Psychology, Psychophysiology Specialization, Ph.D.

Specialization Coordinator: Richard Sherman, Ph.D.

Psychophysiology is the branch of psychology centering on the physiological bases of human psychological processes. It is the study of the biological bases of behavior among humans. Applied psychophysiology is the subspecialty of psychophysiology which uses knowledge of the biological bases of various behaviors in conjunction with various psychological techniques to help people optimize their behaviors. Applied psychophysiologists are psychologists who develop and use psychological interventions based on such areas as behavioral genetics, hormonal influence on behavior, individual differences in perception, and abnormal physiological patterns to assist clients to recognize and alter problems caused by these biological underpinnings. Common psychophysiological intervention techniques include biofeedback, relaxation training, entrainment, hypnosis, and many others.

Applied psychophysiology focuses on the amelioration/treatment and prevention of disease, as well as creation of optimal functioning patterns in education, sports, and business through teaching people techniques for recognizing and correcting abnormal physiological levels of function and responses. Our clinical concentration or practice focuses on the amelioration / treatment and prevention of disease through teaching people techniques for recognizing and correcting abnormal physiological levels of function and responses. Our non-clinical concentration focuses on teaching clients to function optimally in such environments as the work place, sports, and school. The field has a long history of making major contributions to education and healthcare in both treatment and prevention arenas. For instance, relaxation techniques are widely recognized as being effective in both the treatment and prevention of headaches.

Requirements

Research Course Sequence (taken in order)
RES 1006 - Information Competency and Library Use 2 credit(s)
RES 1005 - Methods of Research and Disciplined Inquiry I 3 credit(s)
RES 1015 - Methods of Research and Disciplined Inquiry II 3 credit(s)
RES XXXX Advanced Level Research Course - consult course descriptions for options
Core Psychology Degree Courses
PSY 1500A - Foundations and Critique of Contemporary Psychology - Part I 3 credit(s)
PSY 1500B - Foundations and Critique of Contemporary Psychology - Part II 3 credit(s)
Core Specialization Courses
One of the following courses:
PSY 6060 - Ethics and Laws in Psychotherapy and Behavioral Science Research 3 credit(s)
CSIH 4070 - Ethics, Spirit, and Health Care 3 credit(s)
All of the following courses:
APH 5051 - Fundamentals of Psychophysiology 3 credit(s)
APH 5622 - Basic Training and Education in Biofeedback 3 credit(s)
APH 5101 - Psychophysiological Recording, Assessment, and Interventions 3 credit(s)
One of the following courses:
APH 5221 - Stimulation Technologies 3 credit(s)
APH 5451 - Optimal Functioning: Psychophysiological Applications in the Community, School, Sports, and Workplace 3 credit(s)
APH 5571 - Heart Rate Variability Biofeedback 3 credit(s)
APH 5271 - EEG Biofeedback: Assessment and Intervention 3 credit(s)
APH 5201 - Principles and Theories of Stress Management 3 credit(s)
Unless otherwise stipulated by program,
any other graduate-level coursework will apply toward Other Elective credit requirements
Total Other Elective Courses: 15
Upon completion of all required courses:
RES 1100A - Research Practicum 3 credit(s)
(recommended to be completed with essays)
RES 1100B - Research Practicum - Part II 3 credit(s) *
RES 9010 - Qualifying Essay 1: Dissertation Critique (Managing Organizational Systems, Psychology, Transformative Social Change Only) 3 credit(s)
RES 9020 - Qualifying Essay 2: Literature Review (Managing Organizational Systems, Psychology, Transformative Social Change Only) 3 credit(s)
RES 9030 - Qualifying Essay 3: Literature Review (Organizational Systems, Psychology, Transformative Social Change Only) 3 credit(s)
RES 9500 - Dissertation Research 6-18 credit(s) **

Total PhD Psychology; Psychophysiology Specialization Credits: 68-83***

*Registration in RES 1100B required if practicum research not completed during RES 1100A.

** Dissertation to be completed in a minimum of two semesters. Students registering for the Doctoral Dissertation with required degree coursework outstanding must complete all degree requirements within 10 consecutive semesters, inclusive of summer. Students registering for the Doctoral Dissertation with no outstanding degree requirements must complete their degree program within 9 consecutive semesters, inclusive of summer

***Saybrook transcript must reflect a minimum of 60 completed credits of post-master’s learning for the PhD

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