Key Information
- Duration: Full-time — 60 months
- Start dates & application deadlines: Starting August 2027 — Apply before December 2026
Overview
The Applied Developmental Psychology doctoral curriculum from University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) combines rigorous methodological training with foundational knowledge in developmental processes and applied contexts. Students select from three specialized concentrations: Early Development and Early Intervention, Socioemotional Development of Children, or Educational Contexts of Development. Coursework encompasses developmental theory, ethical and professional issues, advanced quantitative methods, public policy, and assessment. Doctoral candidates complete supervised field practica, design and defend a master's thesis, pass qualifying examinations, and execute an original doctoral dissertation research project.
Career opportunities
Graduates transition into influential research, academic, administrative, and policy roles across higher education, healthcare networks, government entities, and non-profit research institutes. Common career titles include university professor, director of surveys and analysis, manager of school behavioral services, clinical research coordinator, and educational consultant. Alumni frequently secure positions within academic institutions, school districts, health departments, pediatric research centers, and advocacy organizations across Maryland and nationwide.
Programme Structure
Courses include:
- Ethical and Professional Issues in Psychology
- Research Design and Applied Methodology
- Quantitative Methods and Statistical Analysis
- Early Intervention and Risk Factors in Early Development
- Socioemotional Development in Cultural Contexts
- Educational Contexts and Cognitive Development
- Psychological Assessment of Children and Families
Admission Requirements
Academic requirements
GPA: 3 (usually on a 4.0 scale)
English requirements
- Duolingo English Test: 115
- TOEFL iBT: 80
- PTE Academic: 53
- IELTS: 6.5
Other requirements
Applicants must have at least a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution and a “B” average, or 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. Admission to the programme is based on a review by the admissions committee of each applicant’s complete profile, including the applicant’s grade point average in the baccalaureate degree; performance in relevant courses of study; stated goals (personal, career and research); evaluation by referees; relevant research and practical experience; maturity; GRE scores on verbal, quantitative, analytic tests and the psychology tests (the latter is optional); and identification of an area of research interest compatible with the research interests and competence of the programme’s faculty.
Tuition Fees
International tuition fees: 40,489 AUD / year (approximately 29,010 USD / year)
Scholarships
UMBC’s Premier Scholars Programs — provided by University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC). Grant: 22,000 USD. Deadline: 15 Jan 2027. Merit-based.