Obtaining Information About Graduate Programs

The following is a list of information that will provide students with a basic overview of how to find general information about graduate schools and their programs.

Books:

• Graduate Study in Psychology  (Published Annually by the American Psychology Association)  Hardcopy available in the Psychology Department Main Office (FSC 114)

Internet:

• Nearly all graduate programs now have information and applications posted on their websites.  A great website to use is www.gradschools.com.

Journals:

• Search the psychological literature (PsychInfo) for journal articles pertaining to the area in which you are most interested.  Note the names of the authors who are publishing in this particular field and the names of the universities with which they are affiliated. 

Conferences:

• Several psychology conferences offer the opportunity to visit with representatives from graduate programs, particularly the Psi Chi programs at national and regional meetings of the American Psychological Association and the meeting of the American Psychological Society. 

Current Professors:

• Each of the professors in the psychology department are familiar with several graduate programs.  They are a great source of information and recommendations.

Professionals:

• If you intent to pursue an applied area in psychology ( counseling, I/O, ect.), seek out professionals who are currently working where you live.  Ask them where they went to graduate schools and whether they have any recommendations.  In addition, these contacts can serve as potential internship opportunities. 

Other Students:

• Apply for membership to Psi Chi, and become active in Psi Chi and psychology club.  This is a good way to meet senior psychology majors who are applying to graduate school.

Prototype Letter To Get Information On Graduate Programs In Psychology

Graduate Admissions Committee
Psychology Department
Prospective University
City, State

Dear Sir or Madam,
 
I am a junior psychology major at Shippensburg University, and I am in the process of gathering information about graduate programs in psychology. Would you please send me the following materials?

• Specific information concerning your psychology program, faculty interests in research, special opportunities, requirements for admission, and internships.
• An application for admission to your psychology program.
• Information concerning assistantships, fellowships, and other forms of financial aid.
• Information about the availability and cost of graduate student housing.
• A graduate catalog from your institution.

I would appreciate receiving this information as soon as possible.  Thank you in advance for your cooperation.

Sincerely,
 
Your Name