Ph.D. PROGRAM IN APPLIED DEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY
Dr. Ann Higgins-D'Alessandro
718 - 817 - 3887
ahiggins@fordham.edu
Fordham University's program in Applied Developmental Psychology
has received national recognition for research excellence and for
applying research to real world problems. Indeed, the field of
Applied Developmental Psychology was invented here at Fordham more
than a decade ago. The program offers a solid foundation in the
research, theory, and methods of developmental psychology. In addition,
students are deeply engaged in research activities with the nationally
distinguished faculty, and gain considerable experience conducting
field work relevant to assessment, the ethics of research, program
evaluation, and social policy. Various opportunities for multidisciplinary
work are available including collaboration with Fordham's professional
schools of Law, Social Work, and Education. Fordham's program integrates
rigorous research in Developmental Psychology conducted in both
laboratory and applied settings, with program and policy issues.
Because of its location in the Bronx in New York City, Fordham's
program is poised to provide students with applied training, while
simultaneously using research in the service of needy children,
youth, and families in the community. In this way, our program
of applied developmental work reflects the goal of Jesuit education
at Fordham, "men and women for others."
Graduates from the Fordham program go on to academic jobs and
nationally visible programs of applied research. However, graduates
also move into jobs in foundations, state and federal government,
and other appropriate applied settings. We hope that our graduates
either change the nature of research in the field or bring research
and the tools of science to field settings serving children, youth,
and families.
The Applied Developmental Psychology Program at Fordham begins
with one year of coursework and a research apprenticeship in which
students work closely with a faculty member of their choice. The
second year includes coursework and a pre-dissertation research
project proposed by the student and conducted with a faculty mentor.
Third year requirements include final coursework and 10 hours per
week spent in a practicum experience in an applied setting such
as a community based program or social service agency. A research
project is completed during this time, providing students with
real experience engaging in applied research. The fourth year comprises
initial work toward a dissertation, although students may also
opt to continue their intensive field work as part of the dissertation,
or separate from it. Students are expected to complete their dissertation
and graduate at the end of their fourth or fifth year. The program
is small, admitting only about six students per year. With six
core faculty, student faculty contact is close and intensive throughout
the program. Our faculty and a brief statement about their research
are listed below.
To help you learn more about Applied Developmental Psychology
consult: "Educating the Applied Developmental
Psychologist for University-Community Partnerships: The Fordham
Model", by A. Higgins-D'Alessandro, C.
Fisher, and M. Hamilton. This chapter is in Outreach
universities for American youth and families: Building community
collaboration for the 21st century (1996) edited by R.M. Lerner
and L.A.K. Simon, published by Garland.
Resources
American Psychological Association
Association for Psychological Science
Society for Research in Child Development
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