Psychology

The Bachelor of Science in Psychology at Virginia Tech offers students a comprehensive understanding of human behavior and mental processes through a rigorous curriculum grounded in scientific principles. This program equips students with foundational knowledge in areas such as developmental psychology, social psychology, cognitive psychology, clinical psychology, and neuroscience. Through a combination of theoretical coursework and practical experiences, students develop critical thinking, research skills, and an understanding of psychological principles applicable to diverse settings, including healthcare, education, business, and research.

The program emphasizes the scientific method, encouraging students to engage in empirical research and data analysis to explore psychological phenomena. Undergraduate students have access to state-of-the-art laboratories and research facilities, enabling active participation in ongoing research projects led by faculty experts. The curriculum is designed to foster both breadth and depth, allowing students to tailor their studies according to their interests through elective courses and specialized tracks such as clinical, developmental, or organizational psychology.

Virginia Tech’s Psychology program also promotes experiential learning through internships, community engagement, and collaborations with local organizations. These opportunities help students gain practical skills and professional connections, preparing them for careers in mental health, human services, research, or for further graduate studies. The program emphasizes diversity and ethical considerations in psychological practice and research, ensuring students are prepared to serve diverse populations responsibly.

Graduates of the Virginia Tech Psychology program are well-equipped for a variety of careers or for advanced study in psychology, counseling, social work, or related fields. With a strong foundation in scientific inquiry, coupled with hands-on experience, students graduate ready to contribute to understanding and improving human behavior in a variety of professional contexts.

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.

The Bachelor of Science in Psychology at Virginia Tech provides students with a comprehensive understanding of human behavior, mental processes, and the physiological, cognitive, social, and developmental factors that influence individuals throughout their lives. The program is designed to equip students with a solid foundation in psychological theories, research methodologies, statistical analysis, and critical thinking skills essential for careers in various fields such as mental health, research, education, and industry.

Students have the opportunity to explore core areas of psychology including sensation and perception, learning, memory, cognition, development, personality, abnormal psychology, and social psychology. The curriculum emphasizes empirical research, encouraging students to participate in laboratory projects and internships to gain practical experience. Virginia Tech also offers resources such as state-of-the-art laboratories and collaborations with research centers, providing a rich environment for hands-on learning.

The program prepares graduates for graduate studies in psychology or related fields, as well as for entry-level positions in business, healthcare, social services, counseling, and government agencies. Students are encouraged to engage in research projects, join psychology clubs and organizations, and attend seminars and conferences to deepen their understanding and professional network.

Virginia Tech's Department of Psychology promotes a multidisciplinary approach, integrating insights from neuroscience, sociology, and computer science. The program emphasizes the development of communication skills, ethical research practices, and cultural competence, ensuring students are well-prepared for diverse careers or advanced study.

Students can customize their educational pathway through electives in specialized areas such as clinical psychology, cognitive psychology, behavioral neuroscience, or forensic psychology. The bachelor’s program often includes opportunities for undergraduate research assistantships, providing valuable experience for those aiming for competitive graduate programs.

Graduates of the Virginia Tech Psychology program have gone on to successful careers in mental health counseling, research, education, healthcare, human factors, and applied psychology. The department continues to support student success through advising, mentoring, and a variety of extracurricular activities designed to foster professional development. With an emphasis on experiential learning, ethical understanding, and scientific inquiry, this program prepares students to contribute meaningfully to understanding and advancing human well-being in an increasingly complex world.