Below are some frequently asked questions about our program:
How large is the social group?
We have seven affiliated faculty members and one active emeritus (John Holmes). Most faculty are part of the regular colloquium and actively partake in collaborative training of graduate students. Twelve to fifteen graduate students also provide a rich and stimulating peer environment. Students working with Dr. Fong are primarily connected with the International Tobacco Control Policy Evaluation Project. Each faculty member has primary responsibility for only two or three students.
What are your research interests?
Currently, faculty and graduate students engage in studies of diverse processes and phenomena including close relationships; cooperation; cultural change; discrimination; forecasting accuracy; identity; intergroup conflict; judgment and decision-making; love; meaning in life and wisdom; moral psychology; motivation; prejudice; political psychology; religion; sexism; social justice.
Graduate students work with faculty members and are also strongly encouraged to develop their own research interests.
How is your program organized?
Students with an undergraduate degree (BA or BSc) are typically admitted to the MA program in Social Psychology with the expectation that they will continue into the PhD. Students working with Dr. Fong receive a Masters in Social Psychology and a PhD in Health Psychology.
Do I work with one advisor throughout my graduate career?
We encourage most students to work with multiple faculty members. Many faculty collaborate with each other and, traditionally, students conduct research with two or three different faculty members over the course of their graduate career. The faculty at Waterloo has a superb record of publishing with graduate students.
How long does it take to complete a PhD?
Consistent with most social psychology PhD programs, the program typically takes four to six years to complete. It takes time to develop the skills and publication record that will be competitive on the job market.
How does your funding work?
See Funding and Awards for future students for details.