Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Social Psychology

The University of Wyoming's Social Psychology concentration provides students with doctoral training that promotes broad training in the theories, current knowledge, and research methods in social psychology. The program focuses on the broad areas of motivation/emotion, social cognition, and social behavior, with more specific emphases on the self, judgment, anger/aggression, prejudice, empathy, teaching effectiveness, gender roles, and moral hypocrisy. Research activity is strongly emphasized. Throughout their careers, students are encouraged to work independently and collaboratively with one or more faculty and with other students. This flexible training equips graduates for employment in academia, research institutions, government agencies, and a variety of service-related settings. Ph.D. Requirements Social Psychology doctoral students are expected to complete: four core psychology courses (Social Psychology, Developmental Psychology, Cognitive Psychology, and Biological Psychology), two statistics courses, a methodology course, courses in Social Cognition and Personality Science, a number of topical seminars related to Social Psychology. Topics for these seminars rotate, and they often can be tailored to current students interests. Recent course offerings include Emotion and Self-Regulation. a Master's thesis and dissertation on social psychology topics, pass a qualifying exam, developed by the student in collaboration with his or her graduate committee. Students are also expected to regularly attend weekly social psychology lab meetings, and to attend all departmental colloquia.