FAQs

The following is a compilation of frequently asked questions from visitors to our Graduate Forum and other questions that are typically asked during interviews. It is organized into the following sections:

• Undergraduate preparation
• Admissions
• GRE requirement
• Financial aid/assistantships
• Applying with a master’s degree
• Graduate student facilities
• Balancing work/family with school
• Life in Richmond
• Courses
• Miscellaneous

Undergraduate preparation

Do I have to have an undergraduate degree in psychology to apply?

NO. Many students over the years have entered with degrees as varied as English, forestry, philosophy, biology, engineering – you name it! These folks have taken the time after their original bachelor’s degree to enroll in courses that provide the important background needed for the work they would be doing in a Ph.D. program. At VCU, these courses include Introduction to Psychology, Application of Statistics in Psychology, Experimental Research Methods, Tests and Measurements, and, for a broad overview, History and Systems of Psychology. Then, of course, completion of an independent study or research of any type, that’s a plus!

The best advice for now is to check with the specific program that you are interested in (if you know at this point). Besides, the usual requirement of “core courses,” it also is a plus to tailor your courses to fit your interests and supplement that with research experience. Find a professor who is doing work that interests you and volunteer to help. It gives you an honest view of what graduate work is like and it helps strengthen your application.

Will doing an honors thesis help my application?

Yes, an honors thesis is an excellent opportunity to experience the process of scientific research, very similar to what you will be doing in graduate school. Plus, there is the added incentive that your thesis could get published or presented at a national conference, another very helpful line on your vita. But don't worry if you don't complete an honors thesis or don't have the opportunity to do one — plenty of students have been admitted who have not.

Admissions

I am curious about the graduate admissions process. Do the faculty members narrow down the applicant pool and then do interviews? If so, when does that take place? Also, if I don't make that interview “cut,” will I be notified at that time, or closer to April 1?

There is a lot of variation in the way that each program handles admissions. I would encourage you to contact the director of the program you have applied to (or their assistant) for more information about how your program handles notifying applicants.

Not in the graduate psychology programs. Because of the course work and other demands placed on students to complete their degree in a timely fashion, it would probably be a disadvantage to do so for the first three years in a program. After obtaining the master’s degree, most students do become part time. Our graduate students are not permitted to have jobs outside of their work in the program because of the high demands that are placed on students’ time and energy. Students are provided with funding through the program for the first three years, which includes payment of tuition and a stipend in exchange for the students’ work in an assistantship.

No. All of our psychology programs are doctoral programs. In some cases, students who have completed the master’s degree but did not complete the Ph.D. have left with their master’s, but we do not accept students who are seeking a master’s degree.

However, VCU does offer master’s degrees in other programs related to the field of psychology:

• Social Work (through the School of Social Work)
  
• And in School Counseling (through the School of Education)
• Rehabilitation counseling (through the School of Allied Health Professionals) – This program is fully funded, which is rare in a master's level program. The rehabilitation counselors at University Counseling Services offer the same services that the counseling psychology practicum students do, including individual and group psychotherapy. Individuals with these degrees also can become licensed to become practicing counselors. For more information about the Rehabilitation Counseling Program, see their Web site or contact: Dr. Brian T. McMahon at (804) 828-1132 or bmcbull@vcu.edu

Does VCU offer deferred admissions?

In most cases, deferment is not an option, but there may be exceptions.

Can you tell me about any online resources for applying to graduate school?

Many resources are available online. The APA Web site offers an excellent resource for getting into graduate school.

GRE requirement

Is it necessary to take the psychology section of the GRE?

At VCU, the GRE subject test is not required.

What is the program code for forwarding GRE scores to VCU?

5570.

Financial aid/assistantships

Is funding available for new students?        

Yes. At the time of entry, every first-year student is automatically considered for funding. The sources available to students include teaching or research assistantships (requiring 20 hours work per week). Most of these are nine-month awards, which include a stipend ($10,054 for the 2005-06 academic year) plus fall and spring tuition payment.
There are many different assistantship funding sources including: (1) several are awarded by the Graduate School (12-month awards that cover fees plus three credits of summer tuition and carry a stipend of $13,000); (2) some are awarded by the College of Humanities and Sciences; and (3) others are funded by various research grants. With some assistantships there are opportunities for summer hourly paying positions.

With timely and satisfactory performance in the program, as well as satisfactory performance in the assistantships, students are eligible for the same type of funding as the first year, usually through the third year of study. Some students are funded the fourth year, but many instead, as required by their programs, are working at external practica sites. Those same students in applied programs participate in a yearlong internship the following year. Additionally, summers are opportunities for graduate students to teach either as lab assistants or primary instructors if they hold a master’s degree.

Yes. Filing a financial aid form might gain you additional support that would supplement any award or work commitment. However, filing is not required by the department. Information about financial aid is available online.

What’s the tuition at VCU?

The most current tuition rates are posted online through the Department of Student Accounting.

Applying with a master’s degree

Will having a master’s degree upon entering accelerate my completing the program?

Yes. In the great majority of cases it certainly does. University policy allows 25 percent of didactic course work to transfer toward the Ph.D. degree. Theses (in all but very few instances) also are accepted. However, this does not guarantee that students who enter with a master’s degree will matriculate at a faster rate.

Students entering with a master’s degree may be at a disadvantage, but not necessarily. First, fewer students with master’s degrees are admitted. In fact, some faculty members prefer to take students who do not have any graduate training; however, others actually prefer to take students with master’s degrees so there is no consistent pattern. Also, once admitted some students who hold master’s degrees are faced with retaking courses because some credits do not transfer. In general, there are many other factors that are probably more important than whether or not you have a master’s degree, so that let that discourage you from applying!

Graduate student facilities

Do your graduate students have their own offices? Are they guaranteed their own desks? What are the computer resources available to students (as far as having a computer per office, a computer lab, etc.)?

Most graduate students (if not all) are assigned an office, but some are shared by multiple students. Although not guaranteed, traditionally everyone in the department has a desk or office who wants one.
As far as computers go, we have a computer lab with full network and printing capabilities (you won’t have to pay for printing) that is available any time of day or night. Beyond the lab, some students do have computers in their offices, but that is more variable (depending on adviser's grant, assistantship, etc.).
Since VCU is implementing a university-wide computer initiative, we plan to have more resources for computers and technological equipment in the coming years.

Balancing work/family with school

What is a realistic time commitment as far as daily hours, weekends and semester breaks?

It is difficult to break down the hours, but expect to spend more time than you would with a 40-hour job. Hours will include working on the weekends and evenings, especially for research projects. Also, you will find that there are some commitments (e.g., clients) that extend beyond the semester. However, in terms of vacation time, you have some flexibility — winter break, spring break and summer break. Just don't expect to get three months off for the summer!

Yes, there are students here who are married. Like most career aspirations, the pressures of graduate school are very tough on relationships. Communication, patience and support are very important during this time so it is a good idea to discuss these issues with your significant other before starting any program. It's definitely a challenge — but don't let that stop you from going to graduate school! The faculty here at VCU is very supportive of the students having a life.

Although it is different for everyone, it is possible to start a family and go to graduate school at the same time. There are definitely students in the program with children — they just have to be a little more resourceful and creative with time management. However, it does make for a more difficult journey.

Life in Richmond

What is it like to live in Richmond?

The area around VCU is an urban area, so folks of all shapes, sizes, colors and economic status are in the immediate area surrounding campus. It is generally safe to walk around campus in the daytime and escort services are available from the VCU police. In addition, the cost of living is reasonable, it's easy to get around town and there are lots of great restaurants in walking distance around the “Fan” neighborhood. Richmond also is centrally located to the mountains and the beach — both about two hours away.

Courses

Can I take classes from any faculty once I’m enrolled?

Yes. Each program has its curriculum outline, especially through the third year of study. Besides “other” psychology courses, you are free to pursue those outside the discipline. Many of our students in the Biopsychology program, for example, take courses at the VCU Medical Center. Other students enroll in specific professional interest areas such as criminal justice or rehabilitation counseling. Then there are the just plain fun things – how about ballroom dancing, photography or conversational French?

A list of courses along with a description of each course can be found on the VCU courses Web site.

Miscellaneous

I can't decide whether to apply to clinical or counseling psychology. Should I apply to both to increase my chances of getting into graduate school?

Rather than choosing a graduate program based on previous academic success and/or likelihood of acceptance, you should think carefully about your career goals and interests. It cannot be emphasized enough how important it is to be a good match between your interests and training needs, and the faculty’s interests and training goals.
Remember that choosing a graduate program is much different than choosing an undergraduate program. You will be spending at least four to five years studying a specialized area, which requires patience and dedication. Working in an area of interest during this time makes it much easier to manage during these years!

There are approximately 125 students total in all the programs, with at least three quarters of them on campus taking classes, working in research facilities, teaching as adjuncts or conducting their own experiments. As in other institutions, the majority of our students come straight from undergraduate degree programs, but there is an interesting mix of students pursuing a second career. We also have “the kids are finally grown” folks and others who have decided they want to pursue this field. Likewise there is a good cultural and ethnic mix.

We do not have a forensic program within our department. However, some of our clinical and counseling students have pursued opportunities in forensics through practicum sites and other resources in the area. Please check with the clinical and counseling program directors for more information. VCU, however, does offer degree programs in forensic science.

No, the APA does not grant accreditation for experimental programs. For more information on accreditation, please see the APA Web site.