Psychology

The University of Maryland, College Park offers a comprehensive undergraduate program in Psychology designed to provide students with a solid foundation in the scientific study of behavior and mental processes. This program equips students with an understanding of the biological, cognitive, social, and developmental aspects of human and animal behavior through a combination of coursework, research opportunities, and practical experiences. Students will explore core areas such as behavioral neuroscience, cognitive psychology, clinical psychology, social psychology, developmental psychology, and measurement and statistics, preparing them for diverse careers in mental health, research, education, industry, and public policy.

The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, data analysis, and experimental methodology, ensuring graduates are well-versed in scientific inquiry and research design. Students are encouraged to engage in hands-on research projects within faculty laboratories, participate in internships, and attend seminars and workshops that enrich their academic experience. The program also focuses on fostering communication skills, ethical considerations, and cultural competence, which are essential qualities for psychologists working in a variety of settings.

With access to state-of-the-art laboratories and resources, students are supported throughout their academic journey to develop practical skills and professional competency. The Department of Psychology at Maryland collaborates with local hospitals, community organizations, and research institutes to provide experiential learning opportunities. Graduates of the program often pursue further education in graduate or professional schools, or enter the workforce as research assistants, mental health technicians, or behavioral specialists. The Psychology program at UMD strives to nurture curiosity, scientific rigor, and social responsibility among its students, preparing them to make meaningful contributions to society through the understanding and application of psychological science.

Graduate study in the Psychology Department is organized into five Ph.D. programs/Specialty Areas. Each program offers a range of subspecialities and each has its own degree requirements. For more detailed information about our five specialty areas, please click on the links below:

• Clinical (CLIN)
• Cognitive and Neural Systems (CNS)
• Counseling (COUN)
• Developmental (DEV)
• Social, Decision and Organizational Science (SDOS)

In addition to a quantitative core consisting of three courses, all students are required to take three core courses in areas outside their specialty program. These core courses are designed to provide a breadth of knowledge in psychology. Additionally, each program has requisite coursework and comprehensive examinations. A minimum of 12 credit hours for the dissertation is required for a doctoral degree. In addition to attending classes, students are expected to take part in research.

Requirements

The Department accepts only those applicants who have demonstrated competence for completing the requirements of the doctoral degree. The typical student admitted to the graduate program has an overall undergraduate grade point average of 3.5 or above, a psychology grade point average over 3.5, GRE scores of 155 and above for Verbal and 147 and above for Quantitative, appropriate background experiences, outstanding letters of recommendation, research experience and/or previous relevant work experience, and goals congruent with the program. The Department of Psychology encourages applications from members of racial/ethnic minority groups.

All of the programs offer doctoral level programs and do not accept students who are interested in terminal Master of Science degrees. To be considered for admission for the fall semester, all application materials must be submitted by December 1st of the prior year.

Students admitted to the graduate program often earn the M.S. en route to the Ph.D., however, this varies across specialty areas and the specific requirements within a given specialty area should be consulted. All students must be full-time until completion of all requirements of the doctoral program other than the dissertation have been met.

1. GRE General required
2. GRE Subject recommended
3. 3 Letters of Recommendation
4. Transcripts
5. Statement of Goals and Research Experiences
6. CV (Current Resume)
7. Supplemental documents requested by area in Counseling and Social, Decision, and Organizational Sciences (SDOS). Supplemental Documents can be found here: blog.umd.edu/admissionsrequirements/behavioralsocial-sciences/psychology/.

Scholarships

The Department attempts to provide financial aid for all incoming students, although aid is not guaranteed. The different possible types of financial support include fellowships (nominated by the department), teaching assistantships, research assistantships, work on campus, and funded externships.

The University of Maryland, College Park offers a comprehensive Psychology program aimed at providing students with a deep understanding of human behavior and mental processes. The undergraduate Bachelor of Arts in Psychology is designed to give students a solid foundation in psychological theories, research methods, and real-world applications. The curriculum covers a wide range of topics, including cognitive psychology, social psychology, developmental psychology, clinical psychology, and neuroscience. Students are encouraged to engage in hands-on research opportunities, internships, and community-based projects to integrate theory with practice. The program emphasizes the development of critical thinking, analytical skills, and scientific literacy, preparing graduates for diverse careers in health services, research, education, business, and public policy. The University of Maryland boasts a distinguished faculty renowned for their contributions to psychology, fostering an intellectually stimulating environment. The Department of Psychology also offers specialized tracks and minors for students interested in areas such as behavioral and cognitive neuroscience, clinical psychology, or counseling psychology. Graduates of the program often pursue advanced degrees in psychology or related fields, as well as careers in healthcare, social services, or industry. Facilities such as well-equipped labs, research centers, and collaborative spaces support active student participation in pioneering research. The program also benefits from Maryland's proximity to Washington D.C., providing opportunities for internships, networking, and engagement with national research institutions and policy makers. Overall, the Psychology program at the University of Maryland aims to produce well-rounded graduates equipped with scientific expertise, ethical understanding, and practical skills needed to succeed in dynamic and diverse environments.