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Social psychologists investigate interpersonal dynamics, social interactions, and group behavior. Their research examines people’s choices, attitudes, and perceptions. Earning a doctorate in social psychology helps prepare you for the most advanced roles in this field, including as a social psychologist or college professor. Learn more about social psychology doctoral programs, including degree types, benefits, typical courses,
Popular Online Psychology Doctoral Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Earning a Ph.D. vs. a Psy.D.
Doctoral psychology programs award a doctor of philosophy (Ph.D.) or a doctor of psychology (Psy.D.). While both are doctorates, the degree requirements and focus differ.
A Ph.D. emphasizes research and culminates in a research-focused dissertation. Ph.D. programs typically prepare graduates for academic and research roles.
A Psy.D. emphasizes clinical practice, incorporating an internship and practicum to gain clinical experience. These programs prepare graduates for licensure as a psychologist.
Most social psychology programs offer a Ph.D. However, you can also pursue a Psy.D. with a focus on social psychology.
Degree Snapshot
- Typical Admission Requirements: Accredited bachelor’s degree with a minimum GPA; some programs prefer applicants with a master’s degree; GRE scores; letters of recommendation; statement of purpose
- Time to Completion: 5 years; The length varies depending on degree type and enrollment status.
- Common Courses/Subjects: Social cognition; Personality development; Social neuroscience; Behavioral psychology
Why Get a Doctorate in Social Psychology?
The benefits of earning a doctorate in social psychology include:
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Specialized Expertise
A doctorate in social psychology hones expertise in group dynamics, personality development, and social challenges. You’ll specialize your knowledge and skills through doctoral coursework and a dissertation. -
Clinical Experience
If you pursue a Psy.D. focusing on social psychology, you’ll complete supervised experiences to strengthen your clinical and counseling skills. -
Research Experience
Social psychology Ph.D. programs emphasize research, with doctoral-level training in experimental and non-experimental research methods. -
Licensure
A doctorate meets the requirements for licensure as a psychologist. You must also meet clinical experience requirements and pass a licensure exam. -
Career Options
Most graduates with a Ph.D. in social psychology pursue careers in academia or research. For example, you can become a college professor or conduct research for government, nonprofit, and private organizations.
Example Social Psychology Ph.D. Program Courses
You'll take advanced social psych coursework during a doctoral program in social psychology. While exploring social cognition and personality, you’ll develop strong research skills. Ph.D. programs typically include comprehensive examinations and a research-based dissertation that makes an original contribution to the field.
Social psychology doctoral programs set their course requirements. However, many include the following classes:
- Social Cognition: Explore cognitive development and its relationship with social cognition, including the role of cognitive processes in social interactions. Topics may also include memory, attention, and mental processes.
- Personality Development: A key subfield in social psychology, courses on personality development examine motivation, attitudes, and personality. Doctoral students also learn about psychological measurement methods.
- Social Neuroscience: Discover the neural mechanisms behind social processes, including the link between the neural level and cultural experiences. The course also explores the brain basis of emotions, social group identity, and empathy.
- Behavioral Psychology: Examine the developmental process for behaviors, including the biological basis for behavioral development and its link with social psychology. The course also covers sensory processing and motivation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Social Psychologists
Are social psychologists in demand?
Psychologists are in demand, with 6% projected job growth from 2022-2032, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Clinical and counseling roles have an even higher projected job growth rate.
How long does it take to be a social psychologist?
Social psychologists undergo schooling for nearly a decade. Many careers require a doctorate, which means at least 5 years of postgraduate study after earning a four-year bachelor's degree.
Do social psychologists make a lot of money?
Social psychologists report a median pay of $106,420, according to BLS data. The highest-paying states include Nevada, California, Oregon, and Virginia.
What Can You Do With a Doctorate in Social Psychology?
A doctorate in social psychology prepares graduates for careers in academia, research, and clinical practice. Most social psychologists become college professors, teaching psychology classes and conducting research.
Social psychologists can also pursue consulting, marketing, strategy, policy development, and program development careers. In addition to opportunities in government and nonprofit organizations, companies in the private sector hire social psychologists.
Finally, a doctorate in social psychology meets the educational requirements for a psychologist license. Psychologists interested in clinical or counseling roles may need to complete additional requirements.
Career Advancement
As the highest degree in social psychology, a doctorate leads to many career advancement opportunities. You’ll qualify for social psychology jobs with a doctorate. Pursuing licensure and joining professional organizations can also help you advance your career.
Licensure
Psychologists who work directly with clients or patients need a state-issued license. In every state, a doctorate meets the licensure requirements. You may also need to pass a licensure examination and meet clinical experience requirements set by your state.
Careers in academia and research typically do not require a license.
Professional Organizations
Professional organizations offer networking and career development opportunities. Social psychologists and doctoral students can join the Society for Personality and Social Psychology, a division of the American Psychological Association. The division publishes journals, hosts annual meetings, and grants awards. You can also join the Society for Personality and Social Psychology.
Take the Next Steps
Does social psychology sound like a good fit? Check out our resources on applying to doctoral programs or learn more about the difference between Psy.D. and Ph.D. programs.
Page last reviewed on March 28, 2024