Searching for Colleges with Military Psychology Programs

I'm considering studying military psychology in college. Does anyone have any recommendations or information on colleges that offer excellent programs in this field? I'd appreciate it if you could share some of the things I should be looking for in terms of coursework, faculty, internships, etc.

Great to see you're exploring the field of military psychology!

You're pursuing a very specialized field, so you want to look for colleges that offer robust psychology programs and a concentration or coursework in military psychology. As this is a fairly specific field within psychology, not all schools will offer a designated "Military Psychology" program at the undergraduate level.

That said, there are several institutions known for their psychology programs coupled with faculty who have expertise in military psychology. For instance, the University of Southern California (USC) has a strong psychology program and is known for its emphasis on military social work and psychology with the Center for Innovation and Research on Veterans & Military Families (CIR).

Similarly, Adler University offers a Master's degree in Military Psychology, which underlines the institution's recognition of this field.

When it comes to curriculum, see if you can find course catalogs or descriptions for the programs you’re considering. Look for courses that are centered around mental health, trauma, resilience, and behavioral patterns, which are all integral to Military Psychology. You might not find courses specifically labeled as "Military Psychology", but you can look for courses that are applicable to the field, such as courses on PTSD, trauma, or resilience.

Faculty-wise, try to research the backgrounds of the professors in the program. Look for those who have practiced or conducted research in military settings or have specialized in trauma or resilience research.

Lastly, internships and practicum experiences are extremely important for this field. Opportunities to work with veterans or in military-centered mental health facilities can provide invaluable experience.

Remember, your undergraduate education does not need to be specifically focused on Military Psychology. A strong foundation in general psychology, coupled with focused study on topics related to military life and experiences, can also pave the way toward a graduate program specifically targeted at Military Psychology.

Best of luck with your college search!