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About the Program

We are pleased that you are interested in the Department of Psychology at the University of Maryland, College Park (UMCP). We hope that this introduction to the Department will answer some of the questions you may have about our graduate programs and about the University itself. The Department has a strong core of dedicated, nationally and internationally known faculty who have wide-ranging interests. There are 34 full-time faculty members in the Department.

The Graduate Student Office maintains a blog with information for Psychology Department graduate students.

The Department of Psychology is one of ten programs and departments in the College of Behavioral and Social Sciences (BSOS). Students are accepted into the following specialty areas:

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

Each area offers a range of subspecialties and educational opportunities that combine expertise across several areas. The Department's doctoral programs in both Clinical and Counseling are accredited by the American Psychological Association.

The Department and all the specialty areas within it share the goals of educating graduate students to conduct research and scholarship, and the clinical, counseling and industrial/organizational areas train students within a scientist-practioner model for professional careers in human services delivery. The Department focuses on training students who will create, evaluate, and apply scientific knowledge.

The Department believes that students and faculty learn best in an atmosphere characterized by a diversity of interests and perspectives, mutual respect, and hard work. There are many opportunities for collaboration among students and faculty. At regularly held meetings students and faculty are encouraged to present their ideas and hear the views of others.

Each specialty area offers a doctoral level program leading to the Ph.D. With one exception, we do not admit students who are seeking a terminal Masters degree. Students in any of our doctoral programs can earn an M.S. degree en route to the Ph.D. The exception is for students interested in pursuing a Master's degree in clinical science. These studens can apply for the MPS Program in Clinical Psychological Science (under the Clinical specialty area).

The Department of Psychology offers only a full-time, day program. Students are required to attend classes and conduct research. Generally, students are not permitted to hold off campus employment unless such employment is critical to the student's education. Such employment must be approved by the student’s specialty area.

Graduate

In the Department

Master of Professional Studies (MPS) in Clinical Psychological Science program

Beginning in the Fall of 2013 the Department will offer a Master of Professional Studies (MPS) in Clinical Psychological Science program. This program provides rigorous training in the scientific approach to clinical psychology, emphasizing evidence-based psychological assessment and intervention. Students will be exposed to contemporary theories of clinical disorders and empirically supported interventions for the treatment of these disorders. The program is designed for working professionals and will prepare students for a range of careers in mental health and related areas (including research and education) and can serve as academic preparation for those interested in pursuing further doctoral training in clinical or counseling psychology. For more information on the MPS program please follow this link.

Training Opportunity for Mental Health Care Professionals

The Department of Psychology is excited to announce a new training opportunity for mental health professionals! The Graduate Certificate of Professional Studies in Working with Survivors of Violence, Torture, and Trauma (VTT): Theoretical Foundations and Mental Health is designed for psychologists, counselors, family therapists, or social workers seeking to develop or enhance knowledge related to serving survivors of trauma and/or torture. The 12‐credit, four‐course, fully online program is open to students with a master's or doctoral degree in psychology, counseling, social work, or related fields from an accredited institution. Courses may also fulfill continuing education and licensure requirements. For more information, please follow this link.

Psychology Graduate Students Are Being Published!

Our students are publishing and we want to share their publications with you! So next time you are going to a meeting in the big conference room or just walking down the hall, stop and check out the bulletin board located next to the entrance to 1142. The Graduate Office will be posting student publications there. Of course, there isn't room to
show the entire publication, but the cover page will be there and we will highlight a link to the article so that you can read it in its entirety later. New publications we will be posted every few weeks.

Feel better now?