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Are mindful people better at regulating their emotions?

Emotions such as fear, sadness, anger, and so on often need to be "regulated" for us to behave in healthy, adaptive ways. How can people better regulate their emotions when stressed? read more...

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Can we help children with ADHD succeed in school?

Adolescents with ADHD often experience significant problems in school, such as failing grades and low achievement test scores. Can we predict these problems before they occur? read more...

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Why do African American youth trade cigarettes for cigars?

Many youth perceive cigars to pose fewer health risks than cigarettes. But, is this true? read more...

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Are cultural issues important in rehabilitation medicine?

Many health problems and disabilities disproportionately affect ethnic minority communities. But what can rehabilitation specialists do to change that? read more...

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Is religious counseling effective?

Many religious people say they want religious counseling. But is it effective? And, if it is not available, is secular counseling less effective for religious people than religious counseling? read more...

FAQs

Do I need a degree in psychology to apply to the Health program?

No, people with many types of backgrounds can be admitted to the health psychology program. A background in a health-care or public health field would be especially appropriate. If your degree is in a field other than psychology, it would be helpful if you have had at least 18 semester hours of psychology-related courses, including introductory psychology, health psychology, research methods, and statistics.

I already have a master's degree, can my courses transfer to VCU?

Students entering the program with a master's degree are required to complete a minimum of 80 hours for the Ph.D. However, their master's thesis and some courses may be used to waive specific requirements for the health psychology master's degree or doctorate. Courses completed elsewhere may be used to substitute for a program requirement, provided the course was comparable to the course offered at VCU, or used as electives. All transfer work must be at the "A" or "B" grade level from an accredited institution or university.

What  percentage of students receive financial assistance?

100 percent of our students receive tuition waivers and assistantships or fellowships for at least the first three years of training.

What kinds of classes do students in the health psychology program take?

The required curriculum provides core knowledge in psychology, research methods, statistics, ethics, and health (broadly defined). Although there are several specific requirements in these areas there is also considerable flexibility for students to tailor the program to best meet their needs. The curriculum is described in greater detail in the Health Psychology Handbook.

Can I take courses on VCU’s Medical Campus?

Yes, many of the electives are taught on the Medical Campus.

When I apply, should I identify a faculty member that I’m interested in working with?

Identifying a potential mentor is recommended but not required. 

Which faculty members are open to accepting health students for this coming year (submission deadline: January 2012)?

The following faculty are interested in accepting a health student for fall 2012: