Clemson Department of Psychology offers new graduate degree program in health psychology

The Clemson University Department of Psychology in the College of Behavioral, Social and Health Sciences (CBSHS) now offers a doctoral program in health psychology. The new program is designed to equip research scientists and scholars with the knowledge and skills needed to support and improve the mental and physical health of individuals and communities across the state, nation and world.

“The existing infrastructure for health research and education at Clemson is impressive – and our new doctoral program is a great example of how health-related research continues to gain momentum. Our goal is to train the next generation of researchers to make a positive difference in community health outcomes at local, national and international levels,” said Jody Nicholson, professor and health psychology graduate program director.

The health psychology doctoral program expands upon an existing health psychology concentration in the applied psychology master’s program. It was recently approved by the Clemson Board of Trustees and South Carolina Commission of Higher Education, and the first cohort will begin in fall 2025. 

“Health challenges demand multidisciplinary and community-engaged solutions – and community-engaged research is central to the DNA of Clemson University as a land-grant institution founded on community extension and outreach,” said Nicholson.

Currently, the program includes 14 faculty members, many of whom are affiliates of the Institute for Engaged Aging, Center for Addiction and Mental Health Research and Clemson University School of Health Research.

“Our department has considerable expertise within the domain of health psychology,” said Pat Raymark, chair of the psychology department. “The development of this doctoral program not only capitalizes on that expertise, but also aligns with the goals and priorities of the College of Behavioral, Social and Health Sciences and Clemson University. Our current faculty already have us in position to become one of the premier health psychology doctoral programs in the country.”

Applications for fall 2025 close January 15, 2025. To learn more or apply, visit: https://www.clemson.edu/cbshs/departments/psychology/degrees/health-psychology.html.

The Department of Psychology is in the College of Behavioral, Social and Health Sciences (CBSHS). Established in July 2016, CBSHS is a 21st-century, land-grant college that combines work in nine disciplines – communication; nursing; parks, recreation and tourism management; political science; psychology; public health sciences; sociology, anthropology and criminal justice – to further its mission of “building people and communities” in South Carolina and beyond.