Social Psychology is one of the most popular specialty fields in the greater field of psychology. Students wishing to pursue a career in this field will strongly benefit from a degree earned for one of the nations leading programs.
What is Social Psychology?
Most people are well versed in what the field of psychology involves. Many people are unaware of how many specialty or sub-fields comprise this larger field. One of the most popular sub-fields is Social Psychology. Social Psychology is the empirically based, scientific study of how people’s thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are affected by the real, imagined, or implied presence of others. Social psychology is the discipline that had bridges the gap between psychology and sociology. Social Psychologists are often employed teaching and conducting research at colleges and universities, working at consulting firms, market research companies, and elementary and secondary schools. There are additional opportunities at private companies, social welfare organizations, hospitals, and non-profits.
What are the Best Social Psychology Degree Programs?
According to the US News and World Report list of the best Social Psychology Graduate Programs, there are nine educational leaders in this field.
- Tied for #1 – Ohio State University – Located in Columbus, Ohio
- Tied for #1 – University of Michigan – Located in Ann Arbor, Michigan
- Tied for #3 – Harvard University – Located in Cambridge, Massachusetts
- Tied for #3 – Princeton University – Located in Princeton, New Jersey
- Tied for #3 – Stanford University – Located in Stanford, California
- Tied for #3 – University of California – Located in Los Angeles, California
- Tied for #3 – Yale University – Located in New Haven, Connecticut
- #8 – University of California – Located in Berkeley, California
- #9 – New York University – Located in New York, New York
How Much Will a Graduate Degree in Social Psychology Cost?
The cost of a graduate degree in the field of Social Psychology depends upon a number of important factors. Some of the most important include the school you attend, the specialty area you plan to work in and what region of the country your degree is from. One of the most important factors is what level of degree you choose to pursue. A master’s degree in social psychology will cost much less than a PhD or PsyD. According to the American Psychological Association (APA) the median annual tuition for state residents enrolled in a public master’s degree program was $5,343 in 2008-2009, which was an increase from tuition data reported in 2007-2008 ($4,590). The annual tuition rates for nonresidents were approximately three times the resident amount, at $13,088. For students enrolled in Phd of PsyD programs, the APA stated that the median annual tuition for state residents enrolled in a public doctoral department was $7,104 in 2008-2009, which was an increase from tuition data reported in 2007-2008 ($6,819). Annual tuition rates for nonresidents were $16,966.
These are nine of the best programs in the country. For more information on the best social psychology graduate programs check out the US News and World Report list of top programs.