Doctor of Philosophy in Cognitive Social and Developmental Psychology

The Cognitive, Social, and Developmental Psychology PhD program emphasizes the role context plays in shaping cognition and behavior, focusing on social factors, culture, the body, and the situation.
This contextual approach provides a framework for understanding psychological theories and other biologically based perspectives on mental and emotional activity. Students concentrate in either cognitive, social, or developmental psychology.
Overall, the research conducted in the program reflects a broad-based perspective that supports diverse methodological approaches and that encourages interdisciplinary work. Students concentrate in either cognitive, social, or developmental psychology through specialized seminars and independent study with members of the faculty who share the student's interests. However, they are welcome to take courses, work with faculty, and engage in research that bridges these different concentrations. Students also can take relevant courses offered by other universities through the Inter-University Consortium.

The doctoral program uses an apprenticeship model in which students work closely with a member of the faculty on collaborative research projects and developing a dissertation. Students are expected to become members of lab groups and to attend and present their own research at seminars and conferences.

Graduate degree applicants must hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited U.S. college or university or the equivalent degree from a foreign college or university. Applicants who will have completed their bachelor's degree by the time of enrollment may apply for admission. PhD applicants in Economics, Philosophy, Politics, and Sociology must hold a master's degree from an accredited U.S. college or university or the equivalent degree from a foreign college or university.
Submit Required Essays
Please describe the academic and intellectual interests, progress, and achievements that have contributed to your decision to apply for graduate study. You should include a thoughtful description of your tentative plan of study or area of inquiry at The New School for Social Research as you now envision it, the kind of research questions you intend to pursue, and what you hope or expect to do after you've completed the degree. (500750-word limit)
Submit Your R'sum or CV
Submit a one to two-page r'sum/curriculum vitae summarizing your academic qualifications, relevant work experience, published writing, volunteer/community work, professional networking, public speaking, and/or any other relevant experiences that may relate to your field of study, including dates and positions held. Please also note any special language or computer skills that you have.
Submit Two Letters of Recommendation
Two letters of recommendation from professional and/or academic references are required. Recommendations must be submitted by recommenders directly via the online application portal. Instructions are included in the online application.
Submit College Transcripts
Applicants must upload an unofficial transcript, mark sheet, or academic record for each institution (even if you didnt receive a degree) in the Academic History section of the online application.

All uploaded transcripts must be accompanied by a key, a legend, or the back copy of the transcript. Non-English transcripts must be accompanied by an English translation. Records from non-U.S. institutions must have grades or marks and contain a copy of diploma if the degree has been conferred. Make sure your name appears on the transcript/record. Scanned documents must be clear and legible.
Students begin their studies toward the PhD by obtaining an MA in General Psychology, which includes courses in psychopathology and the psychology of individual differences. Only after this can they apply for admittance to the Cognitive, Social, and Developmental Psychology PhD program.

Students who wish to pursue the PhD in Cognitive, Social, and Developmental Psychology must submit a statement of research plans. Students will be informed of the preliminary status of their applications: that is, whether they will be admitted provided space permits, or not admitted.
Students with MA degrees in psychology from other universities may be eligible for Advanced Standing status in the New School MA program. Accepted students are informed of whether or not they will be admitted with Advanced Standing status prior to beginning the MA program. Once accepted, eligible students may apply to enter the Cognitive, Social, and Developmental PhD after at least one semester of study here at the MA level, depending on how many of their credits transfer and assuming they have successfully completed requisite courses to meet eligibility for doctoral applic
Minimum required scores are:
Successful completion of the MA in General Psychology does not guarantee admission to the PhD program, but academically strong MA students have a very good chance of progressing to the PhD program.
To be eligible to apply, students must complete the distribution requirements for the MA degree with an overall grade point average of at least 3.7 at the time of application.
TOEFL iBT 100
IELTS 7.5