Villanova University - Department of Psychology - Overview
Master of Science Degree in Psychology at Villanova University
The Department of Psychology at Villanova University began offering a Master of Science degree in Psychology in 1961. This nationally-recognized program provides a strong foundation for individuals who are planning to pursue doctoral study in most subfields of psychology.
The program provides exceptional research opportunities to master's level students, bolstering their future success in their academic or professional pursuits.
Alumni of the program have built successful careers as administrators, clinical researchers, data analysts, entrepreneurs, lab technicians, licensed psychologists, marketing researchers, organizational and behavioral psychologists, professors, program directors, and science writers.
Outstanding Research Opportunities
Research is an integral component of every student's educational program. Students conduct research under the tutelage of faculty members who consistently produce cutting-edge research in several specializations including animal learning, clinical, cognition, developmental, human factors, organizational, perception, personality, physiological, and social psychology.
The department consists of more than 10 research laboratories including the Cognitive Development Laboratory, Early Childhood Development Laboratory, and Psychological Assessment Laboratory. Therefore, students have the opportunity to become involved with research projects that meet their academic interests.
In addition, students work with faculty to co-author published research studies. This level of research ensures that they are well prepared for doctoral study at some of the top colleges and universities in the country. Ph.D. programs recently entered by our graduates include those at Brown University, Columbia University, Cornell University, Johns Hopkins University, Michigan State University, Penn State University, and the University of California-Berkeley.
M.S. in Psychology Curriculum
The program's 2-year curriculum includes core courses that give students a theoretical and research foundation in psychology and elective courses that make it possible for them to study areas of specialization. To earn a degree, students must complete 4 required courses, 4 elective courses, and a thesis.
Core courses include Biopsychology and Cognition. Twelve different elective courses are typically offered during the two years of the program. They include developmental psychology, animal learning and cognition, and psychopathology. To further develop an area of special interest, students may take 1 elective from a related discipline such as biology, chemistry, computer science, or human organization.
Although it is not required, students are strongly encouraged to participate in departmental colloquia and engage in independent research beyond the thesis requirement.
Expert Faculty Members
The psychology department's faculty is committed to excellence in both teaching and research. They bring years of experience in major subareas of psychology to the classroom.
Many faculty members maintain active research laboratories and have track records of securing research funding from major agencies such as the National Science Foundation, the National Institutes of Health, and NASA.
In addition, they publish their research findings in various academic journals and serve on the editorial boards of major research journals.
Financial Assistance for Graduate Study
The psychology department awards a limited number of university-funded teaching and research assistantships as well as tuition scholarships. Students with assistantships receive reduced tuition and fees and, in some cases, monthly stipends.
Both assistants and tuition scholars are assigned to help faculty members with their teaching and research activities. Students may also obtain research assistantships to work with faculty members on specific grant-funded projects.
In addition, the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences offers summer fellowships to graduate students in all of its programs. The fellowships may be used to support projects that are directly related to students' completion of degree requirements such as writing a thesis or dissertation, engaging in independent study, or conducting directed research.
About Villanova University
Established in 1842 by the Friars of the Order of St. Augustine, Villanova University is located in Villanova, Pennsylvania, just 12 miles west of Philadelphia. The university is the oldest and largest Catholic university in the state.
It provides students with a comprehensive education that is rooted in the Augustinian ideals of truth, unity, and love. As such, students leave the university well prepared to build successful careers and rewarding lives.
Because Villanova is a short distance from ethnically-diverse Philadelphia, the birthplace of the Declaration of Independence and home of the Liberty Bell, students have numerous cultural, recreational, and entertainment options.
Graduate Student Life at Villanova University
Villanova University provides a supportive community in which graduate students can grow and thrive both academically and personally.
The university's library provides a variety of services including on-site and electronic access to circulating materials, thesis binding, document delivery, and librarian assistance with research projects. In addition, the health center, counseling center, and campus ministry help students maintain mental and physical health as well as engage in spiritual growth.
The university also offers recreational facilities, student organizations, special events, and arts and culture. Although it does not offer on-campus housing for graduate students with the exception of resident hall assistants, it provides a number of resources that help students find housing and roommates.