RICE UNIVERSITY · UNITED STATES
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Psychology with a Major Concentration in Health Psychology and Behavioral Medicine Research
PhD · Taught in en
At a glance
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PhD
Level
- Comprehensive PhD program in PsychologyDegree Type
- Major Concentration in Health Psychology and Behavioral Medicine ResearchSpecialization
- Minimum grade of B- (2.67) in all required coursesAcademic Standard
- Successful completion of first and second-year research projectsResearch Milestones
- Thesis defense overseen by faculty in the concentrationThesis Committee
- 90 credit hours required for completionCredit Hours
This PhD program focuses on Health Psychology and Behavioral Medicine Research, equipping students with advanced skills to critically assess and conduct independent research in these fields. Graduates will be prepared to contribute original, publishable research and communicate their findings effectively. The program requires comprehensive coursework, research projects, and a defended thesis, with specific requirements determined by the chosen concentration.
Curriculum
The PhD program requires a minimum of 90 credit hours, including core courses, statistical requirements, electives, and a thesis. Students must complete all coursework with a minimum grade of B- and successfully present first and second-year projects. A thesis must be written and defended, with the committee comprising faculty affiliated with the Health Psychology and Behavioral Medicine Research concentration.
- Year 1
- ADVANCED PSYCHOLOGICAL STATISTICS IPSYC 502 / STAT 509
- FOUNDATIONS OF COGNITIVE PSYCHOLOGYPSYC 520
- HEALTH RESEARCH SEMINARPSYC 532
- PSYCHONEUROIMMUNOLOGYPSYC 546
- FOUNDATIONS OF HEALTH PSYCHOLOGYPSYC 547
- PSYCHOPATHOLOGY, DEVELOPMENT, & AGINGPSYC 549
- FOUNDATIONS OF SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGYPSYC 550
- SOCIAL AND AFFECTIVE NEUROSCIENCEPSYC 586
- ADVANCED PSYCHOLOGICAL STATISTICS IIPSYC 503 / STAT 510
- PROFESSIONAL ISSUESPSYC 660
- First-Year Project
- Year 2
- Second-Year Project
- Ongoing
- Thesis Requirement
- Additional Coursework as Approved by Department
Careers
Graduates of the PhD program in Health Psychology and Behavioral Medicine Research are prepared for careers in academia, research institutions, and potentially roles in health-related organizations where advanced research and analytical skills are required.
- Researcher
- Academic Faculty
- Health Psychologist
- Behavioral Scientist
Frequently asked questions
- What are the general entry requirements for the PhD in Psychology program?
- Students without a master's degree in Psychology or a related field must earn an MA in Psychology at Rice, including defending a master's thesis. Students entering with a master's degree in a related field may be exempted. You must maintain a minimum grade of B- (2.67 grade points) in each required course.
- How long does the PhD program typically take to complete?
- The PhD program requires a minimum of 90 credit hours. While specific durations vary, the curriculum outlines modules for Year 1 and Year 2, with ongoing thesis requirements.
- What are the tuition and fees for this program?
- Tuition and fee information is not provided on the program page. Prospective students should consult the university's official fee schedules for the most current details.
- What are the career prospects after graduating from this PhD program?
- Graduates are prepared for careers as researchers, academic faculty, health psychologists, and behavioral scientists in academia, research institutions, and health-related organizations.
- How do I apply to the PhD in Psychology program?
- You will need to check program requirements, prepare application materials including transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a statement of purpose, and then submit the online graduate application by the specified deadline.
Entry requirements
Previous Master's DegreeStudents without a master's degree in Psychology or a related field must earn an MA in Psychology at Rice, including defending a master's thesis. Students entering with a master's degree in a related field may be exempted.
General university requirements for doctoral degrees apply. Specific coursework requirements are determined by the major concentration. Students must maintain a minimum grade of B- (2.67 grade points) in each required course.
Fees
Tuition (international)—
Tuition (home)—
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Tuition and fee information is not provided on the program page. Prospective students should consult the university's official fee schedules for the most current details.
How to apply
1. Check Program RequirementsReview the specific admission requirements for the PhD in Psychology program, including prerequisite coursework and any specific GPA or standardized test expectations.
2. Prepare Application MaterialsGather all necessary documents, which typically include transcripts, letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, and potentially GRE scores (if required).
3. Submit ApplicationComplete and submit the online graduate application by the specified deadline.
4. Await Admission DecisionThe department will review applications, and successful candidates may be invited for interviews.
Scholarships
Templeton Foundation Academic Cross Training Fellowship$220,000 for up to 3 years
Frequently asked questions
What are the general entry requirements for the PhD in Psychology program?
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Students without a master's degree in Psychology or a related field must earn an MA in Psychology at Rice, including defending a master's thesis. Students entering with a master's degree in a related field may be exempted. You must maintain a minimum grade of B- (2.67 grade points) in each required course.
How long does the PhD program typically take to complete?
+
The PhD program requires a minimum of 90 credit hours. While specific durations vary, the curriculum outlines modules for Year 1 and Year 2, with ongoing thesis requirements.
What are the tuition and fees for this program?
+
Tuition and fee information is not provided on the program page. Prospective students should consult the university's official fee schedules for the most current details.
What are the career prospects after graduating from this PhD program?
+
Graduates are prepared for careers as researchers, academic faculty, health psychologists, and behavioral scientists in academia, research institutions, and health-related organizations.
How do I apply to the PhD in Psychology program?
+
You will need to check program requirements, prepare application materials including transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a statement of purpose, and then submit the online graduate application by the specified deadline.