ABOUT THE PROGRAM

The graduate program in Medical Psychology provides graduate instruction and research training leading to a PhD degree. Students entering the program typically have a background in psychology, biology, or life sciences and pursue research in a field combining psychology with the biomedical sciences. Basic and applied approaches to health psychology and behavioral medicine are emphasized, focusing on the study of psychosocial, psychobiological, and behavioral factors in the etiology, prevention, and treatment of illness, substance abuse, and relationships between physical and mental health. The emphasis of this program is the training of scientists and educators in the fields of health psychology, behavioral medicine, and/or medical psychology. In the medical psychology program, students learn the research skills that they would learn at many graduate programs, but the opportunities to conduct DoD-relevant research, to work directly with servicemembers and their families, and to develop interprofessional and leadership skills sets this program apart from others in the country. Upon graduation, all students will have research skills, uniquely informed through their experiences within a DoD setting. The tracks in the program determine student status (i.e., military or civilian).

Military Track: Graduates in the Medical Psychology-Military Track are trained for research careers in one of the military services. Currently we are not accepting applications for this track (MPM).

Civilian Track: Graduates are trained to be independent researchers in government or civilian academic settings. Only civilians can apply for the Medical Psychology Program-Civilian Track (MPC).

APPLICATIONS ACCEPTED - JUNE 1 - DECEMBER 1

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Program Highlights

Students have the opportunity to participate in cutting-edge research that spans numerous possibilities: basic science, clinical research, global health, etc. Particular focus areas relevant to military medicine include traumatic brain injury, cancer, post-traumatic stress disorder, emerging infectious and neglected tropical diseases, combat casualty care, substance abuse, genomics and precision medicine.

Faculty

Psychology faculty, students and staff engage in a broad range of research focusing on health

Research

The Department of Medical and Clinical Psychology serves the uniformed services and the nation with a worldwide perspective for education, research, policy, service, and consultation. The university’s premier graduate program in psychology is unique in relating these activities to military medicine, disaster medicine, and military readiness.

Dept of Medical and Clinical Psychology