Applied Developmental Psychology (Ph.D.)

The curriculum of the ADP program focuses on human development (bio-psycho-social) in contexts and over time; prevention/intervention and health promotion; theories and methods of developmental assessment; and program evaluation. Coursework emphasizes the importance of applying research, as two courses require field placements (program evaluation and the practicum). These ADP program field experiences serve to foster relationships with the communities of the Bronx, the NYC metropolitan area, and beyond. Because human development occurs in contexts, all courses and field experiences include a deep understanding and discussions of inter-individual differences in intra-individual change, multiculturalism, vulnerable populations, as well as ethical and moral issues in all three areas of research, applications, and policy.


CIP Code

42.2703 - Developmental and Child Psychology.


You can use the CIP code to learn more about career paths associated with this field of study and, for international students, possible post-graduation visa extensions. Learn more about CIP codes and other information resources.

Course Title Credits
Historical and Ethical Bases6
Developmental Psychology: Foundations
Ethics in Psychology
Biological Bases: One of the following courses3
Foundations of Neuropsychology
Introduction to Neuroscience
Child Neuropsychology
Social Bases: One of the following 3
Social Development
Issues in Social Psychology
Cognitive-Affective Bases3
Cognitive Development
Methodological Bases:3
Psychology Research Methodology
Statistics:9
Introduction to Psychology Statistics w/ Lab
Regression with Lab
Introduction to Multivariate Analysis
Seminars and Colloquium:0
Research Colloquium (taken six times)
Identification of Child Abuse
Teaching:3
The Teaching of Psychology
Research:24
ADP Research Apprenticeship I
ADP Research Apprenticeship II
ADP Research Apprenticeship III
Pre-Doctoral Thesis
Independent Research
Applied Dev Psy Prac I
Applied Dev Psy Prac II
Psychology Doctoral Comprehensive Examination
Proposal Acceptance
Dissertation Mentoring-Psychology
ADP Basics:3
Evaluation of Psychological and Social Programs
Concentrations: (Chose one of three)
Two Required and one elective course from one of the following concentrations: 9
Development within Family, School, and Neighborhood Contexts
Development in the Context of Race, Ethnicity, and Culture
Health, Illness, and Well-being across the Lifespan
Total Credits66

The ADP program requires students to focus their coursework and research and field experiences in one of the following three areas: Development within Family, School, and Neighborhood Contexts; Development in the Context of Race, Ethnicity, and Culture; and Health, Illness, and Well-being Across the Lifespan. Faculty can associate with more than one concentration and are able to mentor students across concentrations.

Development within Family, School, and Neighborhood Contexts Concentration

Three courses are required.

Course Title Credits
Required:6
Culture, Ethnicity, and Race
Developmental and Prevention Science
One of the following:3
Developmental Psychopathology
Health Psychology

Development in the Context of Race, Ethnicity, and Culture Concentration

Three courses are required.

Course Title Credits
Required:6
Health Disparities and Social Justice in Research and Practice
Culture, Ethnicity, and Race
One of the following:3
Issues in Social Psychology
Health Psychology

Health, Illness, and Well-being Across the Lifespan Concentration

Three courses are required.

Course Title Credits
Required:6
Health Psychology
Topics in Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience
One of the following:3
Health Disparities and Social Justice in Research and Practice
Developmental Psychopathology