developmental psychology PhD requirements

The Ph.D. in Developmental Psychology is a cooperative venture with the Department of Educational Psychology at UNL. Coursework can be completed at UNO and/or UNL. Doctoral programs may include previous graduate work deemed relevant by the student's supervisory committee.


All students must complete at least 90 hours, including:

1. At least 24 hours of psychological coursework in development, learning, and/or cognition. This must include at least 9 hours of courses on development and at least 9 hours of courses on learning and/or cognition. At least 18 hours must be at the 900 level.

2. At least 6 hours of coursework in psychological and/or educational measurement and/or evaluation, including at least 3 hours at the 900 level.

3. At least 9 hours of coursework in research design and methodology, including at least 6 hours at the 900 level.

4. At least 6 hours of 900-level coursework in statistics.

5. At least 6 hours of coursework addressing human diversity, including at least 3 hours focusing on multicultural and/or cross-cultural issues or perspectives.

6. At lest 6 hours of coursework outside the Department of Educational Psychology.

7. At least 3 hours of practicum.

8. Substantial and appropriately supervised experience in teaching and in application, which may be associated with practicum hours and/or assistantship responsibilities

9. Twelve (12) hours of doctoral seminar, involving active participation in one or more research groups, and including submission of a publishable manuscript for which the student has primary responsibility.

10. Attention to ethics in coursework, practicum, doctoral seminar, and/or other experiences.

11. Twelve (12) hours of doctoral dissertation.

In addition:

• Each student is expected to demonstrate proficiency with at least one research tool.

• Students must appoint a supervisory committee and file a program of study prior to accumulating 45 credit hours. Students have 8 years to complete the Ph.D. from the time of filing the program of study.

*See the UNL Graduate Studies Bulletin for complete requirements.