Program Requirements

Updated: June 2025 – PhD Curriculum Changes Revised

Welcome to the Program Requirements page for the University of West Georgia’s Psychology PhD program. Here, you’ll find a clear overview of what’s expected academically as you progress through the doctoral journey. Whether you’re a prospective applicant or a current student planning ahead, this guide outlines the structure and philosophy of our unique curriculum.

Philosophy of the Program

Our PhD in Psychology is rooted in a humanistic, transpersonal, and critical approach to psychological theory and practice. The curriculum is designed not only to prepare students for academic or clinical careers but also to challenge conventional frameworks, promote reflexivity, and engage deeply with what it means to be human.

This is not a one-size-fits-all path. Our program encourages intellectual risk-taking, interdisciplinary exploration, and a strong emphasis on self-development and social relevance.

Core Curriculum Structure (as of June 2025)

The program consists of 90 credit hours, typically completed over 4–6 years. The following breakdown reflects the revised curriculum, implemented in Fall 2025:

Foundational Courses (21 credits)

History and Systems of Psychology
Phenomenological and Hermeneutic Methods
Human Development Across the Lifespan
Transpersonal Psychology
Critical Psychology
Ethics and Professional Identity
Theoretical Foundations Seminar

Research Core (12 credits)

Qualitative Research Methods
Quantitative Methods in Human Science
Research Practicum
Dissertation Preparation Seminar

Clinical or Applied Track (optional, 12 credits)

Students may choose to pursue a clinical emphasis or focus on applied research, community work, or interdisciplinary studies.

Electives (24 credits)

Choose from a wide range of topics such as:
Depth Psychology
Indigenous and Decolonial Perspectives
Eco-Psychology
Narrative Psychology
Special Topics Seminars

Dissertation (21 credits)

The dissertation is a major original contribution that reflects both scholarly depth and personal relevance. Students will work closely with a faculty committee to craft a project that contributes meaningfully to the field.

Additional Requirements

Yearly academic reviews and milestone check-ins
Teaching assistantships or community engagement (strongly encouraged)
Attendance at departmental retreats or colloquia
A second-year integrative paper
Comprehensive exams (after core requirements are completed)

06/2025 Curriculum Changes – At a Glance:

Streamlined research sequence: Reduced overlap and clarified expectations between qualitative and quantitative components.
New electives: Added options in critical neuropsychology and transdisciplinary futures.
More flexibility in dissertation pathways, allowing for creative, practice-based, or community-engaged scholarship.
Clinical track restructured to better integrate cultural competency and trauma-informed perspectives.

This page evolves along with the program. If you’re a student or faculty member and have suggestions or updates, feel free to contribute. We believe in open, collaborative knowledge—and this page is no exception.

Let us know if you’d like to co-author or add depth to any section!