Individualized Programs

The Department of Psychology has a long tradition of individualized graduate study. Degree requirements are generally the same as for degrees in the established programs (Clinical, Lifespan, Cognition and Brain Sciences, Neuropsychology, Social). For example, each student in an individualized program has a faculty supervisor and a supervisory committee and must complete the same number of course units and the same sort of Masters thesis and doctoral dissertation. However, instead of taking a standardized set of courses from a group of faculty members who are part of an established program, each student's program of coursework is uniquely constructed to represent the interests of the student, in consultation with her or his supervisor. Courses may be selected from those required for thematic programs, other courses in the department, or even courses outside the department. Each individualized program does have a particular focus, which must be close to the research interests of the supervisor.

For further information about applying (including on-line application forms), visit the Department's graduate admissions page.

How to Apply

If you wish to work with a particular faculty member on an individualized degree, contact that faculty member directly for more information. In your personal letter of interest, indicate that faculty member as your primary choice. Other faculty members named in your letter may be anyone else in the department whose interests are relatively close to your own. State as closely as you can the research area you are most interested in. Except for this designation of a primary faculty member, application procedures are exactly as described elsewhere on this site.