Program Overview
The Human Development, Ph.D. program prepares you for research careers in educational psychology and developmental science. Through an apprenticeship model, you'll engage in collaborative research with faculty and peers, participate in colloquia and seminars with international experts, and receive professional development on various topics. The program offers specializations in educational psychology or developmental science, each with unique course requirements, ensuring a comprehensive and customized academic experience.
Key Features
- Interdisciplinary Approach: Connect with faculty in the Measurement, Statistics and Evaluation program, other departments in the College of Education, and research institutions globally.
- Specializations: Choose between Developmental Science and Educational Psychology, each offering unique coursework and research opportunities.
- Professional Development: Participate in seminars and workshops on conference preparations, dissertation projects, grant writing and career pathways.
#4
Best Educational Psychology program by U.S. News & World Report
Learning Goals
Learning Goals
- Conduct rigorous research in educational psychology and developmental science.
- Critically analyze and evaluate developmental and educational issues.
- Develop and advocate for policies that promote equity and effectiveness in educational institutions.
- Apply theoretical knowledge to address real-world problems in education and human development.
- Collaborate with a diverse community of scholars and practitioners.
How to Apply
How to Apply
Information on admissions and application to this program can be found on the University Graduate Admissions website.
Before applying, you should first reach out to one of the faculty members listed below.
In addition to the Graduate School requirements, this program has the following mandatory and optional requirements.
- Letters of Recommendation (3): Recommendation letters may come from professors, school administrators, supervisors, and/or any other person who can effectively comment on your potential for success in a research-based PhD program in Human Development with a focus on Developmental Science and Educational Psychology. We recommend that letters of recommendation be from those that know you/your work well and comment on what you have done so far.
- Graduate Record Examination (GRE) (optional)**
- CV/Resume
- Open Response: In 200-300 words, describe your quantitative and/or analytical skills, knowledge, and prior experience. These may include college and/or AP level mathematics and statistics courses, experience with mathematical and/or statistical software packages, quantitative experience in past research activities, and/or work experience. The research-based Ph.D. program in Human Development is mathematically and statistically rigorous to facilitate students’ learning and use of advanced quantitative methodologies. Therefore, evidence of applicants’ quantitative proficiency is required.
- Writing Sample: Submit an article, report, or manuscript in which you were the primary author (e.g., peer-reviewed journal publication or conference presentation paper in which you were the primary author, or alternatively, a master’s or undergraduate thesis, or school report/literature review). We encourage you to submit something you have already written; though, you may write something new.
*All applicants should contact a potential faculty member(s) in the department regarding their availability, fit, and interest in serving as a mentor prior to submitting their application. Please indicate a faculty member of interest and if contact was made then applicants can state that in their Statement of Purpose.
**Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores are not considered as a criterion for admission into the program. GRE scores that are submitted are made available to potential faculty advisors.
- Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores are not considered as a criterion for admission into the program. GRE scores that are submitted are made available to potential faculty advisors.
- All applicants are recommended to seek advice from a faculty mentor or academic advisor for how to construct a strong admissions application.
- All applicants are strongly encouraged to contact a potential faculty member(s) in the department regarding their availability, fit, and interest in serving as a mentor in the graduate training program. Applicants may state that this contact was made in their application.
You are required to submit all required documents before submitting your application: Purpose Statement, recommendation letters, transcripts, GRE scores (optional) and TOEFL/IELTS/PTE for international graduate students. The Educational Testing Service is offering the GRE General Test online.
“The reality is that I am the professional I am today—the successful, respected academic—in large part because of the gifts this College and the University have given me—the outstanding faculty with whom I have worked, the hardworking and dedicated staff who keep everything working; and the amazing students with whom I have been honored to collaborate.”
Requirements
Program Requirements
The doctoral curriculum requires 72 semester hours of graduate credit and continuous registration every semester. Most students admitted to the program already have a master's degree. If you do not have a master's degree, an advisor will develop an individualized plan that aligns master's level and doctoral level coursework.
Full details can be found in the program handbook.
Specializations
- Developmental Science
Train in social, cognitive, emotional, and biological aspects of human development. Engage in research apprenticeships, coursework in core and advanced seminars, and professional development seminars organized by the Center for Children, Relationships, and Culture. Investigate topics such as peer relationships, emotional development, developmental neuroscience, and cultural influences on development. - Educational Psychology
Focus on learning processes across the lifespan and competent functioning in educational settings. Work closely with faculty on research related to cognitive development, motivation, self-regulation, and social influences on learning. Participate in bi-weekly research seminars and gain advanced training in quantitative methods, cognitive neuroscience, and social influences on learning.
Faculty
Faculty
Our faculty are chosen for their expertise and dedication; they provide exceptional guidance and support to foster your academic and professional success.
Patricia Alexander, Distinguished University Professor
3304F Benjamin Building
(301) 405-2821 | palexand@umd.edu
Specialization: Educational Psychology
Donald Bolger, Associate Professor
3304N Benjamin Building
(301) 405-9103 | djbolger@umd.edu
Specializations: Developmental Science, Educational Psychology
Lucas Butler, Associate Professor
3304P Benjamin Building
(301) 314-1815 | lpbutler@umd.edu
Specializations: Developmental Science, Educational Psychology
Natasha Cabrera, Professor
3304E Benjamin Building
(301) 405-2827 | ncabrera@umd.edu
Specialization: Developmental Science
Jimena Cosso, Assistant Professor
3304N Benjamin Building
(301) 405-2820 | jcosso@umd.edu
Specializations: Developmental Science, Educational Psychology
Kevin Dunbar, Emeritus
3304K Benjamin Building
(301) 405-7233 | kndunbar@umd.edu
Specializations: Developmental Science, Educational Psychology
Nathan Fox, Distinguished University Professor
3404D Benjamin Building
(301) 405-2816 | fox@umd.edu
Specialization: Developmental Science
Melanie Killen, Professor
3304B Benjamin Building
(301) 405-3176 | mkillen@umd.edu
Specialization: Developmental Science
Elisa Klein, Associate Professor
1117F Benjamin Building
(301) 405-3122 | elklein@umd.edu
Specialization: Developmental Science
Doug Lombardi, Associate Professor
3304T Benjamin Building
(301) 405-3604 | lombard1@umd.edu
Specialization: Educational Psychology
Kelly Mix, Professor
3304M Benjamin Building
(301) 405-5914 | kmix@umd.edu
Specializations: Developmental Science, Educational Psychology
Richard Prather, Associate Professor
3304S Benjamin Building
(301) 405-2806 | prather1@umd.edu
Specializations: Developmental Science, Educational Psychology
Geetha Ramani, Associate Professor
3304R Benjamin Building
(301) 405-8777 | gramani@umd.edu
Specializations: Developmental Science, Educational Psychology
Rachel Romeo, Assistant Professor
3304Q Benjamin Building
romeo@umd.edu
Specializations: Developmental Science, Educational Psychology
Kenneth Rubin, Emeritus
1108 Benjamin Building
(301) 405-0458 | krubin@umd.edu
Specializations: Developmental Science, Educational Psychology
Min Wang, Professor
3304C Benjamin Building
(301) 405-8798 | minwang@umd.edu
Specializations: Developmental Science, Educational Psychology
Contact
Contact
For more information, please contact: