Advising and Evaluation

Upon entrance to the graduate program, students consult with their faculty sponsors to outline a plan of academic study corresponding to their interests and goals and including formal course work, seminars, independent studies, and research. The major emphasis of the Ph.D. program in psychology is on preparing students to conduct independent research at a high level of creative scholarship. All students are expected to conduct both collaborative and independent research throughout their graduate careers, leading up to the completion of their Ph.D. dissertations.

At the end of each academic year, the faculty in each research area (cognitive, developmental, and social) will meet to evaluate the progress of the students in their respective areas. A written report of this meeting will be presented to each student, specifically noting his or her performance in research, course work, and teaching. Specific recommendations may also be stated for students to remedy any weaknesses that have appeared.