JMU Graduate Psychology

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JMU Graduate Psychology Our mission is to transform students into outstanding practitioners and scholars of psychology. We w http://www.psyc.jmu.edu/gradpsyc/programs.html

The Department of Graduate Psychology offers eight graduate programs in psychology or counseling. These programs share the goals of academic enrichment, development of research and applied skills, and personal and professional growth.

Members of JMU’s Challace J. McMillin Center for Sport Psychology attended the Association for Applied Sport Psychology ...
10/29/2026

Members of JMU’s Challace J. McMillin Center for Sport Psychology attended the Association for Applied Sport Psychology (AASP) Conference in Minneapolis last week, presenting research, sharing expertise, and earning recognition!

Clinical and School Psychology doctoral students Lauren Shoss, Bryan Ramirez, Briana Bunner, and Stephanie Vilenkin presented on integrating mental health and mental performance services in Division III athletics. Special thanks to advisor Dr. Bob Harmison for his mentorship!

Dr. Harmison also presented on the evolution of theoretical approaches throughout a sport psychology career. Dr. Lori Gano-Overway (Kinesiology) presented on caring climates, interpersonal communication, and well-being in coaching.

McMillin Center members presented research on:
• Mental health literacy and post-athletic career transitions — Lauren Shoss
• Psychological skills training for music performance anxiety — Stephanie Vilenkin
• Stress mindset, competitive anxiety, and motivational climates — Jason Kaul
• Athlete mental health triage and su***de prevention — Duke Biber, PhD (Health Sciences)
• Mental imagery, arousal regulation, and athlete wellness and — Sarah Carson Sackett, PhD (Kinesiology)
• The “Human Element” in undergraduate exercise science education — Sarah Carson Sackett, PhD (Kinesiology)

Congratulations to Our Award Winners!
Lauren Shoss received a student travel award for her dissertation research on mental health literacy training for student-athletes whose athletic careers were unexpectedly cut short.

Dr. Lori Gano-Overway received an AASP Teaching Excellence Award recognizing her outstanding teaching and contributions to sport, exercise, and performance psychology.

We’re proud of our students and faculty for representing JMU and advancing applied sport psychology! 💜💛

Are you ready to take the next step toward a career in professional psychology?JMU's Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) progr...
10/29/2026

Are you ready to take the next step toward a career in professional psychology?

JMU's Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) program in Clinical and School Psychology prepares students through integrated training across clinical, counseling, and school psychology.

If this program aligns with your goals, it's time to prepare your application!

📅 December 1, 2026: Deadline for guaranteed consideration.

Before you apply:

✔️ Review the advanced-degree admission requirement.
✔️ Identify potential faculty mentors.
✔️ Prepare your professional résumé or vita.
✔️ Develop your personal statement.
✔️ Arrange your recommendation letters.

Don't miss the opportunity to take the next step toward your professional goals!

🔗 Learn more and apply: https://www.jmu.edu/grad/programs/all-programs/psychology-clinical-and-school.shtml

Your Application Tells Your Story. Make It Count!Applying to graduate school is more than checking boxes—it's an opportu...
10/27/2026

Your Application Tells Your Story. Make It Count!

Applying to graduate school is more than checking boxes—it's an opportunity to share your experiences, interests, and goals.

As you prepare your application to a JMU Graduate Psychology program, keep these tips in mind:

📌 Be authentic. Let your interests and experiences shine through.
📌 Be intentional. Clearly explain your interest in the field and how the program aligns with your goals.
📌 Be specific. Use relevant experiences to illustrate your preparation and motivation.
📌 Follow the prompt. Make sure your personal statement addresses the questions and instructions provided.
📌 Take your time. Proofread carefully and give yourself time to make revisions.

There's no single formula for a strong application, but thoughtful preparation can help you present your best work.

Have questions about your program's application requirements? Reach out to the appropriate program contact!

Counseling & Supervision Ph.D. students, Karem Negron Vega, Lydia Larimore and Anna Hukill presented at the 2026 Virgini...
10/23/2026

Counseling & Supervision Ph.D. students, Karem Negron Vega, Lydia Larimore and Anna Hukill presented at the 2026 Virginia School Counselor Association (VSCA) Conference in Hampton, VA.

Their presentation: Recharge, Reset, Restore: Anchoring Wellness in Turbulent Times, focused on wellness as a professional anchor rather than an added task and offered tangible, evidence‑informed strategies to help school counselors, educators, and school-based professionals restore capacity and sustain their wellbeing.





Application Tip Thursday!Your to-do list is growing, but your application doesn't have to feel overwhelming!This week's ...
10/22/2026

Application Tip Thursday!

Your to-do list is growing, but your application doesn't have to feel overwhelming!

This week's tip: Give your recommenders plenty of time.

Before submitting your requests:
✔️ Choose people who can speak meaningfully about your preparation and potential.
✔️ Ask early and share the relevant deadlines.
✔️ Provide any information that will help them write a thoughtful recommendation.
✔️ Follow up politely as the deadline approaches.

A little planning can go a long way!

Have a graduate application question? Drop it in the comments or contact the appropriate program office.

10/22/2026
Not Sure Who to Ask? We've Got You! 💬Applying to graduate school can bring up lots of questions—and knowing where to sta...
10/21/2026

Not Sure Who to Ask? We've Got You! 💬

Applying to graduate school can bring up lots of questions—and knowing where to start can make all the difference.

Here's a quick guide:

📚 Questions about your program? Contact the JMU Department of Graduate Psychology for information about curriculum, program-specific requirements, faculty, and program fit. https://www.jmu.edu/chbs/gradpsyc/index.shtml

📝 Questions about the application process? The JMU Graduate School is your resource for university-wide graduate admission procedures and application support. https://www.jmu.edu/grad/index.shtml

💡 Our tip: Start with the program website, and don't hesitate to reach out if you need clarification.

We're here to help you navigate your next steps!

The Counseling & Supervision PhD program at James Madison University was awarded the 2026 Robert Frank Outstanding Couns...
10/18/2026

The Counseling & Supervision PhD program at James Madison University was awarded the 2026 Robert Frank Outstanding Counselor Education Program Award – Doctoral Program at the WACES Conference in Reno, NV.

The Robert Frank Outstanding Counselor Education Program Award honors a doctoral counselor education program that exemplifies the importance of excellence through standards and innovation.




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22807

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