Ph.D. Program in Experimental Psychology
Introduction
History of the Program
The
San Diego campus of the
University of California was formally established
in 1958 around the nucleus of the
Scripps Institution of Oceanography. It has since
become one of the major research universities in the United
States. The Department of Psychology was formed in 1965
and first admitted graduate students in 1966. We are one
of the leading experimental Psychology Departments in
the country. In the latest report from the National Research
Council, we were ranked within the top 10 Psychology Graduate
Programs nationally and #1 as indexed by average number
of citations per faculty member.
There are currently 44 graduate students in the Department's
doctoral program. As of June 30, 2001, 272 doctoral degrees
have been awarded.
The
Department remains committed to the belief that the best
training for a career in psychology, even one in clinical
psychology, is a strong background in experimental psychology.
An
aspect of the Department that sets it apart from some
others is that our graduate program has been based on
an apprenticeship/colleague system in which each graduate
student works closely with one or more faculty advisors
throughout his or her graduate career. From the beginning
of their tenure in our program, graduate students spend
a great deal of their time doing research. A year-long
research project serves as a major criterion in the evaluation
of our first year students. Thus, we strive to ensure
that all of our graduate students spend a considerable
amount of their time doing research under well-supervised
conditions. In addition, because they are often treated
more like colleagues than students, our graduate students
are intimately involved in the research process.
In
addition to our lectures, labs, seminars, and journal
clubs, the Department offers a weekly lecture series featuring
internationally prominent speakers, with whom students
have the opportunity to meet over dinner.
Degrees Offered
A
Ph.D. degree is offered in experimental psychology only.
Students in the doctoral program may apply for the interdisciplinary
program in the Department
of Cognitive Science. They can apply to this program
during their first year of graduate studies. The degree
is awarded jointly for studies in psychology and cognitive
science.
Program Emphases
The
Department of Psychology at the University of California,
San Diego, provides advanced training in research in most
aspects of experimental psychology. Modern laboratories
and an attractive physical setting combine with a distinguished
faculty, both within the Department of Psychology and
in supporting disciplines, to provide research opportunities
and training at the frontiers of psychological science.
The graduate training program emphasizes and supports
individual research, starting with the first year of study.
The department offers the following emphases:
Behavior Analysis
Neuroscience & Behavior
Cognitive Psychology
Developmental Psychology
Sensation and Perception
Social Psychology
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