in person
PhD in Psychology
The applications of positive psychology to improving performance and quality of work are immediate and clear. This distinctive program trains scholars to improve organizational effectiveness and individual work life through advanced research in positive psychology. Ideal for those committed to creating socially responsible organizations, the program explores how to meet the challenges of an increasingly diverse workforce in a global economy and community. You’ll have access to a wide array of collaborative research opportunities. From experience sampling methods to quasi-experimental designs, surveys, and interviews, our faculty and students focus their research on lifelong processes and outcomes of behavior as they affect quality of human life.
72 units
required units
PhD in Psychology
degree awarded
In Person
modality
Spring, Summer, Fall
program start
5-7 years | full time*
estimated completion time
Jason Beck
Claremont Psychological Services, Inc.
Owner
The Advocacy and Learning Associates
CEO and Owner
Foundation for Behavioral Health
President
Lanterman Development Center
Chair of Psychology
Woodbury
Chair of Psychology
Delaware Division of Alcohol and Drug Services
Deputy Director
Missouri Foundation for Health
Director of Evaluation
U.S. Department of State
Foreign Affairs Officer
Centre For Addiction & Mental Health
Manager
Department of Psychiatry, University of California, Los Angeles
Project Coordinator
University of Georgia
Executive Director & Professor
University of Iowa College of Medicine
Director
Center for Brain Neuroplasticity/
Chief Scientist
National Institute of Justice
Senior Social Science Analyst
Vanderbilt University
Graduate Fellow
Davidson Consulting Ltd.
Evaluation and Organizational Consultant
University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
Distinguished Professor
Biola University
Professor of Psychology
Brigham Young University
Professor of Psychology
Whitman College
Associate Professor of Psychology
Loma Linda University
Associate Professor of Nursing and Psychology
Interim President
Professor of Organizational Behavior
Research Interests
Leadership, Organizational Culture, Charismatic Leadership
Distinguished University Professor
Executive Director, Claremont Evaluation Center
Executive Director, The Evaluators' Institute (TEI)
Research Interests
Positive Organizational Psychology, Health/Well-Being & Positive Functioning Across Cultures, Program Design & Re-Design, Culturally Responsive Theory-Driven Measurement & Evaluation
Associate Professor of Psychology
Director, Center for Academic & Faculty Excellence
Research Interests
Work stress; work-life issues; workplace victimization and incivility; relational practices and cultures; diversity; positive organizational interventions to enhance well-being and performance.
Associate Professor
Director, Quality of Life Research Center
Research Interests
Engagement, Mentoring, Positive Aging
Full Professor
Research Interests
Development of those not typically represented in leadership roles (e.g., women, BIPOC, LGBTQ+), Psychological mechanisms underlying the process of leader development (e.g., feedback, goal striving, self-views, implicit theories, leader development readiness), Development of leadership through experiences outside of the work context (e.g., global, sports, volunteering, crisis)
Professor of Psychology
Research Interests
Social Psychology, Health Psychology, Persuasion, Survey Research
Professor of Economic Sciences, Psychology & Management
Director, Center for Neuroeconomics Studies
Research Interests
Neuroeconomics, Neuroscience of Narratives, Neuromanagement
Claremont McKenna College
Research Interests
Culture, Diversity, Organizational Psychology, Statistics, Teams, Teamwork, Workplace Issues and Trends
Pitzer College
Research Interests
Social psychology; volunteerism and prosocial action; environmental concerns; lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender issues; sense of community; civic engagement and civil society
Claremont McKenna College
Research Interests
Human resources management, innovation, leadership, Non-verbal communication, organizational psychology
PhD Unit Requirements
72 units
Positive Organizational Psychology Core Courses (20 units)
Foundations of Positive Psychology (4 units)
Advanced Topics in Organization Psychology OR Positive Psychology (4 units)
Doctoral Seminar in Organizational Behavior (4 units)
Positive Organizational Psychology (4 units)
Doctoral Seminar in Organizational Theory OR Doctoral Seminar in Organizational Development & Change (4 units)
Positive Organizational Psychology & Related Electives (24 units)
Students are required to take an additional 24 units of Positive Organizational Psychology or related coursework, following an approved plan of study. Choose from:
Doctoral Seminar on Industrial Psychology (4 units)
Positive Psychology Research Practicum (2 to 4 units)
Motivation & Peak Performance (4 units)
Flow: The Psychology of Positive Experience (2 units)
Creativity & Innovation (2 units)
Job Design (2 units)
Good Work (4 units)
Appreciative Inquiry for Organizational Change (2 units)
Organizational Learning: Theory & Practice (4 units)
Organizational Culture (4 units)
Leadership (4 units)
Training & Development (4 units)
Theory & Practice of Consulting (4 units)
Adult Development: Classic & Positive Perspectives (4 units)
The Study of Experience (4 units)
Advanced Qualitative Research Methods (4 units)
Talent Management (4 units)
Interpersonal Dynamics in Organizations (4 units)
Jobs, Careers & Calling (4 units)
Students are also encouraged to take elective courses in the School of Educational Studies, the Drucker School of Management, the Division of Politics & Economics, the Center for Information Systems & Technology, the School of Arts & Humanities, and the Institute of Mathematical Sciences.
Statistics & Methodology (20 units)
Research Methods (4 units)
Directed Research Seminar: Organizational Behavior (two 2-unit courses)
Intermediate Statistics (2 units)
Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) (2 units)
Categorical Data Analysis (2 units)
Applied Multiple Regression (2 units)
PSYCH 315 Sequence: 4 additional units of Advanced Methodology
Field/Teaching Experience (4 units)
Supervised Teaching Seminar (4 units)
or
Field Placement (4 units)
Transdisciplinary Core Course (4 units)
All PhD students are required to enroll in a transdisciplinary core course from the “TNDY” course sequence during their first three semesters at Claremont Graduate University.
Portfolio
In addition to 72 units of coursework, all students must complete a portfolio that represents a cohesive set of experiences balancing training in their area of specialization.
PhD Completion
University Requirements | |
---|---|
Application Fee | $80 (fee is non-refundable) |
Official Transcripts | Undergraduate/graduate |
English Proficiency Exam | Required (international applicants only) |
Resume | Applicants must submit an up-to-date copy of their resume. |
Program Requirements | |
---|---|
Statement of Purpose | Please submit a 2-3 page statement of purpose that details your academic and/or professional achievements, your specific areas of research interest within your desired field of study, why you are a strong candidate for graduate studies at CGU, and your career goals. |
Letter of Recommendation | 2 letters required |
Standardized Test Scores | GRE (optional) |
CGU operates on a priority deadline cycle. Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit complete applications by the priority dates in order to assure maximum consideration for both admission and fellowships.
Once the priority deadlines have passed, the University will continue to review applications for qualified candidates on a competitive, space-available basis. The final deadlines listed are the last date the University can accept an application in order to allow sufficient time to complete the admissions, financial aid, and other enrollment processes.
Spring 2025
Priority Deadline – November 1, 2024
Final Deadline (International) – November 15, 2024
Final Deadline (Domestic) – December 1, 2024
Classes begin – January 21, 2025
Summer 2025
Priority Deadline – February 1, 2025
Final Deadline (International) – March 1, 2025
Final Deadline (Domestic) – April 1, 2025
Classes begin – May 19, 2025
Fall 2025
Priority Deadline – February 1, 2025
Final Deadline (International) – July 5, 2025
Final Deadline (Domestic) – August 1, 2025
Classes begin – August 25, 2025
Program | 72 units |
Tuition per unit* | $2,020 |
*Based on 2024-2025 tuition rates.
$245 Student Fee |
$150 Technology Fee |
International Student Services Fee*: $661 fall semester, $776 spring semester **Applies to all international students (F-1 visa only) who are registered in coursework, doctoral study, or continuous registration. The fee is assessed each fall and spring semester for annual ISO accident and sickness plans and administrative fees. Subject to change. |
For estimates of room & board, books, etc., please download CGU’s Cost of Attendance 2024-2025.