Psychology

The Department of Psychology at Virginia Tech offers a doctoral program leading to the Ph.D. in psychology. Students may concentrate in one of four areas: Biological Psychology, Clinical Science, Developmental Science, and Industrial/Organizational Psychology. Students earn a Master of Science (M.S.) degree in psychology en route to the Ph.D., but the Department does not offer a terminal M.S. degree in any area. Applications from students with either bachelors or advanced degrees are welcomed. Although the graduate curriculum is organized into four specialty areas, all share the same philosophy: to assure that all graduate students are provided with the conceptual, quantitative, and methodological skills necessary to solve theoretical and applied problems.

The concentration in Biological Psychology trains research-oriented experimental psychologists using the mentorship model. This concentration is designed to provide graduate students with (a) a broad theoretical and empirical understanding of the main areas of experimental psychology, (b) expertise in specific areas of the students' research interests, and (c) strong training in diverse philosophical, design, and quantitative aspects of research. We offer training from the perspectives of behavioral neuroscience, psychophysiology, and neuropsychology. The plan of study is tailored to the interests of the individual student. Students also gain expertise as teachers in the university classroom. The primary mission of the concentration is to develop strong experimental researchers who will pursue careers in a variety of academic and non-academic settings.

The concentration in Clinical Science trains future psychologists to advance clinical science. We seek to produce graduates who are competent, productive, and successful at conducting research relevant to the assessment, treatment, prevention, and understanding of health and mental health disorders; and using science methods and evidence to design, develop, select, implement, deliver, evaluate, teach, supervise, and disseminate evidence-based assessments, interventions, and prevention strategies. We are accredited by the American Psychological Association and the Psychological Clinical Science Accreditation System, and a member of the Academy of Psychological Clinical Science and the Clinical Child and Pediatric Psychology Training Council.

The concentration in Developmental Science trains future scholars through mentored research training that is coupled with formal coursework in a variety of relevant content areas. Graduate students are exposed to a broad range of principles and enduring questions in developmental psychological science covering the human lifespan. Students receive practical hands-on experience in research laboratories, and develop expertise in their own chosen areas of specialization through individualized plans of study. Our students also gain experience as instructors and mentors of undergraduate students. Graduates pursue careers in university, college, and non-academic research and teaching settings.

The concentration in Industrial/Organizational Psychology trains industrial/organizational psychologists within a scientist-practitioner model. Training in this area emphasizes a theoretical and quantitative approach to solving problems in business and industry. The concentration emphasizes a strong background in psychological theories and principles, the development of sound research, problem-solving and quantitative skills, and the opportunity to apply these skills and knowledge to solving problems in the "real world." Thus, it prepares students for teaching, research, and consultation in either the private or public sector.

Because entry-level graduate students come from diverse academic backgrounds, our graduate program provides a common foundation while also allowing individualized coursework. The department core curriculum provides training in research methods and statistics, the depth curriculum ensures rigorous training within a student’s specified area of expertise, and the department breadth curriculum facilitates broader training in the more specialized areas of the doctoral graduate concentrations.

Core curriculum: At least three quantitative and research methods courses

• The two semester, two course sequence in research methods (Psyc 5315-5316)
• One or more additional courses in statistics,psychometrics, or advanced methodology. Students should consult their advisory committee in selecting these courses. Examples include:
  • PSYC 5134: Advanced Psychometric Theory
  • PSYC 6014: Quantitative Topics in Applied Psychology
  • EDRE 6634: Advanced Statistics for Education
  • EDRE 6654: Multivariate Statistics Applications to Educational Problems
  • EDRE 6664: Application of Structural Equations in Education
  • EDRE 6794: Advanced Topics in Educational Research
  • HD 6514: Advanced Research Methods

Depth curriculum: At least three graduate-level courses within the student’s research concentration area that deepen her or his understanding of the theories, methodologies, and existing literatures pertaining to her or his defined area of interest. Students should consult their advisory committee and concentration-specific information described below in selecting their “depth” courses.

Breadth curriculum: At least three graduate-level courses outside of the student's research concentration (including but not limited to the Department of Psychology classes), designed to educate students in domains of study that complement their research interests, and expand students' general knowledge of the field at large. Students should consult their advisory committee and concentration-specific information described below in selecting their “breadth” courses.

Additional coursework: Each of the department’s four concentrations specifies additional course requirements that are specific to the area and are described further below.

Admission to the program is competitive and based on the following:

• Research interests and experience
• Quality of the applicant's academic record
• Three letters of recommendation from former professors or supervisors
• Scores on the Graduate Record Examination (verbal and quantitative)

There are no strict cutoffs for acceptable grade point averages (GPAs) or GRE scores. Rather, we review the entire application to gain a holistic picture of applicants’ verbal and quantitative skills and research experience and interests. More competitive applicants typically have GPAs above 3.2 and GRE Verbal and Quantitative scores that each are at or above the 60th percentile. However, if verbal and quantitative skills are well-demonstrated through coursework, research experiences, recommendation letters, and the personal statement, then a GPA or GRE score below this typical level would not stand in the way of the application. By far the most important factor in the application is research experience and research interests described in the personal statement. We look for a tight and clearly articulated fit between applicants’ research experience and research interests and those of one or more faculty in our department.

The Graduate School serves as the coordinating office for fellowships and scholarships awarded outside the university, such as Graduate Consortium for Minorities in Engineering and Science, National Science Foundation's Graduate Research Fellowship, Packard Foundation, Ford Fellowships, Fulbright Scholarships, and many others.

Fellowships

The Graduate School accepts department nominations for several fellowships for outstanding students: the Powell Fellowship, the Cunningham Fellowship, and the Congressional Fellowship.

There are other fellowships available through colleges and departments. Students are encouraged to contact their academic departments for information.

The Graduate School also posts information about current funding opportunities. The Virginia Tech Research Division publishes a weekly Opportunity Update that includes notices of selected graduate and postdoctoral research opportunities and fellowships that are funded outside of the university. The Opportunity Update can be sent to you by email. Students can also conduct their own comprehensive search with COS Alert Service and have results emailed to them each week. Many other alert services, such as Grants Net, are also available.

Fellowship students are expected to be enrolled for a minimum of 12 credit hours each for the Fall and Spring semesters. Virginia Tech does not require fellowship students to be enrolled during the summer terms, though this may be a requirement of the funding agency.