Overview of Program
Applied Psychophysiology (APH) is the sub-specialty of psychophysiology that uses knowledge of the biological bases of various behaviors in conjunction with numerous psychological techniques to help people moderate illness-related symptoms and optimize their behavior in the sports, educational, and business environments.
Applied Psychophysiologists are professionals who develop and use behavioral assessments and interventions based on such areas as behavioral genetics, hormonal influence on behavior, individual differences in perception, and abnormal physiological patterns. They assist clients in recognizing and altering problems caused by these biological underpinnings. Common psychophysiological intervention techniques to manage stress responses include biofeedback, relaxation training, hypnosis, and neurofeedback.
Students who are interested in earning a master's degree while fulfilling the requirements associated with a PhD in Applied Psychophysiology may enroll in the Post-Bachelor's PhD in Applied Psychophysiology program. The application requirements are the same for MS degree applicants. After the 34 to 37 credits are completed, students will earn a MS degree while continuing on with the doctoral sequence.
Admissions Requirements
Applicants must complete an online application form and provide the following items:
- Official transcript(s) of all earned accredited degrees
- Post-Bachelor's program version: minimum 3.0 GPA from a regionally accredited undergraduate degree program
- Post-Master’s program version: minimum 3.0 GPA from a regionally accredited master’s degree program
- Personal statement
- Resume/CV
- Faculty interview may be required
By approval, Saybrook may accept up to nine graduate transfer credits from other regionally accredited colleges and universities prior to entrance. Transfer credits must be from courses substantially similar to those offered by the program and are applied to reduce the required number of elective or required courses for degree completion. Alternatively, they may be waived without granting credit, so students can take other electives in place of the transferred courses. Suitability of the proposed courses for transfer to the intended degree is determined by the Department Chair.
If a student has taken more than nine credits of past graduate courses matching required courses, or can demonstrate learning equivalent to a required course, the required course(s) may be waived without credit, and students will take additional elective(s) in their place. For further details regarding transfer credit policies, consult the Institutional Transfer Credit Guidelines section of the University Catalog.
Students who have earned a Saybrook M.S. Mind-Body Medicine, or the M.S. Integrative and Functional Nutrition, and who are admitted into the doctoral degree in Applied Psychophysiology, can generally transfer all master’s degree credits that match either a required course or an elective in the Ph.D. program. The exact amount depends on which master’s degree the student has completed. These students must fulfill the doctoral degree requirements not completed at the master’s level, including the remaining required courses and the dissertation.
University Learning Experience
Virtual Learning Experience (VLE) -Required Community Learning Experience (CLE) - Required
All new students begin their studies with a Welcome Week. Welcome Week activities, including a degree program orientation, are held online during the week ahead of the start of the fall and spring semesters. Participation is strongly encouraged.
All students are required to attend the Virtual Learning Experience (VLE) during week one in the fall and spring semesters of each academic year. Although students may complete most courses through distance learning, all our degree programs have VLE requirements. VLEs are academic requirements, and their completion is important for your successful academic progress: they allow you to meet with faculty and co-learners in a synchronous, stimulating, and supportive virtual environment. Our VLEs are an important part of your learning experience as they nurture intellectual and relational creativity, enrich the educational environment, and foster faculty and peer interactions. During the VLE, there are courses being launched, workshops, independent learning activities, peer learning opportunities, community events, and other hands-on experiences intended to nurture professional development, skill building, relationships, and transformative change. You can find the specific hour and track requirements on the Academic Commons University Learning Experience Program Requirements Page linked here. https://tcsedsystem.libguides.com/VLE_Requirements
Students are required to attend the VLE throughout their program and are encouraged to attend the Community Learning Experience (in person) in lieu of the VLE in the fall of odd calendar years.
Certain courses may have additional experiential, participation, or attendance requirements beyond those outlined for the program. Students should consult individual course descriptions for details
Credits/Hours
Post-Bachelor’s Program Version
- M.S. degree requires 34 to 37 credit hours for completion.
- The remaining PhD degree requires 42 credits for completion
PhD in Applied Psychophysiology (76 credits)
Mode of Delivery
Courses are presented as a combination of reading assignments, videos, live videoconferences, asynchronous class discussions and written assignments. Each class format may vary based on content and instructor preference and students are encouraged to review the course syllabus and Canvas course shell prior to the start of each term to assess the requirements of each course.
Length of Program
The PhD Psychophysiology program may take 5 to 7 years to complete.
Program Learning Outcomes
- Explain the influence of biological and/or biopsychosocial factors on general health and wellbeing and the implications for individuals, organizations, and/or communities.
- Describe and apply the foundational values, ethical principles, and best practices of the field of applied psychophysiology to oneself and others.
- Evaluate and interpret psychophysiological recording methodology and set, monitor, recognize and consistently perform correct recordings using psychophysiological equipment.
- Articulate, design, and apply core self-regulation skills to address patient and self-care approaches to stress management and optimal performance.
- Assess and synthesize evidence, theories, and established practices in applied psychophysiology.
- Critically evaluate research methods, apply published research, and conduct independent research in the field
- Compose original, grammatically correct, coherent, concise, and well-articulated written work in APA style.
Career Opportunities
Graduates apply the psychophysiological concepts, skills, and assessments in the field of behavioral medicine and mental health. Professionals target physiological systems through behavioral interventions in sports, education, business, the military, clinical, and research environments.
Post- Bachelor’s Program Version
APH Elective and General Electives (6 to 9 credits)
PhD Degree Remaining Requirements (42 credits)
APH and General Electives (18 credits)
- Choice of two APH electives 6 credits
- Choice of four general electives 12 credits
Post-Master’s Program Version
APH Elective and General Education Electives (27 credits)
Teaching and Advanced Research Specialization (12 credits)
Overview
The 12-credit Specialization in Teaching and Advanced Research (STAR) serves university learners interested in pursuing academic careers. Innovative, learner-centered, skill-based courses in teaching, grant writing, curriculum design, and academic publication prepare learners for professional and scholarly success in their field of interest. Over four core courses, learners develop a scholarly portfolio to promote academic success post-graduation. This academic dossier will include a written teaching philosophy, Curriculum Vitae, exemplar syllabi and course designs, grant proposals, research publications and presentations. Following completion of the core courses, learners then work with faculty research mentors to apply the dossier to professional academic goals: establishing and building professional networks, refining skills, and participating in academic opportunities. STAR learners are invited to present at the STAR Learner Research Symposium, an annual virtual academic conference featuring learner research presentations.
Any Saybrook student can enroll in RES4010, RES5010, RES5020, or RES5030 as elective courses if they meet the prerequisite requirements.
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