Category: FAQ

  • Can I visit?

    COVID-19 Update: As of now, due to safety concerns, the GT PARK Lab is not allowing visitors. We apologize for the inconvenience. Yes, you are welcome to visit Tech before you apply or accept an offer of admission. If you would like to visit the Kanfer-Ackerman lab in particular, please contact us. GT PARK Lab…

  • Where do your students get jobs?

    Students who have worked in the Kanfer-Ackerman lab get jobs in many areas of applied psychology and in a variety of settings, including academia, consulting organizations, and private sector businesses.

  • Do I really need a psychology major or background in psychology to get in?

    Admission to graduate study in psychology, with full graduate standing in the School of Psychology, requires foremost a Bachelor’s degree or its equivalent in psychology or a related field (e.g., computer science, biology, linguistics, mathematics). The psychology faculty encourages competent students with undergraduate majors in subjects other than psychology to apply for admission. The School…

  • How long does it take to get through the program?

    It generally takes 5 years to complete the Ph.D. program.

  • Can I work with multiple faculty members?

    Yes, in fact many of our faculty members work collaboratively as well. Incoming students are typically assigned a first-year advisor based on the student’s stated research interests. Students are encouraged to become involved in research early in their training and to become involved in different research projects throughout their studies. Over the course of training,…

  • Can I work part-time at my current job?

    The Ph.D. program is a full-time program. Consideration may be made if a student talks first with his/her advisor about how such work may be coordinated with and may complement graduate training.

  • How are most students funded? What kind of financial aid am I eligible for?

    Graduate teaching assistantships and research assistantships are the most common forms of financial assistance provided. Beginning doctoral students are usually awarded either a teaching or research assistantship. Advanced students may seek funding through approved and supervised field placements in local organizations. Historically, the School has done an excellent job of covering all doctoral students who…

  • Should I take any specific courses to prepare me for grad school?

    Students with a background in research methods, statistics, and related, basic areas of psychology (e.g., cognitive, social, personality) tend to be well-prepared for graduate studies. Once admitted into the program, the following psychology “core” courses are required for all students, irrespective of their concentration. 1) Four of approximately six basic psychology courses (e.g., Cognitive Psychology,…

  • Are some criteria weighted more than others?

    Research experience is heavily considered for Ph.D. applicants as this demonstrates the student’s involvement and dedication to psychology. However, prior research experience does not necessarily have to be in I/O psychology to be viewed favorably for working in the Kanfer-Ackerman lab. We also view knowledge and research experience in basic domains of psychology (cognitive, social,…

  • What qualifications do you consider?

    The main criteria we use are research experience, undergraduate GPA, general GRE scores (highly recommended), subject GRE scores (strongly recommended), letters of recommendation, and the personal statement. The personal statement is used to determine writing skills and how well a student’s research interests and goals fit with our programs (e.g., if faculty are conducting research…

  • How many students are accepted each year?

    The number of students accepted by the School of Psychology varies yearly, but is typically about 3-7 students per program. Last year, for example, the I/O Ph.D. program received approximately 60 applications, and 6 students were accepted.

  • What is your application deadline?

    The deadline for applications is December 1st for the following Fall semester. Decisions are typically made in March, though the class is usually not filled until April 15th. We do not have Spring semester admissions.

  • What application materials are required?

    The application procedure and required materials are fully described in the application packet, which can be obtained by contacting the Graduate Office in the Psychology Department at Georgia Tech. Shebbie Murray Academic Program Coordinator II shebbie.murray@psych.gatech.edu Phone: (404) 894-0886 Please refer to the most recent year’s application materials for exact details. A complete application will include all…

  • How do I apply?

    You can download an application from the psychology department. Applications are only taken via the online link; no paper applications are available. Supporting materials should be sent to the following address: School of Psychology 654 Cherry Street Georgia Institute of Technology Atlanta, GA 30332-0170 While there is no application fee required by the department of…

  • What type of degree program is offered at Tech?

    The School of Psychology at Georgia Tech offers a full-time program leading to a Ph.D. The M.S. degree is earned on the way to obtaining the Ph.D. The M.S. is awarded as a terminal degree only in unusual cases, such as the student needing to cut short his or her training. We do not offer…