phd psychology lund university

Department of Psychology

Phd courses.

In the PhD programme courses corresponding to 75 credits are included. Of these at least 30 credits should be courses in research methodology and at least 30 credits should be subject courses. This page tries to help you find relevant courses to study and information on how you apply to them.

Apply for a course within the PhD programme by filling in the web form below no later than 30 days before the course starts. If you have any questions, contact: [email protected] .

Application for graduate course

Courses given spring 2024

Below you will find basic information about the courses given by the Department of Psychology in the spring of 2023. You can also check if there is a course on master's level that would fit in your PhD program. Just check with your supervisor and the Head of studies before you apply for one of these courses.

Registered students on these courses will find more information in Athena .

Academic Writing in Psychology, 7,5 credits

Eye tracking methodology for psychological science, 3 credits

Psychoneuroimmunology, 4,5 credits, statistics 2, 7,5 credits, statistics 2.5: bayesian multi-level modelling the rethinking way, 3 credits, qualitative interviewing – data collection and analysis, 7,5 credits, courses given autumn 2023.

Below you will find basic information about the courses given by the Department of Psychology in the autumn of 2023. You can also check if there is a course on the master's level that would fit in your PhD program. Just check with your supervisor and the Head of studies before you apply for one of these courses.

Statistics 1, 7,5 credits

Research methods i, 7,5 credits, psychometrics, 7,5 credits.

Syllabus : PS3FMO2 Course leader : Anders Sjöberg, [email protected] Course instructions : Psychometrics, 7,5 credits, autumn 2023 Schedule : Psychoterics, 7,5 credits, autumn 2023 Language : This course is taught in English.

Data analysis and causal inference in observational studies for social and medical research, 7,5 credits

Artificial general intelligence, 7,5 credits, intensive short-term dynamic psychotherapy, 7,5 credits, advanced psychedelic science journal club & factory, 4,5–7,5 credits.

More courses may be added later.

Course catalogue

Courses that are offered regularly (usually once a year) or that can be given on demand, for example as literature courses.

Psychoneuroimmunology, 4,5 credits

Reproducibility, 3 – 5 credits, sustainable career development, 7,5 credits, trends in cognitions, 7,5 credits, phd courses at other departments or universities.

But wait, there is more!

Depending on your subject area other courses may be relevant to your thesis. Before taking such a course at another department, you must check with your supervisor and with the head of PhD studies who need to approve before it can be credited within the programme.

To get a course credited you should fill out the appropriate form along with certificates on course credits achieved and a list of course literature. You can order the form from [email protected]

At other departments

Other departments at the Faculty of Social Science offer a great number of courses that you can choose from.

Find more PhD courses  (partly in Swedish)

At other universities and institutions

If there is a course at another university that you would like to take, that can usually be arranged after an agreement has been settled. Talk with your supervisor and the head of phd studies.

Here is a list of universities and other institutions arranging courses that can be credited in your studies.

PhD courses for students at the Faculty of Social Science, Stockholm University

Department of Education, Stockholm University

Department of Sociology, Stockholm University

Karolinska Institutet

Department of Psychology, Uppsala University

NordForsk – Nordic Research Board

Department of Psychology, University of Gothenburg

Department of Psychology, Umeå University

Department of Psychology, Lund University

Please contact our head of phd studies for more information: Professor Mats Nilsson,  [email protected]

Administrative coordinator

Head of Studies

• Visiting address

Albanovägen 12, 3rd floor, room F4348

Last updated: January 2, 2024

Source: Department of Psychology

Search among our courses and programmes

Last updated: March 15, 2024

Source: Department name

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Psychology: Psychology and Climate Change

Course · 15 credits

On this page :

Description

The course takes an interdisciplinary perspective and approach and is jointly conducted by the Department of Psychology and the Lund University Centre for Sustainability Studies (LUCSUS). It is aimed at those who wish to learn about the complex linkages between psychology, climate change, and sustainability, and apply them in their respective fields of work or study. We will explore the ways our changing climate affect individuals and groups, including climate distress and its consequences, the psychological and behavioral factors that can drive the climate crises, and the theories and practices that can support skillful action across individual, collective and system levels. The course will draw upon research from several fields, such as evolutionary, cognitive, social, industrial/organizational, and clinical psychology, behavioral economics, and sustainability science. The course will include experiential learning and practices drawing from evidence-based psychological methods (e.g., journaling, listening and communication exercises, values reflections), contemplative methods such as meditations and mindfulness, and nature explorations. The course is taught in English and includes both on-site and online education.

Course documents

Syllabus (PDF - new window)

Closed for applications

Study Advisor

Elin Holgersson

Phone : +46462229115

Email : studievagledare_fk [at] psy [dot] lu [dot] se

Requirements and selection

Entry requirements, selection criteria, english language requirements.

Most of Lund University’s programmes require English Level 6 (unless otherwise stated under 'Entry requirements'). This is the equivalent of an overall IELTS score of 6.5 or a TOEFL score of 90. There are several ways to prove your English language proficiency – check which proof is accepted at the University Admissions in Sweden website. All students must prove they meet English language requirements by the deadline, in order to be considered for admission.

How to prove your English proficiency – universityadmissions.se

Country-specific requirements

Check if there are any country-specific eligibility rules for you to study Bachelor's or Master's studies in Sweden:

Country-specific requirements for Bachelor's studies – universityadmissions.se

Country-specific requirements for Master's studies – universityadmissions.se

Start Autumn Semester 2024

Day-time Lund, full time 100%

Study period

1 November 2024 - 19 January 2025

Application

You can only apply for this course in the 'Swedish student' application round. Find out more: Applying for studies – when to apply

How to apply

Lund University uses a national application system run by University Admissions in Sweden. It is only possible to apply during the application periods.

When to apply for studies

Step 1: Apply online

• Check that you meet the  entry requirements of the programme or course you are interested in (refer to the section above on this webpage).
• Start your application – go to the University Admissions in Sweden website where you create an account and select programmes/courses during the application period. Visit the University Admissions in Sweden website
• Rank your programme/course choices in order of preference and submit them before the  application deadline .

Step 2: Submit documents

• Read about how to document your eligibility and how to submit your documents at the University Admissions in Sweden website. Follow any country-specific document rules for Master's studies or Bachelor's studies Country-specific requirements for Bachelor's studies – universityadmissions.se Country-specific requirements for Master's studies – universityadmissions.se  
• Get all your documents ready: - official transcripts and high school diploma (Bachelor's applicants) - official transcripts and degree certificate or proof that you are in the final year of your Bachelor's (Master's applicants) - passport/ID (all applicants) and - proof of English proficiency (all applicants).  
• Prepare  programme-specific documents  if stated in the next paragraph on this webpage.
• Upload or send  all  required documents to University Admissions before the  document deadline .
• Pay the application fee (if applicable – refer to the section below on this webpage) before the  document deadline .

* Note that the process is different if you are applying as an exchange student or as a part of a cooperation programme (such as Erasmus+). * If you have studied your entire Bachelor's programme in Sweden and all of your academic credits are in Ladok, you do not have to submit transcripts or your diploma when applying for a Master's programme.  However, there may still be other documents you need to submit! See the link below.  *  Svensk student?  Läs instruktionerna om att söka till ett internationellt masterprogram på lu.se

Tuition fees

Non-eu/eea citizens.

Full programme/course tuition fee: SEK 28 750

First payment: SEK 28 750

• Convert currency – xe.com

Citizens of a country outside of the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland are required to pay tuition fees. You pay one instalment of the tuition fee in advance of each semester.

Tuition fees, payments and exemptions

EU/EEA citizens and Switzerland

There are no tuition fees for citizens of the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland.

Application fee

If you are required to pay tuition fees, you are generally also required to pay an application fee of SEK 900 when you apply at the University Admissions in Sweden website. You pay one application fee regardless of how many programmes or courses you apply to.

• Paying your application fee – universityadmissions.se
• Exemptions from paying the application fee – universityadmissions.se

*Note that there are no tuition or application fees for exchange students or doctoral/PhD students, regardless of their nationality.

Scholarships & funding

Lund university global scholarship programme.

The Lund University Global Scholarship programme is a merit-based and selective scholarship targeted at top academic students from countries outside the EU/EEA.

Lund University Global Scholarship

Swedish Institute Scholarships

The Swedish Institute offers scholarships to international students applying for studies in Sweden at Master's level.

Scholarship information on the Swedish Institute website

Country-specific scholarships and funding options

Lund University has agreements with scholarship organisations and funding bodies in different countries, which may allow applicants to apply for funding or scholarships in their home countries for their studies at Lund University.

• Country-specific scholarships
• Canada student loans

External scholarships

Information about scholarships from external organisations

Brain-Computer Interface Research at Lund University

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BCI Research at Lund University

BCI@LU is the research group at Lund University focusing on understanding the brain when it comes to Passive, Active and Reactive Brain-Computer Interfaces. The human brain is complex, and to succeed in understanding it we need to approach it interdisciplinary. The group consists of ~15 Professors, Post-Docs and PhD students from the Department of Automatic Control , the Department of Psychology and Department of Mathematical Statistics at Lund University. If you're a researcher at Lund University with similar interests, feel free to join our group.

Recent Publications

Johanna Wilroth, Bo Bernhardsson, Frida Heskebeck, Martin A Skoglund, Carolina Bergeling and Emina Alickovic: Improving EEG-based decoding of the locus of auditory attention through domain adaptation

Tanveer, M Asjid:  Deep convolution neural network for attention decoding in multi-channel EEG with conditional variational autoencoder for data augmentation

Martin Gemborn Nilsson, Pex Tufvesson, Frida Heskebeck and Mikael Johansson:  An open-source human-in-the-loop BCI research framework: method and design

Pex Tufvesson, Martin Gemborn Nilsson, Kristian Soltesz and Bo Bernhardsson: Real-time Bayesian Control of Reactive Brain Computer Interfaces .  

Frida Heskebeck, Carolina Bergeling, and Bo Bernhardsson:  Multi-Armed Bandits in Brain-Computer Interfaces

Emma Fallenius and Linda Karlsson:  Tensor Decompositions of EEG Signals for Transfer Learning Applications

Julia Adlercreutz:  Brainstem response estimation using continuous sound - A feasibility study

Viktor Andersson and Nelly Ostréus:  Speech activity detection in videos

Sara Enander and Louise Karsten:  Computation models for audiovisual attention decoding  

Maria Sandsten, Rachele Anderson, Isabella Reinhold, Bo Bernhardsson, Carolina Bergeling and Mikael Johansson:  A Novel Multitaper Reassignment Method for Estimation of Phase Synchrony

Frida Heskebeck and Carolina Bergeling:  An Adaptive Approach for Task-Driven BCI Calibration

Oskar Keding and David Ohlin: Statistics and Machine Learning for Classification of Emotional and Semantic Content of EEG

Tom Andersen:  Implementation of a Simple Asynchronous Pipeline Framework (SAPF) for construction of real-time BCI systems  

Maria Sandsten and Rachele Anderson:  Time-frequency feature extraction for classification of episodic memory

Johanna Wilroth:  Domain Adaptation for Attention Steering  

Damir Basic Knezevic and Albin Heimerson:  Statistical and machine learning methods for classification of episodic memory

Researchers

Bo Bernhardsson

Mikael Johansson

Maria Sandsten

Roger Johansson

Carolina Bergeling

Andrey Nikolaev

Ines Bramao

Maria Åkesson

Oskar Keding

Martin Gemborn Nilsson

Frida Heskebeck

Pex Tufvesson

Come and do your Master's Thesis with us!

Robert Emmons

Position Title Professor Emeritus

• 530-752-8844
• [email protected]
• https://twitter.com/Dr_RobertEmmons
• https://www.facebook.com/GratitudeWorks1/
• Ph.D., Personality Psychology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
• M.A., Personality Psychology, Minor: Clinical Psychology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
• B.A., Psychology, University of Maine

Robert A. Emmons, Ph.D. is Professor of Psychology at the University of California, Davis where he has taught since 1988. He received his Ph.D. degree from the University of Illinois at Urbana‚ÄëChampaign. He is the author of over 200 original publications in peer‚Äëreviewed journals or chapters and has written or edited eight books, including The Psychology of Ultimate Concerns (Guilford Press), The Psychology of Gratitude (Oxford University Press), Thanks! How Practicing Gratitude Can Make You Happier (Houghton-Mifflin), Gratitude Works! A Twenty-One Day Program for Creating Emotional Prosperity (Jossey-Bass) and The Little Book of Gratitude (Hachette). A leader in the positive psychology movement, Dr. Emmons is founding editor and editor-in-chief of The Journal of Positive Psychology. His research focuses on the psychology of gratitude and joy as they relate to human flourishing. Professor Emmons speaks regularly at medical and psychological conferences and at public events. Dr. Emmons has received research funding from the National Institute of Mental Health, the John M. Templeton Foundation, and the National Institute for Disability Research and Rehabilitation. His research has been featured in dozens of popular media outlets including the New York Times, USA Today, U.S. News and World Report, Newsweek, Time, NPR, PBS, Consumer Reports, Wall Street Journal, Forbes, and the Today Show. He lives with his wife of 24 years, Yvonne and their two sons and two dogs in Davis, California.

Research Focus

Professor Emmons' research is at the interface of positive psychology and the psychology of religion. His research focuses on the psychology of gratitude, joy and grace and how they are related to human flourishing.

He is co-project director with Dr. Peter Hill on a $4.1M initiative entitled Gratitude to God: Psychological, Philosophical, and Theological Perspectives. It includes a requests for proposals (RFP) . Learn more here: https://tinyurl.com/Gratitude-to-God

Publications

• Emmons, R.A. (2016). The Little Book of Gratitude: Create a Life of Happiness and Well-Being By Giving Thanks . London: Gaia.
• Emmons, R. A. (2013). Gratitude Works! A Twenty-One Day Program for Creating Emotional Prosperity. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.
• Emmons, R. A. (2007). THANKS! How Practicing Gratitude Can Make You Happier . Boston, MA: Houghton-Mifflin.
• Emmons, R. A.,& McCullough, M. E. (Eds.) (2004). The Psychology of Gratitude. New York: Oxford University Press.
• Emmons, R. A., & Hill, J. (2001). Words of Gratitude . Radnor, PA: Templeton Foundation Press.
• Emmons, R. A. (1999). The Psychology of Ultimate Concerns . New York: The Guilford Press.
• Emmons, R.A. (2016). The Little Book of Gratitude . London: Gaia.

Professor Emmons teaches in the areas of social-personality, personality and religion, health psychology, and gratitude and well-being. Most recently he has taught courses in Psychology of Religion and Health Psychology.

Professor Emmons has won several awards and grants during his career. In 2010 he received the William James Award, APA Division 36, and in 2008 he received the Henry A. Murray Award, APA Division 8. He has also been awarded numerous grants from the John Templeton Foundation, The Institute for Research on Unlimited Love, National Institute for Disability Research and Rehabilitation and National Institute of Mental Health, among others. He is co project director with Pete Hill on a $4.1M initiative entitled Gratitude to God: Psychological, Philosophical, and Theological Perspectives: https://tinyurl.com/Gratitude-to-God

Lars-Gunnar Lundh

Professor emeritus, Timlärare

• Department of Psychology
• Phone +46462223647

Personal profile

Lars-Gunnar Lundh did his PhD at Uppsala University in 1984, where he also was trained as psychologist and psychotherapist.

After working as a psychologist at the Department of Psychiatry at the University Hospital in Uppsala, he worked as a lecturer and researcher at the Department of Psychology, Stockholm University until 2002, when he was appointed professor of psychology at the Mid Sweden University in Östersund.

From 2003 he is professor of clinical psychology at Lund University. He is a member and fellow of the Association for Psychological Science (APS).

He has done research in a number of different areas, including insomnia, anxiety disorders, non-suicidal self-injury, information-processing biases, perfectionism, alexithymia, and mindfulness. Among his main interests are psychotherapy and philosophical/theoretical issues in psychology.

Expertise related to UN Sustainable Development Goals

In 2015, UN member states agreed to 17 global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure prosperity for all. This person’s work contributes towards the following SDG(s):

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• 1 Similar Profiles
• Adolescents Psychology 100%
• Self-Injury Psychology 56%
• Mindfulness Psychology 55%
• Psychotherapy Psychology 29%
• Attitudes Psychology 28%
• Depression Psychology 27%
• Alexithymia Psychology 26%
• Psychological Science Psychology 24%

Collaborations the last five years

Dive into details.

Select a country/territory to view shared publications and projects

Research output

• 8 Book chapter
• 4 Specialist publication article
• 3 Paper in conference proceeding
• 2 Paper, not in proceeding
• 1 Anthology (editor)
• 1 Review article

Research output per year

Person, population, mechanism. A rejoinder to critics and an elaboration of the three-branch model

Research output : Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

• Psychological Science 100%

Mindfulness, Phenomenology, and Psychological Science

• Mindfulness 100%
• Phenomenology 100%
• Health and Well-Being 11%
• Creative Thinking 11%

Embodiment as a synthesis of having a body and being a body, and its role in self-identity and mental health

Disordered eating in a 10-year perspective from adolescence to young adulthood: stability, change, and body dissatisfaction as a predictor, person, population, mechanism. three main branches of psychological science.

• Psychology 57%
• Psychological Intervention 14%

Projects per year

Embodiment and developmental psychopathology

Lundh, L. , Foster, L. & Daukantaité, D.

2022/01/01 → …

Project : Research

Psychotherapist's feelings and reactions in psychotherapy

Berg, J. , Meeuwisse, A. , Thell, N. & Lundh, L.

2020/10/01 → 2024/09/30

Project : Dissertation

Självskadebeteende, emotionsreglering och interpersonella relationer hos unga vuxna

Daukantaité, D. , Lundh, L. , Wångby Lundh, M. , Bjärehed, J. & Liljedahl, S.

2017/01/01 → …

Självskadebeteende, emotionsreglering och interpersonella relationer hos tonåringar

Lundh, L. , Wångby Lundh, M. , Bjärehed, J. , Johnsson, P., Viborg, N., Daukantaité, D. & Petterson, K.

2006/09/01 → …

DSH-project: Cognitive functioning, self criticism and attitudes in persons with deliberate self harm

Nilsson, M. , Westrin, Å. , Westling, S. & Lundh, L.

2015/02/02 → 2021/12/31

• 2 Supervision of PhD students

Activities per year

Embodiment and disordered eating [prel.]

Lars-Gunnar Lundh (Joint first/primary/lead supervisor)

Activity : Examination and supervision › Supervision of PhD students

Altering the Point of You: Perspectives on Intersubjectivity and Metacognition. PhD thesis.

Ingar Brinck (First/primary/lead supervisor) & Lars-Gunnar Lundh (Second supervisor)

What Can You Do With a Psychology Degree?

Author: University of North Dakota May 22, 2024

Psychology has taken center stage.

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With anxiety and depression on the rise —alongside the diagnosis of various mental health disorders such as ADHD, bipolar, and autism—psychology has taken a front-row seat. There are people discussing mental health in all spaces of life, be it mainstream media, movies, books, social media, and conversations between friends and family. 

This exposure, while enlightening, only scratches the surface of the diverse field of psychology, the scientific study of mind and behavior. Psychologists work across various environments and employ a multitude of methods to understand complex mental processes and behaviors. 

So, what can you do with a psychology degree? Well, given the vastness of the field, a degree in psychology opens up numerous pathways and roles, each offering unique contributions to society. Keep reading as we explore the numerous opportunities such a degree unlocks.

What is a Psychology Degree?

A psychology degree is centered on the intricate workings of the human mind and behavior. It aims to understand how and why we think and act the way we do. Common topics covered include cognitive processes, emotional and social dynamics, brain functions, and psychological disorders. 

Psychology career paths begin with a bachelor's degree as students are introduced to fundamental psychological theories and findings. Then, as students advance, they have the opportunity to specialize in more focused areas through graduate degrees or certifications, choosing paths like clinical psychology, forensic psychology, neuropsychology, or organizational psychology. 

Such advanced specializations enable graduates to apply their skills in various professional settings, including mental health clinics, hospitals, schools, corporate environments, and research institutions. Thus, a psychology degree provides a strong foundation for understanding human behavior as well as equips students with the versatility to pursue a wide range of impactful careers in both scientific and practical domains.

What Can You Do with a Psychology Degree?

To demonstrate the broad applicability of psychological principles across various domains and highlight the field's capacity to address diverse human needs through specialized knowledge and skills, let's examine some roles you can pursue with a degree in psychology. Each contributes uniquely to understanding human behavior and mental processes and directly impacts individual and community well-being.

1. Clinical Psychologist

Clinical psychologists are integral in mental health services, offering psychotherapy and behavioral interventions for mental illnesses ranging from depression to schizophrenia. As part of their work, they try to understand a patient's condition through psychological testing and crafting personalized treatment plans based on the results. 

Becoming a clinical psychologist requires a Psy.D. or Ph.D., followed by a supervised clinical internship of 1-2 years and successful completion of licensing exams. This extensive training prepares them to handle complex psychological issues in various settings such as clinics, hospitals, or private practice.

2. Counseling Psychologist

These psychologists perform many of the same functions as clinical psychologists but often deal with less severe psychological conditions. They focus on helping clients adjust to life transitions or cope with stress and anxiety, providing tools for personal development and better mental health management. 

Counseling psychologists work in diverse environments, including academic, health, corporate, and community sectors. To reach these professional environments, they need to have a license to practice, which typically involves obtaining a diploma from an accredited master’s or doctoral program in psychology, completing an internship, and passing state-regulated exams.

3. Industrial-Organizational Psychologist

Industrial-organizational psychologists apply psychological theories to organizations and the workplace to boost morale, increase productivity, and optimize organizational structure. They also engage in leadership development, training, policy planning, and recruitment strategies. Thus, these psychologists have an important role in society as they have the capacity to shape the way we work and interact during working hours. 

To take a role as an organizational psychologist, a master’s degree can be suffiecient. However, for higher-level positions a Ph.D. may be necessary.

4. School Psychologist

School psychologists are crucial in educational settings. They help students succeed academically, socially, emotionally, and behaviorally. Moreover, they collaborate closely with teachers, parents, and administrators to create safe, healthy, and supportive learning environments. 

Typical tasks may include conducting psychological assessments, counseling, and designing educational and behavior management programs. School psychologists typically require an Education Specialist degree (Ed.S.), which consists of three years of graduate study and a one-year internship.

5. Forensic Psychologist

The work of such psychologists blends psychological practices with the legal and criminal justice systems. They assess the psychological state of individuals involved in legal proceedings, prepare psychological evaluations for court cases, and provide expert witness testimony. They may also work with offenders, providing rehabilitation programs or risk assessment. 

Forensic psychologists need a doctoral degree, specialized training in forensic psychology, and a state license to practice. In addition to psychological knowledge, their work often requires them to understand legal standards, making their role particularly complex. 

6. Health Psychologist

Health psychologists focus on how behavior and social context influence health and wellness. They work to improve patient outcomes through behavioral change programs, stress management techniques, and by addressing psychosocial factors that affect health. 

This role is key in chronic disease management, preventative healthcare, and system-level intervention to promote health at a community or population level. Practitioners usually need a Ph.D. or Psy.D. in health psychology, and many also pursue postdoctoral work to specialize further, mainly if they aim to provide clinical services where licensure is required.

7. Research Psychologist

Research psychologists play a significant role in advancing the understanding of human behavior and mental processes through empirical research. These professionals design and implement studies, analyze data, and publish results that contribute to the scientific foundation of psychology. 

They often specialize in areas like cognitive psychology, developmental psychology, or social psychology and find careers in academic settings, government research institutions, and the private sector. A Ph.D. in psychology is typically necessary to lead research projects and teach at the collegiate level.

8. Neuropsychologist

Neuropsychologists focus on understanding the relationship between the physical brain and behavior. They assess cognitive function, diagnose conditions, and treat patients suffering from brain injuries or neurological disorders. 

These professionals work in hospitals, clinical settings, and research facilities. To enter the field and achieve board certification, they must undergo extensive training, including a doctoral degree in neuropsychology or clinical neuropsychology, followed by a postdoctoral residency in neuropsychology.

9. Rehabilitation Psychologist

These psychologists focus on helping individuals cope with disabilities and chronic health conditions, aiming to enhance their functional abilities and quality of life. They assess psychological needs, provide counseling, and develop treatment strategies that promote personal and social adjustment. 

A doctoral degree in psychology, typically specializing in rehabilitation, is necessary, along with a clinical internship and licensure to practice independently.

10. Social Worker

Lastly, social workers support individuals, families, and communities to overcome life's challenges, such as poverty, abuse, addiction, and mental illness. They provide therapy and crisis intervention as well as connect clients with other resources to improve their circumstances. 

While closely related to psychology, social work emphasizes social systems and social change, focusing on direct community involvement. A degree in social work (BSW for entry-level positions and MSW for clinical roles) is required, along with state licensure to practice clinically.

Benefits of a Psychology Degree

One of the primary benefits of a psychology degree is the vast career opportunities discussed so far. However, a psychology degree also equips individuals with a skill set that encompasses skills highly valued in any profession, making psychology graduates well-prepared for challenges and leadership roles in their chosen fields. 

Additionally, careers in psychology can be incredibly lucrative and personally satisfying. Psychologists often work directly with individuals or communities to improve their mental well-being, providing a unique opportunity to make a tangible, positive impact on others' lives. This rewarding aspect attracts many to the field.

Is a Psychology Degree Worth It?

Absolutely, a psychology degree is worth it. In addition to the rewarding career paths it encompasses, which can profoundly impact people's lives, the degrees also provide a strong foundational skill set applicable in virtually every industry today.

With the growing recognition of mental health's critical role in overall health, the demand for trained professionals in psychology is high, ensuring that graduates find meaningful and stable careers.

The Bottom Line

So, a psychology degree opens a world of possibilities, catering to a wide range of interests and career aspirations. Whether your passion lies in understanding the criminal mind, assisting those in need of mental health support, or exploring the depths of human cognition, UND provides the perfect starting point with its Bachelor in Psychology . 

For those aiming to specialize further, UND offers advanced opportunities, including a master's in Forensic Psychology , Ph.D. programs in Clinical Psychology , Counseling Psychology , and General Experimental Psychology , as well as an undergraduate certificate in Forensic Psychology . Each program is designed to deepen your expertise and enhance your professional impact. At UND, you won't just be studying psychology; you'll be preparing to help others.

What pays the most with a psychology degree? ( Open this section)

While salaries can vary widely in psychology, the highest earners typically are found in specialized areas such as clinical neuropsychology or industrial-organizational psychology, where professionals can earn six-figure salaries. These high earnings often depend on factors such as the specific role, industry, and geographic location.

Does psychology require math? ( Open this section)

Yes, psychology degrees generally require some math, particularly statistics, to support psychological research and data analysis.

What is the hardest field in psychology? ( Open this section)

Clinical psychology is often considered one of the hardest fields due to its demanding nature, intense emotional engagement, and the extensive education required to practice.

What is the difference between a psychiatrist and a psychologist? ( Open this section)

Psychiatrists are medical doctors who can prescribe medication and tend to focus on biological factors of mental health conditions, while psychologists primarily provide psychotherapy and treatment based on behavioral interventions.

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May 2024 On My Mind

Organizational psychology m.a. program newsletter.

Dear Students,

The end of the semester has arrived. It feels a little surreal given that it feels like winter one day and summer the next, but never really like Spring. It feels a little surreal given all we’ve experienced on our Columbia campus the past few weeks and in our shared world the past many months. It feels a little surreal given that the passage of time has not felt normal since 2019. It feels a little surreal given I’m not nearly ready to say goodbye to our graduating students. 

What does feel real is how hard you all have worked this semester and this year, how much you’ve learned, the bonds you’ve formed and the wisdom and friendships you will carry with you into the summer and really, forever. If you are feeling a little unsteady – excited but apprehensive, confident but unsure, thrilled but melancholy, energized but fatigued, hopeful but hesitant – you are in good company. This is a time of transition. It’s a wonderfully celebratory time of academic, professional and personal accomplishment and it’s also a time of moving, moving on, changing jobs, cities, countries, embracing new roles and eschewing old ones. You’re navigating many boundaries right now (yes, B.A.R.T. is relevant to pretty much everything.) It’s normal to feel at sea even as you are also feeling proud and happy. 

You all have worked extremely hard in challenging times and you have juggled myriad commitments, tasks, relationships, and contexts. You are resilient, whip smart, and kind. And, you are strong! Don’t even get me started on the fortitude it takes to deal with the rats in the NYC subway. (Thank you to those at the OHDCC end-of-year social event last week who gave me an enlightening tutorial on the relationship between NYC zip code and rat size. Interesting statistics!) Try to trust yourself and know that you have everything you need to manage what’s next in your education, career and life. And you have a lifelong network in our S-OP Community to help you do it. 

Be gentle with yourselves over the next few weeks. Try to be present in the good feelings as well as the hard ones and know that you are boundary-crossing and all of it is normal. As much as you can, do things that fill you up with joy. Reach out to one another. Celebrate. Make each other laugh. Listen. Know we are proud of all of you. 

Congratulations to all our graduating students. Warm wishes to all of our continuing students. Regardless, see you soon. 

Current Student Profile

Carol Jaksec  is a captain in the United States Army and is completing her final semester as a student in the S-OP M.A. Program. She is also a member of the Eisenhower Leader Development Program (ELDP) at the United States Military Academy at West Point. Carol is a 2016 Reserve Officer Training Corps graduate from the University of Maryland where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Arabic Studies. She is from Pittsburgh, PA and has enjoyed several assignments on the east coast in the last ten years.

Prior to coming to West Point, Carol was stationed in Fort Campbell, KY just outside of Nashville. There, she commanded a logistics distribution company and a logistics headquarters company. After her graduation from TC this May, she will serve as a Tactical Officer at West Point. In this role, she will act as the primary coach and mentor for 120 cadets. She will help them navigate the balance between academic, physical fitness, and military requirements while developing their character.

Carol has had a transformational experience in the S-OP Program at TC. She discovered a passion for research about leadership practices and coaching and a fascination with group dynamics and organizational development. She has chosen to pursue a certification in coaching with the Army Coaching Program to foster her cadets’ development. Carol is confident that her education has effectively prepared her for future leadership challenges.

When not at school or work, Carol enjoys running, making homemade pasta, and watching hockey. She is excited to continue exploring NY with her husband, Gregory, and their vivacious one-year-old daughter, Elizabeth.

Alumni Profile

Robert "RC" Whitehouse  started a journey of self-discovery and professional growth upon joining the S-OP M.A. Program in 2009. Moving from Vermont with his partner, now spouse, RC relocated to NYC to pursue his academic aspirations. Immersed in the program's rich learning environment, RC found himself drawn to the intricacies of group relations and dynamics, an interest that continues to shape his career to this day. RC credits the S-OP M.A. program for supercharging his career.

After graduating in 2011, RC continued his study of groups and systems through participating in over 20 group relations conferences (about half of them at TC) as a staff member, leveraging his experience to explore the complexities that arise when individuals come together to form a larger whole. Certified as an A.K. Rice consultant, he has committed himself to refining his understanding of the multifaceted factors influencing the groups and organizations to which we all belong.

Remaining rooted in vibrant NYC, RC's professional journey initially began in Learning and Development, gradually expanding to encompass a broader talent portfolio. Over the past seven years he has been employed by a tech firm, helping it to transform from a scrappy start up to a major player in the adtech space. Starting as Head of L&D, RC is currently the Senior Vice President of Talent Business Partnership for EMEA and NA.

A champion of people-centric leadership, RC strives to strike a balance between individual well-being and organizational objectives, recognizing that an imbalance can create challenges - no matter the setting. Drawing from his understanding of group dynamics theories, he helps individuals to understand the nuances of authority, unravel interpersonal conflicts, and foster a high performing team.

Beyond his work, RC is an avid runner. Though he is not the fastest, he finds focus in the rhythmic nature of running. He and his spouse have become proud New Yorkers after all these years, while maintaining a deep love of nature and the outdoors. RC cherishes moments spent with his family, friends, and the many nieces and nephews that have joined he and his spouse's lives by birth and by the blessings of friendship. RC loves to read, watch movies, and enjoy the playful sounds of pop music. Feel free to connect with RC on LinkedIn  here .

Recommended Readings

For those of you on the internship or job hunt, you may find  this AI exercise   from Professor Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic helpful to your search. In this exercise four steps are outlined to help you leverage AI technology to get hired.

These network maps  from Polinode visually represent all of this  year's SIOP Conference  presenters and topics.  These maps involved the details of about 200 events and 3,000 presenters, which included many current and alumni members of our larger S-OP community!

Published Wednesday, May 8, 2024

Teachers College, Columbia University Room 222 Zankel

Contact Person: Ometria Seebarran

Phone: (212) 678-8109

Email: oks2107@tc.columbia.edu

Faculty of Social Sciences | Lund University

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Cognitive neuroscience and neuropsychology

The science of neuropsychology studies the connection between psychological functions and the brain. This research area has expanded greatly in recent years and has seen dramatic progress in both methods and theories.

In our research, we use psychological tests and experimental methods together with neuroimaging techniques to investigate how mental functions are organised in the healthy brain and how certain personality characteristics, disorders and lesions influence the mind-brain system.

Much of our research focuses on the investigation of memory processes and systems, but we are also interested in emotion-processing, neurolinguistics, executive control and consciousness. In many studies we investigate cognitive functioning and brain plasticity over the life-span. The division has a strong profile in electrophysiology, with structural and functional MR techniques being used increasingly. Clinically, there is a tradition in research on dementia and memory disorders, but we also conduct projects on the neuropsychology of depression and anxiety.

Head of division

Mikael Johansson Professor +46 (0)46 222 36 39 mikael [dot] johansson [at] psy [dot] lu [dot] se (mikael[dot]johansson[at]psy[dot]lu[dot]se)

Lund university research portal

• Linn Petersdotter
• Ines Bramão
• Mikael Johansson
• Roger Johansson
• Zhenghao Liu
• Andrey Nikolaev
• Susanna Vestberg
• Stefan Möller
• Johannes Björkstrand
• Kai Österberg
• Andreas Falck
• Johan Mårtensson
• Ingrid Tonning Olsson
• Kristina Borgström