Developmental Psychology Emphasis

Developmental psychology focuses on human growth across the lifespan. Given that it is a sub-discipline of psychology, the changes of interest are those relating to how people think, feel, and behave. Such changes fall within three domains: biological, cognitive, and social. Research in our department primarily focuses on the phases of life from infancy to young adulthood.

Our doctoral program in developmental psychology is for students who want training in research and teaching, with an eye toward discovering and applying knowledge about human development to real-world issues. This training can be used in future careers that include some combination of research, teaching, and/or application. This is a non-clinical program, so you will not get a clinical license; but, many applied opportunities exist such as program development and evaluation, statistical and methodological consulting, or applications in clinical or health settings. Graduates who get jobs in higher education will teach, and depending on the college or university, will also have opportunities to do research and/or application. Graduates who get jobs in government agencies, non-profit organizations, or industry, will focus on research and/or application, but may also have opportunities to teach in various settings.

Other faculty with research interests related to developmental psychology can be found in the College of Education, Department of Sociology, and School of Family Life.

For additional information about our Developmental Psychology program, please contact Sandra Shurtleff at 801-422-4560 or at psychgrad@byu.edu