Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology (Ph.D.)
Purpose
The purpose of the Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology program is to provide advanced theoretical and research training in psychology through the pursuit of truth from a biblical perspective in the study of human behavior.Program Learning Outcomes
The student will be able to:
- Evaluate the research literature in Psychology to include major concepts, theories, research methodologies, and empirical finding.
- Evaluate various research methodologies, designs, and statistical procedures in psychological science.
- Apply psychological research to practical individual and social problems.
- Evaluate the psychological research literature in the context of biblical worldview.
Behavioral Health Leadership Concentration
The student will be able to:
- Assess key principles and theories in behavioral health leadership.
- Produce original research in behavioral health leadership.
Developmental Psychology Concentration
The student will be able to:
- Assess key principles and theories in Developmental Psychology across the lifespan.
- Produce original research in Developmental Psychology.
General Psychology Concentration
The student will be able to:
- Assess key principles and theories in Psychology.
- Produce original research in Psychology.
Industrial/Organizational Psychology Concentration
The student will be able to:
- Assess key principles and theories in Industrial/Organizational Psychology.
- Produce original research in Industrial/Organizational Psychology.
Social Psychology Concentration
The student will be able to:
- Assess key principles and theories in Social Psychology.
- Produce original research in Social Psychology.
Theology Concentration
The student will be able to:
- Assess key principles and theories in Psychology using various models of integration.
- Produce original research that integrates psychology and theology.
Program Specific Admission Procedures
In addition to the General Admission Procedures outlined in this catalog, doctoral applicants to the Ph.D. in Psychology program must have:
- Completed Master’s degree from an accredited institution.
- A cumulative GPA of at least 3.00 or above (on a 4.00 scale) in all previous graduate course work.
- Two (2) Recommender Contact Information. Approved recommenders are the student’s former college professors or supervisors.
- Statement of Purpose: two (2) pages, double spaced.
- Departmental approval (as required by Graduate Admissions)
The above are minimum academic requirements for admission to the Ph.D. in Psychology program. The applicant’s character, integrity, and general fitness to practice a particular profession will also be considered in the admission process.
Transfer of Credit
Students may transfer up to 30 semester hours of Ph.D. coursework. For a transferred course to replace a Liberty University Ph.D. course, the following requirements must be met:
- The school at which the course was taken must be appropriately accredited.
- The course credit must be at least three semester hours or five quarter hours.
- The student must have earned a grade of B- or better in the course.
- The course must overlap with one of Liberty’s courses by at least 80%.
- Transfer credits must have been completed as post-master’s course work (700-900 level) within the previous seven (7) years to be accepted.
- Courses with a recorded grade of C+ or below will not be accepted.
- Correspondence studies or life experiences will not be accepted for transfer credit.
Course Requirements
The Ph.D. in Psychology requires completion of a minimum of 60 hours of post-master’s Ph.D.-level coursework including core courses, concentration courses, and dissertation coursework.