University of Richmond

Master of Arts in Psychology

The University of Richmond offers one of the premier M.A. programs in psychology in the United States. The two-year program is a rigorous, research-based degree in experimental psychology with emphasis on one of the following subdisciplines of psychology: neuroscience, cognitive, social, clinical, child development, adult development and aging, and human diversity and gender issues. The emphasis of the program is on developing students' research skills, experience, and training for the top doctoral programs in psychology. Admissions decisions are based on undergraduate grades, GRE scores (V + Q; GRE subject test preferred but not required), research experience, strength of recommendations, research interests, and potential for success as future doctoral students. Admitted students are matched with faculty mentors based on common research interests. The program accepts only full-time students.

The University of Richmond provides full tuition remission for its graduate students, a near 1:1 student:faculty ratio, monetary support for scholarship and research-related travel and the opportunity to gain acceptance to high quality Ph.D. institutions following the successful completion of the course of study. Of its recent graduates, those students desiring further graduate study have been accepted at their top school of choice. The serious student scholar does well at Richmond.

Application Process

The application deadline to the psychology graduate program is February 10. The application, especially the personal statement, should be addressed to your research and post-graduate goals. Coursework in areas that may not include our core set of courses will be considered.

Admission Requirements

  • Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution with courses in introductory psychology, statistical methods, and experimental psychology
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Preferred overall GPA of 3.3 with 3.5 in psychology
  • Preferred combined GRE Verbal and Quantitative of 1200
  • Prospective students need to identify a faculty member in the Department of Psychology with whom they wish to work (Counseling and Psychological Services staff not eligible)

Degree Requirements

  • 36 credit hours of courses over two years
  • Comprehensive examination at end of first year
  • Thesis representing results of original research at the end of the second year