PhD in Psychology - Social Psychology in Los Angeles United States | University of California, Los Angeles

The Social Psychology graduate program boasts an esteemed faculty and abundant research possibilities in both lab and real-world environments across a vibrant, multicultural urban setting. Our professors specialize in diverse areas, focusing on fundamental studies about intimate relationships, group dynamics, and the neuroscience behind social cognition. Their research also explores political psychology, positive psychology, sports psychology, stress management, as well as cultural, ethnic, gender, and evolutionary psychology topics. A hallmark of our program is its longstanding commitment to tackling societal challenges through methodical, theory-based research approaches.

Students acquire foundational knowledge in social psychology through a two-term course series in their initial graduate year, supplemented by advanced seminars on intimate relationships, group interactions, and social cognition. During their first two years, learners focus on a dedicated research initiative (Psych 251) leading to a Master's degree. As they advance, students typically collaborate with multiple faculty members to refine their specialized research interests and develop methodological expertise in their chosen fields.