Graduate

In the classroom and in the research lab, psychology graduate students gain the skills and mentoring they need to become successful clinicians, professors, health scientists, researchers, counselors and pursue other potential career paths. The department offers a Master of Science in Applied Psychology and three doctoral degree programs: the PhD in Applied Social Psychology, the PhD in Clinical Psychology and the PhD in Cognitive Neuroscience.

While earning their degree, many students conduct a practicum or externship with a hospital or community health clinic such as the department's Meltzer Center. Some students also pursue teaching assistant positions and grant writing opportunities.

Application deadline: December 1 (all PhD programs). See the GW Bulletin for MS program application requirements.

Join the Graduate Programs Virtual Open House: October 20–30

 

Registration is now open for GW's 2025 Columbian College of Arts and Sciences (CCAS) Graduate Programs Open House! The virtual event features program-specific information sessions and opportunities to interact with current graduate students, faculty and our admissions team.

The Psychological and Brain Sciences Department will host a virtual information session for prospective MS in Applied Psychology students on Monday, October 27 at 11 a.m. EDT. Attendees will receive an application fee waiver.

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Registration and Details

Degrees

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MS in Applied Psychology

The Master of Science in Applied Psychology program provides students with comprehensive knowledge in how to use psychology to inform and improve real-world operations and outcomes.

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PhD in Applied Social Psychology

The applied social psychology program trains students to apply social psychological theories and methods to understand and address major health problems and health disparities.

PhD in Clinical Psychology

Fully accredited by the American Psychological Association, the clinical psychology program prepares students for professional careers in prevention and treatment services.

PhD in Cognitive Neuroscience

The PhD in cognitive neuroscience trains students to be independent scientists qualified to work at academic and research institutions.

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Applied Psychology Info Session: December 9

Join us online for an information session discussing the field of psychological and brain sciences and the GW Master of Science in Applied Psychology program.

Register to Attend

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"On a daily basis, I use the research and critical thinking skills I gained in graduate school to help clients achieve their goals."

Caroline Fitz Johnson
PhD '14

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Potential Career Paths

Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences graduates go on to join clinical practices and start businesses, perform research, win Fulbright scholarships, teach, consult and take their skills to companies all over the world. Our graduates have been employed at hundreds of prestigious health care facilities, universities, businesses and nonprofits, including: