University of Massachusetts Boston

What you'll study

The programme offers intensive training in research methods, experimental design and quantitative analysis across core areas of psychology such as cognitive, developmental, social and health psychology. Coursework typically covers advanced statistics and multivariate methods, experimental methods, psychometrics, research ethics, and seminars in specialised topical areas. Students work closely with faculty mentors to develop an individualised plan of study that often includes elective seminars in areas such as perception and cognition, learning and memory, emotion and motivation, lifespan development, and applied health psychology.

Structured research activities include rotating or sustained work in faculty laboratories, collaborative projects, and progression to an independent doctoral dissertation that contributes original empirical knowledge. Students also gain experience in grant writing, teaching, and presentation of results at conferences. The programme emphasises reproducible research practices, open science principles and the use of advanced statistical software and programming for data collection and analysis.

Entry requirements

Admission is competitive and typically seeks applicants who have a strong academic background in psychology or a closely related discipline. Successful candidates usually hold a bachelor’s degree with honours or a master’s degree and demonstrate substantial research experience, for example through honours theses, master’s projects, publications, or laboratory work. Applicants should provide academic transcripts, a statement of research interests that aligns with departmental faculty expertise, letters of recommendation, and a curriculum vitae.

Standardised test requirements vary by cohort and are set by the department; applicants should consult the programme for current policy. International applicants must demonstrate proficiency in English according to the university’s requirements. Strong candidates will show prior training in statistics and research methods, but bridge coursework can be arranged for applicants who need to strengthen quantitative skills.

Career prospects

Graduates of the PhD in Research and Experimental Psychology pursue a range of research-focused careers. Common career paths include tenure-track and non-tenure-track academic positions, postdoctoral research roles, and research scientist or data scientist positions in industry, government agencies, and non-profit research organisations. Alumni also work in applied research roles in health services, public policy, education, human factors, and technology companies where experimental design and quantitative expertise are valued.

The training emphasises skills employers seek in research-intensive roles: designing and conducting experiments, advanced statistical analysis, scientific writing and grant preparation, and communicating findings to academic and non-academic audiences.

Why study at University of Massachusetts Boston

UMass Boston is a public research university located in an urban environment that supports community-engaged and interdisciplinary research. The Psychology Department offers faculty with diverse experimental specialisms and active research programmes, enabling close mentorship and opportunities for collaborative projects. Students benefit from access to research centres, community partnerships and facilities that support human-subjects research across cognitive, developmental and health domains.

The department emphasises mentorship, professional development and preparation for research careers. Doctoral students typically have opportunities for funded research or teaching assistantships, as well as structured support for conference travel and professional training. The university’s location and network of regional research, healthcare and policy organisations facilitate internship and employment connections for graduates.