Graduate Program

We offer a doctoral degree in psychology, with specialization in:

• Behavioral
  Neuroscience
• Clinical
  Science
• Cognitive
  Psychology
• Social
  Psychology

In the Department of Psychology Graduate Program, candidates committed to research will find unique opportunities, a stimulating academic atmosphere, and the support of an experienced and highly respected faculty.

Faculty members embody exacting research standards

Our faculty members have authored hundreds of research publications, are influential in prestigious organizations and editorial boards around the world, and consistently attract major funding from leading national agencies. Search faculty by name or research area.

Support helps students succeed

Faculty advisors are actively engaged in mentoring graduate students, giving thoughtful advice and empowering students to pursue independent research interests. We guarantee funding for a full four years so students can fulfill their potential and achieve goals without worrying about finances. We also facilitate attendance at national conferences so promising researchers can meet leading thinkers, gain valuable exposure and interact with peers.

Collaboration opens doors

At the University of Delaware, opportunities abound for interdisciplinary work within the Psychology Department and beyond. Collaboration with researchers from institutions such as Johns Hopkins University, University of Maryland, University of Pennsylvania, Temple University and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) provides access to an even broader research community. We also work with leading healthcare centers, including Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Nemours Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children, and Christiana Care Health System.

An environment for growth

Graduate students grow in expertise thanks to diverse research activity and challenging coursework. With the enthusiastic guidance of faculty mentors, stimulating intellectual camaraderie of peers, and extensive exposure to the field at large, they grow in confidence as well.

Recent graduates

John Ackerman, Ph.D. (Clinical Psychology, 2006), Psychologist, Nathionwide Childrens's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio. 

Kathleen Albus, Ph.D. (Clinical Psychology, 2001), Psycholgist, Center for Promotion of Child Development.

Eleanor Brown, Ph.D. (Clinical Psychology,2005), Assistant Professor, West Chester University of Pennsylvania.

Kevin Brown, Ph.D. (Behavioral Neuroscience, 2008; Advisor: Mark Staton), Post-Doctoral Fellow (with Diana Woodruff-Pak), Temple University.

Jessica Buchanan, Ph.D. (Behavioral Neuroscience, 2004), Academic Professional Department of Animal Science, University of Illinois.

Pamela Burton, Ph.D. (Cognitive Psychology, 2004), Army Research Laboratory, Aberdeen Proving Ground.

Kimberly Dasch, Ph.D. (Clinical Psychology, 2009), Visiting Assistant Professor, University of Delaware.

Karen Dearing, Ph.D. (Clinical Psychology, 2004), Post-Doctoral Fellow, Personality/Psychopathology, Stanford University.

Christopher A. Dickinson, Ph.D. (Cognitive Psychology, Completed Post-Doc 2008; Advisor: Helene Intraub), Assistant Professor, Appalachian State University.

Stacy Direso, Ph.D. (Social Psychology, 2008; Advisor: Sam Gaertner), Assistant Professor, Holy Family College.

Paul Eder, Ph.D. (Social Psychology, 2007; Advisor: John Sawyer), The Center for Organizational Excellence.

Alison Esposito, Ph.D. (Clinical Psychology, 2006), Adjunct Assistant Professor, Towson University.

Sarah Fine, Ph.D. (Clinical Psychology, 2003), Psychological Centers, Inc., Director of Early Intervention.

Shawn Gallagher, Ph.D. (Behavioral Neuroscience, 2002), Associate Professor, Millersville University of Pennsylvania.

Kathleen Gunthert, Ph.D. (Clinical Psychology, 2002; Advisor: Lawrence Cohen), Assistant Professor, American University.

Greg Hajcak, Ph.D. (Clinical Psychology, 2006), Assistant Professor, Stony Brook University.

Missy Houlette, Ph.D. (Social Psychology, 2003; Advisor: Sam Gaertner), Assistant Professor, College of Mount Saint Joseph.

Kelly Johnson, Ph.D. (Social Psychology, 2005; Advisor: Sam Gaertner); Assistant Professor, Dominican College.

Ginger Kinsey, Ph.D. (Clinical Psychology, 2003), Psychologist, Vericase, Long-Term Care Facility.

Marika Lamoreaux, Ph.D. (Social Psychology, 2007; Advisor: Sam Gaertner), Lecturer, Georgia State University.

Oliver Lindheim, Ph.D. (Clinical Psychology, 2009), Post-Doctoral Fellow, University of Pittsbrugh School of Medicine.

Eric Mania, Ph.D. (Social Psychology, 2009; Advisor: Sam Gaertner), Assistant Professor, Quinsigamond Community College.

Melissa Manni, Ph.D. (Clinical Psychology, 2007), Post-Doctoral Fellow, A.I. duPont Hospital for Children.

Meghan McAuliffe, Ph.D. (Clinical Psychology, 2008), Post-Doctoral Fellow, A.I. duPont Hospital for Children.

Michael Morrow, Ph.D. (Clinical Psychology, 2009), Post-Doctoral Fellow, A.I. duPont Hospital for Children.

Jason Moser, Ph.D. (Clinical Psychology, 2009; Advisor: Bob Simons), Assistant Professor, Michigan State University.

Alison Mostow, Ph.D. (Clinical Psychology, 2004), Psychologist, Kennedy Krieger Institute, John Hopkins University.

Ed Munnich, Ph.D. (Cognitive Psychology, 2002), Assistant Professor, University of San Francisco.

Suzanne O'Neill, Ph.D. (Clinical Psychology, 2004; Advisor: Lawrence Cohen), Assistant Professor, Lombardi Cancer Center, Georgetown University.

Ozge Ozturk, Ph.D. (Linguistics and Cognitive Science, 2008; Advisor: Anna Papafragou), Post-Doctoral Fellow, Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics, Holland.

Jerome (Barney) Pagani, Ph.D. (Behavioral Neuroscience, 2007; Advisor: Jeff Rosen), Post-Doctoral Fellow, National Institute of Mental Health.

Sally Ramsden, Ph.D. (Clinical Psychology, 2001), Psychologist, Upper Bay Counseling Center.

Jason Reiss, Ph.D. (Cognitive Psychology, 2007), Assistant Professor, Wheaton College.

Blake M. Riek, Ph.D. (Social Psychology, 2007; Advisor: Sam Gaertner), Assistant Professor, Calvin College.

Thomas Roedema, Ph.D. (Clinical Psychology, 2002), Psychologist, Clinical Associates of Tidewater.

Natalie Rosenthal, Ph.D. (Clinical Psychology, 2008), Post-Doctoral Fellow, Brown University.

Ronnie Rubin, Ph.D. (Clinical Psychology, 2007), Post-Doctoral Fellow, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.

K. D'Eramo Schoff, Ph.D. (Clinical Psychology, 2001), Psychologist, Center for Children with Special Needs.

David Schwartz, Ph.D. (Clinical Psychology, 2004), Assistant Professor, School of Allied Health Sciences, Baylor College of Medicine.

Linda Shanock, Ph.D. (Social Psychology, 2001; Advisor: Robert Eisenberger), Assistant Professor, UNC-Charlotte.

Catherine Smithmeyer, Ph.D. (Clinical Psychology, 2001), Psychologist, Chesapeake Bay Psychological Services.

Ivan Sucharski, Ph.D. (Social Psychology, 2006; Advisor: Robert Eisenberger), Senior Business Analyst, Medio Systems Inc.

Melissa Sumner, Ph.D. (Clinical Psychology, 2007), Post-Doctoral Fellow, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.

Barbara Thompson, Ph.D. (Behavioral Neuroscience,2003), Post-Doctoral Fellow, Vanderbilt School of Medicine.

Laura Tolpin, Ph.D. (Clinical Psychology, 2005), Psychologist, Michael E. DeBakey Veterans Affairs Medical Center.

Chris Trentacosta, Ph.D. (Clinical Psychology, 2006; Advisor: Carroll E. Izard), Assistant Professor, Wayne State University.

Elizabeth Parker Ware, Ph.D. (Clinical Psychology, 2002), Psychologist, Private Practice.

Deborah Watson, Ph.D. (Behavioral Neuroscience, 2009; Advisor: Mark Stanton), Post-Doctoral Fellow (with Kristin Harris), The Center for Learning and Memory, University of Texas at Austin.

Kristen Zajac, Ph.D. (Clinical Psychology, 2009), Post-Doctoral Fellow, University of South Carolina School of Medicine.