Psychology (PSYC)

Abstract

Psychology is a remarkably broad field that studies mind and behavior at all levels of analysis ranging from the micro to the macro; from single cells to complex systems; from individuals to groups and cultures; and from invertebrates to humans. Some of these endeavors connect with the biological sciences and others with the social sciences. As analytical, methodological, and theoretical advances in one domain increasingly influence developments in another, psychologists collaborate in ever greater numbers with scientists in neighboring disciplines, resulting in new subfields that blend the biological and social sciences.

Our department reflects well this combined diversity of and collaborations among approaches. In recognition of this fact, we organized our training structure into 5 Ph.D. program areas:

- Clinical

- Cognitive and Neural Systems (CNS)

- Counseling

- Developmental

- Social, Decision, and Organizational Science (SDOS)

Research collaborations across areas are common and we encourage students to consider training across areas as well. The Department's doctoral programs in both Clinical and Counseling Psychology have been approved by the American Psychological Association. School Psychology, also an APA approved program, is offered in the College of Education.

Admissions Information

The Department accepts only those applicants who have demonstrated competence for completing the requirements of the doctoral degree. All of the programs offer doctoral level programs and do not accept students who are interested in terminal Master of Science degrees. The typical student admitted to the graduate program has an overall undergraduate grade point average of 3.5 or above, a psychology grade point average over 3.5, Verbal and Quantitative GRE scores above 600, appropriate background experiences, outstanding letters of recommendation, research experience and/or previous relevant work experience, and goals congruent with the program. The Department of Psychology encourages applications from members of racial/ethnic minority groups.

To be considered for admission for the fall semester, all application materials must be submitted by December 1st of the prior year.

Students admitted to the graduate program often earn the M.S. en route to the Ph.D., however, this varies across specialty areas and the specific requirements within a given specialty area should be consulted. All students must be full-time until completion of all requirements of the doctoral program other than the dissertation have been met.

Application Deadlines

Fall

Spring

Domestic Applicants:
U.S. Citizens and Permanent Residents

Domestic Applicant Deadlines

Applications must be received by December 1 .

This program does not accept applications for this semester.

International Applicants:
Applicants from Outside the U.S. or U.S. Citizens / Permanent Residents with Non-U.S. Credentials

IMPORTANT: International Applicants and U.S. Applicants with Non-U.S. Credentials must follow the domestic deadlines above if they are earlier than the deadlines listed below.

Applicants seeking admission under F (Student) or J (Exchange Visitor) visas

February 1
If Domestic Deadline is after Feb. 1

June 1
If Domestic Deadline is after Jun. 1

Applicants seeking admission under A, E, G, H, I, and L visas and immigrants

May 1
If Domestic Deadline is after May 1

October 1
If Domestic Deadline is after Jun. 1

U.S. Citizens and Permanent Residents with foreign credentials

May 15
If Domestic Deadline is after May 15

October 31
If Domestic Deadline is after Oct.31

Application Requirements

GRE General required
GRE Subject recommended
3 Letters of Recommendation
Transcripts
Statement of Goals and Research Experiences

	Fall	Spring
Domestic Applicants: U.S. Citizens and Permanent Residents
Domestic Applicant Deadlines	Applications must be received by December 1 .	This program does not accept applications for this semester.

International Applicants: Applicants from Outside the U.S. or U.S. Citizens / Permanent Residents with Non-U.S. Credentials IMPORTANT: International Applicants and U.S. Applicants with Non-U.S. Credentials must follow the domestic deadlines above if they are earlier than the deadlines listed below.
Applicants seeking admission under F (Student) or J (Exchange Visitor) visas	February 1 If Domestic Deadline is after Feb. 1	June 1 If Domestic Deadline is after Jun. 1
Applicants seeking admission under A, E, G, H, I, and L visas and immigrants	May 1 If Domestic Deadline is after May 1	October 1 If Domestic Deadline is after Jun. 1
U.S. Citizens and Permanent Residents with foreign credentials	May 15 If Domestic Deadline is after May 15	October 31 If Domestic Deadline is after Oct.31

Degree Requirements

Master of Science (M.S.)
The M.S. degree requirements are a research thesis (6 credit hours) and 24 credit hours including two courses in statistics. The department does not offer a terminal M.S. Rather, students admitted to the graduate program often earn the M.S. en route to the Ph.D.

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
In addition to a quantitative core consisting of three courses, all students are required to take three core courses in areas outside their specialty program. These core courses are designed to provide a breadth of knowledge in psychology. Additionally, each program has requisite coursework and comprehensive examinations. A minimum of 12 credit hours for the dissertation is required for a doctoral degree. In addition to attending classes, students are expected to take part in research.

Facilities and Special Resources

The Department shares a building with the Biology Department and is centrally situated on campus near three libraries and the student union. The Department has state-of-the-art laboratories, computer facilities, and video equipment. The geographic location in a suburb of Washington, D.C. provides access to a wide variety of laboratory and training facilities in governmental and other agencies. In addition, we are near the national headquarters for The American Psychological Association and The American Psychological Society.

The Department follows all regulations involved in the use of human subjects and animals.

Financial Assistance

The Department attempts to provide financial aid for all incoming students, although aid is not guaranteed. The different possible types of financial support include fellowships (nominated by the department), teaching assistantships, research assistantships, work on campus, and funded externships.

Contact Information

Additional information concerning the graduate program including specific specialty area information may be obtained by accessing our website at http://www.bsos.umd.edu/psyc/

Graduate Coordinator
Room 1141 Biology-Psychology Bldg.
MD 20742-4411
Telephone: (301) 405-5865
Fax: (301) 314-9566
psyc-grad@deans.umd.edu

http://www.bsos.umd.edu/psyc/

Courses: PSYC PSYC

Related Programs and Campus Units

Neuroscience and Cognitive Science
Advanced Computer Studies, UM Institute for (UMIACS)
Human-Computer Interaction Laboratory (HCIL)
Counseling and Personnel Services
Education: Counseling and Personnel Services

Family Science