Psychology

Psychology is the scientific study of behavior of humans and other animals. It ranges from studies of human development and complex thought processes to social relations, brain and neural mechanisms, psychopathology and beyond. The requirements for the major are designed to ensure breadth of coverage, and allows flexibility in selecting courses according to one's interests. Opportunities for independent work are available in research and field experience(through internship).

In addition to gaining a general liberal arts degree, training in the subject matter and methodology of psychology (including experimental methodology and statistics and an appreciation of the different views of human behavior) is excellent preparation for a variety of careers. Practical skills developed in the major include thinking critically, writing proposals and reports, designing and conducting research projects, collecting and analyzing data, reading and understanding basic research in psychology, and applying psychological principles in the workplace.

• PSYC 1010 - Introductory Psychology Credits: 3
• PSYC 2100 - Introduction to Learning Credits: 3
• PSYC 2150 - Introduction to Cognition Credits: 3
• PSYC 2200 - A Survey of the Neural Basis of Behavior Credits: 3
• PSYC 2210 - Animal Behavior Credits: 3
• PSYC 2220 - Principles of Psychobiology Credits: 4
• PSYC 2300 - Introduction to Perception Credits: 3
• PSYC 2400 - Introduction to Personality Psychology Credits: 3
• PSYC 2700 - Introduction to Child Psychology Credits: 3
• PSYC 2600 - Introduction to Social Psychology Credits: 3
• PSYC 3110 - Psychology of Language Credits: 3
• PSYC 3210 - Psychobiology Laboratory Credits: 3
• PSYC 3410 - Abnormal Psychology Credits: 3
• PSYC 3430 - Psychology of Aging Credits: 3
• PSYC 3440 - Child Psychopathology Credits: 3
• PSYC 3460 - Psychological Study of Children, Families, and the Law Credits: 4
• PSYC 3480 - Adolescence: Theory and Development Credits: 3
• PSYC 3490 - Infant Development Credits: 3
• PSYC 3870 - Seminar for Distinguished Majors Credits: 1
• PSYC 3590 - Research in Psychology Credits: 2 to 3
• PSYC 4125 - Psychology of Language Credits: 3
• PSYC 4110 - Psycholinguistics Credits: 3
• PSYC 4120 - Psychology of Reading Credits: 3
• PSYC 4150 - Cognitive Processes Credits: 3
• PSYC 4180 - Invention and Design Credits: 3
• PSYC 4200 - Neural Mechanisms of Behavior Credits: 3
• PSYC 4601 - Introduction to Clinical Psychology Credits: 3
• PSYC 4602 - Women's Issues in Clinical Psychology Credits: 3
• PSYC 4603 - Psychology of Sexual Orientation Credits: 3
• PSYC 4600 - Attachment and Social Development Credits: 3
• PSYC 4604 - Family Relations Credits: 3
• PSYC 4499 - Psychology and Law: Cognitive and Social Issues Credits: 3
• PSYC 4700 - Flourishing Credits: 3
• PSYC 4750 - Social Stigma Credits: 3
• PSYC 4870 - The Minority Family: A Psychological Inquiry Credits: 3
• PSYC 4910 - Undergraduate Internship Programs Seminar Credits: 4
• PSYC 4920 - Undergraduate Internship Programs Seminar Credits: 4
• PSYC 4930 - Undergraduate Internship Program Supplement Credits: 2
• PSYC 4940 - Undergraduate Internship Program Supplement Credits: 2
• PSYC 4970 - Distinguished Major Thesis Credits: 0
• PSYC 4980 - Distinguished Major Thesis Credits: 6

• Students whose first language is not English should take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). Students who are bilingual in English and another language and have scored well on the verbal portion of the SAT may be exempted from the TOEFL and IELTS.
• Recommendations from one counselor and one teacher
• Application and Fee
• Secondary School Forms and Transcript (official translation required of transcripts not presented in English)
• Final Transcripts
• Students who will be applying for Fall 2017 can chose to submit results from the previous version of the SAT, the current SAT, or the ACT. The SAT Essay and ACT Writing sections will not be required for those applying for the Fall 2017 term. SAT Subject Tests are optional.

Tuition and fees for the Psychology program at the University of Virginia vary depending on the undergraduate or graduate level, residency status, and specific course requirements. Undergraduate students typically pay tuition based on the Virginia in-state or out-of-state rate, with in-state tuition approximately $21,000 per year and out-of-state tuition around $60,000 per year. These figures are subject to change annually and may include incidental fees, academic supplies, and technology fees. Graduate students enrolled in psychology master’s or doctoral programs are billed differently, often with tuition rates ranging from approximately $18,000 to $30,000 per year for in-state students, and higher for out-of-state students, with specific rates depending on the program's structure and course load.

Students are encouraged to apply for federal financial aid through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which can provide grants, loans, and work-study opportunities based on financial need. The University of Virginia also offers institutional scholarships, fellowships, and assistantships for qualified students, which can significantly offset costs. For doctoral students pursuing research assistantships or teaching assistantships, stipends are provided, which include a tuition waiver and a living stipend, ensuring financial stability during their studies. In addition to direct tuition costs, students should consider additional expenses such as health insurance, housing, textbooks, transportation, and personal expenses, which can collectively amount to several thousand dollars annually.

The university maintains a comprehensive financial aid office that assists students in planning and securing funding options. It is advisable for prospective and current students to consult the university's official website or contact the Financial Aid Office directly for the most accurate and current information regarding costs and available financial support programs. Scholarships and financial aid are competitive, and applicants are encouraged to submit complete applications by published deadlines. Overall, financing a psychology degree at the University of Virginia involves a combination of tuition payments, external and internal scholarships, federal aid, and assistantship opportunities, making it possible for students from diverse financial backgrounds to pursue their academic goals with adequate financial planning.

The Psychology program at the University of Virginia offers students a comprehensive undergraduate education in the scientific study of behavior and mental processes. The department provides a rigorous curriculum that covers various core areas, including cognitive psychology, social psychology, developmental psychology, and biological psychology. Students have the opportunity to engage in research projects, enabling them to gain practical experience and deepen their understanding of psychological principles. The program emphasizes critical thinking, experimental methodology, and data analysis, preparing graduates for diverse career paths or advanced study in psychology and related fields.

Students enrolled in the program can access state-of-the-art laboratories and facilities, supporting hands-on research and innovative experimentation. The department also offers seminars, workshops, and a dynamic academic community that fosters collaboration and intellectual growth. Close mentorship from faculty members guides students throughout their undergraduate years, helping them develop their academic and professional goals. Additionally, the program encourages participation in internships and community service projects, allowing students to apply psychological theories in real-world settings and contribute meaningfully to society.

The Bachelor’s degree in Psychology at UVA prepares students for graduate studies, law, business, education, health, and social services. The program maintains a strong core foundation in scientific methods and statistical analysis, ensuring students acquire essential skills for data-driven decision making. Graduates of the program have gone on to diverse careers, including clinical psychology, research, counseling, marketing, human resources, and public policy. The department’s commitment to diversity and inclusion, along with its emphasis on ethical research practices, makes it a leading choice for students interested in understanding human behavior in a broad societal context. With dedicated academic advising and numerous student organizations, the program supports holistic development and lifelong learning. Overall, the UVA Psychology program combines academic excellence, experiential learning, and community engagement to produce well-rounded, competent professionals and informed citizens.