Social Psychology

Training in Social Psychology aims to equip students with the skills to engage in research and scholarship with a focus on the interface between the individual and the social environment. In the course of their training, students acquire the conceptual and methodological tools required to do research in these areas and to teach the subject matter of social psychology at the university level.

In addition to receiving basic training in social psychology, students admitted into the Psychology of Peace and Violence Program focus on research on the origins of violence between individuals, groups, and nations, and ways to promote cooperation and peaceful human relations. Peace psychology students also complete a three-credit internship to gain experience working in applied settings.

The Social Psychology Program admits, on average, three new graduate students each year. The concentration in the Psychology of Peace and Violence component of the program admits an additional two to three students each year who, apart from general training in social psychology, also receive specialized training in the psychology of peace and the prevention of violence.

The application deadline is December 1. (For more application information, please visit the UMass Graduate School website.)

Careful attention is given to the personal statement of the applicant, types of courses taken, grades, primary research experience,  strong letters of recommendation, and the match between applicants' research interests and that of faculty who are looking to recruit new PhD students.

Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion: The Social Psychology Program values all types of diversity; we especially welcome members of historically marginalized groups to apply

Financial Support: The Social Psychology Program makes every effort to provide graduate students in all specializations with financial support for four years. The support takes the form of teaching assistantships, research assistantships, or fellowships, and carries a tuition waiver.