Aila Boyd
aboyd@mainstreetnewspapers.com
Roanoke College will welcome the first cohort of students this fall into a new Master of Science in psychology program, a two-year, terminal degree designed to prepare graduates for either doctoral study or careers in the workforce.
College faculty approved the program last spring. The degree is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
“What’s special about this graduate degree is how individualized it is and how it will set students up equally well for either pursuing a doctorate or entering the workforce,” said Kathy Wolfe, vice president for academic affairs and dean of the college. “Mentoring and professional development are hallmarks of a Roanoke College education, and I know the faculty are excited to work closely with students in the program.”
The program will enroll small cohorts of about a dozen students each year, a structure college officials say is intended to strengthen relationships among students and faculty and enhance learning.
The curriculum in general psychology emphasizes practical skill-building. Students will complete 11 course units, with classes held in the fall and spring semesters and summers reserved for research and professional development. Courses will be conducted in person, scheduled in the mornings Monday through Thursday to provide flexibility for students balancing other responsibilities.
Danielle Findley-Van Nostrand, associate professor of psychology and graduate program coordinator, said the curriculum was designed to cover the core domains of psychology while focusing on student success.
“We plan to be as needs-focused as possible, because we really want students to succeed,” Findley-Van Nostrand said. “Psychology in particular is a broad discipline. We want to make sure students are able to work through that — to figure out how to articulate their skills and how to explore what options are available.”
Each student will be paired with a faculty mentor whose expertise aligns with their interests. Mentors will guide students through professional development, research and the thesis process. Students may choose a traditional empirical thesis or work with community partners to apply their research in a real-world setting.
Although the college will not offer graduate assistantships, each student will receive a stipend to support research expenses, conference travel and related academic activities.
Applications for the first cohort are due March 1, 2026, with rolling admissions afterward. Students interested in living on campus are encouraged to apply by mid-February. Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree in psychology or a related field and have a minimum GPA of 2.5. Application materials include a personal statement, transcripts, a curriculum vitae or résumé, and contact information for two letters of recommendation.
More information about the program and application requirements is available on the college’s Master of Science in psychology webpage: https://www.roanoke.edu/academics/graduate_programs/psychology_master
