Nebraska On-Campus Social Psychology Graduate Programs

Social Psychology Schools offer courses of study that look into the ways social contexts affect a person’s behaviors. This branch of psychology assesses thoughts, emotions, attitudes and actions. Research in social psych strives to uncover how these are influenced by real, imagined, or implied presence of others.

Social Psychology Schools: Overview

Students could look for Social Psychology Schools for various levels of graduate study: Masters, Doctorate and Certificate. Students usually study theory and principles of social psychology in tandem with personal and professional interests.

Many degree plans stack basic and applied social psychology research with an array of courses that might address the eternal question: “How do people become who they are?” and “What conditions bring about specific actions and beliefs?”

What are the theories of social psychology?

While actual course names vary by program theme and degree level, some common social psychology theories and topics might include the following.  

  • Attribution theory: how and why ordinary people explain events as they do
  • Self-concept: how someone thinks about, evaluates or perceives themselves
  • Social influence: how interactions affect individual behavior
  • Attitude formation: how affective, behavioral and cognitive attitudes form

Given the broad range of these topics, students in social psychology graduate programs might learn about many related issues. This could include an analysis of stereotypes, prejudice, discrimination, criminal behavior, sex roles and the psychology of personality.

Social Psychology Degrees

The terminal degree is a doctoral (PhD or PsyD) degree in social psychology.That said, aspiring social and personality psychologists might work towards a masters degree (MA or MS) in the field. Some students may use the masters as a terminal degree. Others, may use it as a platform for a doctorate, so it is possible to find schools where the MA rolls into a PhD.

Social Psychology Masters Programs

Schools with Masters in Social Psychology programs may award a Master of Arts (MA) or Master of Science (MS). Degree plans may range from 30 to 36 credits, and often require students to synthesize course material in a final project, literature review or thesis.

Curriculums often begin with theories of human behavior and dive into the various factors that impact thought, emotion, and cognitive function. From that point, social psychology topics may veer in the direction of outside influences to individual, interpersonal and group behaviors.

Aside from academic knowledge, masters students may study to build a portfolio of technical skills. Coursework in this area often includes a wide range of research designs, evaluation skills, methodological techniques and materials, as well as statistical analyses.

Social Psychology PhD Programs

Schools that offer terminal research PhD in Social Psychology programs may help students to contribute knowledge of social psychology to scholarly and/or professional activities in their field.

PhD curriculums might require students to compete about 60 credits spread across core courses, electives, methodology and research courses. As the PhD is research-focused, students often learn statistics, analysis and experiment design. These usually set up the framework for a candidate’s independent inquiry and final dissertation.

Social Psychology Certificates

Those who want to study at the graduate level to enhance their skills or knowledge could also look for schools for social psychology graduate certificates. Graduate certificates tend to target a singular theme and may take about one year to complete.

How to Apply to Schools for Social Psychology

Graduate schools for social psychology may vary widely in how selective they are. Most graduate programs in social psychology require applicants to have earned a bachelors degree, and may expect a minimum GPA.

Some grad schools may also ask for GRE test scores, a sample of written work (thesis, term paper, etc.) as part of the application materials. Students may also need to submit a strong personal essay and provide letters of recommendation. Foreign students typically submit supplemental information.

Why Study Social Psychology on Campus?

On-campus social psych grad students may appreciate the ability to study personality, attitude change and intergroup behavior among their peers.

Plus, participants may have the chance to conduct their research under the guidance of a faculty member as well as team up with other students from various university departments.

Choose a Social Psychology Graduate School

Pursue a graduate degree in social psychology on campus. Look for social psychology schools by location and degree level. Then, easily apply to partner schools with the on-page form.


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