mba to phd in psychology

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Getting a Ph.D. in Psychology

Kendra Cherry, MS, is a psychosocial rehabilitation specialist, psychology educator, and author of the "Everything Psychology Book."

Emily is a board-certified science editor who has worked with top digital publishing brands like Voices for Biodiversity, Study.com, GoodTherapy, Vox, and Verywell.

Verywell / Evan Polenghi

Ph.D. vs. Psy.D.

Job opportunities, earning a degree, specialty areas, alternatives.

Getting a Ph.D. in psychology can open up a whole new world of career opportunities. For many careers paths in psychology-related career paths, a doctoral degree is necessary to obtain work and certification. A Ph.D. is one option, but it is not the only educational path that's available to reach some of these goals.

A Ph.D., or doctor of philosophy, is one of the highest level degrees you can earn in the field of psychology . If you're considering pursuing a graduate degree, you might be wondering how long it takes to earn a Ph.D. in psychology . Generally, a bachelor's degree takes four years of study. While a master's degree requires an additional two to three years of study beyond the bachelor's, a doctoral degree can take between four to six years of additional graduate study after earning your bachelor's degree.

Recently, a new degree option known as the Psy.D. , or doctor of psychology, has grown in popularity as an alternative to the Ph.D. The type of degree you decide to pursue depends on a variety of factors, including your own interests and your career aspirations.

Before deciding which is right for you, research your options and decide if graduate school in psychology is even the best choice for you. Depending on your career goals, you might need to earn a master's or doctoral degree in psychology in order to practice in your chosen field. In other instances, a degree in a similar subject such as counseling or social work may be more appropriate.

A doctorate in psychology is required if you want to open your own private practice.

If you want to become a licensed psychologist, you must earn either a Ph.D. or a Psy.D. in clinical or counseling psychology.

In most cases, you will also need a doctorate if you want to teach and conduct research at the college or university level. While there are some opportunities available for people with a master's degree in various specialty fields, such as industrial-organizational psychology and health psychology , those with a doctorate will generally find higher pay, greater job demand, and more opportunity for growth.

In order to earn a Ph.D. in psychology, you need to first begin by earning your bachelor's degree. While earning your undergraduate degree in psychology can be helpful, students with bachelor's degrees in other subjects can also apply their knowledge to psychology Ph.D. programs . Some students in doctorate programs may have a master's degree in psychology , but most doctorate programs do not require it.

After you’ve been admitted to a graduate program, it generally takes at least four years to earn a Ph.D. and another year to complete an internship. Once these requirements have been fulfilled, you can take state and national exams to become licensed to practice psychology in the state where you wish to work.

Once you enter the graduate level of psychology, you will need to choose an area of specialization, such as clinical psychology , counseling psychology, health psychology, or cognitive psychology . The American Psychological Association (APA) accredits graduate programs in three areas: clinical, counseling, and school psychology.   If you are interested in going into one of these specialty areas, it's important to choose a school that has received accreditation through the APA.

For many students, the choice may come down to a clinical psychology program versus a counseling psychology program. There are many similarities between these two Ph.D. options, but there are important distinctions that students should consider. Clinical programs may have more of a research focus while counseling programs tend to focus more on professional practice. The path you choose will depend largely on what you plan to do after you complete your degree.

Of course, the Ph.D. in psychology is not the only graduate degree option. The Psy.D. is a doctorate degree option that you might also want to consider. While there are many similarities between these two degrees, traditional Ph.D. programs tend to be more research-oriented while Psy.D. programs are often more practice-oriented.

The Ph.D. option may be your top choice if you want to mix professional practice with teaching and research, while the Psy.D. option may be preferred if you want to open your own private psychology practice.

In the book "An Insider's Guide to Graduate Programs in Clinical and Counseling Psychology," authors John C. Norcross and Michael A. Sayette suggest that one of the key differences between the two-degree options is that the Ph.D. programs train producers of research while Psy.D. programs train consumers of research. However, professional opportunities for practice are very similar with both degree types.

Research suggests that there are few discernible differences in terms of professional recognition, employment opportunities, or clinical skills between students trained in the Ph.D. or Psy.D. models. One of the few differences is that those with a Ph.D. degree are far more likely to be employed in academic settings and medical schools.

Social work, counseling, education, and the health sciences are other graduate options that you may want to consider if you decide that a doctorate degree is not the best fit for your interests and career goals.

A Word From Verywell

If you are considering a Ph.D. in psychology, spend some time carefully researching your options and thinking about your future goals. A doctoral degree is a major commitment of time, resources, and effort, so it is worth it to take time to consider the right option for your goals. The Ph.D. in psychology can be a great choice if you are interested in being a scientist-practitioner in the field and want to combine doing research with professional practice. It's also great training if you're interested in working at a university where you would teach classes and conduct research on psychological topics.

University of Pennsylvania; School of Arts and Sciences. Information for applicants .

American Psychological Association. Doctoral degrees in psychology: How are they different, or not so different?

U.S. Department of Labor.  Psychologists . Occupational Outlook Handbook .

Norcross JC, Sayette MA. An Insider's Guide to Graduate Programs in Clinical and Counseling Psychology (2020/2021 ed.) . New York, NY: The Guilford Press; 2020.

Davis SF, Giordano PJ, Licht CA. Your Career in Psychology: Putting Your Graduate Degree to Work . John Wiley & Sons; 2012. doi:10.1002/9781444315929

US Department of Education. Bachelor's, master's, and doctor's degrees conferred by postsecondary institutions, by sex of student and discipline division: 2016-17 .

By Kendra Cherry, MSEd Kendra Cherry, MS, is a psychosocial rehabilitation specialist, psychology educator, and author of the "Everything Psychology Book."

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Want to Pursue a PhD in Psychology After MBA? Here’s Everything You Need to Know

• by Deborah C. Escalante
• September 25, 2023

If you’re currently pursuing an MBA but are considering heading back to school to earn a PhD in psychology, you’re not alone. Many people decide to change their career path or continue their education after completing a graduate degree program. However, before making the decision to pursue a PhD in psychology, it’s important to know what it entails and what you can expect.

What is a PhD in Psychology?

A PhD in psychology is an advanced degree that allows individuals to specialize in the field of psychology and conduct research on complex psychological issues. This degree typically takes around 5-7 years to complete, including a one-year internship.

What Are the Benefits of Pursuing a PhD in Psychology After MBA?

Adding a PhD in psychology to your resume after your MBA can significantly increase your career opportunities. With a PhD, you can become a researcher, professor, clinical psychologist, consultant, and much more. Plus, the added depth of knowledge can help you better understand customers and their behaviors, giving you a competitive edge in business.

What Are the Requirements to Pursue a PhD in Psychology?

To be eligible to pursue a PhD in psychology, you typically need to have a bachelor’s degree in psychology or a related field, and a minimum of a 3.0 GPA. Additionally, most programs require you to have research experience, high GRE scores, and excellent letters of recommendation. Keep in mind that admission requirements vary by school and program.

What Are the Different Specializations in Psychology?

There are several specializations within the field of psychology that you can pursue depending on your interests and career goals. Some of the most popular specializations include clinical psychology, neuropsychology, developmental psychology, and social psychology. Each specialization offers unique opportunities for research and career advancement.

How Long Does It Take to Complete a PhD in Psychology After MBA?

Most PhD programs in psychology take around 5-7 years to complete, depending on your research topic and whether or not you’re able to commit to the program full-time. Additionally, some programs may require you to complete a one-year internship. Keep in mind that some universities may offer accelerated programs that allow you to finish your degree in less time.

What Are the Career Opportunities After Earning a PhD in Psychology After MBA?

There are many career opportunities available to individuals with a PhD in psychology. Some of the most popular job titles include psychology professor, research psychologist, clinical psychologist, consulting psychologist, and industrial-organizational psychologist. Additionally, with a PhD, you can conduct research on complex psychological issues and contribute to the field of psychology.

How Do You Choose a PhD Program in Psychology?

When choosing a PhD program in psychology, consider factors such as location, cost, research opportunities, faculty expertise, and program reputation. It’s essential to find a program that aligns with your research interests and career goals.

Pursuing a PhD in psychology after completing an MBA can open up many doors, providing you with opportunities to advance your career and make valuable contributions to the field of psychology. However, it’s essential to carefully consider the requirements and time commitments of such a program. By doing thorough research and selecting the right program, you can successfully earn a PhD in psychology and achieve your career goals.

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MBA vs. IO Psychology — Which One is Right for You?

Learning more about how these two popular business degrees can move your career in different directions may help you choose the right one for you.

Mary Sharp Emerson

Today more than ever, employee engagement and a safe and productive work environment are critical for success. An advanced degree can help you build the skills you need to promote the right workplace policies. The question is, which degree—MBA vs. IO Psychology—will give you the specific skill set you’re looking for.

Ever since Harvard University established it in 1908, the master’s of business administration (MBA) has been the most well-known and popular degree for a career in business. 

In recent years, however, the variety of business-related degrees has greatly expanded from the traditional MBA, offering business-minded professionals many choices. 

A master’s in industrial-organizational (IO) psychology is one such specialized business degree that has gained significantly in popularity over the past decade. 

There are similarities between these two graduate degrees and both offer significant advantages for career growth. But there are important distinctions as well in what you learn and in your career path.

MBA vs. IO Psychology: What Are Some Possible Career Pathways?

Both an MBA and a master’s in industrial-organizational psychology will prepare you to further your career in business. And both degrees offer a variety of flexibility and opportunities.

However, these two related degrees, MBA vs. IO psychology, offer different career paths.

What is an MBA?

An MBA is designed to prepare you for a management or leadership role in the corporate world.

According to mba.com , the MBA is a general business degree that offers broad knowledge of finance, accounting, management, and strategy. You’ll also learn critical soft skills that you’ll need as a manager and leader. Other business-focused master’s programs, like a master’s in management , also cover such topics. (See Master’s Degree in Management vs an MBA ).

An MBA doesn’t guarantee that you will move into an executive role, nor is an MBA required for executive leadership. However, having an MBA on your resume can significantly accelerate your career path into senior leadership. 

Potential titles for professionals with an MBA include:

• C-Suite and executive positions such as Chief Finance Officer, Chief Strategy Officer, and Vice President
• Marketing Manager
• Finance Manager
• Management Analyst or Consultant
• Operations Manager

In addition, many MBA programs today also have a focus on entrepreneurship. If starting your own business or running a start-up appeals to you, an MBA is likely a smart choice.

What is a Master’s in IO Psychology?

A master’s in industrial-organizational psychology is a specialized business degree focused on human behavior in the workplace. 

Many companies employ IO psychologists to ensure that their organizations are safe, healthy, and productive places to work. 

A graduate degree in industrial-organizational psychology can prepare you for a variety of different career paths in nearly any industry you can name. Some of the most common paths include:

• Human resources : create improved hiring practices; develop criteria to evaluate employee performance; engage in conflict resolution; and design policies to improve productivity, safety, and conflict resolution.
• Learning and development : develop, evaluate, and facilitate employee training programs. 
• Leadership development and career coach : help employees maximize their potential by facilitating positive transition and change.
• Behavioral analysis : research behavioral patterns in the workplace to improve safety procedures, increase productivity, examine environmental and biological influences on group and individual actions, and analyze trends in customer behavior.

Industrial-organizational psychology offers career flexibility as well, from research to management. At the senior level, many specialists in this field develop successful careers as independent consultants. 

Explore our graduate degree program in industrial-organizational psychology.

MBA vs. IO Psychology: What Will You Study?

Both graduate degree programs offer courses designed to give broad knowledge of the business world.

In both programs, MBA vs. IO psychology, you’ll master skills such as leadership, strategy, critical thinking, and problem solving that you’ll need for a successful business career.

Despite some overlap, however, the majority of your classes will be unique to the specific degree program you’re in. The biggest differences in coursework will develop as you choose specializations based on your interests and career path.

MBA Coursework

In an MBA program, you’ll take courses that provide a broad overview of key business areas , including:

• Human resources
• Business analytics

You’ll also build skills in leadership and management, decision making, ethics, negotiation, strategy, and entrepreneurship. 

In addition to required classes, you’ll have the opportunity to build greater knowledge in areas of interest to you. In your elective classes, you may want to focus on international business or business law, for example. You may choose to take a deeper dive into economics, labor relations, quantitative analysis, or even technology. 

Industrial-Organizational Psychology Coursework

Coursework in an IO psychology graduate program typically focuses on applying the science of human behavior to the business world.

Required IO psychology classes will look at the psychology of human behavior in specific business-related situations, such as:

• Organizational psychology
• Engineering psychology
• Small group theory
• Personnel psychology
• Psychometrics
• Work motivation and attitudes

Other required classes will focus on human resources, such as:

• Employee selection and hiring practices
• Performance evaluations
• Labor relations
• Conflict management and alternative dispute resolution
• Compensation and benefits

You’ll also be required to study research methodologies, data collection and analysis, statistics, and other quantitative skills. If you’re interested in a career in research, you’ll need to have especially strong mathematical and statistical skills.

As in an MBA program, elective courses allow you to build greater knowledge in key areas of interest to you. In an IO psychology program, your choice of electives could provide greater knowledge of the business world, for example, or enable you to specialize in a specific area. 

In Harvard Extension School’s IO psychology program , for example, potential electives might include:

• Behavioral Economics and Decision Making
• Business Rhetoric
• Future of Work
• Optimizing Leadership
• Diversity and Inclusion Management
• Power and Privilege in Systems

While by no means comprehensive, this short list of examples demonstrates the variety of course options available to you as you pursue your graduate degree in IO psychology. 

For more information on the specific skills that you’ll need to pursue a successful career in industrial-organizational psychology, read our blog post 10 Skills You Need to Become an Industrial-Organizational Psychologist . 

How To Get Started on Your Graduate Degree

The good news is that you can start either of these degrees at any point in your professional career, whether you are fresh out of college or seeking a career change. 

At a minimum, you’ll need to have an undergraduate degree before you can begin a graduate degree program (unless you are enrolled in a dual degree program). 

Your undergraduate degree doesn’t need to match your current degree goals. You don’t need a BS in business to pursue an MBA. You don’t need a BS in psychology to pursue a master’s in I/O psychology. However, you may find that you need to take some prerequisite classes to build skills and qualify for graduate-level courses.

The first step in getting started is choosing the type of graduate degree you want. Next, you’ll have to decide how you want to pursue that degree. Finally, you’ll need to research graduate programs that will enable you to achieve your goal. 

Researching the many high-quality programs available today in either field will help you understand the requirements, time commitments, cost factors, and other important information you need to get started.

Earning your MBA or your master’s in industrial-organizational psychology will be challenging. But regardless of the degree you choose, it’s a great way to keep your career moving forward in the right direction.

Ready to begin? Find the program that’s right for you.

Start your Harvard Extension School journey today.

About the Author

Digital Content Producer

Emerson is a Digital Content Producer at Harvard DCE. She is a graduate of Brandeis University and Yale University and started her career as an international affairs analyst. She is an avid triathlete and has completed three Ironman triathlons, as well as the Boston Marathon.

How to Choose a Graduate Program

Choosing a graduate program can be daunting. This guide will provide insight on how to get started.

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Is it Possible to Get My PhD After My MBA?

In academia, numerous accomplishments can be achieved. You can earn a dual degree and have expertise in multiple fields, or further your career potential by going back to school . But what about progressing from an MBA to a PhD? 

In regards to higher education, many consider earning a PhD, or doctorate degree, the pinnacle of success. Usually, due to passion for a particular industry or subject, a PhD candidate will spend years of rigorous research to unpack its intricacies and become a leading expert in the field.  At the end of their studies, they are able to finally see their work come to fruition when they receive their doctorate and join alongside other scholars. However, is it typical for an MBA graduate to move onto pursuing their PhD? And is there a specific purpose? Are there different types of PhD programs? What is the difference between a PhD and DBA?

To answer the budding question: yes, you can pursue your PhD after earning your MBA, and choosing to earn a doctorate is entirely up to you and your aspirations. To help you better understand if getting a PhD is the right choice, we look at the path an MBA graduate can take to earn their PhD, one of the higher purposes of a doctorate, and the different types of academic programs. 

What is a PhD, and What is it Used For? 

By definition, a PhD is a Doctor of Philosophy in a particular discipline, which is why it's also referred to as a doctorate. This focus is typically for individuals highly passionate about a specific subject matter, driven by the pursuit to understand it better through rigorous research. A majority of students seeking their PhD are eager researchers, although there are always exceptions, and each carries out years of highly intensive research to conclude their original thesis and earn their doctorate. 

In terms of translating your education into a career, a doctorate can be used in a plethora of fields, especially if one’s thesis is around a wider subject matter and can be a discipline applied to various industries (take organizational development, for example). For those who are passionate about a career in research, a doctoral degree is a perfect fit. Possibly the most popular field for those with a doctorate is a fruitful career in academia, teaching their subject matter to others interested in the same area. Many graduates become faculty members at business schools upon completing their PhD and provide their expertise to their students. Regardless of which industry you choose, you can be assured that a PhD will provide you with numerous opportunities. 

How Long Does it Take to Progress from an MBA to PhD?

The timeframe for earning your PhD can vary depending on program and location. Many countries have varying timelines of how long the completion of a doctoral program will take. In the United States, the average is around 4-5 years of completion after receiving your Master of Business Administration. 

Do You Need an MBA to Get a PhD?

To be accepted into a doctoral program, you must have a master’s degree. It does not have to be a Master of Business Administration, but it does need to be a master’s of some form. Depending on your area of specialization, it could be advantageous to earn your MBA in pursuit of a PhD if you are planning to embark on a career in business upon completion of your doctorate. Additionally, one important aspect to consider is the program itself. It is important to look into a program’s requirements before applying to meet the eligibility criteria. 

The Difference Between a DBA and a PhD 

For those specifically interested in a career in business, a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) is a highly beneficial doctoral program. A DBA focuses on a broader spectrum of business disciplines, dedicating research toward multiple corporate facets, and practical implementation. On the contrary, a PhD narrows into a specific area of discipline and research, emphasizing theory, and it’s potential implications. While both are heavily centered around research and implementation, a DBA sets business executives and leaders on a path to discover new possibilities for their organizations and businesses. In a way, it allows established business professionals to “trailblaze” the way for new and innovative ideas that can disrupt the market and set a precedent for the future of business.

Get Your MBA or DBA at Pepperdine Graziadio Business School

At Pepperdine Graziadio, we proudly offer degrees to accommodate business professionals at any stage of their lives and careers. Our full and part-time MBA programs are designed to prepare candidates for a successful career in values-based business leadership. All of our MBA programs offer a personalized learning approach executed by our world-class faculty. Each program is characterized by its top-ranked business curriculum that can be coupled with an academic concentration. 

Our Executive Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) program has been carefully designed for the tenured business leader looking to drive groundbreaking innovations. This rigorous program allows candidates to gain in-depth knowledge and finetune their expertise through applied research. Also, executives enjoy learning alongside changemakers in various industries and participating in exclusive opportunities available only to DBA candidates.

Learn more about which programs fit your career aspirations and academic interests.

Learn more about how to achieve your career goals with a degree from Pepperdine Graziadio Business School.

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Students sit around a table and discuss with a professor nearby. Photo source: Sallie

PhD Admissions

The PhD program in Psychology trains students for careers in research and teaching. In addition to a wide range of courses, the PhD program is characterized by close collaboration between students and their faculty advisors. 

General Information

The Department of Psychology holistically reviews each candidate's complete application to assess the promise of a career in teaching and research. Consideration is based on various factors, including courses taken, grade point average, letters of recommendation, and the statement of purpose. Additionally, the Department of Psychology places considerable emphasis on research training, and admitted students have often been involved in independent research as undergraduate students or post-baccalaureate settings. Although there are no course requirements for admission, all applicants should have sufficient foundational knowledge and research experience to engage in graduate-level coursework and research.

We accept students with undergraduate degrees and those with both undergraduate and master's degrees. An undergraduate psychology major is not required; the Department welcomes applicants from other academic backgrounds.

Our application portal is now OPEN for the AY25-26 admissions cycle.

How to Apply

Application and deadline.

Our 2025-26 Admissions application will open on September 15, 2024.

Applications will be due on November 22, 2024

The deadline for letters of recommendation will be  November 22, 2024 . 

Once an applicant submits the recommenders' information, the recommenders will receive an automated email with instructions for submitting the letter. Late letters should be sent directly to psych-admissions [at] stanford.edu (psych-admissions[at]stanford[dot]edu) . Staff will add them to the application file if the review process is still underway. Still, the faculty reviewers are not obligated to re-review files for materials submitted after the deadline.

Generally, students will hear from us by the end of January. 

The status of submitted applications can be viewed anytime by logging in to the   application portal . 

The deadline to apply for the '25-26 PhD cohort this year is  November 22, 2024 . Applicants who are admitted to the program will matriculate in Autumn 2025. 

Our next admissions cycle will open in September 2025 and have a November 2025 deadline.

In addition to the information below, please review the  Graduate Admissions  website prior to starting your application. The Department of Psychology does not have rolling admissions. We admit for the Autumn term only.

Requirements

• U.S. Bachelor's degree or its  foreign equivalent
• Statement of Purpose (submitted electronically as part of the graduate application). You will be able to specify three  Psychology Department faculty members , in order of preference, with whom you would like to work. 
• Three  Letters of Recommendation  (submitted electronically). A maximum of six letters will be accepted.
• Unofficial transcripts from all universities and colleges you have attended for at least one year must be uploaded to the graduate application. Applicants who reach the interview stage will be asked to provide official transcripts as well; Department staff will reach out to these applicants with instructions for submitting official transcripts. Please do  not  submit official transcripts with your initial application.
• Required for non-native English speakers: TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) scores, submitted by the Educational Testing Service (ETS) electronically to Stanford. 

Application Fee

The fee to apply for graduate study at Stanford is $125. Fee waivers are available for some applicants. Please visit Graduate Admissions for information on applying for an  Application Fee Waiver .

Application Review & Status Check

The Department of Psychology welcomes graduate applications from individuals with a broad range of life experiences, perspectives, and backgrounds who would contribute to our community of scholars. The review of applications is holistic and individualized, considering each applicant’s academic record and accomplishments, letters of recommendation, and admissions essays to understand how an applicant’s life experiences have shaped their past and potential contributions to their field.

To check the status or activity of your application, please log into your  application account . You can also send reminders to recommenders who have not yet submitted their letter of recommendation.

Due to limited bandwidth, the Department of Psychology staff will not answer any phone or email queries about application status, including requests to confirm the receipt of official transcripts.

Our faculty will interview prospective students before making final admission decisions. Candidates who progress to the interview round will be informed in January. Interviews are generally conducted in February.

The Department of Psychology recognizes that the Supreme Court issued a ruling in June 2023 about the consideration of certain types of demographic information as part of an admission review. All applications submitted during upcoming application cycles will be reviewed in conformance with that decision.

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For More Information

Please see our  list of Frequently Asked Questions  and  psych-admissions [at] stanford.edu (contact us)  should you have additional questions.

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PhD Joint Program in Psychology and Business

The joint program in psychology and business combines the resources of a world-class phd business program and the university of chicago’s department of psychology, giving you the flexibility to follow your research interests wherever they lead..

In our joint PhD program, you will have the freedom to conduct research on topics that matter to you—whether that means focusing on specific questions in psychology or taking an interdisciplinary approach.

In recent years, our doctoral students have studied topics as diverse as the effect of language on adherence to social norms, the intuitive jurisprudence of punishment, and the consequences of perceived legitimacy for governance.

Overseen jointly by the Behavioral Science dissertation area at Chicago Booth and UChicago’s Department of Psychology , the Joint PhD Program in Psychology and Business connects social, cognitive, and organizational psychologists across Booth and the university.

Our Distinguished Behavioral Science and Psychology Faculty

This interdisciplinary program brings together behavioral science and psychology faculty who will teach you, advise you, mentor you, and guide your course of study and research.

Department of Psychology Faculty

See the Full List of Psychology Faculty

Behavioral Science Faculty

Shereen Chaudhry

Assistant Professor of Behavioral Science and Neubauer Family Faculty Fellow

Joshua Dean

Assistant Professor of Behavioral Science and Economics

Nicholas Epley

John Templeton Keller Distinguished Service Professor of Behavioral Science and Neubauer Family Faculty Fellow

Ayelet Fishbach

Eric J. Gleacher Distinguished Service Professor of Behavioral Science and Marketing

Reid Hastie

Ralph and Dorothy Keller Distinguished Service Professor of Behavioral Science

Professor of Behavioral Science and Economics and Vasilou Faculty Scholar

Erika Kirgios

Assistant Professor of Behavioral Science

Emma Levine

Professor of Behavioral Science

Ann L. McGill

Sears Roebuck Professor of General Management, Marketing and Behavioral Science

Sendhil Mullainathan

Distinguished Fellow

Associate Professor of Behavioral Science

Devin G. Pope

Steven G. Rothmeier Professor of Behavioral Science and Economics and Robert King Steel Faculty Fellow

Jane L. Risen

H.G.B. Alexander Professor of Behavioral Science and John E. Jeuck Faculty Fellow

Thomas Talhelm

Richard H. Thaler

Charles R. Walgreen Distinguished Service Professor of Behavioral Science and Economics

Alexander Todorov

Walter David "Bud" Fackler Distinguished Service Professor of Behavioral Science

Bernd Wittenbrink

Robert S. Hamada Professor of Behavioral Science

John P. and Lillian A. Gould Professor of Behavioral Science

A Network of Support

Chicago Booth is home to several groundbreaking research centers that offer funding for PhD students while connecting them with peers and researchers from Booth and around the world.

Center for Decision Research The Center for Decision Research (CDR) is devoted to the study of how individuals form judgments and make decisions. Researchers at the center examine the processes by which intuition, reasoning, and social interaction produce beliefs, judgments, and choices.

Spotlight on Research

Chicago Booth Review frequently highlights the work of PhD students and faculty in psychology and business.

How to Be Happy without Earning More

Abundance does not equate to happiness, according to researchers at Chicago Booth and elsewhere.

Why We Should Teach People How to Lie

Chicago Booth’s Emma Levine and Carnegie Mellon’s Taya R. Cohen find that it’s better to be dishonest in some situations.

Humanity Is Carried on the Voice

The presence of someone’s voice is a vital component of interpersonal understanding, writes Chicago Booth’s Nicholas Epley.

The PhD Experience at Booth

Juliana Schroeder, PhD ’15, talks about her research into how people convey their mental capacity to others.

Video Transcript

Juliana Schroeder, ’15: 00:11 I was always interested in the way that we interact with those around us, and the way that we judge them, and how we make decisions, but I was interested in it from sort of a really broad social science perspective, both psychology and economics, and then, when I came to Chicago Booth, I met Nick Epley right away who's a professor here, and he got me really interested in this specific topic. This is research about how people convey their mental capacity to others. Most people think that if someone can see them, they might appear smarter.

Juliana Schroeder, ’15: 00:46 We don't find any evidence of that. We find that it carries through the voice. We think that being able to hear someone's voice, being able to hear them speak is humanizing in some way. It kind of conveys their mental capacities. We've been looking at what are the paralinguistic cues that mediate the fact, and it seems that variance and pitch is important. There could be boundary conditions to this effect. There might be certain accents that convey less intelligence, so we're looking at the Southern drawl, for example. That is one in particular in the U.S. that seems to be associated with less intelligence.

Juliana Schroeder, ’15: 01:22 There might be other ways of speaking and aspects in someone's speech, like vocal fray, that could convey less intelligence as well. Working with Nick Epley on this project has been a really fantastic experience. He has been so supportive. We would meet every single week and discuss ideas. I feel extremely lucky to be at Chicago Booth. It's been such an incredible place with incredible resources to do research. When I do research, I think about what would be an interesting psychological idea, so how do we perceive others that can have an application in terms of who gets jobs. 

Juliana Schroeder, ’15: 02:01 But, it can also have applications in terms of conflict, in terms of humanization, all sorts of different aspects. And so, being able to do basic research here, and having the resources available in this study pool, the funding for that, it's just incredible.

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