Social psychological and developmental processes MA and PhD

Professor Geoffrey Maruyama and students from six research universities participating in the University of Minnesota’s First in the World grant take part in an icebreaker activity at the annual Society for the Psychological Study of Social Issues (SPSSI) Summit in Minneapolis.

Note:The psychological foundations of education program will NOT require the GRE in the application for admissions for the fall 2023 cohort.

Connect with faculty

How to apply

Inspire positive social change by studying human relationships
and growth

The way we work, think, and play in groups and alone affects our personal success as well as the success of our schools, workplaces, and communities. As a PhD or MA student, you’ll study the social and social developmental processes experienced across the lifespan, with a primary focus on processes during the years of schooling. You’ll conduct research that makes a difference, working with members of our diverse, local communities to help our neighbors succeed at school and work.

Careers

Faculty (PhD only)
Research scientists at universities and companies
Other educational settings (e.g., K-12 school research offices)
Human and social service organizations
Health care organization evaluator/researcher
Government agencies
Research and development centers

Degrees and coursework

A master's degree is not required to apply for the doctoral program.

Master's of Arts (MA)

MA curriculum (33-34 credits)

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

PhD curriculum (72 credits)

What you'll study:

Social influence processes
Group dynamics/cooperative learning
Theories of intergroup relations
Methods of organizational change and conflict resolution
Action research models and engaged research
Impacts of disparities on educational and life outcomes
Social emotional development
Prosocial and antisocial behavior in schools

Tuition

Visit the College of Education and Human Development's Finance and Funding page for information on tuition.

Funding

Fellowships and awards

Submit your application materials by December 1, and you’ll automatically be considered for Graduate School fellowships and departmental awards based on scholastic achievement. Notification of awards will be sent in March.

Graduate assistantships

Get paid to work as a teaching assistant, graduate instructor or research assistant. Graduate assistantships are available through the department, College of Education and Human Development, and the University.

Note: Applicants who complete their applications by the March 1 deadline will be less likely to receive graduate assistantships than students who meet the December 1 deadline.

Financial aid

Visit OneStop Student Services for more information on available financial aid.

Scholarships

Visit the College of Education and Human Development’s Awards page for scholarship information.

I really valued the independence I was afforded in Psych Foundations. I was able to explore my interests and do work that helped me find my current position with MPS.

Lara Jessen, PhD '17
Data scientist, Minneapolis Public Schools
Read more about Lara's experience.

Faculty

Geoffrey Maruyama Email | Lab

Achievement processes in schools and other organizations
Connections between social processes and educational success
Research and community partnerships in challenged communities and urban settings