Psychology

The Georgetown University Psychology Program offers students a comprehensive exploration of human behavior and mental processes through a rigorous curriculum grounded in scientific research. Our program is designed to provide students with a deep understanding of the core principles of psychology, including cognition, development, social behavior, and abnormal psychology, while also emphasizing the application of psychological knowledge in real-world settings. Students have the opportunity to engage in experiential learning, participate in cutting-edge research projects, and develop critical thinking and analytical skills essential for graduate study or careers in related fields such as counseling, human services, education, or healthcare.

Our faculty are distinguished experts in various areas of psychology, committed to mentoring students and fostering an environment of academic excellence. The program offers a flexible curriculum that allows students to tailor their educational experience according to their interests, whether they are drawn to clinical psychology, cognitive neuroscience, social psychology, or industrial-organizational psychology. In addition to coursework, students can participate in internships, workshops, and seminars that enhance practical skills and professional development.

The psychology program also emphasizes ethical practice and cultural competence, preparing students to work effectively in diverse environments and with diverse populations. Advanced research methods and statistics courses equip students with the tools necessary to design, conduct, and evaluate psychological research. For those interested in pursuing graduate education, undergraduate students have the opportunity to engage in thesis projects and publish their work in departmental or university forums.

Graduates of the Georgetown University Psychology Program are well-prepared for a wide range of careers or further study in psychology, counseling, social work, education, or healthcare. With a strong foundation in both theoretical knowledge and practical application, students are equipped to make meaningful contributions in their chosen fields. Our program aspires to foster a community of inquiry, innovation, and social responsibility, reflecting Georgetown’s mission to serve the nation and the world through education and research.

AREAS OF STUDY

HUMAN DEVELOPMENT AND PUBLIC POLICY

The 42-credit concentration in Human Development and Public Policy and the 51-credit dual degree in Psychology and Public Policy link students to Georgetown’s extensive network of policy scholars and programs, integrating a solid grounding in the theoretical, conceptual and empirical work that defines developmental science with rigorous instruction in quantitative and policy analysis skills, the policy process, and additional disciplinary perspectives common to policy studies, notably economics and political science.

In addition to the core requirements, students become well-versed in methods of policy analysis and program evaluation and gain direct experience in applying scientific knowledge to policy issues affecting human development.

The developmental element of this concentration emphasizes social, emotional, and cultural dimensions of development. Students who select this concentration take a substantial share of the core courses required for masters students at the McCourt School of Public Policy (MSPP). During their first year, students take the existing Quantitative Methods and Ethics, Values, and Public Policy courses offered at the MSPP, as well as in other departments at Georgetown. They become well versed in basic processes of human development; highly skilled in research methods, statistics, and policy analysis; and well prepared to apply their knowledge and skills to real public policy issues affecting human development.

Graduates are prepared to assume positions as academic teachers and researchers, policy analysts, and research specialists in an array of policy, nonprofit, and other institutions, both national and international. This concentration maintains close ties with the existing Master of Public Policy (MPP) program at the MSPP.

Students in this concentration may apply separately and concurrently to the McCourt School of Public Policy to pursue a dual degree.

LIFESPAN COGNITIVE NEUROSCIENCE

The 48/49-credit concentration in Lifespan Cognitive Neuroscience integrates grounding in the theoretical, empirical, and conceptual scholarship that defines developmental science with rigorous preparation for teaching and research on cognition and its neural bases from a variety of methodological approaches. Students choosing this concentration may focus their own research on the behavioral/cognitive level to explore the processes of cognition from a systems perspective, and/or they may opt to use neuroimaging techniques to explore the brain bases of cognition. This concentration maintains close ties with Ph.D. programs in Linguistics and the Interdisciplinary Program in Neuroscience (IPN).

Students may focus their research primarily on normal any period of development (early/late childhood, adolescence, adulthood) or aging. Research questions may examine behavioral, neural, and/or genetic mechanisms underlying normal or disordered cognition and/or emotion. Regardless of their particular research focus, all students choosing this concentration gain a firm grounding in basic theories and methods of experimental psychology and in their application to investigating the brain bases of behavior.

Students also gain a broad background in neuroscience in order to participate in interdisciplinary research and to appreciate how neuroscience at all levels contributes to, and benefits from, research on cognition. Students leave the program well-prepared to assume positions as academic researchers and teachers in medical and applied settings, or if they elect to take courses in our public policy concentration, to serve as policy analysts and applied researchers in various organizations.

To foster a broad background in neuroscience and to strengthen graduate student ties across disciplines, during their first year, in addition to Psychology courses, Lifespan Cognitive Neuroscience students take the Neuroscience Core course which is also taken by the Interdisciplinary Program in Neuroscience (IPN) students. In addition, graduate students in Linguistics and in the IPN often take Psychology’s graduate core seminars in Cognition (PSYC-511) and in Cognitive Neuroscience (PSYC-512).

COURSES REQUIRED FOR BOTH CONCENTRATIONS

• PSYC-501: LIFESPAN DEVELOPMENT: BRAIN AND COGNITION (3 credits)
• PSYC-502: HUMAN DEVELOPMENT IN CONTEXT (3 credits)
• PSYC-505: GRADUATE TUTORIAL IN TEACHING (3 credits)

PSYCHOLOGY COURSES REQUIRED FOR THE LIFESPAN COGNITIVE NEUROSCIENCE CONCENTRATION

• PSYC-511: SEMINAR IN COGNITION (3 credits)
• PSYC-512: SEMINAR IN COGNITIVE NEUROSCIENCE (3 credits)

PSYCHOLOGY COURSES REQUIRED FOR THE HUMAN DEVELOPMENT AND PUBLIC POLICY CONCENTRATION

• PSYC-365: SCIENCE, CHILDREN, AND POLITICS (3 credits)

ADDITIONAL PSYCHOLOGY COURSES AVAILABLE TO BOTH CONCENTRATIONS.

• PSYC-520: APPLIED MULTIVARIATE ANALYSIS (3 credits)
• PSYC-901: GRADUATE TUTORIAL: PSYCHOLOGY (3 credits )
• PSYC-999: THESIS RESEARCH: PSYCHOLOGY (0 credits)

• Application Form
• Non-refundable Application Fee
• Statement of Purpose
• Resume/CV
• Official Transcript (all prior institutions)
• Official Recommendations (3)
• GRE Score
• TOEFL: A minimum score of 550 (paper-based test) or 80 (iBT test) on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).  Georgetown University's reporting code is 5244. 
• IELTS: A minimum score of 7.0 from the International English Language Testing System.
• Writing Sample

The financing of Psychology studies at Georgetown University primarily involves a combination of scholarships, grants, federal and institutional financial aid programs, student loans, and work-study opportunities. Georgetown University offers a variety of merit-based and need-based scholarships for undergraduate students pursuing a degree in Psychology. These scholarships are designed to support students financially and are often awarded based on academic achievement, leadership qualities, and community service involvement.

Federal financial aid programs, such as the Federal Pell Grant and Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG), are available to students who qualify based on financial need. Additionally, students can apply for federal student loans, including Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans, to cover remaining educational costs. The university also participates in the Federal Work-Study Program, which allows students to work part-time on campus, thus earning money to offset personal expenses and reduce reliance on loans.

Institutional funding options include the Georgetown Scholarship Program, which provides substantial financial assistance to talented students from diverse backgrounds, and the Dean’s Scholarships, awarded to students demonstrating academic excellence and leadership potential. The university also has financial aid counselors available to guide students through the application process, ensuring they understand their options and can plan their finances effectively.

For international students studying psychology at Georgetown, scholarship opportunities may be more limited, but some institutional awards, external scholarships, and private funding sources might be accessible. Many students combine different sources of financial aid to meet the total cost of their studies, which includes tuition, fees, books, housing, and personal expenses.

The university emphasizes transparency and support in financing studies, encouraging students to apply for all eligible aid programs. The total cost of attendance varies depending on the program level and personal circumstances but is generally comprehensive, taking into account tuition fees, accommodations, and living expenses. Georgetown University’s commitment to accessible education means that students are encouraged to explore all available financial aid avenues to fund their education in Psychology, ensuring that financial barriers do not impede their academic and professional aspirations.

The Psychology program at Georgetown University offers students an in-depth examination of human behavior and mental processes. The curriculum covers fundamental areas such as cognitive psychology, social psychology, developmental psychology, abnormal psychology, and neurosciences. Students have the opportunity to engage in both theoretical coursework and practical research, fostering a comprehensive understanding of psychological concepts and their applications. The program emphasizes critical thinking, scientific inquiry, and ethical considerations in the study of human behavior, preparing graduates for careers in therapy, counseling, research, or further professional education. Faculty members are distinguished researchers and clinicians who provide mentorship and hands-on learning experiences. The university's location in Washington, D.C., provides unique opportunities for internships and collaborations with governmental agencies, healthcare organizations, and non-profits, enhancing students' practical exposure and professional networks. Undergraduate students can participate in research projects, attend seminars and workshops, and join student organizations that promote community engagement and professional development. Graduate students can pursue a Master's or Doctorate degree, focusing on various concentrations such as clinical psychology, organizational psychology, or research methods. The program aims to develop not only academic expertise but also a deep awareness of diverse perspectives and cultural contexts influencing psychological practices. Alumni of the program have gone on to successful careers in clinical settings, academia, public policy, and private sector industries. The department is committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment where students can explore their interests and develop their potential in the field of psychology.