| |
Dec 24, 2025
|
|
|
|
|
2025-2026 Graduate Catalog
Health Psychology, PhD
|
|
|
Program Description
Health Psychology is the scientific study of the psychological underpinnings and consequences of illness and health. Health psychologists address health conditions that have increasing prevalence in the United States, such as Alzheimer’s Disease and Substance Use Disorders. Their work can help to prevent or mitigate negative health consequences influenced by psychological factors, such as developing or implementing pain management, weight management, stress reduction, drug and alcohol prevention and/or cessation, or cognitive training programs and research studies. Graduates of this program work in such settings as hospitals, clinics, rehabilitation centers, public health or research organizations, government agencies, and educational settings. Summary of Degree Requirements
The program consists of 90 credits. The coursework listed below is required. The degree is not awarded solely on the basis of coursework completed, residence, or other routine requirements. The final basis of granting the degree is the student’s grasp of the subject matter of a broad field of study, competence in planning and conducting research, and effectiveness of communicating adequately and professionally both orally and in writing. It is important to note that in addition to the coursework, psychology graduate programs have a heavy out-of-the-classroom research component. Coursework
Core Coursework - 15 Credits Required Health Psychology Content Coursework - 15 Credits Required Methodological/Statistics Coursework - 18 Credits Required Required Courses - Nine Credits Elective Courses - Nine additional credits selected from the following: Interdisciplinary Elective Coursework - 18 credits required selected from the following: Required Health Psychology Experiential Coursework - Six Credits Dissertation Research - 18 Credits Required Outcomes, Learning Objectives, and Graduation Requirements
Graduates of this program are able to a) analyze the dynamic psychology-biology interaction and its impact on health and disease; b) demonstrate how psychopathology, stress, pain, social and environmental factors impact health and wellness; c) discuss ways to develop strategies to mitigate health disparities; and d) design and evaluate psychosocial interventions to promote health and mitigate the impact of illness. To graduate, students must maintain a 3.0 or better grade point average in all coursework with no more than one course earning a grade of C or below. For additional program policies and descriptions of faculty research, please review the Department of Psychology Graduate Program Website, particularly the graduate program handbook. |
|
|
