Department of Psychology, Social Psychology Program

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The Social Psychology Program is one of five PhD Programs in Psychology at the University of Pittsburgh .

The Social Program provides research training leading to the doctoral degree. Although many aspects of social behavior are studied, group processes and intergroup relations are emphasized. The program is designed to prepare students to make significant empirical and theoretical contributions to social psychology. During their training, students are expected to (a) become familiar with past and current work in the field; (b) learn to evaluate critically their own and others' ideas; (c) acquire the methodological and statistical skills necessary for conducting sound research; (d) gain the writing and speaking skills necessary for communicating to colleagues and students; and (e) become sensitive to the ethical issues associated with conducting psychological research and using the resulting knowledge to improve human welfare.

Core and affiliated faculty are leading investigators in both basic and applied areas of social psychology. Students have numerous opportunities to collaborate with faculty on research projects.

The curriculum is designed to provide students with a solid grounding in social psychology, research methodology, and statistics. Following a set of core courses, students develop individualized programs of study that are compatible with their interests and needs.

Students are prepared for research careers in both academic and nonacademic settings. Graduates are employed in universities and colleges, applied research and consultng firms, and government agencies.

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