Frequently Asked Questions

On the Graduate School application, indicate the Department of Psychology as the degree program to which you are applying. On that application, you can also specify a particular sub-field or area of specialization. If you are interested in the Psychology of Peace and Violence Program, indicate the Program for your area of specialization. If you are interested in the Social Psychology program, specify that for your area of specialization. Do not apply to both sub-fields. It is also useful to let your recommenders know the program to which you are applying so that they can provide the most relevant and therefore most valuable information about you.
No. In the past the psychology department required a specific psychology GRE, but that has been changed. Only the general GRE is now required.
We consider many factors in the admissions review process (see criteria on admissions page). For full consideration, all materials should be submitted by the application deadline.
The TOEFL requirement can be waived if an applicant has a degree from or two years of continuous enrollment in an American School.
Only if it is relevant. If you have a master's degree in a related field in psychology and have done a master's thesis on a topic related to the content of the Psychology of Peace and Violence Program, you will not have to do a master’s thesis. Acceptance of a prior master’s thesis requires specific approval.
In a typical year there are between 40 to 60 applicants. The Program attracts excellent applicants from all over the world.
No, the Program only accepts new students for the Fall semester each year.
Yes. For those interested in visiting the Program and surrounding community, we encourage you to contact individual faculty and current students, as well as our administrator <peace@psych.umass.edu>.
No, although it should be noted that all coursework and requirements are to be completed in English.
No. All students in the Program are full-time.
At present we have no set policy for the transfer of graduate credits. However, student can request that relevant courses in psychology be used to fulfill "breadth requirements" of the Psychology Department.
Yes. Students are welcome to take additional courses outside the Department, in consultation with their advisor.
Yes. The Program’s core courses are open to all UMass graduate students as long as they have some background in psychology.
Yes, students are supervised by faculty on research projects and can also join faculty on the projects they are conducting.
Students entering the program don't have to have an undergraduate degree in psychology, but they must have some "reasonable" background, such as a few courses in psychology or psychology in combination with other relevant social science courses.
Graduates from our Program will be able to hold a variety of positions. Since our Program is part of the social psychology division of the Psychology Department, they will have the knowledge and skills to hold a faculty position in social psychology, and through their research and teaching hopefully expand the boundaries of social psychology. They may pursue faculty positions in allied disciplines and interdisciplinary programs, such as in the areas of conflict resolution, peace, and public policy. Graduates may also chose to work in a range of applied settings; for example, graduates would be prepared to work for international organizations involved in violence and peace-building like the United Nations, non-governmental organizations and relevant government agencies. They will also be equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to evaluate programs and conduct interventions in the field of conflict resolution
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