Graduate Education in Psychology
Becoming a professional psychologist requires graduate training leading to careers in research, academia, or clinical psychology. Traditional research areas include Cognitive, Developmental, Quantitative, Sensory and Systems Neuroscience, and Social Psychology. Persons interested in these areas usually pursue a doctoral degree. Applied areas include Clinical, Community, Industrial/Organizational, Counseling, Educational Psychology and School Psychology. Careers in these areas are usually possible at the master's or doctoral levels. Graduate programs in Counseling, Educational Psychology, and School Psychology may be offered in Education or Educational Psychology Departments instead of traditional Psychology Departments.
Graduate Program Resources
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Want general information about applying to graduate school?
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Graduate School Guide (UVA Career Center - graduate school start to finish guide)
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Interested in advanced degrees in psychology? Visit these American Psychological Association resources:
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Doctoral degrees in psychology: How are they different, or not so different? Clarifying key distinctions between the PhD and PsyD degrees
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Need help applying to graduate programs in psychology?
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Before You Apply to Graduate Programs in Psychology: Knowing When You’re Ready and Gaining Post-Baccalaureate Experiences, Casey D. Calhoun, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
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Psych Research List: Visit the Psych Research List and learn more about paid internships, virtual graduate school information sessions, and resources for applying to and succeeding in graduate school, a resource created by Meltem Yucel, a PhD graduate in developmental psychology area at the University of Virginia.
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Psychology, Cognitive Science, Neuroscience Ph.D. virtual info sessions/prep programs
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Harvard Psychology’s PhD Resources and Online Tips Page (PRO-TiP)
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Interested in clinical psychology?
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Guide to getting into Clinical Psychology Graduate School: The Council of University Directors of Clinical Psychology (CUDCP) has assembled the most useful links and resources on the web to guide you through the process of choosing and applying to graduate school.
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Interested in school psychology?
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How do you become licensed?
UVA Psychology Graduate Programs
Graduate Education Outside of Psychology
Psychology majors are not limited to graduate studies in psychology. Some majors use their background to pursue careers in Social Work and Education. Other students go on to Medical School or Law School. Careful preparation will ensure the proper background. Review the following helpful resources to learn more:
- Pre Health Advising
- Pre Law Advising
- UVA Curry School of Education and Human Development - Academic Program
Letters of Recommendation
Regardless of whether you plan to get a job or go to graduate school following graduation, you probably will find that you need letters of recommendation. Because the majority of lower-level courses in the psychology program are large lecture courses, many students reach their fourth year and find they have not established close relationships with faculty members. No matter how good a student you are, a letter written by an instructor who can only discuss your in-class performance will not be as strong or convincing as a letter written by someone who knows you better. You must plan ahead! Some tips: Take your relationship with your major advisor seriously. Schedule an appointment outside class with an instructor whose class you really enjoy. Sign up for an independent research project. Sign up for smaller psychology classes so you can begin building relationships with your professors.
- Visit the UVA Career Center for advice on Letters of Recommendation and Professional References.