MAPSS-Psychology

MAPSS-Psychology is a highly selective track focused on providing graduate-level training in the field of research psychology. While clinical interests and a desire for research training are welcome in our program, UChicago’s Department of Psychology does not have a clinical area. Therefore, the MAPSS-Psychology concentration does not provide clinical research experience, clinical courses, or any form of clinical psychology training or certification.

Admissions

Prospective students interested in MAPSS-Psychology must select psychology as their intended pathway on the application. Competitive applicants usually have a degree in psychology or a closely related field, or at least two semesters of postgraduate coursework in psychology or a related discipline, including training in statistics. Research experience in psychology or a directly related field is strongly recommended. 

Students admitted to MAPSS to pursue a psychology pathway will be notified in their offer letters. Students admitted to MAPSS to pursue a different pathway cannot apply to transfer into MAPSS-Psychology. 

Curriculum

MAPSS-Psychology students complete the same requirements as all MAPSS students:

  • Perspectives in Social Science Analysis (Autumn Quarter)
  • One graduate methods course
  • Seven graduate electives
  • Thesis or capstone project

MAPSS-Psychology students take courses in or cross-listed with the Department of Psychology and in departments and programs elsewhere at the University such as Comparative Human Development and the Crown School of Social Work.

Like all students in our program, MAPSS-Psychology students receive guidance throughout the year from a MAPSS Instructional Professor recognized for excellence in teaching and mentoring.

Lab Placements

MAPSS-Psychology students interested in completing a thesis may pursue a lab placement. MAPSS-Psychology students will have the opportunity to apply for a placement the summer before matriculation. Alternatively, students may secure a lab placement independently.  

Those who secure lab placements work with faculty in the Department of Psychology or related departments such as the Department of Comparative Human Development, and are expected to complete a thesis. Gaining lab experience and completing a thesis is strongly recommended for students planning to later pursue a PhD. Only students with lab placements are eligible to work on a thesis supervised by a faculty member in the Department of Psychology. Students without a lab placement can complete a thesis but must secure a primary reader from outside the Department of Psychology. Otherwise, students without a lab placement complete a capstone.

STEM OPT for International Students

International students on F-1 or J-1 student visas who complete the MAPSS-Psychology pathway may be eligible for employment benefits associated with their respective visa type. The MAPSS–Psychology pathway is listed as a STEM designated degree by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security for the purposes of the STEM OPT extension. 

However, approval for STEM OPT is at the discretion of U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services. 

To learn more, review the STEM OPT Extension page. MAPSS-Psychology international students applying for STEM OPT are advised to complete a minimum of four (4) graduate courses listed or cross-listed with the Department of Psychology and complete courses with descriptions matching the requirements of the relevant CIP code. Capstone students are advised to take a minimum of two (2) psychology research methods courses relevant to their interests.