Health Psychology at Old Dominion University

The Health Psychology (HP) program is designed to provide (a) broad doctoral training firmly based on psychological theory and basic behavioral science, (b) greater depth of knowledge broadly spread over the fundamental areas of health psychology, and (c) concentration in an area for applied settings. We emphasize training in research methods and statistics as well as allowing students to progress into areas relevant to their own interests. The general philosophy and plan of the Health Psychology program at ODU is to provide graduate training consisting of four phases:

  1. A core of basic psychology, acquired primarily at the master’s level,
  2. In-depth training in statistics, methodology, and grant and manuscript writing,
  3. Research experience in a field of health psychology,
  4. Completion of a dissertation representing a significant contribution to health psychology.

More information can be found here.


What is the Health Psychology Student Association?

Founded in 2006, the Health Psychology Student Association (HPSA) was established for the expressed purpose of serving the needs of students in the HP program. Additionally, it serves the purpose of developing leadership skills as well as an awareness of social responsibilities to encourage students to participate in public affairs within health psychology.


Why Choose Old Dominion University?

The psychology department at Old Dominion University embraces the philosophy that student-faculty interaction plays an essential role in the learning process and extends research, social, and educational opportunities to students within the department. Faculty members represent a broad spectrum of areas in health psychology and encourage students to combine a breadth of coursework with research and practicum experiences as the basis of their degree program. The faculty provide amazing resources and are very accessible to students. It is a university with a personal feel, combined with the research opportunities often found at larger universities.