Social Psychology

Choose the Path That Is Right for You

Get a head start on your doctorate—this specialization track lays the groundwork for pursuit of your doctoral degree.

Course-Based Learning

Curriculum

Completion Requirements

• 48 total quarter credits

This represents the minimum credit requirement for program completion. The number of credits for completion will vary by student, depending on individual progress and credits transferred, if applicable. For a personalized estimate of the number of your transfer credits that Walden would accept, contact an Enrollment Specialist at 855-646-5286.

Courses

Show Course Descriptions

Course Code	Title	Credits
PSYC 6002	Foundations of Graduate Study in Psychology Show Students in this course are introduced to Walden University and to the requirements for successful participation in an online curriculum. Students build a foundation for academic and professional success as social change agents. They assess the relationship of Walden's mission and vision to professional goals. They establish connections with their peers and the broader Walden community. Students engage in course assignments focused on the practical application of scholarly writing, critical-thinking skills, academic integrity, ethics, and the promotion of professional and academic excellence within the field of psychology.	(3 cr.)
PSYC 6200	Themes and Theories of Psychology Show In this course, students are introduced to theories, research, and themes that form the tenets of psychology. Basic theoretical models are reviewed, including psychodynamic, cognitive, developmental, social learning/sociocognitive, behaviorist, learning and motivation, systems, biopsychosocial, and gender theories. Theories encompassing diverse populations, including cross-cultural and feminist theories, are also covered. Students critically examine the strengths and limitations of these theories and their utility in the field of psychology. Contemporary themes in psychology are explored, with an emphasis on application of theories designed to effect positive social change.	(5 cr.)
PSYC 6215	Lifespan Development Show In this course, students are provided with an advanced overview of development through the lifespan, including prenatal, childhood, adolescent, adult, and late adult phases. Basic developmental processes and theories are examined and applied to developmental milestones that occur within these phases of development. Themes of diversity are highlighted throughout the course. Additional topics include ethics, research, global perspectives, and social change.	(5 cr.)
PSYC 6701	Culture and Psychology Show Students in this course explore the cultural components, research, and theory of cross-cultural psychology. In addition to the previously listed goals, students focus on the impact that culture has on the field of psychology around the world. The scope of this course is broad, with the core theme being cross-cultural psychology (focusing on cultures representing different parts of the world) and comparing cultural influence on human psychology. Many of the topics addressed are related to human development. Additionally, interactions among culture and social behaviors, health, mental health, and mental illnesses are emphasized throughout the duration of this course.	(5 cr.)
RSCH 6110	Research Theory, Design, and Methods Show In this research course, students are provided with core knowledge and skills for understanding, analyzing, and designing research at the graduate level. Students explore the philosophy of science, the role of theory, and research processes. Quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods research designs and data collection methods are introduced. The alignment of research components is emphasized. Students also explore ethical and social change implications of designing and conducting research. Students demonstrate their knowledge and skills by developing an annotated bibliography.	(5 cr.)
PSYC 6245	Social Psychology Show In this course, students use the lens of social psychology to examine both social cognitions and social behavior—nearly all phenomena that pertain to the individual in society. Students explore the topics of perceptions, attitudes, relationships and attraction, the motivation to help others, prejudice and aggression, conformity and obedience, group behavior, and the influence of culture, and consider how knowledge of these topics can be used to effect positive social change. Students' application of what they learn in this course culminates in a final project in which they develop a plan for using social psychology research to address a significant social problem. Moreover, students' learning in this course will extend to their personal and professional lives and truly enable them to effect positive social change as a scholar-practitioner committed to doing so.	(5 cr.)
RSCH 6210	Quantitative Reasoning and Analysis Show Students in this research course build core knowledge and skills for designing quantitative research at the doctoral level, including understanding data analysis and applying statistical concepts. Students explore classical quantitative research designs and common statistical tests, the importance of quality assurance, and ethical and social change implications of conducting quantitative research and producing knowledge. In this course, students approach statistics from a problem-solving perspective with emphasis on selecting appropriate statistical tests for a research design. Students use statistical software to calculate statistics and interpret and present results. Students will apply and synthesize their knowledge and skills by developing a quantitative research plan.	(5 cr.)
PSYC 6393	MS in Psychology Capstone Show Students are provided with the opportunity to synthesize knowledge and skills acquired throughout their program into a practical project designed to promote positive social change in a capstone project. During this course, students work on a capstone project in which they complete a major integrative paper on a topic related to their specialization, incorporating theoretical and practical knowledge as well as social scientific research skills acquired throughout the program. The instructor may approve other capstone projects presented by students.	(5 cr.)
	Choose two courses from the following:
PSYC 6201	Social Cognition Show Students in this course orient to key elements in social cognitive processing as a subspecialty of social psychology, including attribution theory, schema theory, social cognition relative to self, the role of attention/consciousness in social cognition, errors and biases in social thought, heuristics, person memory, affect and cognition, attitudes, social influence, and behavior relative to social cognition.	(5 cr.)
PSYC 6202	Survey Research Methods Show Participants in this course study in-depth a range of survey methods administered via in-person interview, self-report, phone interview, and the Internet. Topics will include survey design, administration, analysis, and addressing sources of bias. Students also review theoretical and empirical research on question and questionnaire effects. Students prepare in the practice of writing questions and designing questionnaires, both in general and in light of existing research.	(5 cr.)
PSYC 6640	Applied Social Psychology Show Students are introduced to the goals and methods of applied social psychology. Topics explored include attitudes, social identity, social influence, attribution, social relations, diversity, and group dynamics in the context of educational, environmental, health, legal, and organizational settings as they relate to real-world social issues, practical problems, and the social domains of daily life. Emphasis is placed on exploring the contributions and contemporary applications of social psychological constructs, principles, theories, and interventions in these settings to promote positive social change.	(5 cr.)
VIEW ALL COURSES Less Courses

Tuition and Fees

Curriculum Component	Requirements	Cost	Total *
Tuition	48 total quarter credit	$535 per quarter hour	$25,680
Technology Fee	Per quarter	$160	$800
		TOTAL	$26,480
		Transfer up to 15 credits	$13,224
		Total with Maximum Transfer Credits†	$13,256

The tuition reflects the minimum credits to completion. Program completion varies by student, depending on individual progress and credits transferred, if applicable. For a personalized estimate of your time to completion, call an Enrollment Specialist at 855-646-5286.

^*Tuition and fees are subject to change. Books and materials are not included and may cost between $2,500 to $3,500.

^†Maximum transfer credit total includes reduction in technology fee as related to reduced number of courses over time

Course-Based Doctoral Preparation

Admissions Requirements

Program Admission Considerations: A bachelor's degree or higher.

General Admission Requirements: Completed online application and transcripts. Please note that the materials you are required to submit may vary depending on the academic program to which you apply. More information for international applicants.