Curious about becoming a graduate student in the social/personality psychology research area at MSU? Explore these frequently asked questions below.
Social/Personality is not accepting graduate students for Fall 2027.
Students take a range of courses, including three courses in statistics, a research methods course, general overviews of social and personality psychology, and topical seminars in interpersonal, group and intergroup behavior, close relationships, attitudes and social cognition. A variety of other special topic seminars are also offered including seminars in emotions, social identity, the self, personality and development, stereotyping and prejudice, law and psychology, and evolutionary psychology. Students can also take courses in other areas of psychology as well as other departments at the university.
Core interests of the Social/Personality program include lifespan development, social cognition, evolutionary psychology, social relationships/networks, community-engaged research and processes, individual differences, health and well-being, political psychology, and group disparities in health and well-being. Here is a brief description of each individual faculty member’s research interests:
Ted Schwaba: Dr. Schwaba is accepting graduate students for Fall 2026.
Meltem Yucel: Dr. Yucel is accepting graduate students for Fall 2026.
Kaston D. Anderson Jr.: Dr. Anderson is not accepting graduate students for Fall 2026.
Mark Brandt: Dr. Brandt is not accepting graduate students for Fall 2026.
Joeseph Cesario: Dr. Cesario is not accepting graduate students for Fall 2026.
William Chopik: Dr. Chopik is not accepting graduate students for Fall 2026.
Richard Lucas: Dr. Lucas is not accepting graduate students for Fall 2026.
Jennifer Watling Neal: Dr. Watling Neal is not accepting graduate students for Fall 2026.
Zachary Neal: Dr. Neal is not accepting graduate students for Fall 2026.
Students in the Social/Personality program attend a weekly brownbag seminar, where students, faculty, and guests from other universities present their research. The Social/Personality program also offers an informal weekly reading group where students and faculty read and discuss current research. Students will have opportunities to present their research within the area/department, region, nationally, and internationally at conferences, and have many networking opportunities.
Students typically have one primary faculty mentor, though they are encouraged to and often do work with multiple faculty members during their training.
Former graduates have positions as faculty members in universities and as research associates in the private or public sector.
Most graduate students are supported for the first four years through either teaching or research assistantships and university fellowships. After their fourth year, students often receive support by teaching their own classes. In addition to the stipend, financial support covers tuition and health care. Students are encouraged to apply for funding from external sources such as the National Science Foundation, the National Institute of Health, and the Ford Foundation. More information about financial support can be found on the Graduate School webpage.
Explore questions related to the admission process and student life for MSU graduate students.