Georgetown's Ph.D. program in Psychology: Human Development and Public Policy

[Psycherd12]

I love psychology but am considering starting to move into the field of higher education, policy and public health, so this program looks amazing. Anyone know how competitive it is? Or anything at all about it?

[Anxiousapplicant01]

This program is very competitive based on what I have read. I looked into it as well (I applied this cycle and didn't end up applying to this program). I think it is particularly difficult to get in because you have to apply separately (and I think you have to be independently accepted) to the masters in public policy program, and georgetown's program is one of the best out there in public policy and its DC location probably makes it even more popular. Based on what I saw in  APA guide to grad programs, some years this program accepts none of its applicants. Definitely go for it if it is your dream, but any PhD program is going to be competitive and this one in particular may be more competitive than most. 

[Guest joshw4288]

The program is incredibly competitive. I was an applicant and interviewee a couple years ago. It is an incredible group of graduate students. There were about 30 people brought in for interviews and 2 were admitted. My observation was that more than half already had masters degrees from elsewhere. In contrast to the comment above, you do not need to apply to both the MPP and the Ph.D. program, but you can if you want. You can also apply for the MPP after entering the Ph.D. program, but before the end of your first year. The program is very course-work heavy. If you are enrolled in both the PhD and MPP, you will take 16 courses over the first two years of the program. If you have questions specifically about the interview processe, feel free to message me.   

Edited April 14, 2016 by joshw4288