The main aim of the graduate programs in the Department of Psychology at the University of Virginia is to prepare the student for research, both basic and applied, and for teaching. The department offers Ph.D. programs in seven areas of psychology: Clinical, Cognitive, Community, Developmental, Quantitative, Social and Systems & Behavioral Neuroscience. Various combinations of these specialties are possible, depending on students' interests and professional goals. Students should apply, however, to one of these seven areas of specialization. It is recommeded that potential applicants should refer to Research Area pages for list of faculty who are slated to accept students in their labs that year.