Ph.D. in Developmental Psychology
Clark University’s developmental psychology doctoral program at the nationally-renowned Frances L. Hiatt School of Psychology is dedicated to studying human development in societal and cultural contexts. The program has a long and distinguished history, including the work of developmentalists such as G. Stanley Hall, the first president of the University and founder of the American Psychological Association at Clark in 1892.
Continuing in a tradition of innovative theory and research pertaining to the study of human development, our faculty examine issues like bilingualism, racial experiences, and factors influencing learning and achievement — all with a focus on how the topics intersect with development and well-being. Designed to help students join an ongoing program of research, our program emphasizes scholarship at the forefront of interdisciplinary theory and practice linking human development to other disciplines.
The program’s intimate size, as well as its setting at a small urban research university, allow for close student-faculty relationships while providing opportunities for faculty, graduate students, and undergraduates to collaborate within the department and across the campus and Worcester communities. All full-time graduate students are guaranteed tuition remission and graduate assistantships are available. This arrangement fosters a collegial, supportive intellectual community.
Intakes
- Jan
- May
- Aug
Application Processing Time in Days: 25
Minimum English Language Requirements
| English Level Description | IELTS (1.0 -9.0) | TOEFL IBT (0-120) | TOEFL CBT (0-300) | PTE (10-90) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Expert | 9 | 120 | 297-300 | 86-90 | |
| Very Good | 8.5 | 115-119 | 280-293 | 83-86 | |
| Very Good | 8 | 110-114 | 270-280 | 79-83 | |
| Good | 7.5 | 102-109 | 253-267 | 73-79 | |
| Good | 7 | 94-101 | 240-253 | 65-73 | |
| Competent | 6.5 | 79-93 | 213-233 | 58-65 | |
| Competent | 6 | 60-78 | 170-210 | 50-58 | |
| Modest | 5.5 | 46-59 | 133-210 | 43-50 | |
| Modest | 5 | 35-45 | 107-133 | 36-43 | |
| Limited | 4 | 32-34 | 97-103 | 30-36 | |
| Extremely Limited | < 4 | < 31 | < 93 | < 30 |
Job Opportunity Potential
At Clark University, we don’t just embrace new ideas—we create them. If you’re looking for more than just a job, join a community that values curiosity, collaboration, and impact. Our benefits support you in bringing your best self to work every day:
- Comprehensive health coverage – Multiple plan options with generous University contributions.
- Financial security – Free life and disability insurance, plus an 8% University contribution to your retirement plan after two years.
- Time to recharge – Three to four weeks of vacation, based on your role.
- Education benefits – Free evening undergraduate and master’s-level courses for employees, plus tuition discounts for family members.
- Wellness perks – Free access to our athletic and fitness center to help you stay active.
PSW Opportunity
Post-Study Work visa or permit, allowing international students on F-1 visas to work in the US after completing their studies, typically through Optional Practical Training (OPT).
Eligibility:
To be eligible for OPT, students must have been enrolled full-time in a US educational institution for at least one academic year and be seeking work related to their major.
Duration:
Students can apply for up to 12 months of OPT, either before they finish their studies (pre-completion) or after graduation (post-completion).
STEM OPT:
Students in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields can apply for an extended OPT period of up to 24 months.
Contact our PSA counselor for more information
Admission Requirement / Eligibility Criteria
GMAT or GRE
GRE/GMAT is only required for the on-campus Master of Business Administration program. GRE/GMAT will be waived if a student has a 3.2 GPA or higher. Students below 3.2 GPA will be reviewed on a case by case basis.
GMAT/GRE Codes: GRE: 3279 for all programs | GMAT: Q4X-6X-30 for all programs.
English Language Requirement
International applicants must submit official test score results from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), Duolingo, or the Pearson Test of English (PTE-Academic). Applicants should check with the testing agency to ensure that their scores are still valid and that the agency will be able to send an official score report.
All master’s programs have the following requirements:
- TOEFL (ETS code 5969): 85 overall, sub-score minimum of 20
- TOEFL: ITP Plus Scores
- IELTS: 6.5 overall, sub-score minimum of 6
- PTE: 61 overall with no band below 55
- Duolingo: 120, sub-score minimum of 100
- Completion of ELS 112, Completion of EC English B2+ Pre-Advanced Level
- Course Type: Full Time
- Course Level: Doctoral Degree/PhD
- Duration: 03 Year
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Total Tuition Fee:
59680 USD
Average Cost of Living: 14000 USD /year
Application Fee: 75 USD

