
Overview
Graduate Training
Graduate students in the program learn the theoretical and conceptual bases of social psychology, acquire strong methodological and statistical competencies, and develop critical skills in the areas of teaching and writing through course work, empirical research, and interactions with their major professor(s). Students and faculty disseminate their research through conference presentations and publications. Most social area graduate students obtain academic positions in universities and colleges, though some pursue career options in private research sectors. Historically, all graduate students in the social area have been fully funded as research and/or teaching assistants throughout their time in the program.
First year students become involved in the research programs of one or two social faculty immediately upon entering the program. The department prides itself on the relatively low student-to-faculty ratio, which allows for extensive individualized training. By the end of the first year, students are ready to begin the development of their master’s thesis research. Following the successful defense of their master’s thesis and completion of preliminary exams, each student works closely with her or his major professor, developing and carrying out a variety of research ideas, one of which culminates in the dissertation proposal. Students become increasingly independent throughout this process, and ultimately develop the competencies and experience to transition into research and teaching position in both academia and industry. Admissions decisions are based on grades, prior research experience, letters of recommendation, and fit with faculty research interests.
Former Graduates (Selected)
Student |
Graduation |
Job Title |
Organization |
Abby Boytos | 2022 | Assistant Professor | Seton Hill |
Kathryn Bunda Pluta | 2022 | Post Doctoral Scholar | University of Florida |
Vanessa Castillo | 2022 | Assistant Professor | Coe College |
Marielle Machacek | 2022 | Research Psychologist | Center for Army Leadership |
Ryan Ditchfield | 2021 | Assistant Professor | CA State University, Fresno |
Nicole Hayes | 2021 | Post Doctoral Scholar | Iowa State University |
Minjoo Joo | 2021 | Assistant Professor | Duke Kunshan University |
Jeffrey Rokkum | 2021 | Senior UX Researcher | Jackrabbit Online Class Management Software |
Johnie Allen | 2020 | Data Analyst | Epic Games |
Lanmiao He | 2020 | Data Scientist | Hy-Vee, Inc. |
Kelly Kane | 2020 | Assistant Professor | Elmira College |
Ann Lewis | 2020 | Senior Prod Manager Data & Analytics | Outreach |
Curt More | 2020 | Lecturer | University of Dundee |
Kimberly More | 2020 | Lecturer | University of Dundee |
Adele Quigley McBride | 2020 | Postdoctoral Associate | Duke Law |
Michael Tynan | 2020 | Lecturer | Iowa State University |
Adrienne Austin | 2019 | Program Specialist | US Dept of Health & Human Services |
Garrett Hisler | 2019 | Clinical Research Associate | SilverCloud Health |
Christopher Groves | 2018 | Assistant Professor | University of WI, Oshkosh |
Justin Russell | 2018 | Postdoctoral Fellow | University of WI, Madison |