The graduate program is based on the assumption that
excellent work in developmental psychology requires both a general understanding
of developmental processes and methods and extensive background knowledge of the
mature capacities whose development is under study.
Accordingly, some of the requirements of the program apply
to all students, whereas other requirements are tailored to the subject matter
pursued by individual students.
The following requirements apply to all students in the
developmental program:
Psychology 2010:
Contemporary topics in psychological research. fall term of
the first year.
Psychology 1951:
Intermediate Quantitative Methods. fall term of the first year
Psychology 1952: Multivariate
Analysis. spring term of the first year
Each student must take at least two graduate courses in developmental
psychology, one of which must be a core course (either Psychology 2160,
Conceptual development, or Psychology 2170, Origins of knowledge).
The two courses that meet this requirement must be completed by the end
of the second year with a grade of B+ or better. Students are encouraged to
attend graduate courses and seminars in the developmental program beyond this
requirement.
In addition, students of cognitive development or developmental cognitive
neuroscience must take the 2-unit Proseminar in Cognition, Brain, and Behavior
(Psychology 2020ab). Students of
social development must take both Advanced Social Psychology (Psychology 2500)
and one further graduate core course in social psychology.
Finally, students of developmental psychopathology must take Contemporary Topics
in Psychopathology (Psychology 2040) and a second course in Psychopathology at
the 1000 or 2000 level. These
courses must be completed, with a grade of B+ or better, by the end of the
second year.
First-year research project: Under
the guidance of a faculty member who serves as mentor, participate in a research
project and write a formal report on the research progress by May of the first
year.
Second-year research project: Carry
out an original research projecting leading to a written report in the style of
a journal article and a brief oral presentation in the style of a conference
paper.
Thesis prospectus: A written
description of the research proposal must be approved by a prospectus committee
appointed by the CHD by the end of the third year.
Thesis and oral defense:
Expected to be completed by the end of the fifth year.
Requirements for the master's degree:
All of the above through the second-year project.
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