84 Best PhD Social Sciences & Psychology Programs in the United States

There are 84 PhD Social Sciences & Psychology programs in the United States, spread across 44 universities; the most common length is 4–6 years. Courses from Princeton University, Georgia Institute of Technology and Vanderbilt University come first, because those universities rank highest.

Subject

Level

University type

Location

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Universities 44 Programs 84 Scholarships 0

25PhD / Doctorate

#245 in United States United States

Doctor of Philosophy in Anthropology

University of Montana — The Doctor of Philosophy in Anthropology at the University of Montana is designed to deepen the understanding of human societies, cultures, and their development over tim...

PhD / DoctorateLevel

4–6 yearsDuration

Full TimeMode

FallIntake

Social Sciences & Psychology

View program → About the university

26PhD / Doctorate

#266 in United States United States

Counseling Psychology (Ph.D.)

New Mexico State University — Course OverviewThe Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology at New Mexico State University-Carlsbad offers an in-depth understanding of psychological principles, theories, and prac...

PhD / DoctorateLevel

4–6 yearsDuration

Full TimeMode

FallIntake

Social Sciences & Psychology

View program → About the university

27PhD / Doctorate

#266 in United States United States

Experimental Psychology (Ph.D.)

New Mexico State University — The Ph.D. in Experimental Psychology at New Mexico State University-Dona Ana provides a comprehensive exploration of the scientific principles underlying psychological re...

PhD / DoctorateLevel

4–6 yearsDuration

Full TimeMode

FallIntake

Social Sciences & Psychology

View program → About the university

28PhD / Doctorate

#266 in United States United States

Geography (Ph.D.)

New Mexico State University — The Ph.D. in Geography at New Mexico State University-Dona Ana offers an immersive experience for students keen to explore the intricate dynamics of human-environment int...

PhD / DoctorateLevel

4–6 yearsDuration

Full TimeMode

FallIntake

Social Sciences & Psychology

View program → About the university

29PhD / Doctorate

#273 in United States United States

Applied Developmental Psychology

University of Maryland, Baltimore County — The PhD in Applied Developmental Psychology at the University of Maryland-Baltimore County delves into the intricacies of human development across the lifespan. This prog...

PhD / DoctorateLevel

4–6 yearsDuration

Full TimeMode

FallIntake

Social Sciences & Psychology

View program → About the university

30PhD / Doctorate

#281 in United States United States

Psychology

Loma Linda University — The PhD in Psychology at Loma Linda University offers an in-depth exploration of the human mind and behavior, integrating research with practical application. This progra...

PhD / DoctorateLevel

4–6 yearsDuration

Full TimeMode

FallIntake

Social Sciences & Psychology

View program → About the university

31PhD / Doctorate

#287 in United States United States

Ph.D. in Community Psychology

Catholic University of America

PhD / DoctorateLevel

—Duration

Mode

—Intake

Social Sciences & Psychology

View program → About the university

32PhD / Doctorate

#287 in United States United States

Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology: Florida

Catholic University of America

PhD / DoctorateLevel

—Duration

Mode

—Intake

Social Sciences & Psychology

View program → About the university

33PhD / Doctorate

#287 in United States United States

Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology: Illinois

Catholic University of America

PhD / DoctorateLevel

—Duration

Mode

—Intake

Social Sciences & Psychology

View program → About the university

34PhD / Doctorate

#297 in United States United States

Community Research and Action

State University of New York at Binghamton

PhD / DoctorateLevel

4–6 yearsDuration

Full TimeMode

FallIntake

Social Sciences & Psychology

View program → About the university

35PhD / Doctorate

#297 in United States United States

Community Research and Action

State University of New York at Binghamton

PhD / DoctorateLevel

4–6 yearsDuration

Full TimeMode

FallIntake

Social Sciences & Psychology

View program → About the university

36PhD / Doctorate

#301 in United States United States

Anthropology and Environmental Policy

University of Maine — The PhD in Anthropology and Environmental Policy at the University of Maine is designed for students interested in exploring the intricate relationships between human cul...

PhD / DoctorateLevel

4–6 yearsDuration

Full TimeMode

FallIntake

Social Sciences & Psychology

View program → About the university

37PhD / Doctorate

#339 in United States United States

Behavior Analysis, Ph.D.

Florida Institute of Technology — About the Ph.D. in Behavior AnalysisThe Ph.D. in Behavior Analysis at the Florida Institute of Technology is designed to provide students with advanced knowledge and rese...

PhD / DoctorateLevel

4–6 yearsDuration

Full TimeMode

FallIntake

Social Sciences & Psychology

View program → About the university

38PhD / Doctorate

#343 in United States United States

American Culture Studies

Bowling Green State University — The PhD in American Culture Studies at Bowling Green State University provides a rigorous interdisciplinary approach to studying American culture through critical and the...

PhD / DoctorateLevel

4–6 yearsDuration

Full TimeMode

FallIntake

Social Sciences & Psychology

View program → About the university

39PhD / Doctorate

#352 in United States United States

Genocide Studies

Clark University — The PhD in Genocide Studies at Clark University provides an interdisciplinary approach to understanding the complexities of genocide, its causes, and its impacts on socie...

PhD / DoctorateLevel

4–6 yearsDuration

Full TimeMode

FallIntake

Social Sciences & Psychology

View program → About the university

40PhD / Doctorate

#352 in United States United States

History

Clark University — The PhD in History at Clark University offers an immersive experience in historical research and methodology, designed for those aspiring to contribute to academic schola...

PhD / DoctorateLevel

4–6 yearsDuration

Full TimeMode

FallIntake

Social Sciences & Psychology

View program → About the university

41PhD / Doctorate

#352 in United States United States

History, Ph.D.

Clark University

PhD / DoctorateLevel

—Duration

Full TimeMode

—Intake

Social Sciences & Psychology

View program → About the university

42PhD / Doctorate

#369 in United States United States

Counseling Psychology (PhD)

Louisiana Tech University

PhD / DoctorateLevel

—Duration

Full TimeMode

—Intake

Social Sciences & Psychology

View program → About the university

43PhD / Doctorate

#369 in United States United States

Industrial/Organizational Psychology (PhD)

Louisiana Tech University

PhD / DoctorateLevel

—Duration

Full TimeMode

—Intake

Social Sciences & Psychology

View program → About the university

44PhD / Doctorate

#415 in United States United States

Applied Experimental Psychology

Central Michigan University — The PhD in Applied Experimental Psychology at Central Michigan University offers an immersive exploration into the psychological principles that influence human behavior....

PhD / DoctorateLevel

4–6 yearsDuration

Full TimeMode

FallIntake

Social Sciences & Psychology

View program → About the university

45PhD / Doctorate

#472 in United States United States

Ph.D in Social Work

Smith College — Overview of the Ph.D. in Social WorkThe Ph.D. in Social Work at Smith College offers an advanced academic framework for students seeking to enhance their understanding of...

PhD / DoctorateLevel

4–6 yearsDuration

Full TimeMode

FallIntake

Social Sciences & Psychology

View program → About the university

46PhD / Doctorate

#475 in United States United States

Cultural Studies

Claremont Graduate University — The PhD in Cultural Studies at Claremont Graduate University is designed to explore the intricate relationship between culture, society, and power. This interdisciplinary...

PhD / DoctorateLevel

4–6 yearsDuration

Full TimeMode

FallIntake

Social Sciences & Psychology

View program → About the university

47PhD / Doctorate

#475 in United States United States

PhD in Political Science

Claremont Graduate University — The PhD in Political Science at Claremont Graduate University offers a comprehensive examination of political theory, comparative politics, international relations, and p...

PhD / DoctorateLevel

4–6 yearsDuration

Full TimeMode

FallIntake

Social Sciences & Psychology

View program → About the university

48PhD / Doctorate

#475 in United States United States

PhD in Psychology

Claremont Graduate University — The PhD in Psychology at Claremont Graduate University is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of psychological theory and research methodologi...

PhD / DoctorateLevel

4–6 yearsDuration

Full TimeMode

FallIntake

Social Sciences & Psychology

View program → About the university

Social Sciences & Psychology at other levels

Bachelor's Social Sciences & Psychology Diploma Social Sciences & Psychology Foundation Social Sciences & Psychology Master's Social Sciences & Psychology Professional Social Sciences & Psychology

Popular collections

Bachelor's Programs Social Sciences & Psychology Programs Business & Management Programs Medicine & Health Sciences Programs Master's Programs Education Programs Bachelor's Social Sciences & Psychology Programs Engineering Programs Computer Science & IT Programs Bachelor's Business & Management Programs

How these courses are ranked

8 of these universities hold a QS World position, from #15 (Princeton University) to #575 (University of South Carolina); they are listed first, in that order. Below them, universities follow their research output: Princeton University is cited most (27,547,724 citations). 2 universities have neither a QS position nor a research record yet and appear at the end, marked "Not yet ranked".

Levels, lengths and start dates

Within the subject, the largest areas are Social Sciences & Psychology (80), Psychology (3) and Anthropology (1). The usual length is 4–6 years. 97% are full-time and 2 can be studied online. Start dates lean to Fall (100% of courses with a stated intake). CUNY Graduate School and University Center offers the widest choice, with 5 of these courses.

Frequently asked questions

What are the top universities for PhD Social Sciences & Psychology in the United States?

Princeton University (QS World #15), Georgia Institute of Technology (QS World #123) and Vanderbilt University (QS World #250) lead this list. QS World positions come first; the rest are ranked by research impact.

Which is the cheapest university for PhD Social Sciences & Psychology in the United States?

Of those with published fees, CUNY Graduate School and University Center is the least expensive at about USD 15,185 a year. Fees are indicative — confirm on the university's site.

How long does a PhD Social Sciences & Psychology course take in the United States?

Most listed courses run 4–6 years.

When do PhD Social Sciences & Psychology courses start in the United States?

Fall is the main intake — 100% of courses with a stated start date begin then.

Can I study PhD Social Sciences & Psychology online with a university in the United States?

2 of these courses are listed as online.

Which university has the most PhD Social Sciences & Psychology courses in the United States?

CUNY Graduate School and University Center, with 5, ahead of College of Eastern Utah (5).

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