Ph.D. in Behavioral Science

The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Behavioral Science is a research-intensive program with a strong focus on health psychology and methodology topics. There are few programs nationwide in which you can study both of these topics simultaneously. Through this integration, we prepare students for traditional academic career positions and positions in contract research, service, and the private sector. In addition to our leading strengths in these two areas, we offer robust coverage of social, cognitive, and developmental perspectives in our training while attending to individual and group differences and diverse social, familial, and community settings. We welcome the full range and diversity of life experiences and perspectives of our students and faculty and value the importance of multicultural competence in teaching, research design, and practice in behavioral science.

The College of Health Sciences seeks to be a leader in education, research, and outreach to promote optimal health and wellness across the life span. We are committed to high-quality teaching that emphasizes evidence-based practices, engages students in multidisciplinary learning, and produces graduates who can effectively translate and apply knowledge in their professions.

Our research seeks to develop innovative solutions to complex problems that improve the health and well-being of others. Recognizing that the best solutions occur when issues are approached from multiple perspectives, we value our diverse faculty and community, state, and national partnerships in both teaching and research. Through service and outreach, we strive to better the health, well-being, and quality of life among members of the University community, the State of Rhode Island, and beyond.