Ph.D. in Applied Psychophysiology

Receive rigorous training in biofeedback, neurofeedback, stress management, and more to prepare for leadership roles in sports, education, business, and beyond in the Applied Psychophysiology Ph.D. program.

Students studying biofeedback on a computer.

Length of Program

4 to 5 years

Credits Earned

Apply Mind-Body Science to Your Professional Practice

With a hybrid online Ph.D. in Applied Psychophysiology from Saybrook University, you can make a positive impact on individual lives, groups of athletes and performers, and the field of psychophysiology itself by understanding the complex interconnectedness between brain and body.

Our hybrid online Applied Psychophysiology doctoral program will help you recognize behavioral issues caused by a person’s biological underpinnings (hormones, genetics, individual perception, abnormal physiological patterns) so you can develop personalized intervention plans based on their unique circumstances. Emphasis is placed on biofeedback, relaxation training, hypnosis, neurofeedback, and stress management among other techniques.

You will also be tasked with creating, organizing, and conducting independent psychophysiological research studies based on your personal, academic, and professional goals, culminating in a doctoral dissertation and defense.

M.S. to Ph.D. Psychophysiology Pathway

We offer a unique pathway option for applicants who want to pursue their Applied Psychophysiology Ph.D. but lack a master’s degree. If that sounds like your current situation, you may apply to the psychophysiology program in the same manner as the hybrid Ph.D. program, but without the requirement to submit graduate-level transcripts. If accepted, you will enter the standard 76-credit Ph.D. program and will be awarded an M.S. in Psychophysiology upon completion of the 31 credit hours required to earn your online master’s degree.

Applied Psychophysiology Ph.D. Job Outcomes

Upon graduation of the psychophysiology hybrid online doctoral program, you will have the skill set to work in specialty areas of medicine and mental health and pursue leadership opportunities in several fields, including:

Sports
Higher education
Business
Military
Performing arts

Other Psychophysiology Programs

Interested in another Psychophysiology program? We offer multiple graduate degree and certification options that may align more closely with your goals.

M.S. in Psychophysiology
M.S. in Psychophysiology: Optimal Performance Specialization
M.S. in Psychophysiology: Science and Research Specialization
Ph.D. in Applied Psychophysiology: Optimal Performance Specialization
Ph.D. in Applied Psychophysiology: Clinical Psychophysiology Specialization
Biofeedback Certificate
Neurofeedback Certificate
Clinical Hypnosis Certificate
Stress Management Education Certificate

Due Dates and Deadlines

SPRING 2026 SEMESTER

Start January 5, 2026
Apply by December 15, 2025

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Program Components

Admissions Requirements

Applicants for the Ph.D. in Applied Psychophysiology degree must submit the following documents:

An official transcript from an accredited university demonstrating successful completion of a master’s degree, with a 3.0 GPA or better*
- Students without undergraduate credit in general biology and general psychology must take courses in these subjects during their first semester
Professional resume or CV
Personal statement

*Unless applying for the M.S. to Ph.D. in Applied Psychophysiology pathway.

Invest in Your Future

Saybrook University remains committed to keeping higher education affordable and accessible. Our Financial Aid Department is ready to offer guidance and support in determining suitable financial assistance tailored to your needs, including potential scholarship opportunities, grants, and more.

Finance your future.

Cost

Saybrook wants you to have the information you need to make an informed decision about your academic and career aspirations. Our cost calculator provides an estimated cost of attending Saybrook to earn your Ph.D. in Applied Psychophysiology degree.

Cost Calculators

FAQs

How long does it take to complete the hybrid Ph.D. in Applied Psychophysiology?

The hybrid online Psychophysiology Ph.D. typically takes four to five years to complete, depending on whether you enter with a master’s or bachelor’s degree and the pace at which you progress through the required coursework and research components.

Are there any residential requirements for the Psychophysiology doctoral program?

Yes, students are required to participate in two five-day, in-person Residential Learning Experiences (RLE) per year. These conferences and meetings provide valuable hands-on experience and networking opportunities.

What specializations are available in the Ph.D. Applied Psychophysiology program?

The program offers specializations in Clinical Psychophysiology, Optimal Functioning, and a Generalist/Investigative option. Each specialization is designed to prepare students for specific career paths within the field of applied psychophysiology.

Can I transfer credits from another institution?

Yes, Saybrook University may accept up to 9 graduate transfer credits from other regionally accredited colleges and universities. These credits must be from courses substantially similar to those offered by the department and are subject to approval by the department chair.

What kind of research opportunities are available in the Applied Psychophysiology doctoral program?

Students in the psychophysiology Ph.D. program engage in original research projects, including the doctoral dissertation. These projects focus on topics relevant to psychophysiological assessments and interventions, allowing students to contribute to the advancement of the field.

Sample Courses

Psychophysiological Recording, Assessment, and Interventions

This course provides a basic understanding of the physiology and methodology underlying common psychophysiological recording techniques used in behavioral medicine, including surface electromyography, electroencephalography, respiration, blood pressure, pulse rate, skin temperature, and electrodermal responses. Sufficient knowledge about how common psychophysiological recording instruments function and are used is provided so you can incorporate psychophysiological aspects of assessment into normal practice.

Anatomy and Physiology for Psychophysiologists

You will gain an overview of human anatomy and physiology as applied to psychophysiology, optimal functioning, and behavioral medicine, with an emphasis on human behavioral biology. Other areas emphasized are respiratory physiology, behavioral immunology, psychophysiology of pain, interactions between pain, stress, and muscle tension, basic kinesiological concepts, and more.

Catalog

Please refer to our academic catalog for more information on the Ph.D. in Applied Psychophysiology program.

Career Outcomes

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for qualified psychologists is expected to grow much faster than average. As public awareness builds regarding the connection between mental health and overall health, licensed clinical psychologists may find careers in education, nonprofits, social agencies, and private-sector organizations. They will be challenged to address the needs of many populations, including students, seniors, military personnel, veterans, prisoners, parolees, first responders, and those suffering from chronic illness and substance abuse.

Saybrook University prepares you to make an impact in a variety of high-demand careers. Below, you will find possible career options and salaries associated with this degree.

Data is pulled by a third-party tool called Lightcast, which includes data from sources including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the U.S. Census Bureau, online job postings, and other government databases. The information below represents a regional and national career outlook related to this degree program*. Saybrook University is dedicated to assisting you in achieving your career goals.

*Many degree programs are intended to fulfill licensure requirements in specific states. The data shown here may not represent the state where you currently reside. For more information on how this program is applicable to the requirements of your state, please speak with your admissions specialist.

University Learning Experience

Our Ph.D. in Applied Psychophysiology program is a hybrid online program. Coursework is completed online and augmented with two five-day, in-person Residential Learning Experiences (RLE) per year. The RLE occurs at the beginning of the Fall and Spring semesters in California. Every odd-numbered year, the RLE takes place during a larger Community Learning Experience (CLE), encouraging interaction with the larger Saybrook community. In this program, you will begin your studies with a five-day Virtual Learning Experience (VLE). The VLE is held online at the beginning of the Spring semester and offers opportunities to bond with classmates and faculty, attend person-oriented seminars, learn about your program, and more.

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Applied Psychophysiology Faculty

Saybrook’s Applied Psychophysiology faculty are practitioner-scholars dedicated to advancing their field through continued practice and comprehensive instruction. Meet some of our faculty members below. 

Eric Willmarth, Ph.D.

Department Chair, Applied Psychophysiology

President, Michigan Society for Clinical Hypnosis
Past President, Society for Psychological Hypnosis
Past President, American Society for Clinical Hypnosis
Past President, Society for Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis

UNBOUND: Psychophysiology

Bridging the gap between psychological and medical science, you will explore the close interconnectedness between the brain and body as part of our psychophysiology degree programs.

monitor nodes attached to woman's shoulder

Career Resources

Exploring Psychophysiology Careers

As medical technology and academic studies advance, more medical fields have become deeply specialized, allowing patients to get priority treatment optimized for their hyper-specialized needs. The world of psychophysiology, biofeedback therapy, and neurofeedback medical practice are prime examples of this evolution of the medical field. In psychophysiology, doctors study the relationship between the mind and […]