Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology - Social Psychology

Social psychology is a broad field that seeks to understand human experience and behavior in all its diverse forms, with a special appreciation for the power of the situation-be that in the way that situational features shape our perceptions and reactions, the role of past and present life contexts, the dynamics of social relationships, groups, and organizations, or broader sociocultural, socioecological, and societal processes. Social psychology embraces research, teaching, and training across multiple levels of analysis, methods, and disciplines. In our program, we are collaboratively engaged in basic and applied work that intersects with other fields such as affective science, anthropology and cross-cultural psychology, behavioral economics, behavioral ecology, biology and genetics, cognitive science, communication, community psychology, health and medicine, human development, linguistics, network science, neuroscience, political science, public policy, religious studies, sociology, statistics, and more. We are committed to building a vibrant community of scholars and scientists that is diverse, equitable, inclusive, and just. We act on this commitment in many ways. In our admissions and hiring processes, we advocate for and work to reduce barriers to equitable opportunity and inclusion. In our research, we strive to generate high-quality, representative, generalizable, inclusive science. We are committed to open science because not only does this support a stronger, more just science but also reduces barriers to public access and dissemination. In our teaching and mentorship, we welcome and meet students where they are, recognizing the diversity of student backgrounds, life experiences, and opportunities.

Using UVA's on-line application, submit the application, and statement of purpose. Three letters of recommendation should be submitted electronically by your recommenders once you have saved their contact information in your on-line application.

Starting with the applications for Fall 2021 admissions, the UVA Psychology PhD Programs do not require the general or the subject GRE scores. WE WILL NOT BE COLLECTING ANY INFORMATION RELATED TO GRE EXAM SCORES ON THE APPLICATION. PLEASE DO NOT SUBMIT GRE SCORES TO UVA FOR OUR PROGRAM.

If your first language is not English, the TOEFL test is required. Record your score on your online application. Official scores are not required at the time of application, but if admitted as a student, you will need to arrange to have the Educational Testing Service (ETS) send your scores directly to UVA using the UVA ETS code number 5820. Required TOEFL score is 600 (paper-based), 250 (computer-based) or 90 (internet-based). TOEFL scores are valid for two years from the test date. If you have or will have received an undergraduate degree from an institution where English is the primary language of instruction, you do not need to submit the TOEFL.
Upload an unofficial copy of your transcript(s) to your on-line application. If you are admitted to our program, you will be asked to provide official transcripts at that time.
IELTS - 7.0.

Applicants must upload unofficial transcripts of their entire post-secondary academic record to the online application, including all undergraduate- and graduate-level coursework. Applicants are expected to have achieved a minimum GPA of 3.0 in their undergraduate programs.

Transcripts that are not stated in English must be accompanied by a translation into English