Pace University

What you'll study

This programme emphasises experimental methods, quantitative skills and independent research. Core areas of study typically include:

• Advanced research methods — experimental design, measurement theory, and reproducibility practices.
• Quantitative and statistical techniques — multivariate statistics, mixed-effects models, structural equation modelling and advanced data analysis using contemporary software.
• Theoretical foundations — seminars in cognitive, social, developmental or biological bases of behaviour, depending on faculty strengths and student focus.
• Specialist electives — topics such as cognitive neuroscience, perception, learning and memory, decision-making, emotion, or applied experimental paradigms.
• Research practicum and lab rotations — supervised hands-on experience in faculty laboratories, including design, data collection and grant-style project planning.
• Teaching experience — opportunities to develop university-level teaching skills through assistantships and workshop training.
• Doctoral dissertation — a substantial, original research project that contributes to the field and is defended before a faculty committee.

Students typically progress from coursework and methodological training to qualifying examinations and sustained dissertation research. Collaboration across departments, such as computer science, neuroscience and business, is encouraged for interdisciplinary projects.

Entry requirements

Applicants should have a strong academic background in psychology or a closely related discipline. Typical requirements include:

• A master's degree in psychology or a related field is often preferred; highly qualified applicants with a strong bachelor's degree and substantial research experience may also be considered.
• A competitive academic record (for example, a high upper-second-class honours degree or the equivalent from institutions using other grading systems).
• Demonstrated research experience — this can include honours projects, master's thesis, published work, laboratory experience or research assistant positions.
• A curriculum vitae, a statement of research interests outlining proposed doctoral-level questions and fit with faculty expertise, and a writing sample (such as a thesis chapter or research paper).
• References — usually three academic or professional referees who can speak to research potential and readiness for doctoral study.
• Applicants may be invited to interview with faculty. Some programmes consider standardised test scores on a case-by-case basis; check the department for current testing policy.

Career prospects

Graduates of a research and experimental psychology PhD pursue a range of careers that leverage advanced empirical and analytical skills. Common pathways include:

• Academic careers — postdoctoral research positions, tenure-track faculty posts, and teaching roles at universities and colleges.
• Research scientist roles in government, public sector research institutes and independent research organisations.
• Industry research and development — positions in pharmaceuticals, technology companies (eg, human factors and UX research), consumer research and behavioural insights teams.
• Data science and analytics — roles that apply statistical modelling, machine learning and experimental design to commercial or policy problems.
• Consultancy and policy roles — advising organisations on evidence-based interventions, assessment, and programme evaluation.

The programme’s emphasis on experimental design and quantitative methods equips graduates to lead empirical projects, secure competitive research funding and communicate findings to academic and non-academic audiences.

Why study at Pace University

Pace University offers doctoral students close mentorship within a research-active environment and the practical advantage of being located near New York City, which provides access to a wide network of academic partners, hospitals, research centres and industry collaborators. The department typically supports doctoral trainees through teaching and research assistantships that provide professional development in pedagogy and grant-writing.

Students benefit from interdisciplinary collaborations across university schools and centres, opportunities to work in well-equipped laboratories, and a culture that emphasises rigorous methods, reproducibility and ethical research practice. Small cohort sizes foster personalised supervision and a collegial peer community, which is valuable during the sustained process of completing a doctoral dissertation.