Graduate training philosophy

Our doctoral program in social psychology is designed to be a 5-year program that involves rigorous training in cutting-edge psychological methods and statistics, with a deep focus on theory testing and development. Successful students in the doctoral program should expect to earn multiple professional publications and to present their scholarship at national and international conferences. Our doctoral graduates typically find very meaningful positions after completing their training, including high-profile universities, smaller colleges that focus on undergraduate teaching, the industry and other private sector positions, and governmental agencies (see list of program alums for examples).

We strive to foster a friendly, highly collaborative atmosphere amongst graduate students and faculty. Many of our students work with multiple faculty members, and they also collaborate amongst one another on research projects that features supportive (rather than competitive) peer relationships. We care deeply about making our work both fun and productive, and our program is both intense yet very supportive. We also strive to have a very high graduation rate, with nearly all of our students graduating from the program with their doctoral degree.

Application details

To be admitted to the program, students must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. Undergraduate preparation should include a background in psychology, at least one course in mathematics, statistics and one laboratory course in psychology. Demonstrated ability and experience in research and activities related to one’s desired field of study is considered very important. Although most students enter the program after finishing a bachelor’s degree, the department does occasionally admit students who have completed a master’s degree from another program. A number of successful graduates of the program have entered after working in other fields.

We recommend directly contacting faculty members whom you might be interested in working with to be sure they are admitting students before applying to work in their laboratory. Although admissions to the social program is always based on a consensus endorsement among all of the social faculty, we only admit students when a clear student-mentor fit is identified.

Admission to the graduate program is highly competitive. The application deadline for the Social Psychology Program is December 1st each year.

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More information

Please direct additional questions to the Social Program Area Director, Dr. Heather Claypool (claypohm@miamioh.edu).

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