phd in psychology us

Psychology Headlines

From around the world.

• Hawaii Reaches Settlement with Youth Who Sued Over Climate Change
• U.S. Supreme Court Upholds Gun Ban for Domestic Abusers
• The Risk of Developing Alzheimer's When Your Parents Have It
• Grounding Techniques: Exercises for Anxiety and Panic Attacks
• Thai Senate Passes Bill Legalizing Same-Sex Marriage
• Artificial Intelligence Recognizes the Emotions of Tennis Players
• Prevention Task Force Recommends Counseling for Kids with Obesity
• U.S. Says Two Universities Fell Short in Addressing Anti-Arab, Antisemitic Hate

Source: Psychology News Center

PhD Degree Requirements

This webpage provides a quick overview of the requirements for our PhD program. More detailed information can be found in the Psychology Graduate Guide . This webpage and the Graduate Guide supplement the Psychology PhD requirements defined in the Stanford Bulletin and the policies for all Stanford graduate education as defined in the Graduate Academic Policies and Procedures Handbook . 

The most important component of our PhD program is engaging in scientific research. Students in our PhD program conduct in-depth research in at least one of five areas of study: Affective , Cognitive , Developmental , Neuroscience , or Social Psychology. All students are expected to spend at least half of their time engaged in research. Each quarter, students should register for 8 - 10 research units (PSYCH207: Graduate Research) and take no more than 10 units of coursework.

The sections below outline program requirements regarding coursework and teaching, as well as key milestones towards a PhD degree.

Course Requirements

• Teaching Requirements  
• Key Program Milestones

Core Courses, Statistics/Methods Courses, and Advanced Units must be taken for a letter grade and passed with a grade of B- or higher. Click each requirement to open the relevant sections in the Graduate Guide.  

Professional Seminar 

All incoming students are required to take PSYCH207 in the first quarter (Year 1 Autumn). This is a course taught by the Department Chair with guest lectures from faculty across all areas, and serves to introduce the first-year students to the Department. 

• PSYCH 207: Professional Seminar for First-Year Ph.D Students

As a part of PSYCH 207, first-year students are also expected to meet with their advisor(s) early in the fall quarter of the first year to discuss mentorship expectations. 

Core Courses

Students are required to complete 4 of the following Core Courses by the end of Yr 3.

• PSYCH 202: Cognitive Neuroscience
• PSYCH 205: Foundations of Cognition
• PSYCH 211: Developmental Psychology
• PSYCH 213: Affective Science
• PSYCH 215: Mind, Culture, and Society

Statistics / Methods Courses

Students must complete PSYCH 251 and one additional statistics/methods courses by the end of Year 2. At least one of the two courses must be taken in the first year. 

• PSYCH 251: Experimental Methods (Required) 
• PSYCH 249: Large-Scale Neural Network Modeling for Neuroscience
• PSYCH 252: Statistical Methods for Behavioral and Social Sciences
• PSYCH 253: Measurement and the Study of Change in Social Science Research
• PSYCH 289: Longitudinal Data Analysis in Social Science Research

Some students may wish to take advanced courses in Statistics or CS not listed above; please consult with your advisor and send an inquiry to the Student Services Manager. These requests may be reviewed by the DGS and/or the GPC.

Advanced Units / PhD Minor  

Students must complete 12 units of advanced graduate coursework (“Advanced Units”, or AU), or complete a PhD Minor by the end of Year 4.  

Students and their advisor(s) should discuss the course requirements and create a plan together for completing the Advanced Units. To this end, rising 2nd year students must submit an Advanced Courses Form by the first Monday in October (usually the first Monday of the Fall Quarter) of the 2nd year. 

Terminal Graduate Registration (TGR) Statu s

Students should apply for Terminal Graduate Registration (TGR) status once they have accumulated 135 units of residency and have filed a Dissertation Reading Committee form . Students in TGR status should register for PSYCH 802: TGR Dissertation (0 units) and take no more than 3 units of coursework per quarter. Typically, students transition to TGR in the Winter quarter of 5th year. 

For more information about Course Requirements, consult the Graduate Guide and the Stanford Graduate Academic Policies and Procedures Handbook .

Teaching Requirements

All students serve as teaching assistants for at least 5 Psychology courses during their graduate study, regardless of the source of their financial support. Of these 5 TAships, students must apply for 2 of their TAships to be in one of the two tracks: 

• PSYCH 1 Track (2 quarters of Introduction to Psychology)  
• STATS Track (2 quarters of core statistics/methods course: PSYCH 10, PSYCH 251, PSYCH 252, PSYCH 253).  

Students can review the Department's complete  TA policy  for more details. Questions about TA assignments or TA policy should be directed to the Student Services Manager. 

Program Requirements and Milestones

Year 1: First Year Project (FYP)

At the end of their first year of graduate study, students must submit a written report of their first-year research activities, called the First Year Project (FYP) by June 1 The FYP is submitted to their advisor, second FYP reader (another faculty), and the students’ services manager. Students are also expected to present the results of their FYP in their area seminar. 

Year 2: Admission to Candidacy

In our department, a student’s application for candidacy must be filed as soon as all requirements for Year 1 and Year 2 are completed (and by the end of the 2nd year). The decision to advance a student to candidacy is made based on a holistic assessment of the student’s progress in the program. For more information, please refer to the Graduate Guide, section on Admission to Candidacy. 

Conferral of a masters degree: Graduate students in the Department of Psychology who have completed (a) the first-year and second-year course requirements and (b) at least 45 units of Psychology courses may apply for a conferral of the MA degree.

Master of Arts Degree in Psychology (Optional)

Graduate students in the Department of Psychology who have completed (a) the first-year and second-year course requirements and (b) at least 45 units of Psychology courses may apply for conferral of the MA degree. The application should be reviewed with the Student Services Manager. The  application process  typically occurs in 2nd or 3rd year.

Year 3: Research Plan and Dissertation Reading Committee   

Students in Year 3 are expected to:

(1) Form a dissertation reading committee (due Feb 1): The research committee includes the dissertation advisor and at least 2 additional faculty members, for a total of 3 members, at least two of whom should have primary appointments in the Psychology Department. 

(2) Schedule and hold the 3rd Year Committee Meeting to take place in Winter or Spring quarter (before June 1), and submit a research plan to their committee 2 weeks before the meeting

(3) After the committee meeting, submit the Research Plan to the Student Services Manager and report the meeting date using the Committee Meeting Google Form .

Year 4: Area Review and Research Roadmap (ARRR) and Committee Meeting

Students in Year 4 are expected to:

(1) Schedule and hold the 4th Year Committee Meeting in the Winter quarter and submit an Area Review & Research Roadmap (ARRR) to the committee two weeks before the meeting.

(2) After the committee meeting, submit the ARRR to the Student Services Manager and report the meeting date using the Committee Meeting Google Form . 

Final Year: Oral Examination and Dissertation  

Students in Year 3 and above are expected to hold a committee meeting every year. In their final year, students must form their Oral Examination Committee including identifying an external chair. Students must submit the Oral Exam Form to the Student Services Manager at least 2 weeks before the anticipated defense and follow the standard Department protocol for reserving a room for their defense.

Individual Development Plan

Every year, each graduate student completes an Individual Development Plan (IDP) and has a meeting with their advisor to discuss the IDP and set an Action Plan for the coming year. The goal of the IDP is for the student to step back from their daily tasks, reflect on the larger picture, discuss these topics with their mentor, and make an action plan for achieving their goals going forward. The IDP meeting must occur by June 1 each year. 

The IDP process has 4 steps:

1. Student completeness the IDP Self-Reflection form  

2. Student prepares the IDP Meeting and Action Plan form and schedules a one-on-one meeting with the advisor. 

3. Student and Advisor(s) complete the Action Plan (pages 3-4 of the IDP Meeting and Action Plan form ). 

4. Student submits the IDP Meeting Google Form to report the meeting to the Student Services.

Students can also use the IDP meeting to discuss mentorship expectations and schedule additional meetings if further conversations are needed. Note that first-year students must schedule a separate meeting with their advisors to discuss Mentorship Expectation as a part of their ProSem requirement

Graduation Quarter

Registration for Graduation Quarter is required for the term in which a student submits a dissertation or has a degree conferred. Please consult the Registrar's Academic Calendar for the quarterly deadlines for submitting dissertations; they are strict, and missing the deadline can have serious funding implications. For more information, please refer to the Graduate Guide and Registrar's Office website .

PhD Program Timeline At-A-Glance

• FYP Proposal and name of 2nd reader due to Student Services

End of Fall Quarter 

• Complete the mentorship expectations meeting with advisor
• FYP due to Student Services, advisor, and 2nd reader

Summer of 1st Year

• Meet and receive feedback from advisor and 2nd reader
• Submit  Advanced Units coursework form  to Student Services

June 1  

• IDP Meeting Due

By the end of 2nd Year

• Submit  Candidacy Form  to Student Services
• Submit  Doctoral Dissertation Reading Committee form  to Student Services
• Schedule 3rd Year Committee Meeting
• Hold Committee Meeting (Research Plan to committee 2 weeks before meeting), and report meeting to Student Services; IDP Meeting
• Schedule 4th Year Committee Meeting
• Submit ARRR to the committee two weeks before the meeting
• Hold Committee Meeting
• Report meeting to Student Services
• IDP Meeting

2 weeks before Defense: 

• Submit the  Oral Exam form  to Student Services

End of Spring Quarter: 

• Oral Examination
• Submit Dissertation 
• Schedule and hold a 5th Year Committee Meeting 

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How to Get a PhD in Psychology (10 Steps)

A PhD in Psychology is the ultimate degree—a symbol of your commitment to the discipline and a representation of your knowledge and skills. Held by top-tier researchers, instructors in higher education, and clinical practitioners alike, a clinical psychology PhD may help you and the people and organizations you might one day serve. 1

While the benefits of a PhD in Psychology may be clear to you, how to go about earning this doctorate degree might feel confusing—until now.

Here’s how to get a PhD in Psychology, what to expect in a doctoral degree program, and what you might gain from obtaining one.

Start Your Journey

Step 1: Understand the PhD Path

A PhD, or Doctor of Philosophy, in Psychology is one of two of the highest degrees in the field of psychology. (The other is a PsyD , or Doctor of Psychology, a doctorate degree created in the 1970s to prepare students specifically for the rigors of working in clinical settings.) 2 A clinical psychology PhD may enable you to work in a variety of environments and a range of roles.

As such, earning this degree is an involved, immersive, and often exciting process that’s composed of: 3

• Statistics and methods
• Assessments 
• Clinical treatments

Coursework in a PhD program now frequently integrates discussions on psychology and technology , examining how digital advancements are transforming therapeutic methods and research techniques.

• Research – Research makes up the majority of the work you’ll do as a PhD student. Typically under the guidance of your mentor/dissertation advisor, you’ll delve into a topic of your choosing within the field. Examples of clinical psychology research topics include examining the effects of social media on teen suicide rates or the influence of childhood trauma on adult substance use disorder. Along the way, you’ll refine specific research skills: collecting and analyzing data, working with subjects/participating, and demonstrating your results.
• Clinical practicum and internships – Earning a PhD in Psychology also entails hands-on training in clinical practicums and/or internships. Generally speaking, you’ll perform an unpaid practicum for two years, followed by a one-year paid, clinical internship. 5 Precisely how you will fulfill this will depend on the program you choose, the opportunities within your community, and your concentration. A few examples include observing a clinical psychologist at a private practice, working with students at a university center, or conducting intakes at a substance abuse facility.
• Dissertation – Your dissertation is among the most important elements of your PhD program and the key to completing your degree. It serves several purposes: it illustrates your fluency in conducting research, demonstrates the knowledge you’ve gained in your PhD program, and adds an original contribution to existing psychology literature. 6

Step 2: Research Potential Programs

Finding the right PhD in Psychology program is paramount to your success. Researching potential programs is also one of the more thrilling aspects of pursuing a doctorate, but it needs to be approached strategically and mindfully. To that end, search for programs that, like the doctoral programs in psychology at Alliant International University, have received accreditation by the American Psychological Association (APA). 7

Accreditation essentially serves as a seal of approval and demonstrates to future employers, the general public, and licensing boards that you have the scientific knowledge required to work in the world of psychology.

Additionally, you may want to zero in on programs that:

• Feature faculty members who are at the top of their field and whose research interests reflect your own 8
• Offer the area of specialization you want to focus on, whether it’s clinical health psychology, multicultural community-clinical psychology, or family/child and couple psychology
• Promote work-life balance through online instruction, or a hybrid of online and in-person instruction and training
• Have a high attrition rate

Further, if you do opt for a program that demands in-person attendance and training, be sure that it’s geographically feasible for you. The cost of living in the area should also be factored into your decision. Lastly, if you’re an undergrad or just finishing up your master’s, consider asking the professors you trust and admire for program recommendations. 9

Step 3: Prepare Your Application

Application and admission requirements vary by institution. That said, most programs ask for: 10

• A completed application (along with the application fee)
• Official transcripts from your bachelor’s and/or master’s program with required credits
• CV or resume
• Letters of recommendation

Depending on the program you’ve selected, you may also need to submit GRE scores. Importantly, nearly all programs require a personal statement—a topic we’ll look at in more depth below. While a PhD equips you for high-level research and academic positions, you might wonder if you can be a clinical psychologist with a master's . Although possible, a PhD significantly broadens your professional scope.

Step 4: Gain Relevant Experience

Not only will obtaining relevant experience help strengthen your application package but it will also help you gain invaluable insights into the industry. It might also assist you in choosing a specialization, such as working one-on-one with trauma survivors or dedicating your professional life to neuropsychology research.

Fortunately, there are dozens of ways to get the type of experience that will help your application stand out from the competition: 11

• Research assistantships
• Volunteering at a mental health clinic
• Shadowing a clinical psychologist or substance abuse counselor
• Working for a crisis hotline

Keep in mind that some PhD in Psychology programs require a minimum amount of relevant experience before you can apply. In fact, the Association for Psychological Science (APS) asserts that doctoral applicants usually accrue two to three years of research experience before applying to graduate school. 12 All of this emphasizes the importance of conducting thorough research on your schools of interest.

Step 5: Submit Strong Letters of Recommendation

Letters of recommendation are a crucial component of your doctoral application. In fact, some state that your letters of recommendation are more important to the decision process than grades. 13

Usually, they’re written by former professors and/or former employers or psychology professionals you’ve interned for or shadowed.

Be sure to request letters of recommendation from those with whom you have a visible track record. In addition, request letters well ahead of your application deadline, even as much as a year in advance of when you think you’ll start applying for your doctoral program.

Talk to Our Advisors

Step 6: Craft a Compelling Personal Statement

Almost every doctorate in psychology program requires a personal statement. As one of the most critical elements of your application (some indicate that it’s more important than your GRE scores and GPA), it should describe, in detail, your: 14

• Interest in the particular program you’re applying to and why
• Academic and research objectives
• Research and field experience and how they align with the particular program
• Intended area of specialization

Experts consulted by the APA also advise against using three things in your personal statement: humor, hyperbole, and “hard luck,” such as describing the obstacles you’ve overcome.

Step 7: Ace the Interview

Happen to receive an interview offer? Congratulations—your application clearly stood out!

The interview process may start with what’s known as a pre-interview, or a brief conversation to evaluate your fit with the program and department. 15 This may be followed by an on-campus interview that asks basic questions, such as the impact you hope your PhD project has and why you believe you’re the right candidate, as well as more precise questions prompted by your specific experience. 16

One of the best ways to make a solid, lasting impression is to create a bulleted list of your research interests. Practicing answers to the questions you anticipate ahead of time can also help ensure a smoother dialogue. And remember: you’ll be interviewing for the program, too.

Step 8: Consider Funding Options

The financial assistance you may receive will likely be an enormous determining factor in the program you choose. As discussed, funding may arrive in the form of:

• Grants 
• Scholarships
• Tuition remission
• Employer tuition reimbursement

Alliant International University, for example, has several forms of funding options available to doctoral candidates—those listed above, as well as fellowship assistantships .

Step 9: Plan Your Coursework and Dissertation

Once you’re accepted into a program, you should select your area of specialization, plot out your coursework, and choose your dissertation topic.

The APA notes that doctoral candidates should ideally land on a dissertation topic within the first year or two of their program. 17 Why? Because it will give your program enhanced focus and a guiding theme.

To jumpstart your thinking:

• Consult with instructors who are active in cutting-edge psychology research 
• Assess your topic’s viability and manageability (and if it will serve as an original contribution to existing research)
• Pinpoint the problems and questions you foresee and how you will approach them

Above all, be sure to choose a topic that will sustain your interest and excitement throughout the duration of your program. Earning a PhD in Psychology is a time-intensive commitment. Four to six years is about how long it takes to get a psychology PhD, but it varies by person based on how they balance their personal schedules with coursework, research, and clinical training.

Step 10: Engage in Professional Development Opportunities

One of the biggest benefits of obtaining a PhD in Psychology? The connections you may be able to make, such as through your internship and clinical practicum, as well as psychology conferences and seminars.

Yet, some of the strongest relationships you build might be right inside your program. And this brings us to our final piece of advice: consider choosing a program that features a warm and supportive faculty and a diverse collection of students who will motivate you throughout your academic journey—and beyond.

Your Path Begins Here

At Alliant International University, our PhD in Clinical Psychology program features a faculty that will challenge you in the best possible way alongside a nurturing, engaging learning environment.

Enrich your knowledge and prepare to make a lasting difference in the field of psychology. Apply today and start your journey.

Sources: 

• “What Can You Do with a Doctorate in Psychology?” Psychology.org | Psychology’s Comprehensive Online Resource, March 18, 2024. https://www.psychology.org/resources/jobs-with-a-doctorate-in-psycholog… ;
• Cherry, Kendra. “PsyD vs. Phd in Psychology: Which Is Right for You?” Verywell Mind, October 27, 2023. https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-a-psyd-2795135.  
• “Psychology Doctorate Phd Defined: Explore Academic, Internship and Research Requirements for a Psychology Phd.” Psychologist, March 24, 2021. https://www.psychologist-license.com/types-of-psychologists/psychologist-doctorate-phd/.  
• “Daily Activities of a Clinical Psychology Phd Student.” Simply Mental Health, November 13, 2022. https://simplymentalhealth.ca/2022/11/13/daily-activities-of-a-clinical-psychology-phd-student/.  
• “Internships and Practicums.” Psychology.org | Psychology’s Comprehensive Online Resource, April 10, 2024. https://www.psychology.org/resources/internships-and-practicums/.  
• Herbert, Robyn S, Spencer C Evans, Jessy Guler, and Michael C Roberts. “Predictors of Dissertation Publication in Clinical and Counseling Psychology.” Training and education in professional psychology, November 2022. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9635593 .
•  “APA-Accredited Programs.” American Psychological Association. Accessed April 21, 2024. https://accreditation.apa.org/accredited-programs#.  
• “Choosing a Graduate Program.” Association for Psychological Science - APS. Accessed April 21, 2024. https://www.psychologicalscience.org/members/apssc/undergraduate_update/summer-2011/choosing-a-graduate-program.  
• “Clinch Your Graduate School Acceptance.” American Psychological Association. Accessed April 21, 2024. https://www.apa.org/gradpsych/2007/11/cover-acceptance.  
• “Best Doctorate in Psychology Degree Programs of 2024.” Intelligent, April 3, 2024. https://www.intelligent.com/best-doctorate-in-psychology-programs/.  
• 14 ways to get clinical psychology work experience | indeed.com UK. Accessed April 18, 2024. https://uk.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/clinical-psychology-work-experience.  
• “Rockin’ Recommendations.” American Psychological Association. Accessed April 21, 2024. https://www.apa.org/gradpsych/features/2009/recommendation.  
• “Preparing Your Personal Statement for Graduate School Applications.” American Psychological Association. Accessed April 21, 2024. https://www.apa.org/ed/precollege/psn/2016/09/graduate-school-applications.  
• To ace your interview for doctoral psychology admission. Accessed April 22, 2024. https://mitch.web.unc.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/4922/2021/12/PsiChiI… ;
• Top 10 common Phd interview questions and answers. Accessed April 21, 2024. https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/interviewing/common-phd-interview-questions.  
• “Starting the Dissertation.” American Psychological Association. Accessed April 21, 2024. https://www.apa.org/gradpsych/2005/01/starting.&nbsp ;

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Transfer in up to 50% of the degree total

Understand the Human Experience from a Biblical Worldview with an Online PhD in Psychology

Do you want to deepen your knowledge in psychology and use your research to contribute to the field of understanding human behavior? Liberty University’s PhD in Psychology can provide rigorous research training that can better prepare you for a career in academia and research. An online PhD in Psychology is ideal for students who want to bring new knowledge of human behavior to the field and find new ways to help people heal, grow, and thrive.

Liberty’s PhD in Psychology is designed to prepare you to evaluate research and to understand the truth about human behavior from a biblical worldview. Our mission is to  Train Champions for Christ , and we fulfill this mission by training professionals to use science and biblical values to understand the full breadth of the human experience. Our unique, biblically-based approach to this field can help prepare you to make a positive impact on those you work with.

With Liberty’s PhD in Psychology, you can take part in optional face-to-face on-campus intensives that will allow you to meet faculty and other students while you develop your professional and research skills.

What Will You Study in Our PhD in Psychology Degree?

Liberty’s online PhD in Psychology is designed to build on your previous study and experience in human psychology and develop you into a researcher and psychologist who demonstrates ethical and academic excellence while integrating biblical values into your practice.

Through this program, you will:

• Learn how an appreciation of biblical values enhances psychiatric practice by putting human value at the forefront of technique and theory.
• Develop a grounded critical approach to psychiatric research and theory while integrating a biblical worldview into approaches to current issues in psychology.
• Master psychiatric research and writing techniques that can establish your work in the study of human behavior.
• Complete dissertation research through your program with mentorship from your professors so that you have the option to present research at conferences.

Through this program, you will be encouraged to become a thought leader on a variety of topics related to the human experience. Our goal is to help you venture into the world of psychiatric research and practice and offer insights based on biblical foundations of truth that can help people heal and thrive.

Featured Courses

• PSYC 510 — Research Methods and Statistics in Psychology I
• PSYC 710 — Psychological Research and Biblical Worldview
• PSYC 716 — Theories and Research in Industrial/Organizational Psychology
• PSYC 775 — Teaching of Psychology

Degree Information

• This program falls under the  School of Behavioral Sciences .
• View the  Graduate Behavioral Sciences Course Guides   (login required).
• View the  PhD in Psychology Dissertation Handbook
• The online PhD in Psychology is a non-clinical, non-licensure program.

Why Choose Liberty’s Online Degree?

To help you meet your educational goals in a way that fits your life, our online PhD in Psychology provides scheduling flexibility and keeps affordability in mind. Our PhD in Psychology’s online format allows you to take your classes from home without traveling to campus. However, this program still provides a community of psychology professionals and the ability to take optional intensive courses to allow you to connect in person.

Throughout this program, Liberty incorporates a biblical worldview into your instruction. This perspective in your research and practical training in psychology can help you develop professional and academic excellence without compromising an ethical appreciation for human life. Additionally, our caring faculty are devoted to helping you grow personally and academically.

With our online PhD in Psychology, you can learn effective clinical techniques, essential behavioral theory, and develop your research and writing expertise. You can be equipped with a thorough understanding of human thought and behavior while developing your own research to further the field.

Earning a PhD in Psychology online with Liberty means that you will be trained to engage with research and psychiatric practice critically and biblically. If you are interested in becoming a thoughtful, articulate, and research-focused professional, then this is the program for you.

Ranked in the Top 10% of Niche.com’s Best Online Schools in America

• What Sets Us Apart?
• Private Nonprofit University
• 600+ Online Degrees
• No Standardized Testing for Admission
• Transfer in up to 75% of an Undergrad Degree
• Transfer in up to 50% of a Grad/Doctoral Degree

Potential Career Opportunities for PhD in Psychology Graduates

• Corporate psychologist
• Program or department head
• Project manager

Degree Options for Our PhD in Psychology Program

Focus your studies in psychology with a specialization.

Behavioral Health Leadership

Through the  PhD in Psychology – Behavioral Health Leadership , you can hone your research and leadership skills as you prepare to pursue administrative and management positions in mental and behavioral health organizations.

View the Degree Completion Plan .

Developmental Psychology

Through the online  PhD in Psychology – Developmental Psychology , you can learn about research theory related to human development, including cognitive development, social development, and language development.

General Psychology

The online PhD in Psychology – General Psychology provides an in-depth study of advanced psychiatric research and practice while giving you room to customize your course content.

Industrial/Organizational Psychology

In the online  PhD in Psychology – Industrial/Organizational Psychology  track, you will study human behavior in organizations and the workplace. You will focus on deriving principles of individual, group, and organizational behavior and applying that knowledge to developing solutions for challenges in the workplace.

Social Psychology

In the online  PhD in Psychology – Social Psychology  track, you can learn about research and theory related to social processes and relationships, attitudes, and other constructs related to social psychology.

In the online  PhD in Psychology – Theology  track, you can learn how to study the Bible and integrate that study of the Bible with research in psychology to further your understanding of psychological concepts.

Not sure what to choose?

Speak to one of our admissions specialists to help you choose the program that best fits your needs.

Tuition & Aid

Your success is our success, which is why we are committed to providing quality academics at an affordable tuition rate. While other colleges are increasing their tuition, we have frozen tuition rates for the majority of our undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs for the past 9 years – and counting.

Eligible current and former military service members and their spouses may qualify for a special rate of $300/credit hour ( learn more ) .

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Financial Aid & Scholarships

Financial Aid Forms & Eligibility

Scholarship Opportunities

Admission Information for Our PhD in Psychology

Admission requirements.

• A non-refundable, non-transferable $50 application fee will be posted on the current application upon enrollment (waived for qualifying service members, veterans, and military spouses – documentation verifying military status is required) .
• Send official college transcripts (mailed as sealed, unopened copies or sent via a direct electronic transcript system). A regionally or nationally accredited master’s degree with at least a 3.0 GPA is required for admission in good standing.
• Contact information  for 2 recommenders is required (approved recommenders are the student’s former college professors or supervisors).
• Statement of Purpose  is required (1,000-1,500 words, double spaced).
• Departmental approval is required.
• Applicants whose native language is other than English must submit official scores for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or an approved alternative assessment. For information on alternative assessments or TOEFL waivers, please call Admissions or view the official International Admissions policy .

Preliminary Acceptance

If you are sending in a preliminary transcript for acceptance, you must:

• Be in your final term and planning to start your doctoral degree after the last day of class for your master’s degree.
• Complete a Master’s Self-Certification Form confirming your completion date. You may download the form from the Forms and Downloads page or contact an admissions counselor to submit the form on your behalf.
• Submit an official transcript to confirm that you are in your final term. The preliminary transcript must show that you are within 6 credit hours of completion for a 30-48 credit hour master’s degree or within 9 credit hours of completion for a 49+ credit hour master’s degree.
• Send in an additional, final official transcript with a conferral date on it by the end of your first semester of enrollment in the new doctoral degree.

Transcript Policies

Official college transcript policy.

An acceptable official college transcript is one that has been issued directly from the institution and is in a sealed envelope. If you have one in your possession, it must meet the same requirements. If your previous institution offers electronic official transcript processing, they can send the document directly to [email protected] .

Admissions Office Contact Information

(800) 424-9596

(888) 301-3577

Email for Questions

[email protected]

Email for Documents

[email protected]

Liberty University Online Admissions Verification

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Lynchburg, VA 24515

Liberty University is dedicated to providing world-class educational experiences to military students across the globe.

Who May Qualify?

• Active Duty
• Reserve/National Guard
• Veterans/Retirees
• Spouses of Service Members and Veterans/Retirees

Military Tuition Discount

We want to help you find the doctoral degree you want – at a price you’ve earned. As a thank-you for your military service, Liberty University offers eligible current and former service members like you or your spouse multiple pathways to earn a doctoral degree for only $300/credit hour . Find out how you can take advantage of this unique opportunity as you work toward your goal of reaching the pinnacle of your profession – for less.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there opportunities to interact in-person with peers.

You can meet faculty and fellow students in person through optional on-campus intensives.

Can I have an impact through this degree?

Through your dissertation, you can contribute to the understanding of human experience and behavior.

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PhD in Psychology in USA: 2024 Top Universities, Tuition Fees, Admission Requirements and Placements

• Tuition Fees: PhD in Psychology in USA tuition fees ranges from 25,000 USD to 70,000 USD (20 to 58 Lakh INR).
• Number of Universities: There are 40+ universities in USA offering PhD in Psychology to international students.
• Admission Requirements: International students with a bachelor's, master’s or equivalent degree with a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale (83-86%), are eligible for PhD in Psychology in USA.
• Stipend: Students pursuing PhD in Psychology get paid a stipend of 25,000 to 44,000 USD (20 Lakh to 36 Lakh INR).

PhD in Psychology in USA is a 4-7 years full-time program available across the top ranked universities. Students planning PhD in Psychology in USA admissions will have to fulfill some admission requirements, such as:

• A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree
• GPA: Minimum GPA of 3.0/4.0
• GRE Scores: Optional but recommended score of 161+ in both verbal and quantitative

Students pursuing PhD in Psychology in USA get their USA health insurance fee covered and a stipend of 25,000 to 44,000 USD (20 Lakh to 36 Lakh INR). PhD in Psychology graduates in USA earn an average salary of 92,000 USD (76.63 Lakh INR) per annum. Common professions pursued by these graduates include research scientist, professor, education advisor, clinical psychologist, and lecturer among others.

Top Universities for PhD in Psychology in USA

Most psychology doctoral programs are usually found in academic departments within the colleges of arts and sciences. However, some can also be found in professional universities in USA focused on psychology, education, business, medicine, and engineering. A list of the top universities offering PhD in Psychology in USA is provided below:

Why Study PhD in Psychology in USA?

Given below are some pointers explaining what makes USA a preferred study destination for studying PhD in Psychology:

• The top 10 universities in USA offering PhD in Psychology are ranked within the 30 top universities in the world . A degree from these universities not only provides respect and recognition academically but also lets you perform in depth research in the subject.
• According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), less than 7,000 people earn a PhD in Psychology in USA, making it a high-demand degree.
• With average salary being 92,000 USD (76 Lakh INR) per annum, USA ensures a balanced professional career with lucrative earning potential after completing PhD in Psychology.
• According to BLS USA, from 2022 to 2032, the overall employment of psychologists is expected to increase by 6%, faster than the average across all professions. There will be approximately 12,800 job opportunities for psychologists each year during this decade.

PhD in Psychology in USA Requirements

Admission to PhD in Psychology in USA is available through the winter session. You will need a GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (83-86%), and a minimum GRE score of 161 in both verbal and quants. International applicants must have an TOEFL iBT score of 80+. An appealing SOP, 3 LORs and updated CV are some of the general requirements for admission to the program.

Eligibility for PhD in Psychology in USA

The admission requirements for PhD in Psychology in USA are distinct for each institution. Check the following university-specific admission requirements for the program:

PhD in Psychology in USA: Cost of Study

The tuition fees for PhD in Psychology in USA are different in some universities for each year of study and residence type. A range of the annual tuition fee for PhD in Psychology in USA is provided in the following table:

Cost of Living in USA

The cost of living in USA for an international student is on average 25,000 USD which roughly estimates to 20 lakhs INR. The cost of living in USA for a student studying physiotherapy is tabulated below:

PhD in Psychology in USA Scholarships

Majority of students pursuing PhD in USA get financial aid waiving off the tuition fee and providing regular stipends for personal expenses. A brief details of the financial assistance provided to all PhD students across some of the top universities in USA are as follows:

PhD in Psychology in USA Jobs

The popular professions after PhD in Psychology in USA are teacher/professor, clinical psychologist, academic coach, clinical school psychologist, lecturer, researcher among others. Some of the common professions and jobs in USA after PhD in Psychology are as follows:

PhD in Psychology in USA Return on Investment

The following table shows the average annual salary earned by a student who has completed their PhD in Psychology in USA, along with their tuition fees:

A doctoral degree from USA is appreciated around the world. More than 50% graduates of PhD in Psychology in USA tend to earn monetary bonuses. With exceptional research infrastructures, USA is currently one of the most fruitful places to study PhD in Psychology.

Ques: How long is a PhD in Psychology in USA?

Ans : Most programs related to PhD in Psychology in USA typically take between 4 to 7 years to complete. This time frame represents the general range, with some students completing their PhD studies in a shorter duration, while others may take longer.

Ques. How do I apply for a PhD in Psychology in USA?

Ans. You must have a bachelor’s or master’s degree or equivalent with a GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (83-86%) for the PhD program in USA. Supplementary documents required for the program include SOP (1000 words), 3 LORs, updated CV/resume, TOEFL score of 80+ and GRE score of 161+ in verbal & quants.

Ques. How much does a psychology PhD cost in the USA?

Ans. PhD in Psychology in USA 25,000 USD to 70,000 USD (20 to 58 Lakh INR). Following are some of the top universities offering PhD in Psychology in USA, along with their tuition fees:

Ques. How much does a PhD in psychology make in the US?

Ans . Some of the common professions and jobs in USA after PhD in Psychology are as follows:

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Best Online Master’s in Psychology Programs for 2024

The COVID-19 pandemic helped highlight the importance of personal health and wellbeing. A master’s degree in psychology is a necessary step for people who are interested in becoming a psychologist after completing a doctorate degree, or it can qualify you for a growing number of other career opportunities. And an online program offers flexibility to build your interpersonal skill set and advance your degree—while still working. Fortune ranked nine online master’s degree programs in psychology. This ranking was last updated May 2022.

MA in Psychology from Pepperdine

1. Pepperdine University

• ACCEPTANCE RATE
• AVERAGE UNDERGRADUATE GPA
• CREDITS REQUIRED TO GRADUATE

2. Ball State University

3. Kansas State University

Pepperdine’s Online MAP

4. keiser university.

5. Regent University

6. divine mercy university, 7. angelo state university.

8. Golden Gate University

• $1,090 per credit

9. University of Louisiana–Monroe

• $499 per credit

Sandra Murray, PhD

Tell us a bit about your background: What is your area of research? What is your most recent journal-editing experience? 

I am a social psychologist. I received my PhD at the University of Waterloo, where I had the good fortune to be mentored by John Holmes and Dale Griffin and surrounded by a wonderfully vibrant and challenging faculty, including Mark Zanna, Mike Ross, Ziva Kunda, Geoff Fong, and Joanne Wood. Very broadly, my research examines motivated cognitive processes in romantic relationships. Across the years, my research has examined how the goal to feel safe from being hurt and the goal to perceive meaning and purpose in commitment influence both one another and ultimately how people think, feel, and behave in romantic relationships. Most recently, I have been examining how broad systems of relationship interdependence intersect and affect one another, such that the safety people find (or fail to find) in romantic relationships affects how they perceive the sociopolitical world, and vice versa.

I spent 3 years as an associate editor of the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology: Interpersonal Relations and Group Processes ( JPSP: IRGP ; when Jeff Simpson was editor). More recently, I completed a stint as an associate editor for Personality and Social Psychology Review (when Monica Biernat was editor).

Briefly, what are your main priorities? For example, how will you grow readership, what type of scholarship would you like to see in the journal, and what kind of content are you hoping to attract?

I am tremendously fortunate to have assembled an amazing and supportive group of associate editors. The associate editors on my team have been very active collaborators in developing our shared vision for the decision-making process we would like authors and reviewers to use when they submit and evaluate submissions for this section.

My team shares the perspective that relationships—whether between friends, romantic partners, parents and children, coworkers, ingroups, outgroups, communities, or cultural groups—constitute the essential fabric of human existence. Our hope is that submissions to this section will offer new insights into how the relationships people share with others affect their experience of themselves and the world around them, ultimately affecting their personal or collective well-being. We especially welcome submissions that increase understanding of how relationships function in diverse sociocultural contexts.

When I was in graduate school, the faculty at Waterloo impressed on us students that we could better understand basic social psychological processes by studying contexts that matter. My hope is that contributions to JPSP: IRGP will wield the field’s knowledge base and methodological tools to shed new theoretical light on personal and collective problems that need to be solved for humankind to thrive. Specifically, I hope the articles my team selects for publication in JPSP: IRGP will advance an inclusive understanding of interpersonal and intergroup relations by (a) identifying important real-world social problems, (b) seeking to identify mechanisms that explain why those problems exist and whether they might disproportionately affect particular groups of people, and then (c) using convergent research methods inside and outside the lab to answer these questions

My team and I also share the perspective that the articles published in this section need to be accessible to readers who are not deeply invested in the particular research question the article is examining. This is one of the reasons we made several changes to the submission guidelines: We are hoping to make it more likely that the articles published in this section will be easily appreciated and read by a broad and diverse group of scholars, which should help to widen readership for the journal and communicate the results of the research to the broader community.

Journal importance

Why is this journal important to the field? What is its relevance to society/public health?

JPSP: IRGP serves as the premier outlet for scholars studying interpersonal and intergroup relationships. Many of the ways that people feel, think, and behave on a day-to-day basis depend on the relationships they have or imagine they have with others—not just the relationships with those closest to them but relationships with strangers, outgroups, and societal leaders and broader institutions as well. Social relationships profoundly affect a person’s physical and psychological health and even the risk of early death. The research published in this section is important because the researchers conducting it are working to understand the forces that can either strengthen or imperil the very social connections that people rely on for survival.

What challenges, if any, lie ahead for the field?

In the past decade, the challenges to the field have come from within it, through the collective recognition that the rigor, transparency, and replicability of psychological science needed to be increased. In the future, I think the most significant challenges will come from outside the field—from a society that is becoming more distrustful of science and scientists and from lobbying and legislation that restrict the nature of the questions scientists can ask and the knowledge they can communicate. Psychologists require the cooperation and faith of the surrounding community to do their best work. An experience I had about 20 years ago made this really clear to me. I and a cognitive psychologist at another institution had our National Institutes of Health grants defunded by Congress as a result of an amendment that one representative attached to a Department of Health and Human Services appropriations bill. With APA’s support, we visited various Congressional offices to talk about the importance of peer review and the research itself. Ultimately, the funding for both grants was restored in conference committee. This happened because the broader academic community joined together and people in Congress with the power to remove the amendment listened to our community. This required our community to trust in the process, and it required Congress to trust in our community and science in general.

When I think about what is happening in the world right now and look to the future, I see gaining and then retaining the trust of our collective community as the field’s most important and likely ongoing challenge. This is not an easy challenge to navigate, because a lot of forces are operating that we cannot control. But that does not change the fact that the communities that surround us need to trust us to participate in our research and support our research with their tax dollars. I do not have a magic bullet for gaining and keeping their trust, but I think our field is well positioned to figure this out. Applying our theories and methods to understand issues that meaningfully affect people’s lives and making sure we communicate the answers to those questions in ways that are respectful of people’s divergent perspectives and shared humanity, accessible to nonexperts, and sensitive to the limitations of our methods and samples seems like a good place to start in strengthening community trust.

Do you have plans for a special issue or changes to the editorial process?

Yes, my team and I have worked to fine-tune the excellent traditions set by our predecessors by instituting changes to both the submission and the review guidelines. With our new submission guidelines, we are hoping to recalibrate people’s mindsets about what a JPSP: IRGP submission should look like. Because of JPSP ’s reputation as a highly competitive journal, it is easy for authors to fall into the trap of using the number of studies as a heuristic to judge whether a manuscript is ready to submit to the journal or appropriate for publication in the journal. We think this has contributed to “study creep,” such that the length and number of studies in JPSP: IRGP submissions have become unmanageable for authors, reviewers, and readers alike. In talking to students and colleagues over the years, I have found that many people have given up trying to publish in JPSP because they feel like the process is too punishing and the formula for the perfect JPSP: IRGP article is too unattainable. I have also had conversations where people have revealed that they did not send something they were really excited about to JPSP: IRGP because they did not think they had enough of the right kind of studies to be competitive.

My team and I are hoping that rather than using the number of studies as a heuristic to gauge whether they have enough for a JPSP: IRGP submission, authors will put the innovativeness and generativity of their ideas first in deciding whether their work should be submitted to JPSP: IRGP . We also hope authors will think about whether they have found support for their hypotheses using more than one method, including methods that are grounded in real-world processes. I would like to see researchers move away from testing hypotheses only through vignette- or scenario-based studies conducted with online samples. Although such studies can be valuable, asking people to imagine how they think they might behave in response to a completely hypothetical scenario or event is unlikely to reveal enough about how people actually behave in such situations. These types of studies provide a piece of the puzzle, but interpersonal and intergroup relationships are complex, and researchers are going to need to get in the weeds a bit by doing research in real-world, messy contexts to truly understand them. Reflecting this philosophy, our editorial team will weigh the difficulty of testing the hypothesis test when evaluating submissions, recognizing that more rigorous (e.g., experiment vs. correlational study), behavioral, and time-intensive methodologies may yield compelling conclusions with fewer than five studies. That is, all else being equal, we will prioritize the quality over the quantity of the studies.

In terms of submission guidelines, I would like to highlight the following changes (which are spelled out in more detail in the submission guidelines found on the JPSP webpage ). We have made these changes because we want submitting to JPSP: IRGP to feel like an attainable goal, and we want the articles published in this section to be read and gain the attention they deserve.

First, we are now limiting the number of studies reported in the manuscript text to a maximum of five (with any other studies reported in the supplemental materials). By capping the number of studies authors can report in the main text, we hope to make it easier for members of our field to read and enjoy more articles, widening the section’s reach. We also hope to encourage scholars who are using more immersive and time-intensive methodologies that limit the number of studies that can be run to submit to the journal.

Second, we are limiting the total word count for all introductory and discussion sections to no more than 5,000 words. We hope this will increase the number of people who will ultimately read an article, broadening the impact of the published work.

Third, we are encouraging authors to write their Results sections so that they are accessible to readers with general statistical expertise. We suggest relying on figures and explanatory text to communicate the findings and relegating any more complex and detailed justification of the statistical methods to tables, notes, or supplemental materials. We would also like authors to prioritize integrative analyses across data sets and meta-analyses.

Fourth, we would like authors to discuss salient alternative explanations for the reported findings. Alternative explanations may include questions of construct validity (e.g., an alternative conceptualization of the meaning of a manipulation or measure), alternative or additional mechanisms or mediators, or alternative causal models.

Fifth, we would like authors to acknowledge (a) points of theoretical connection or disconnection to related theories and (b) how readily the findings may generalize to nonstudied populations.

In terms of review guidelines, we have also made some changes that we hope will ease reviewer burden and afford greater transparency about editorial decisions.

First, we are very actively triaging submissions. The associate editor and I have already vetted the submissions we send out to reviewers, so reviewers will be investing time in evaluating only those submissions that stand a reasonable chance of being published in the journal. Second, whenever possible, the action editor will render decisions about revised manuscripts without soliciting further or new reviews. If the editor needs additional consultation, such consultation will generally be sought from the most appropriate of the original reviewers.

Second, we have introduced a branch reviewing structure that we hope will streamline the process for reviewers and make editorial decisions clearer for editors and authors alike. As a first step, we are asking reviewers to evaluate and describe whether the submission’s underlying ideas capture interest and imagination for their high potential to make an innovative and generative contribution. In making this judgment, reviewers are to consider just the theory or ideas, not the strength of the studies or the data. As is the case with JPSP: ASC , we explicitly tell reviewers that submissions can make innovative theoretical contributions in numerous ways, including but not limited to (a) developing a new theory and offering evidence to support it, (b) using an existing theory to explain a new phenomenon, (c) making novel connections between two theories to address new questions, (d) using an existing theory to integrate previously unconnected phenomena, (e) providing a new mechanistic explanation for established phenomena, (f) conceptualizing moderators that explain conflicting predictions in the literature or reveal the conditions under which an established phenomenon occurs, (g) introducing new elements to a theory that failed to explain a phenomenon, and (h) introducing a new theoretical construct and demonstrating its importance.

The content of the remainder of the review then depends on the reviewers’ answer to the question of whether the submission makes an innovative contribution. If the answer to the innovation question is no, then we ask reviewers to explain why the submission falls short of the bar for JPSP: IRGP consideration and to comment on any major methodological limitations the editor or authors should consider. If the answer to the innovation question is yes or probably yes, then we ask reviewers to thoroughly evaluate the persuasiveness or sufficiency of the theoretical justification, studies, and data. That is, we ask reviewers to (a) identify the submission’s strengths and (b) identify and categorize its limitations as central or peripheral. Central limitations are ones that authors must address for the studies and data to be interpretable (e.g., incorrect analyses, confounds, missing literature, unclear justifications). Peripheral limitations are ones that authors could address to make already compelling studies and data unassailable, providing the proverbial icing on an already well-executed cake.

Our team will be willing to extend an “accept with revision” invitation on the first round of reviews if reviewers identify the submission as sufficiently innovative and having no central limitations. We will extend a “revise and resubmit” invitation only when central limitations can be addressed using the existing studies and data. We will decline submissions that require new studies or data to address central limitations. However—and this is really important—authors can submit manuscripts with new studies or data that remedy central limitations in rejected submissions. Our decision letters will make our level of enthusiasm about seeing a new submission clear to the authors.

Our hope is that these guidelines will make it easier for reviewers to structure their comments and for editors to render transparent decisions. My team and I see ourselves as ambassadors for the field, and we are really excited to be in the position to help showcase our field’s best ideas and methods. Please submit!

About the journal

Journal of Personality and Social Psychology publishes original papers in all areas of personality and social psychology and emphasizes empirical reports, but may include specialized theoretical, methodological, and review papers.

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Editor Spotlight features interviews with the newly-appointed editors of APA Journals.

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Newsletter Edition

• > newsletter

Summer 2024

Published: 06/21/2024

Letter from the Chair

As we welcome the vibrant season of summer, I am thrilled to share the latest updates and achievements from our dynamic Department of Psychology here at the University of Washington. This season of renewal and growth mirrors the exciting developments and remarkable accomplishments within our community.

Our department continues to lead in cutting-edge research that advances the field of psychology. Our faculty continue to secure substantial grants from the National Institutes of Health, the National Science Foundation, and private foundations to investigate research related to mental health, autism, language development, alcohol use, vision, and hearing (to name a few).

The passion and dedication of our students never ceases to amaze. Congratulations to our amazing undergraduate students who have received a number of impressive awards this past year that include honors such as Aric Chandler Scholars (Mariana Lemos, Mya Leonhard, and Charlie Stebbins), James Steele Scholars (Laila AlMansour, Samuel Burke, Maryam Goudarzi, Amaris Ilar, Olivia Leland, Morgan Opdahl, Rosa Peterson, and Edgar Quiroz Sanchez), Levinson Emerging Scholars (Kavin Srinakarin and Dave Young), Mary Gates Scholars (Laila AlMansour, Maeve Bottoms, Mary Bun, Gina Goble, and Anastasiya Polyakova), a nominee for the Dean’s Medal (Amaris Ilar), and a student selected as one of this year’s Husky 100 (Jillian Holbrook). In addition, our graduate students have also excelled, presenting their research at numerous national and international conferences, and receiving accolades for their outstanding contributions.

We are very proud of our graduating students this year, and at the graduation ceremony we celebrated their hard work and achievements. The resilience and dedication of our graduating class has been exceptional, and we are proud to send them off to make significant contributions to the field of psychology.

As we move forward, our department remains committed to fostering an inclusive, innovative, and supportive environment for all. We are excited about the future and the opportunities that lie ahead. Thank you for your continued support and involvement in our department's journey. We hope you will consider making a gift to the Friends of Psychology fund, so we can continue to advance our educational and scientific mission. Together, we can make a difference.

We trust that you will enjoy reading the vibrant happenings in our Summer Newsletter. We wish you all a wonderful summer season filled with growth and new beginnings.

Warm Regards,

Dr. Joseph Sisneros

Chair, Department of Psychology

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In Memoriam: Stanley Sue

Stanley Sue, Ph.D., a renowned clinical psychologist and former UW Psychology faculty member from 1971-1981, passed away on June 6, 2024, at the age of 80. Sue was known for his contributions to the field of multicultural studies, specifically in relation to the mental health issues of ethnic minorities and the need for cultural competence in the treatment of psychological disorders. 

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Department of Psychology College of Social Science

90% of michigan state troopers are white - why making the force more representative is a challenge.

June 6, 2024 - Ann Marie Ryan, PhD

Experts see increasing diversity among police as a  key solution  to reducing racial bias in traffic stops, arrest rates and officer-involved shootings.

But while police agencies have invested in recruiting more racial minorities and women, progress in diversifying police forces has been slower than  the public wants .

As  a researcher who works with police agencies  to improve their hiring processes, I’m always looking for insights into how to accelerate this progress.

Retention is key

One important strategy focuses on retaining recruits throughout the training period. After all, recruiting diverse trainees means little if they never graduate from the academy and start police work.

To learn more about why some trainees drop out, my co-authors and I examined  88 years’ worth of data on attrition  from the academy that trains troopers for the Michigan State Police.

Our main finding is that attrition in Michigan is strongly related to economic trends, with the number of dropouts rising when the overall economy is thriving. However, we also saw higher attrition rates for women and ethnic and racial minorities who started training between 2001 and 2022. This was accompanied by a noticeable rise in attrition across all groups starting around 2014.

Losing these candidates has had an effect. The Michigan State Police reported that as of February 2024, its sworn trooper workforce  was 90% white  in a state that is 77% white.

The Michigan State Police has long struggled to maintain a diverse workforce. It hired its first Black trooper in 1967, but it operated under a consent decree – a court-ordered plan for addressing findings of discrimination – from 1977 until 1993, with the trend of declining diversity being a  point of concern for the past decade .

Beyond struggling with diversification, many police agencies face  critical staffing shortages , with  a 19.6% decline in officers  in Michigan from 2001 to 2023. Staffing shortages require current troopers to work long hours, leading to greater burnout and potentially slower response times. While there is some evidence that  hiring may have increased in the past year , challenges remain.

So how can recruiters ensure that minorities and women complete police training and make the transition to trooper?

Police work is complex

To answer that question, it helps to consider what police work requires.

An  effective police officer  needs extensive knowledge, skills and abilities. They must master legal procedures, make quick decisions and handle stress while maintaining integrity and empathy. They need excellent verbal communication and interpersonal skills. They must de-escalate violence and comfort the traumatized.

Physical strength and fitness are essential for disarming threats and rescuing the injured.

Psychological health is crucial, especially given the heightened focus on preventing police brutality. Police forces must maintain high standards, even during workforce shortages.

In research with the Michigan State Police, my colleagues and I found that many recruits express “culture shock” regarding the job’s demands.

Family concerns about the danger of the job and the realities of night shifts and working holidays contribute to a lack of willingness of many people to apply or remain in training.

Research also finds that ethnic and racial minorities are  less likely to have family and friends who have been police  and thus have less insider knowledge of what the job entails.

Agencies are  addressing these challenges  with prep programs that help individuals understand the demands of this challenging job before hiring. They also are engaging with families of recruits, mentoring them and focusing on trooper wellness from the start.

What repels, what attracts

My colleagues and I also examined how students pursuing degrees in criminal justice  decide policing is not a viable option .

We found they turned away from policing because of the dangerous conditions and working hours, a belief that police work lacked meaning, and a poor image of policing.

Women and nonbinary people were approximately nine times more likely – and racial and ethnic minorities 40 times more likely – to eliminate policing as a career option than their white male counterparts. Instead, these groups said they pursued opportunities in federal law enforcement, probation, corporate security and the law.

Our data shows about a quarter of racial and ethnic minorities explicitly noted concerns about the public’s distrust of policing and the potential for experiencing bias from both the public, such as taunts and insults, and from the organization in terms of assignments and promotions.

Guidance from the National Institute of Justice shows that providing consistent messaging  regarding resources and support  for diversity can improve attraction.

Research my colleagues and I conducted suggests that  stronger messaging  emphasizing the value of police work in  recruiting materials  would attract more ethnic minorities to apply.

Authenticity, transparency needed

Police departments often include photos of ethnic and racial minority officers in advertising. These materials feature statements about diversity and inclusion and highlight community engagement work.

These are  evidence-based recruitment practices  to signal an inclusive workplace to underrepresented individuals.

Research shows , however, that police work has become a stigmatized profession with diminished moral credibility and eroded trust. Recruiting needs to be adjusted for this reality.

Police agencies frequently face criticism for inconsistent and insincere messaging about diversity, sometimes termed “ diversity dishonesty .”

For many recruits, using stock photos to suggest representation that doesn’t exist is disingenuous. Effective community recruitment requires authentic discussions about public distrust related to officer-involved shootings, arrests and other incidents that the public sees as racially motivated.

Our research outside of policing  suggests that  the public gives more weight to things such as negative online reviews and less to evidence of minority representation or diversity statements.

The challenge of changing the image of the profession as well as of individual agencies is significant. Research shows  public apologies have little impact  on public support for police because plans for future change are often nonspecific and without clear accountability.

However, transparency about prior critical incidents in the community and efforts at reform can be helpful.

For example, the Michigan State Police  has a webpage specifically focused on providing information  to the public on personnel, funding, policies, traffic stops, use of force and more.

Avoiding the topic of race and policing history, particularly with those from underrepresented communities, results in distrust and is bound to harm efforts to diversify the police workforce.

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article here.