Ph.D. in Psychology Major in Developmental Psychology
This is a graduate program for students who have already earned a Master’s degree in psychology and wish to pursue further studies and specialize in developmental psychology. Those who have earned a graduate degree in a non-psychology program may also qualify, provided they have met the program’s prerequisites and courses. This program provides extensive training in the field of human development in various domains (i.e., cognitive, social, emotional, behavioral, moral, and physical) throughout the lifespan.
Program Goals
The PhD in Psychology major in Developmental Psychology program aims to train students to demonstrate knowledge in and mastery over the developmental characteristics, issues, and processes governing specific periods of human development (e.g., infancy and childhood, adolescence, and adulthood), which influence and are influenced by various contextual factors (e.g., family, peers, culture, and society). As Developmental Psychologists, students can expand and apply their knowledge of human development as researchers, teachers, or consultants in educational, medical, and legal settings, as well as in other institutions involved in child, youth, adult, and family development.
Program Outcomes
Graduates of this program are expected to
- Demonstrate an in-depth understanding and critical evaluation of the principles, concepts, and skills in developmental psychology;
- Demonstrate ethical behavior in the science and practice of developmental psychology;
- Apply highly advanced and specialized knowledge and skills in the practice of developmental psychology (i.e., in research, advanced psychological assessment, interventions, and program development);
- Exercise leadership in developing innovative practice and furthering new knowledge in developmental psychology;
- Generate and utilize local knowledge systems in developmental psychology practice and research; and
- Collaborate with colleagues in multi- and trans-disciplinary and cultural teams.
(Based on GP CMO- No.15 S. 2019- Policies, Standards and Guidelines for Graduate Program)
Academic Standards, Policies and Procedures of the Program: Candidates with a Master of Arts degree in Psychology are eligible to proceed with 9 units of research/methods subjects, 21 units of major developmental psychology subjects, 12 units of electives or cognates, 12 units of internship, and 12 units of dissertation. In addition, candidates with a Master’s in Psychology (non-thesis) degree will be required to submit a qualifying research paper in psychology, which demonstrates sufficient proof and readiness for advanced research. This includes any of the following: published research paper in psychology, completed unpublished research paper in psychology, completed research paper presented in a reputable conference or convention, or research paper co-authored with a psychologist with an MA or PhD.
Key Competencies Developed
By the end of the program, graduates will be able to develop the following key competencies:
- Critical and analytical thinking in the analysis of case vignettes and the application of theories in understanding mental processes and behavior
- Reflective practice in the conduct of research and assessment
- Ethical decision-making in clinical and research endeavors
- Creative and innovative thinking, as well as the use of research skills to identify gaps in literature and formulate research topics to contribute to knowledge production in Psychology
- Scientific literacy in applying scientific methods in the conduct of quantitative and qualitative research
These competencies can be assessed through a variety of methods, including the following:
- Construction of psychological assessment reports
- Creation of therapeutic intervention modules
- Dissertation writing, presentation, and publication
Total Program Units: 61 units
MC Ethics & Research/Methods: 10
Required Developmental Psychology Subjects: 21
Electives/Cognates: 12
Other Academic Requirements: 18
Standard Completion Time: 4 years
The following Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are addressed by this program:
Career Paths
Graduates of this program may venture on the following careers:
- Licensed Psychologist or Psychotherapist
- Assessment Psychologist
- Psychology Teacher
CURRICULUM SUMMARY
Courses | Units |
MA/MP Prerequisites | 28 |
PY 201 Advanced Statistics 1 PY 203 Development of Psychological Thought PY 228.1 Advanced Psychological Assessment 1- 5 units PY 204 Advanced Theories of Personality PY 215 Advanced Abnormal Psychology PY 206 Counseling Psychology and Psychotherapy- 5 units PY 207 Advanced Developmental Psychology PY 202 Advanced Research Methods 1: Quantitative Research for Behavioral Sciences *The courses indicated must have been taken in the Master’s Degree of the student to qualify for the PhD courses. Otherwise, they must be taken first as prerequisites. *Additional subjects may be taken based on PRB of Psychology, Resolution No. 01, Series of 2023 | |
MC Ethics & Research/Methods | 10 |
PY 301 Advanced Statistics II* PY 302 Advanced Research Methods 2: Qualitative Research for the Behavioral Sciences * PY 304 Research Methods with Children and Families PY 333 Qualitative Research in Developmental Psychology PY 334 Seminar in Psychological Research MCEV 201 MC Ethics* *Required | |
Required Developmental Psychology Subjects | 21 |
PY 310.2 Seminar in Developmental Psychology PY 313 Socio-Emotional and Personality Development PY 314 Physical and Cognitive Development PY 328 Infancy and Childhood* PY 308 Adolescence* PY 329 Adulthood* PY 330 Advanced Psychological Assessment II* (Developmental Neuropsychology) PY 311 Program Development for Children and Adolescents** PY 335 Program Development for Adults (Early to Late Adulthood)** PY 336 Advanced Cross-Cultural Studies in Developmental Psychology* PY 331 Developmental Psychopathology (Child and adolescent) PY 338 Neurocognitive Disorders: Assessment and Intervention- 5 units *Required ** the student is required to take either of the two Program Development subjects. ** Note: Subjects taken beyond the required number of subjects from Developmental Psychology subjects can be credited as Elective subjects | |
Electives/Cognates | 12 |
PY 339 Special Topics in Psychology PY 303.3 Educational Psychology PY 340 Advanced Health Psychology PY 332 Advanced Positive Psychology PY 321 Marriage and Family Therapy PY 341 Group Psychotherapy PY 322 Therapeutic Intervention for Children and Adolescents PY 351 Fundamentals of Gerontology PY 342 Psychology of Human Sexuality PY 343 Advanced Industrial or Organizational Psychology PY 344 Environmental Psychology PY 345 Advanced Social Psychology PY 346 Sikolohiyang Pilipino (Filipino Psychology) PY 347 Psychosocial and Sociological Foundations of Aging and the Family PY 348 Biology of Aging PY 349 Program Development for the Elderly or Designing Programs for Late Adults PY 350 Spirituality of Midlife and Aging PY 352 Foundations of Expressive Arts in Mental Health PY 255 Perspectives on Aging and Health PY 256 Counseling and Intervention for the Seniors and their Families PY 257 Holistic Assessment for Seniors PY 258 Care for Seniors with Chronic Disabilities PY 259 Wellness Management of Seniors in Families and Institutions *Electives/Cognates may be taken from other graduate programs of HEU | |
Other Academic Requirements | 18 |
PY 306 Comprehensive Exams PY 307 Internship I (500 hours)- 6 units PY 327 Internship II* (500 hours)- 6 units PY 308-1 Dissertation Writing- 6 units PY 308-2 Oral Defense of Dissertation- 6 units Publication in an internationally or nationally indexed journal** *Additional 6 units for internship are required for DP specific to applied research or diagnosis, development, and implementation of intervention or treatments, development of materials or systems, or evaluation program. (CHED Memo series of 2015) | |
Total Number of Units | 61 |
