Program Description

The Social area of the Behavioral Science PhD program emphasizes the role context plays in shaping cognition and behavior, focusing on social factors, culture, perception, the body, and the situation and their impacts on health, wellbeing, and interactions. Overall, the research conducted in the program reflects a broad-based perspective that supports diverse methodological approaches and that encourages interdisciplinary work. Students work with members of the faculty who share their interests. However, they are welcome to take courses and engage in research that bridges different concentrations.

Degrees Offered

PhD

Faculty and Research Interests

• Amy Stamates: Social and cognitive factors associated with substance use
• Ceren Gunsoy: Culture’s role in interpersonal conflict, person perception, self-presentation, and health
• Mollie Ruben: Nonverbal communication, social perception, LGBTQ+ health, health disparities, health services

Admissions Information

GRE scores are optional. See specific admission requirements at:
https://web.uri.edu/psychology/academics/ph-d-program/behavioral-science/admission/. Applications are due December 1. Applicants are strongly encouraged to identify faculty members that they are interested in working with in their application materials. Faculty follow up in January and February, offers are rolled out through March. Students have until mid-April to decide. A limited number of application fee waivers may be available for international applicants.

Funding

Departmental and university assistantships and fellowships, as well as loans, are available to help finance doctoral education. Students seeking departmental funding typically receive at least two years of support in the form of teaching assistantships. Support beyond two years is usually available through a variety of mechanisms, including faculty grant support, assistantship positions from other University departments and offices, and external placements. Nearly all students are supported over the full course of their studies. Program faculty will work with students to identify sources of support.

Mentoring / Student Engagement Philosophy

Students will work closely with a major professor who has overall responsibility for shaping and approving student progress and providing research guidance. Occasionally two faculty members will co-mentor if desired. Students will be offered many opportunities for research collaboration with multiple faculty members and other graduate students, either within the psychology department or across disciplines.