Psychology

College of Behavioral and Social Sciences
1121 Biology-Psychology Building
Phone: 301-405-5862
psycadvising@umd.edu
http://psyc.umd.edu

Psychology is a remarkably broad field that studies mind and behavior at all levels of analysis ranging from the micro to the macro; from single cells to complex systems; from individuals to groups and cultures; and from invertebrates to humans. Our department is committed to research, teaching/mentorship, diversity, equity and inclusion, and service.

Chair: M. Dougherty

Associate Chairs and Directors: J. Herberholz (Associate Chair of Undergraduate Studies), M. Kearney (Assistant Chair of Equity and Inclusion), R. Slevc (Associate Chair of Graduate Studies), N. Salahuddin (Director of Undergraduate Studies and Assistant Chair of Equity and Inclusion)

Professors: G. Ball (Vice President for Research), O. Barbarin (Professor, African-American Studies), J. Blanchard, J. Cassidy, A. Chronis-Tuscano, A. De Los Reyes, L. Dougherty, M. Dougherty (Chair), P. Hanges, J. Herberholz, A. Kruglanski (Distinguished University Professor), E. Lemay, J. Magidson, K. O'Brien, L. Pessoa, T. Riggins, M. Roesch 

Associate Professors:  E. Bernat, J. Grand, J. Herberholz (Associate Chair), D. Iwamoto, E. Mereish, J. Mohr, E. Redcay, A. Shackman, R. Slevc (Associate Chair), J. Wessel

Assistant Professors: C. Charpentier, A. Gard,  X. Li, , T. Taylor, F. Tyrell, H. Willis, L. Zou

Lecturers:  A. Chicoli, J. Coutts, J. Barnet, B. Jones, M. Kearney, A. Navarro Cebrian, A. Nicolas, N. Salahuddin, T. Tomlinson

Assistant and Associate Clinical and Research Professors: N. Arun, Y. Botanov, N. Bounoua, C. Byrne, S. Crowell McQuarrie, C. Danko, M. Guilbault, M. Latham, J. Lui, M. O'Neill, C. Risco, H. Yarger

Professors Emeriti: S. Brauth, R. Dooling (Distinguished Scholar-Teacher), M. Gelfand (Distinguished University Professor), C. Gelso, W. Hodos (Distinguished University Professor), C. Moss, K. Murnane, K. O'Grady, E. Scholnick, H. Sigall, C. Stangor, C. Sternheim, T. Wallsten, D. Yager 

Majors

Minor

The Department of Psychology's Office of Undergraduate Studies has three full-time academic advisors to assist you every step of the way. Advising is not mandatory, but we strongly encourage all students to schedule an appointment at least once a semester, particularly first year freshmen, new psychology majors, and first semester transfer students to take advantage of advising. Advisors are located in the Biology-Psychology Building Room 1121.

Some examples of common advising services include assistance with:

  • Strategies for degree completion
  • Opportunities in the psychology major
  • Department and university policies
  • Career and internship opportunities
  • Research opportunities
  • Social and personal adjustment to university life
  • Preparation for graduate study
  • Other ways to enrich your undergraduate experience

For assistance via email write PSYCadvising@umd.edu.

Drop-in advising: Monday through Friday 10 a.m. - noon, and Monday through Thursday 1 p.m. - 3 p.m. No appointment is necessary.

Appointments: Call 301-405-5866 to schedule appointments.

Contact information for the staff of the Office of Undergraduate Studies can be found on http://psyc.umd.edu/undergraduate/psyc-advising/.

Undergraduate Research Experiences

Research experience is strongly encouraged for students who wish to pursue graduate training in psychology. The faculty welcome undergraduate research students into their labs, and every semester over 100 students take advantage of these opportunities. The Office of Undergraduate Studies advertises opportunities for students to participate in research. See http://ter.ps/PSYCblog/ and subscribe to receive announcements by email. Many students also find research opportunities on their own by approaching individual faculty members and graduate students with whom they share common research interests.

Freshmen and sophomore students can participate as a Maryland Student Researcher in the Maryland Center for Undergraduate Research. Students participating in this program have the opportunity to work individually with faculty members.

If eligible, students can earn academic credit for research participation (maximum of 9 credits) through PSYC479, Independent Research in Psychology. Applications and requirements for PSYC479 are available here: http://psyc.umd.edu/undergraduate/psyc-forms/.

Internships

The Washington D.C. Area is rich in offering a variety of high-quality psychological research and practice opportunities. These include research organizations, training and service-delivery agencies, and institutions involved in legal, policy, and legislative concerns that intimately affect the psychological well-being of the nation. Opportunities for field experience exist in all areas of psychology.

Working with psychologists and related professionals in these settings can be a source of considerable enrichment for you. You can apply your classroom learning, test out your interests and skills in psychology, and receive training in a specialized aspect of psychology which is not available on campus.

The Psychology E-News Blog, the University Career Center and the President's Promise, and individual organizations in the area are all good sources for you to consult in your search for an internship experience. Some additional tips on finding internships are posted online here: http://psyc.umd.edu/undergraduate/searching-internship/.

If you have identified a psychology-related internship opportunity and would like it to be considered for academic credit, you should download and submit the PSYC389 contract online, once you are sure that you meet the requirements.

Honors Program

The Honors Program in Psychology is designed to enrich and accelerate the acquisition of knowledge in the field. The goals of the honors program of the psychology department include:

  • Train students to think as independent scholars.
  • Provide opportunities for close, scholarly analysis of significant topics in psychology.
  • Encourage and provide opportunities for students to undertake independent research.
  • Introduce students to a broad range of advanced psychological principles and methodologies.

Details about program eligibility and how to apply are posted here: http://psyc.umd.edu/undergraduate/psyc-honors-program/.

For more information about the Honors Program in Psychology please call 301-405-5866 to schedule an appointment with the Assistant Director of Undergraduate Studies.

Psychology Research Empowerment Program (PREP)

The Psychology Research Empowerment Program seeks strengthen the pipeline from first year to Ph.D. for students who are first in their families to attend college, psychology majors who transfer from a community college, those experiencing financial difficulty, and/or members of groups that are underrepresented in psychology doctoral programs.

Students admitted into PREP will participate in a comprehensive four-year program which will begin with research participation in the first year, and culminate with assistance with graduate school applications during senior year. Additionally, students will receive intensive academic advising, faculty mentoring, career development support throughout their time as undergraduate psychology majors. 

Benefits of PREP

  • Early involvement in research
  • Increased knowledge and participation in the psychology department
  • Networking with peers, faculty, and advisors
  • Professional development 
  • Increased knowledge regarding graduate programs and applications

Student Societies and Professional Organizations

The University of Maryland chapter of the Psi Chi International Honor Society in Psychology provides membership to students who meet the application requirements. Psi Chi members abide by the core values of scholarship, service, and community, receive academic recognition for their achievements in psychology, and have the opportunity to connect and build relationships with other members, faculty members, and professionals. Details and contact information about Psi Chi can be found on the chapter's website: http://umdpsichi.weebly.com.

The Undergraduate Psychology Association is an educational organization created to facilitate engagement within the department, build a sense of community, promote professional/career development, and provide accessible resources and networking opportunities. The program aims to support and engage UMD psychology students through leadership, networking with fellow psych students and faculty, and facilitating the growth and success of new students. The organization is also committed to giving students a way to connect with PSYC-related activities (e.g. research labs) and resources (e.g. RStudio Workshops, LinkedIn Workshops, research lab application guidance) as well as provide more support systems for underrepresented students. To learn more, please email undergraduatepsycassociation@gmail.com.

Scholarships and Financial Assistance

The Office of Student Financial Aid (OSFA) administers all types of federal, state and institutional financial assistance programs and, in cooperation with other university offices, participates in the awarding of scholarships to deserving students. For information, visit: http://financialaid.umd.edu.

Awards and Recognition

  • The Mark S. Harper Award for Excellence in Psychology is given annually at the spring commencement to the graduating senior who best exemplifies the spirit of Mark, a UM Psychology graduate. The top 10 percent of the graduating class are eligible to be nominated by a faculty member for the award.
  • The department’s Award for Excellence in Student Leadership goes to a student nominated by their peers for an outstanding commitment to advancing the opportunities and achievements of fellow psychology majors, students and community members.
  • The Harper Travel Award provides travel support for students presenting their research at professional conferences. Please contact the undergraduate office for more information and an application form.
  • The Award for Outstanding Accomplishments in Psychology recognizes up to 10 students graduating seniors who have made impactful contributions on the undergraduate program, the field, or their communities. 

Academic Programs and Departmental Facilities

State of the art research labs in the Psychology Department provide students with opportunities for studies in clinical and counseling psychology, cognitive and neural systems, developmental psychology, and social, decisional and organizational sciences. Students benefit from a close relationship with the University Counseling Center. The new Maryland Neuroimaging Center makes available facilities for several types of functional brain imaging including fMRI and high-density EEG.