Graduate Programs in the Department of Psychology

Research. Scholarship. Professional Development. Impact.

Advance your knowledge of psychological science, develop meaningful research and professional skills, and prepare to address important health, behavioral, scientific, community, and societal challenges.

Application Submission Deadlines

Dec 1

Early Submission Deadline

March 1

Late Submission Deadline

Welcome from Department Leadership

Welcome to the graduate programs in the Department of Psychology at North Carolina A&T State University. We are delighted that you are considering our department as the next step in your academic, research, and professional journey.

The Department of Psychology offers two graduate degree programs: the Master of Science in Health Psychology and the Doctor of Philosophy in Applied Psychology. Together, these programs provide advanced training in psychological science, research methodology, data analysis, ethical scholarship, and the application of psychological knowledge to real-world issues.

Graduate students have opportunities to work with faculty mentors, participate in research, strengthen their scholarly and professional skills, and prepare for doctoral education or careers in academic, research, health, government, nonprofit, community, and other applied settings.

We invite you to explore both programs, learn about our graduate faculty, consider how your interests align with the department’s areas of expertise, and review the application requirements carefully. We look forward to learning more about your academic interests, professional goals, and the contributions you hope to make through psychological science.

Dr. Anna K. Lee

Interim Chair
Department of Psychology

Dr. Kalynda C. Smith

Interim Director of the Graduate Programs
Department of Psychology

Graduate Programs at a Glance

The Department of Psychology offers graduate education at both the master’s and doctoral levels. Review the program summaries below to determine which degree best aligns with your academic preparation, research interests, and professional goals.

Master of Science in Health Psychology

The M.S. in Health Psychology prepares students to examine the relationship between behavior and health. The program emphasizes wellness, health promotion, illness prevention, research, and strategies for identifying and addressing health disparities.

M.S.

Master of Science Degree

36

Credit Hours

In Person

Day and Evening Classes

2 Pathways

Thesis or Practicum

Important: The M.S. in Health Psychology does not prepare students to become licensed psychology or counseling professionals.

Doctor of Philosophy in Applied Psychology

The Ph.D. in Applied Psychology prepares students to conduct innovative basic and applied research that addresses scientific, behavioral, community, health, and societal issues. Students select a concentration in Cognitive Psychology and Behavioral Neuroscience or Social and Community Psychology.

Ph.D.

Research Doctorate

72

Credit Hours

In Person

Campus-Based Program

2 Concentrations

Cognitive Psychology and Behavioral Neuroscience or Social and Community Psychology

Important: The Applied Psychology Ph.D. is not a clinical psychology program and does not prepare students for clinical licensure or independent clinical practice.

Graduate Programs

Select a program below to review its curriculum, admission requirements, program expectations, and professional opportunities.

M.S. in Health Psychology Ph.D. in Applied Psychology

Graduate Faculty

Graduate students are supported by faculty with expertise across psychological science, health and behavior, cognition, neuroscience, social and community psychology, research methodology, and related interdisciplinary areas.

Prospective students should review faculty profiles and research interests carefully. Faculty alignment is especially important for applicants whose program or pathway requires research mentorship.

Psychology Faculty Affiliate Faculty

Application Information

Applicants must complete the official university graduate application and submit all required materials through the graduate admissions application system. Application materials should not be emailed directly to the Department of Psychology.

Review the general application packet requirements for each program below. Applicants are responsible for verifying current requirements, deadlines, and application instructions before submitting an application.

Important: Only students with 12 or more credit hours from an accredited psychology program will be admitted to either graduate program. These credit hours must include a psychology core course, such as General Psychology, Health Psychology, Social Psychology, Community Psychology, Developmental Psychology, Cognitive Psychology or Neuropsychology, a Research Methods course, and a Statistics course. Competitive candidates will have a degree in psychology.

*Undergraduate clinical psychology courses, such as Abnormal Psychology, may only count as a fourth course.

M.S. in Health Psychology Application Packet

Applicants to the M.S. in Health Psychology should be prepared to submit:

Completed online graduate application
Required application fee
Selection of degree pathway
Statement of purpose
Curriculum vitae or résumé
Three letters of recommendation
Transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended
Any additional materials required by the Graduate College or for the applicable admissions cycle

Ph.D. in Applied Psychology Application Packet

Applicants to the Ph.D. in Applied Psychology should be prepared to submit:

Completed online graduate application
Required application fee
Selection of a preferred concentration
Statement of purpose
Curriculum vitae or résumé
Three letters of recommendation
Scholarly writing sample
Transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended
Interview, if selected as a finalist
Any additional materials required by the Graduate College or for the applicable admissions cycle

Detailed application requirements can be found on each program’s page linked above. Applicants should carefully review the appropriate program page before preparing and submitting application materials.

Graduate Admissions and Application Information

Application Submission Deadlines

Dec 1

Early Submission Deadline

March 1

Late Submission Deadline

Recruitment Schedule for Fall 2026

Prospective students are invited to join a virtual information session to learn more about our graduate programs, meet faculty and staff, and ask questions about the application process. Additional recruitment events and travel dates will be added to this schedule as they are confirmed.

Event	Date & Time	Format / Location	Link
M.S. in Health Psychology Virtual Information Session	First Thursday of each month, 5PM EST Through November 2026	Virtual	Zoom
Ph.D. in Applied Psychology Virtual Information Session	Second Tuesday of each month, 5PM EST Through November 2026	Virtual	Zoom

Questions About the Program or Application?

Ms. Monica K. Dudley

Graduate Administrative Support Specialist
Ms. Dudley is the first point of contact for general questions about the Department of Psychology graduate programs, application materials, admissions processes, and program contacts.

Graduate Program Email:
psychgraduate@ncat.edu

Graduate Office Phone:
tel: (336) 285-2278

Main Office Phone:
tel: (336) 285-2267

Office:
New Science Building, Room 362

Program requirements, curricula, application availability, deadlines, funding, and contact information are subject to change. Prospective students should review the applicable program page and official Graduate College information for the most current requirements.