blood Pressure
• Sickle Cell Disease
• Sleep Apnea
• Information & Resources on COVID-19
• The Heart Truth®
• Learn More Breathe Better®
• Blood Diseases and Disorders Education Program
• Publications and Resources
• Blood Disorders and Blood Safety
• Sleep Science and Sleep Disorders
• Lung Diseases
• Health Disparities and Inequities
• Heart and Vascular Diseases
• Precision Medicine Activities
• Obesity, Nutrition, and Physical Activity
• Population and Epidemiology Studies
• Women’s Health
• Research Topics
• Clinical Trials
• All Science A-Z
• Grants and Training Home

Policies and Guidelines

Funding opportunities and contacts, training and career development.

• Email Alerts
• NHLBI in the Press
• Research Features
• Past Events
• Upcoming Events
• Mission and Strategic Vision
• Divisions, Offices and Centers
• Advisory Committees
• Budget and Legislative Information
• Jobs and Working at the NHLBI
• Contact and FAQs
• NIH Sleep Research Plan
• < Back To Home

Grants and Training

COVID-19: Information for NIH Applicants and Recipients of NIH Funding

Grants and Funding Topics

Learn more about NOT-OD-23-032

Find out how

IU School of Medicine names 2024 Showalter Scholars

Jun 07, 2024

The Indiana University School of Medicine has named four outstanding scientists as recipients of the 2024 Showalter Scholars Award.

These research awards, funded by the Ralph W. and Grace M. Showalter Trust and IU School of Medicine, support research that is “most likely to benefit mankind.” The program awards up to $75,000 in funding per scholar over the course of three years and is particularly useful to emergent scientists in advancing their work.

The 2024 Showalter Scholars are:

• Thomas Everett, PhD , associate professor of medicine 
• Troy Markel, MD , associate professor of surgery 
• Roman Natoli, MD, PhD , associate professor of orthopaedic surgery 
• Yong Zang, PhD , associate professor of biostatistics and health data science

Over the last five years, these IU School of Medicine researchers have authored a combined 124 scholarly publications and have brought in about $9.5 million in funding as the principal investigators on their respective research projects — advancing scientific knowledge in cardiac medicine, neonatal surgery, bone healing and clinical trial design.

Thomas Everett: Wearable tech to monitor nerve activity in cardiac patients

Everett’s lab developed SKNA technology, which can non-invasively measure sympathetic nerve activity over long periods of time using signals recorded from ECG electrodes placed on the skin. The technology received an Indiana TechPoint Mira Award for Innovation of the Year in 2017 and has continued to advance through several NIH grants.

“Dr. Everett has fostered extensive collaborations with faculty within the IU School of Medicine, in the Purdue University Department of Biomedical Engineering and at the Cedars-Sinai Medical Center,” noted David Aronoff, MD, chair of the Department of Medicine, and Richard Kovacs, MD, interim chair of the Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, in a joint nomination for Everett.

“His scientific expertise and productivity within the field of cardiac electrophysiology and the autonomic nervous system have resulted in significant contributions to the IU School of Medicine and the research community,” Aronoff and Kovacs wrote.

Among Everett’s many collaborative research projects is an NIH-funded research program involving multiple research centers worldwide evaluating the effect of the nervous system on peripheral organs.

“He is becoming one of the major leaders in the field of cardiac arrhythmia research,” wrote Peng-Sheng Chen, MD, a collaborator from Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, in a letter supporting Everett’s nomination. Chen and Everett have published over 40 peer-reviewed manuscripts together advancing scientific knowledge in the field.

Troy Markel: Helping infants survive intestinal death

Markel recently discovered a beneficial compound in breast milk that is absent in commercial baby formulas, which may help reverse the devastating effects of NEC in preterm infants. He is currently working with formula companies to create a new formulation including this compound for therapeutic use in the NICU.

“It has been very rewarding to follow Troy’s progress in this arena,” wrote Department of Surgery Chair Karl Bilimoria, MD, in his nomination of Markel.

Markel has been extensively published in scientific journals and sits on the Scientific Advisory Board for the NEC Society, a nonprofit started by two mothers who lost their infants to NEC and for which Markel has planned several annual symposiums.

Markel has mentored 12 medical students and 18 post-doctoral fellows and has trained 13 pediatric surgery fellows during his time at IU. He also serves on multiple local and national committees and collaborates with NEC researchers from institutions throughout the nation.

“I have had the pleasure of following Troy’s work over the last two decades,” said David Hackam, MD, PhD, a research collaborator from Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, who wrote a letter supporting Markel’s nomination. “Troy is a wonderful example of how a great person can be a great surgeon and a great scientist.”

Roman Natoli: Fracture healing and infection prevention after traumatic injury

“We are very lucky to have Roman Natoli as he is truly a ‘star among the night sky of orthopaedic surgeons,’” wrote Lynda Bonewald, PhD, the musculoskeletal center’s founding director, in a letter supporting Natoli’s nomination.

After being recruited to IU in 2016 as an orthopaedic trauma surgeon, Natoli “quickly emerged as one of the most productive academic junior surgical faculty in the history of our department,” said Orthopaedic Surgery Chair L. Daniel Wurtz, MD, in his nomination letter. “Dr. Natoli has proven to be a highly productive orthopaedic traumatologist with a growing national reputation.”

Natoli’s research focuses on post-traumatic arthritis, fracture-related infection, fracture healing and chronic pain after fracture. He is the principal investigator on numerous studies, including international, multi-institutional clinical trials, and he has published over 80 peer-reviewed papers in top scientific journals. 

Several colleagues from outside of IU testified to Natoli’s impact on the field. Jaimo Ahn, MD, PhD, a research collaborator from the University of Michigan, called Natoli “a rare surgeon-scholar-educator with notable, overwhelming strengths.”

“He has demonstrated he can affect the world of our patients and learners through his research, and with IU’s ongoing support, he will continue to contribute at the highest of levels,” Ahn wrote. “I have no doubt he will make fracture care, orthopaedics and medicine better for the future.”

Yong Zang: Developing statistical methods for better clinical trials

Zang is an associate professor and a member of the Center for Computational Biology and Bioinformatics  at the IU School of Medicine, as well as co-director of the Biostatistics and Data Management Core with the IU Melvin and Bren Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center .

“As an expert in clinical trial design, Yong’s expertise is highly sought after,” said Kun Huang, PhD, chair of the Department of Biostatistics and Health Data Science , in his nomination of Zang. “He has extensively collaborated with clinicians and biostatisticians both within and outside IU.” 

Zang is an accomplished researcher, teacher and mentor who has helped produce 74 scholarly works published in scientific journals including Biometrics, Statistical Methods in Medical Research, and Statistics in Medicine. As an internationally recognized leader in the field of biostatistics, Zang has developed strong collaborations with researchers at MD Anderson Cancer Center, Tulane University, The Ohio State University and other institutions.

Zang’s research focuses on development of theory, algorithms and software for adaptive clinical trial design, “a cornerstone in advancing medical research and patient care,” said Yunlong Liu, PhD, director of the Center for Computational Biology and Bioinformatics.

“I have had the privilege to witness firsthand his remarkable contributions to the field of biostatistics, particularly in the design of innovative clinical trial methodologies,” Liu wrote in a letter supporting Zang’s nomination. “His work is not only innovative but also critical to the continuous improvement of clinical trial efficiency and effectiveness.”

2023 Showalter Scholars advancing research

The following IU School of Medicine faculty were named Showalter Scholars in 2023 and are continuing their grant-funded research with supporting departmental awards in 2024:

• Ashay Bhatwadekar, PhD , associate professor of ophthalmology; new treatments for diabetic retinopathy 
• Takashi Hato, MD , associate professor of medicine; targeted therapies for sepsis-induced organ failure 
• Emily Sims, MD , associate professor of pediatrics; slowing the progression of diabetes 
• Jun Wan, PhD , associate professor of medical and molecular genetics; bioinformatics and computational systems biology

Additionally, Martin Plawecki, MD, PhD , associate professor of psychiatry, was named an IU School of Medicine Scholar in 2023 with equivalent grant funding from the Office of the Executive Associate Dean for Research Affairs. Plawecki is a researcher with the school’s Indiana Alcohol Research Center.

Suggested for you

• Stanford University
• Monday, September 16

2024 Comprehensive Cancer Research Training Program

• Stanford Cancer Institute

Monday, September 16, 2024

Stanford Redwood City Campus, Stanford Redwood City Conference Center, Cardinal Hall, First Floor 2855 Bay Rd, Redwood City, CA 94063 View map

This event is open to: Students Students - Undergraduates Students - Graduates Postdocs

Request disability accommodations and access info

• Share 2024 Comprehensive Cancer Research Training Program on Facebook
• Share 2024 Comprehensive Cancer Research Training Program on Twitter
• Share 2024 Comprehensive Cancer Research Training Program on LinkedIn

Event Details:

The Stanford Cancer Institute’s Comprehensive Cancer Research Training Program (CCRTP) is an engaging three-day program that invites learners to participate in current cancer research lectures and discussions. 2024 marks the 16th anniversary of this exciting program. The event dates are Monday, September 16 to Wednesday, September 18.

The program’s curriculum consists of plenary sessions followed by half-day sessions on two scientific themes, each featuring three to four presentations. Speakers include nationally and internationally renowned Stanford faculty who will expound on current topics of basic, translational, and clinical cancer research. Other opportunities during CCRTP include poster sessions where learners can showcase research work through a poster session and network with faculty, colleagues, and other peers. 

SCI invites learners from all levels, including undergraduate, graduate, post-doctoral students (residents, clinical fellows, research fellows), and junior faculty, to attend. External students are welcome and highly encouraged to participate as well.

Your browser does not support iframes.