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Top Psychology graduate schools

Looking for the top Psychology graduate schools? We put together a comprehensive list of the best graduate programs for Psychology, and put the results below. We include the acceptance rate, average GRE scores, and a brief description of each - all the information you need to kick start your research. Read on!

Cornell University Psychology school acceptance rate

Cornell University's Psychology acceptance rate is 5.24%.

Cornell University
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The Graduate Field of Psychology at Cornell University consists of faculty members from different departments, including Psychology, Neurobiology and Behavior, Communication, and Philosophy. It offers M.A. and Ph.D. programs to train students as researchers, scholars, and teachers in psychology. Cornell's graduate study utilizes a field structure where faculty members with shared interests form fields, and students are admitted to specific fields of study. Within their chosen field, students can select major and minor subjects aligned with their research interests. The Graduate Field of Psychology is responsible for graduate training in psychology, independent of specific departments. Only faculty members belonging to the Graduate Field can serve on students' special committees, emphasizing their role in guiding and mentoring students. Student well-being is a priority for Cornell University's Graduate School, recognizing its importance for academic and life success.

Harvard University Psychology school acceptance rate

Harvard University's Psychology acceptance rate is 10.00%.

Harvard University
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Harvard's Psychology department is renowned for its interdisciplinary approach and focus on the science of mental life. Dating back to the late 1800s with William James, the department has a rich history and has been at the forefront of the field. Notable figures like B.F. Skinner, Gordon Allport, and George Miller have contributed to its legacy. Presently, the department boasts 27 faculty members and was ranked #1 for Faculty Scholarly Productivity in a 2007 survey. The Graduate Program in Psychology trains 74 graduate students across four major research programs: Cognition, Brain, & Behavior; Developmental Psychology; Social Psychology; and Clinical Science.

Northwestern University Psychology school acceptance rate

Northwestern University's Psychology acceptance rate is 5.00%.

Northwestern University
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Northwestern University's Psychology Department offers prestigious Ph.D. programs in Clinical Psychology, Personality, Development, and Health Psychology, Cognitive Psychology, Brain, Behavior, & Cognition (BBC), and Social Psychology. Graduate students and faculty conduct influential research in these areas, presenting their findings at conferences and publishing in renowned journals. The program provides comprehensive training in methodology, statistics, and psychology's diverse content. Students receive full funding for five years and engage in interdisciplinary research opportunities. Northwestern's Psychology Department aims to cultivate exceptional scientists for academic and research positions. Located near Chicago on a picturesque campus, the department fosters a dynamic and supportive community for scholars and researchers.

Princeton University Psychology school acceptance rate

Princeton University's Psychology acceptance rate is 9.00%.

Princeton University
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The Department of Psychology's graduate program focuses on preparing students for a Ph.D. degree and a successful career in psychological science. It offers specializations in diverse areas, such as behavioral economics, cognitive neuroscience, culture, developmental science, diversity science, emotion, language and communication, learning and memory, perception and cognition, the psychology of inequality, social neuroscience, social psychology, and systems neuroscience. The program emphasizes the importance of teaching experience, encouraging students to explore their roles as educators through pedagogy-related talks and workshops. This approach fosters a comprehensive understanding of effective teaching practices, enhancing students' overall educational experience.

Stanford University Psychology school acceptance rate

Stanford University's Psychology acceptance rate is 5.10%.

Stanford University
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Stanford University's Graduate degree in Psychology boasts a rich history and esteemed reputation within the field. The program delves deep into five main areas of study, including cognitive, developmental, and social psychology, as well as affective science and neuroscience. Its primary goal is to expand students' understanding and expertise in Psychology, equipping them for successful careers or further doctoral studies. To accomplish this, the program entails a comprehensive curriculum comprising specialized courses and independent research projects. The master's program exclusively caters to Ph.D. candidates in Psychology, though exceptions may be made for students enrolled in other graduate programs at the university. The Ph.D. program emphasizes extensive scholarship, independent research, and analytical abilities to enable students to generate original contributions to Psychology's body of knowledge and effectively disseminate such insights.

University of California, Berkeley Psychology school acceptance rate

University of California, Berkeley's Psychology acceptance rate is 2.92%.

University of California, Berkeley
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The graduate program in Psychology at Berkeley aims to produce scholar-researchers who possess both a broad perspective and deep understanding of the field. The department is divided into six training units, each with its own requirements, including courses, seminars, and supervised research. Students are encouraged to take advantage of the diverse faculty expertise across the Berkeley campus by enrolling in courses outside the Psychology Department. The program is STEM designated and emphasizes the development of methodological, statistical, and critical thinking skills relevant to all areas of psychology research. The department's research areas encompass Behavioral and Systems Neuroscience, Clinical Science, Cognition, Cognitive Neuroscience, Developmental, and Social-Personality Psychology.

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University of California, Los Angeles Psychology school acceptance rate

University of California, Los Angeles's Psychology acceptance rate is 4.00%.

University of California, Los Angeles
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UCLA's Department of Psychology is a leading institution that excels in psychological science, research, and practical application. With a diverse and extensive community, including faculty, Ph.D. students, postdoctoral scholars, and staff, the department is housed in the Psychology Complex with modern facilities. Pritzker Hall, a recently renovated building, is a notable feature. The department focuses on advancing the understanding of human behavior and promoting human welfare through translational research. The renowned UCLA Psychology Clinic offers evidence-based assessment and treatment while serving as a training ground for Ph.D. students and a research site. Collaborations with various disciplines help tackle complex societal issues. The department encourages individuals to contribute to its dynamic academic community.

University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign Psychology school acceptance rate

University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign's Psychology acceptance rate is 9.71%.

University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign
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The Department of Psychology offers graduate programs for the degrees of Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy. The Ph.D. programs cover diverse areas of psychology, including Attention & Perception, Behavioral Neuroscience, Clinical-Community, Cognitive Neuroscience, Cognitive, Developmental, Industrial-Organizational, Quantitative, and Social-Personality. Teaching experience is a crucial part of the Ph.D. program, typically fulfilled through a teaching assistantship. The focus is on preparing students for research and academic careers, with active involvement in research throughout their studies. Interdisciplinary study is encouraged both within psychology and across other fields. Students have access to ample resources, including personal office space, research facilities, and collaboration opportunities. Financial aid is available for up to six years, and completion of the doctoral degree generally takes 4-6 years.

University of Michigan, Ann Arbor Psychology school acceptance rate

University of Michigan, Ann Arbor's Psychology acceptance rate is 6.00%.

University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
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The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor's Department of Psychology is renowned for its excellence in graduate programs, consistently ranking among the top in the nation. In 2015, it tied with Harvard for 4th place on the U.S. News & World Report's list of top-ranked graduate psychology programs. The department's success can be attributed to the quality of its students, graduates, programs, and faculty. The faculty members are globally recognized for their contributions to the field, driving new discoveries and knowledge in psychology. The department is dedicated to its students' success, offering innovative courses, engaging them in real research, and maintaining an exceptional graduate education record. With specialized PhD degrees in various areas of psychology, as well as joint programs with Social Work, Education, and Women's Studies, graduates are well-prepared for careers in academia, research, healthcare, and more.

Yale University Psychology school acceptance rate

Yale University's Psychology acceptance rate is 6.00%.

Yale University
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The Department of Psychology at Yale University boasts a faculty at the forefront of research and scholarship in the field. Graduate education in psychology focuses on training researchers who will advance the science of psychology. The program admits approximately 15 new Ph.D. students annually, allowing them to specialize in one of five areas of concentration while fostering collaboration across labs and interdisciplinary programs. The department recruits exceptional scholars in clinical, cognitive, developmental, neuroscience, and social-personality psychology, with an emphasis on interdisciplinary interests. The program encourages research that integrates diverse perspectives and addresses real-world issues. With a commitment to individualized attention and inclusiveness, the department provides a stimulating and challenging environment for students.

Conclusion

And there you have it - the top graduate schools for Psychology. These are some of the best schools in the country for this field, and admission into any of them would be a great accomplishment that could set you up for a strong career.

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