Students in the department obtain training that integrates both basic and applied aspects of psychology. Each area of study is designed to acquaint students thoroughly with the theoretical and research content of the particular area, and to provide training in the research skills needed to become competent and creative investigators in that area. In addition to being prepared to function in academic settings, students can also find suitable placement as applied researchers or service practitioners in a variety of mental health, educational, physical health, and industrial settings. Because of the nature of the research training, students are required to be enrolled on a full-time basis (12 hours per semester) throughout their graduate studies.

Each academic year approximately 125 students are enrolled in the graduate psychology program, including several on clinical or school internship, and several in the process of completing their dissertations while employed off-campus. At any point, there are approximately 85-90 students in full-time residence.

An entitlement program leading to state and national certification as a school psychologist may be completed in conjunction with the M.A. or Ph.D. degrees. Students in clinical, organizational, and school psychology receive practicum experience to develop the professional skills appropriate to those fields.

Assistantship and fellowship support consisting of a stipend and tuition waiver is available. Typically, students are admitted to the program with financial support. Continuing support is contingent, of course, on adequate funding from a number of sources, but the history has been that support is available to all students who are making satisfactory progress in the program. Supporting our commitment to enhancing the diversity of professional and academic psychology, a large number of university, state, and federal assistantships and fellowships are available for minority students. Applications for assistantships must be received by February 15, and normally assistantship offers are made by April 1, although some assistantships occasionally become available after that date.
 
 

The Lagoon is less than a 2-minute walk from the Psychology Building.  In the Winter there is ice skating, and in the Summer, outdoor concerts.