Every year, more than 450 million people around the globe suffer from a mental health condition, but in many places less than 10% have access to mental health services. International psychology professionals seek to bridge that gap through understanding, education, and outreach.
They may work in a variety of organizational environments and cultural settings, conducting research to better understand socio-cultural differences; developing and applying culturally competent organizational practices; supporting mental health services to underserved populations or to those suffering from the results of cultural crisis or natural disasters; launching grassroots initiatives to improve access to services; advocating and raising awareness about international mental health needs; and working with immigrant and refugee populations at home and abroad.
Ph.D. in International Psychology
- Offered in Chicago and online.
- A post-master’s program for individuals who work or wish to work in the international arena.
- Offered in a choice of three formats: full-time on campus, part-time on ground, and online
Chicago Campus
- Full time: completed in two years (six semesters)
- Part time: completed in three and a half years (10 semesters)
- Some courses may be offered in a blended format (a combination of online and on-campus components)
- Students engage in two required, nine-day international field experiences with a longer experience optional.
Online Campus
- Completed in three years (nine semesters)
- Online students take one course at a time, progressing through the program in a “cohort” fashion (i.e., with the same group of fellow students in each of their classes for the duration of the program).
- Students engage in two nine-day international field experiences (one in year two and another in year three) as well as two required weekend residencies that focus on research and dissertation preparation.
Students choose one of two concentrations:
- Organizations and Systems: Provides graduates with the cultural competence and collaboration skills to design, evaluate, and lead international programs in corporations, governmental and non-governmental organizations, and health- and faith-based organizations with international missions.
- Trauma Services: Provides graduates with the skills and understanding necessary to assist individuals and organizations in developing prevention and preparedness training and designing sustainable support services in the aftermath of traumatic events.
Program is particularly appropriate for professionals who work or desire to work for multinational corporations, international organizations, or faith-based organizations with international missions, including educators, spiritual leaders, medical personnel, mental health professionals, first responders, members of the media, and social service professionals.
Graduates are equipped with advanced research and program evaluation skills coupled with a rich appreciation for the individual and group consequences of global events—preparing them to apply psychological principles in the development of policy; assist individuals and organizations with understanding and collaborating with diverse cultural populations and all levels of international organizations and functional systems; and design and evaluate the efficacy of international programs.
