The Developmental Psychology program at the University
of Virginia is an ideal setting for studying human development from infancy
throughout the life span. The above photo shows the current members
of the program on the steps of the Rotunda, the historic center of the University
designed by Thomas Jefferson, the founder of the University. Following
the model of Jefferson, our developmental program is a community of scholars--in
both senses of the phrase.
With respect to scholars, members of our faculty are
eminent, highly productive researchers who are contributing to increased understanding
of developmental processes in a wide variety of areas. Our graduate
students are actively involved in conducting and publishing research on a
similarly broad range of topics. As one simple index of the high caliber
of our students, our five first-year students for 2002 all came from outstanding
undergraduate careers at UC-Berkeley, Carnegie-Mellon, Northwestern, Grinnell,
and Beijing University.
With respect to community, the Developmental program is characterized
by a congenial and supportive atmosphere, a high level of mutual respect, and
a love of our work that helps everyone—students and faculty alike—to
achieve to their maximal potential. The success of our community of scholars
is reflected in the consistently high ranking (currently 5th in the country) of
the UVa Developmental program in the U.S. News and World Report ranking of graduate programs.
The University also ranks No. 1 among public universities, according to the U.S.
News and World Report "America's Best Colleges 2004" ranking.
UVa has the good fortune to be located in a wonderful
place. The surrounding countryside and mountains are breathtakingly
beautiful and provide a wealth of recreational activities. The city
of Charlottesville offers many cultural and other opportunities. Check
out our favorite pages about Charlottesville in the links above.
