Admissions information
Application deadline: December 1 to be admitted for the Fall semester.
In addition to the general requirements required by the Graduate School, the social psychology program requires the following:
Additional program-specific admission requirements
- Empirical Master's degree - The program prefers applicants who have completed an empirical (data-driven) Master’s degree. Although a coursework-only Masters is helpful, it does not prepare students for the rigors of a research-based PhD program. An empirical Master’s degree helps ensure that students are prepared for the demands of the program. State funding is limited to 10 semesters (five years), meaning that students ideally finish within that timeframe. Students who enter the program having completed Master’s-level empirical research are better prepared to engage in rigorous research from the beginning of the program. Students who have only a Bachelor’s degree or a non-empirical (e.g., clinical or coursework only) Master’s degree are strongly encouraged to obtain an empirically based Master’s degree prior to applying. One option is 91·çÃùÄñ³ª’s Sociology M.A. degree with an emphasis in social psychology. This program requires a thesis and both prepares students for the rigors of the Ph.D. program and allows them to connect with faculty in social psychology. After completing the Master’s degree, students can apply for the Ph.D. program. If the student is accepted into the Ph.D. program, some M.A. credits can transfer to the Ph.D. program.
- Psychology/sociology background - In order for us to be able to issue an offer of admission, you must have taken a minimum of 18 credits at the undergraduate level in either psychology or sociology. You do not have to be a sociology or psychology major to be eligible for admission. However, if you are not, we would like for you to be able to demonstrate some background in a closely related field (aside from the 18 credits in psychology or sociology mentioned above).
In addition, we would like for you to have taken at least six credits in sociology or psychology (i.e. 18 credits in one field, six credits in the other). You can be admitted without these six undergraduate credits, but you must make up this requirement while in the program by taking one graduate-level course. This is an “admission requirement deferred,” and this graduate-level course will not count toward the Ph.D. - GRE - GRE scores are optional, but are encouraged as another piece of evidence of a student’s readiness for graduate school. As a program, we do look at GRE scores when they are submitted, but we are not obsessed with test scores. We conduct a holistic review of all application materials. GRE scores are only one of many pieces of information we hope to learn about you. If you have GRE scores that are lower than seems desirable, but you do have other accomplishments to show for and fit well with our program, by all means: Do apply!
- Statement of purpose - Share with us what you believe we should know about you. We are particularly interested in learning what motivates you to apply to our program and what research questions you would like to pursue while you are here. What empirical (data-driven) research have you conducted; what theories, methodology (including qualitative) and statistics have you used? What are your current research interests and long-term goals? How do you see yourself contributing to our program? Also, we would like for you to identify at least one, but if appropriate up to three possible graduate advisors from among the faculty of the program. Indicate how you can contribute to that advisor’s lab. Your statement does not have to have any particular form; you may wish to address our questions in whatever way you see fit. However, your statement should be no longer than two pages (single-spaced).
- Sample research paper - Writing is a critical way in which scholars share their ideas, insights and results. As a research-focused social science program, we want to make sure that you are adequately prepared in the areas of professional writing, theory, methodology (including qualitative) and statistics. We would like you to show us an original piece of your writing that relates to research, broadly conceived. Applicants who have completed a thesis (undergraduate or Master’s level) typically submit this document, in full or in part (depending on the state of completion). If an applicant has a first-authored or solo-authored research paper that they have submitted or are planning on submitting for publication, do submit this as your writing sample. Alternatively, you might wish to submit a paper you wrote for a class that you are particularly proud of. We do not have any specific requirements, but want to see the quality of your writing and thinking. The admissions committee prefers to receive writing samples that are empirical (data-driven), theory-based research, however this is not required.
- Three letters of recommendation - We would like to hear from three people in your life who know your abilities and work habits as they relate to research. Letters tend to carry more weight if the letter writers are themselves researchers, regardless of whether they are currently in academia, the public sector or private industry. Comments from letter writers who supervised your work in relevant jobs and positions (including internships) are also useful to the admissions committee.
Admissions committee review
We admit those who are planning to spend at least four years of their time at the University in Reno. We do not offer an online training option because much of the training takes place through personal interaction and as part of research teams. During this time, students work with faculty on their own research. The goal is to create a record of scholarly accomplishment by the time that student graduates with their Ph.D.
Our admissions committee evaluates each applicant holistically. Broken down by specific criteria, the admissions committee considers the following:
- Strong evidence of ability to conduct empirical (data-driven) research (qualitative or quantitative)
- Strong evidence of ability to take initiative and develop unique theory-driven research (under supervision of advisors)
- Strong professional writing skills
- Above-average grades as a student
- Good test scores on the GRE (optional)
- Good letters of recommendations from professors or researchers who know the applicant's potential for empirical research
- A background in psychology, sociology or a closely related field (minimum requirement of 18 credits in either psychology or sociology, plus a minimum of six credits in the other)
- Courses in sociological or psychological theory, research methods (including qualitative), and statistics
- Research interests that are compatible with those of the faculty of our program
Reach out to faculty
Before applying, students are encouraged to contact any faculty that they might be interested in working with as their graduate advisor. Feel free to contact more than one faculty member. These faculty members are currently accepting students:
Faculty members accepting new graduate students
Review a faculty member’s website, and get to know some of their work before you choose them as a possible advisor. If you feel that their research interests match yours, you are encouraged to email them. There is no guarantee that you will be selected for admission–this decision is made by the admission committee. However, you may gain an advocate in the process.
Do not despair if a faculty member does not write back; this may mean that they are busy. It does not reflect on whether you are a qualified candidate for our program or not.
What are my chances of being admitted?
Acceptance into our program is competitive and depends on various factors, including your qualifications (e.g., having completed an empirical, research Master’s degree), the pool of applicants, your research interests, availability of funding, availability of an advisor, etc. If you’ve read the requirements and preferences in applicants and believe you would be a strong candidate, please apply. We are always on the lookout for applicants who show exceptional promise.