Pathways to Success
Georgia Tech's Psychology program offers clear 'Pathways to Success' that guide students from their first steps on campus to graduation and beyond. Upon entry to the program, students are affiliated with a primary research area and primary mentor. Incoming students begin the “quantitative core” with a solid foundation in core psychological principles, statistical analysis and research methods. This ensures a strong base of knowledge as they begin their own independent research projects. As they progress, students from the different programs have the flexibility to explore specialized course work and research tailoring their education to their career goals. Hands-on research opportunities, internships, and interdisciplinary projects are available to all students throughout the program, allowing students to gain practical experience and build professional networks. With support from dedicated faculty mentors and access to state-of-the-art resources, students are prepared to excel in their chosen fields, whether they pursue academic, industry or other impactful careers.
Research Milestones
Students in Georgia Tech’s Psychology program follow a structured yet flexible path that supports their academic and professional growth through key milestones. Beginning with program entry, students lay the groundwork in core psychology concepts and research techniques. As they advance, they propose and conduct original research for their MS thesis (some students waive a formal MS thesis and proceed directly to conducting and publishing high-quality, innovative research), leading to a formal defense that showcases their findings. Successfully completing this stage, students prepare for and take their qualifying exams, demonstrating mastery of their chosen field. Moving forward, students develop their PhD dissertation proposal, initiating a deep dive into their primary area of study. The culmination of their journey involves conducting PhD dissertation research, followed by a final defense that highlights their innovative contributions to the field. Throughout these milestones, students complete coursework, receive guidance from faculty, engage in collaborative projects, and build the skills essential for leadership in research, academia and industry.
