Internships/Funding

• Do most students work or have internships?  
  It is not recommended that students work their first year, however some students are able to successfully balance school and work. Some students choose to work one quarter, but not the next, while others work year round. Working during school is a personal preference, and also depends on the course load for that quarter.
  
   
• Do most students receive funding?  
  All students admitted are likely to receive graduate assistantships. Most graduate assistantships carry stipends around $15,500 per academic year and full tuition waivers. Assistantships granted to first year students are renewable for the second and third year with acceptable progress in the program.
  
   
• Are students expected to teach classes or conduct research in exchange for funding?  
  Students with assistantships work as research assistants and/or teacher's assistants. The number of hours per week that is dedicated to these assignment(s) varies depending on each student's funding.

Living in Chicago

• Where do most students choose to live?  
  The cost of living in Chicago can be very high. Therefore, students may choose to live in different neighborhoods depending on their budgets. The areas closest to DePaul are Lincoln Park and Lakeview. However, it is not necessary to live right in the DePaul area. Most neighborhoods are accessible to DePaul within thirty minutes by taking the elevated train (the subway), which is referred to as the "el". Many students live in neighborhoods which are a little further from DePaul, but are close to the "el", such as Rogers Park, Andersenville, Wrigleyville, and Evanston.
  
   
• How can I find an apartment?  
  Finding an apartment in Chicago can be hard without coming in person. Apartment listings tend to go very quickly. Also, they can look much better on paper than in person! The Chicago Reader is the best place to look for listings and get ideas about going rates depending on location and number of bedrooms. Many first years choose to live in studio apartments.
  
   
• What is the average cost of living?  
  The cost of living in Chicago is generally higher than many other locations. Not only is rent higher, but gas, groceries, and transportation also tend to be more expensive. The cost of living in Chicago may take some adjusting and good budgeting, but living in such a great city makes it well worth it!
   
• Do I need a car?  
  It is not necessary to have a car, especially if you live near the "el" or bus routes. Parking can be hard to find and expensive. Therefore, most students first decide where to live and then assess if it is necessary or desirable to have a car.
  
   
• What is the campus like?  
  The Department of Psychology is located on the northeast side of Chicago on DePaul's Lincoln Park campus. This campus is the oldest and largest of DePaul's seven campuses and is within walking distance to the "el", Lake Michigan, and hundreds of excellent restaurants and stores.
  
   
• Where can I find information about local events and entertainment?  
  Chicago is not only an exciting place to study and work, but it also a great place to live. Extracurricular activities such as theatre, jazz, museums, restaurants, shopping and Lake Michigan are only a few of the many things to do in Chicago. The following websites provide information specific to Chicago, including upcoming events and festivals, restaurant guides, job listings, public transportation, and much, much more.

• Chicago Metromix
• Digital City Chicago
• Chicago Tribune
• Chicago Transit Authority

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Life as a Graduate Student

• What is the faculty to student ratio?  
  There are five full-time I/O faculty and an average of 3 - 5 new graduate students each year. This allows for an average I/O class size of six to twelve students. However, some classes are combined with other disciplines, such as statistics and elective courses, which can increase the class size. These combined classes have approximately thirty students per class.
  
   
• What is the average time frame to receive your Masters and Ph.D.?  
  Students generally complete their masters thesis either by the end of their second year or the middle of their third year of coursework. Upon completion of three years of coursework, students prepare for and take written and oral comprehensive exams. These exams are based on all three years of coursework. Students must pass both exams in order to start work on their dissertation. The program is designed to be completed in 4 years.
  
   
• Is this program on quarters or semesters? When are the breaks?  
  DePaul's program is structured on a quarter system. There are Fall, Winter, Spring, and Summer quarters. I/O classes are not offered in the summer, therefore many students choose to have an internship or work on research during the summer break. In addition, DePaul's winter break lasts from Thanksgiving to just after the New Year. Students use this time for internships, thesis work, or much needed relaxation.
  
   
• How are the I/O classes structured?  
  Each class is different, however, there are commonalities. Each class has a tremendous amount of reading of primary source material. In addition to the readings, most classes have presentations and/or proposals. Some classes have a field project where students develop knowledge and skills through the application of course material. Most of the I/O classes have a discussion format, therefore, it is important to go to classes prepared!
   

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