Overview of the FSU Psychology Program
Ranked among the top 50 psychology programs in the nation by U.S. News & World Report, Florida State University’s (FSU) Psychology Department offers a comprehensive undergraduate and graduate curriculum that prepares students for a wide range of careers in the field. The program emphasizes a strong foundation in research methods, theoretical frameworks, and practical applications of psychological principles.
Undergraduate Psychology Program
Admission Requirements
- High school diploma or equivalent with a minimum GPA of 3.0
- Completion of college preparatory courses, including math, science, social studies, and English
- Submission of an official SAT or ACT score (optional)
- Personal statement and letters of recommendation (optional)
Curriculum
The undergraduate psychology curriculum consists of core courses in the following areas:
- Biological Psychology: Examines the relationship between biological processes and behavior.
- Cognitive Psychology: Explores memory, attention, language, and problem-solving.
- Developmental Psychology: Studies human development across the lifespan.
- Personality Psychology: Focuses on individual differences in personality traits and their influence on behavior.
- Social Psychology: Investigates the social context of human behavior and its impact on individuals and groups.
Concentrations
In addition to the core curriculum, students can choose to concentrate in one of the following areas:
- Applied Psychology
- Behavioral Neuroscience
- Clinical Psychology
- Cognitive Psychology
- Developmental Psychology
- Health Psychology
- Industrial-Organizational Psychology
- Personality Psychology
- School Psychology
- Social Psychology
Graduate Psychology Program
Admission Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in psychology or a related field
- Minimum GPA of 3.5
- Strong GRE scores
- Research experience or potential
- Personal statement and letters of recommendation
Programs of Study
The FSU Psychology Department offers the following graduate programs:
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Psychology: Prepares students for careers in research and academia.
- Master of Arts (MA) in Applied Experimental Psychology: Provides a strong foundation in research methods and data analysis for careers in research, consulting, and industry.
- Master of Science (MS) in Psychology: Offers a flexible curriculum tailored to students’ individual interests and career goals.
Specializations
Students in the graduate program can specialize in one of the following areas:
- Behavioral Neuroscience: Focuses on the neural mechanisms underlying behavior.
- Clinical Psychology: Prepares students for licensure as a clinical psychologist.
- Cognitive Psychology: Explores human memory, attention, and language processing.
- Developmental Psychology: Studies human development across the lifespan, from infancy to adulthood.
- Health Psychology: Investigates the psychological factors that influence health and well-being.
- Industrial-Organizational Psychology: Applies psychological principles to the workplace, including employee selection and training.
- Personality Psychology: Focuses on individual differences in personality traits and their influence on behavior.
- Social Psychology: Examines the social context of human behavior, including prejudice and social influence.
Faculty and Research
The FSU Psychology Department boasts a distinguished faculty of renowned researchers and educators. Their research interests span a wide range, including:
- Addiction and substance abuse
- Child development and early intervention
- Cognition and memory
- Eating disorders and obesity
- Emotion and mood disorders
- Neuropsychology and brain injury
- Personality and social behavior
- Psychopathology and mental health
The department receives significant external funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the National Science Foundation (NSF), and other agencies to support its research efforts.
Career Outcomes
Graduates of the FSU Psychology program are well-prepared for a wide range of careers in the field, including:
- Clinical Psychologist: Diagnoses and treats mental health disorders.
- Counselor: Provides support and guidance to individuals and groups facing personal or emotional challenges.
- Industrial-Organizational Psychologist: Consults with organizations on issues such as employee selection, performance management, and organizational development.
- Researcher: Conducts research on topics related to human behavior and psychology.
- Teacher: Teaches psychology at the high school, college, or university level.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is the average GPA of students admitted to the FSU Psychology program?
A: The average GPA for undergraduate applicants admitted in fall 2022 was 3.75. For graduate applicants, it was 3.9.
Q: Do I need to submit an SAT or ACT score for undergraduate admission?
A: No, but submitting a score can strengthen your application.
Q: What is the length of the PhD program in Psychology?
A: The PhD program typically takes 5-7 years to complete.
Q: Are there opportunities for part-time study in the graduate program?
A: Yes, part-time study is available for students in the MA and MS programs.
Q: What are the research opportunities available to graduate students?
A: Students have the opportunity to work on research projects with faculty members and collaborate with external organizations.
Q: What is the job outlook for graduates with a psychology degree?
A: The job outlook for psychologists is expected to remain strong due to increasing demand for mental health services and the growing recognition of the importance of psychological well-being.
Additional Resources:
- FSU Psychology Department website
- Undergraduate Psychology Program
- Graduate Psychology Program
- Office of Admissions