PhD in Psychology: Applied Social and Cultural Psychology

Our Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology with a major in Applied Social and Cultural Psychology emphasizes cross-cultural training, equipping students to understand human behavior within diverse global and community contexts. It integrates action research and public psychology, preparing graduates to apply psychological knowledge to real-world social issues and actively engage with communities for meaningful change.

The ASCP training program emphasizes understanding and assessing the psychology of social settings, systems, and policies in order to influence policy and practice. The practical components of the program prepare students to engage in community-partnered and participatory-action research for public benefit. Students will use mixed-methods, hands-on, translational methods to understand and intervene on the social and cultural pathways by which health and social differences emerge, and to leverage the strengths of communities. This will involve collaborating with local, state and national organizations and institutions as researchers, as well as employing communication tools identified as most effective and relevant for addressing issues related to individual, family and community well-being. Students will gain an advanced understanding of psychology research examining various forms of social difference.