Ph.D. International Psychology

• Application
• Application fee ($50)
• Resume or curriculum vitae
• Personal statement
• Official college/university transcripts
• Previous coursework

An applicant to the Organizations and Systems concentration must enter with a master’s degree from an accredited institution in psychology, the behavioral sciences, or related field, and must meet additional entrance requirements.

An applicant to the Trauma Studies concentration must enter with a master’s degree in Psychology or a related field such as Counseling Psychology, Pastoral Counseling, Social Work, Psychiatric Nursing, and/or Marriage and Family Therapy, from an accredited institution or have extensive relevant work experience.

The Ph.D. International Psychology program is a non-licensure program. For information on whether a program at The Chicago School meets or does not meet licensure eligibility requirements for the state in which you wish to be licensed, please visit our licensure disclosures page.

International Field Experience

All students participate in two required, minimum nine-day international fieldwork experiences at an international destination selected by the program (one in year two and the other in year three).

In both instances, you will have the opportunity to participate in a minimum nine-day international fieldwork experience at an international destination selected by the program. Students will be in the country for up to seven nights and will have five to six full days for the field/service learning. Coursework will be based on the number of students in the cohort, available opportunities, level of international experience, and professional interests. The Chicago School creates professional agreements with one or more international organizations in the country in order to facilitate the course activities. A minimum of one full-time faculty member will accompany you during your travels.

The courses within the Ph.D. International Psychology program, including international fieldwork experiences, are not eligible for substitution with study abroad courses. The international fieldwork experience courses equip students with the essential skills, competencies, and knowledge required to effectively engage in the field of international psychology.

Residency (Online Campus)

Students enrolled in the Ph.D. International Psychology Online program must attend two Residency sessions at The Chicago School (campus locations may vary). The three-day residencies focus on special topics in international psychology and research methodology. Both residencies provide in-depth learning and opportunities for face-to-face mentoring for dissertation work and program learning. Residencies are also an opportunity for students to build relationships with their classmates/cohorts and program faculty. Students are required to attend two residencies. Failure to complete the residency requirements will result in failure in the program.

Comprehensive Examination

Every student is required to pass written and oral Comprehensive Examinations. The aim of the written examination is to evaluate the student’s knowledge of Research Methods, Diversity, Foundational Literature, and Ethics in the field. The oral exam involves a presentation by the student of their Dissertation Proposal. Comprehensive Examinations are conducted during the second year of a student’s doctoral study.

Dissertation

Completion of an original dissertation research study is an essential and significant aspect of the doctoral student’s academic experience and professional education. The dissertation represents the student’s ability to examine the literature on a psychological phenomenon, identify a gap in the international psychology field, and conduct research that will address global issues. The dissertation represents the your ability to think critically and creatively about relevant research issues in international psychology, and to contribute to global improvement.

The International Psychology program requirements for dissertation research are as follows:

• The dissertation must be international in nature and contribute to the overall international psychology literature (topic to be approved by the department chair, departmental dissertation lead faculty, and dissertation chair).
• The standard of references and resources used in the dissertation must be peer-reviewed journals and professional publications in psychology (or related fields such as social work, sociology, and organizational psychology). Additional resources may be incorporated at the discretion of the dissertation chair.

Ethics and Professional Development

This course will orient students to The Chicago School’s policies and procedures, career expectations, and ethics in international psychology. Students will be encouraged to explore issues and challenges of professional and career development and to develop skills in self-evaluation, self-reflection, and professional ethical conduct in global contexts. International law is covered with respect to major issues impacting global psychology such as refugees, child labor, child soldiers, and humanitarian treatment of prisoners.

Foundations of International Psychology

This course explores the historical and theoretical foundations of professional psychology and introduces students to the intellectual heritage of both Western and non-Western theory and practice. Students will examine the differences between cultural, cross-cultural, and indigenous psychology. Topics include an evaluation of the science of traditional psychology, traditional psychological assessment, and psychology as an international science. Students will analyze the developmental aspects of different psychological traditions and the development of personality and belief systems that create a global perspective for the psychology of the future. This course will provide students with an essential introduction to the foundational literature in the field of International Psychology, and is linked to the program competencies of Research and Critical Psychology.

Foundations of Global Mental Health

This course will provide an overview of western and non-western approaches to mental health, research and ethics in a cross-cultural context. Special attention is given to critically assessing whether Western based psychological theories, constructs, and practices are applicable across cultures and if such a theory disenfranchises minorities. Challenges for collaboration, and special topics such as trauma (e.g., genocides, human rights abuse, sexual trafficking), gender and mental health, alternative healing practices, conflict, psychology of peace-keeping, and displaced populations are discussed.

Through the convenience of The Chicago School’s online programs, your life remains intact. Our online Global Student Dashboard is where you will find the coursework and assignments for your International Psychology courses, interact with fellow students, and answer questions from your instructor. You will also participate in two field experiences at an international destination selected by the program.

Through the Ph.D. International Psychology degree program, you are empowered to assume leadership positions in multinational organizations. Opportunities may include:

• Government agencies
• Nonprofit organizations
• Embassies
• International businesses
• World Bank/World Health Organization
• Inter-American Development Bank
• American Red Cross/Red Crescent

The Chicago School is dedicated to keeping our professional degree programs accessible to anyone regardless of financial status. In addition to the scholarships that may be available, our Financial Aid Department will provide you with information to determine what financial arrangements are right for you.

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