Master of Science in Psychology

The Master of Science program in psychology allows the student to choose either an applied or experimental focus (see Bulletin Pages). All students complete a core curriculum designed to provide them with knowledge of current theories, principles, and methods of experimental and applied psychology. This is followed by courses in either applied or experimental areas. Two years are generally required to complete the program for full-time students. While an occasional graduate course is offered at night, it is not possible to complete degree requirements attending only evening classes.

The applied courses are designed to equip students with basic psychological assessment and treatment skills that will enable them to function later in an applied employment setting under supervision of a licensed psychologist. The applied track typically involves supervised practical experience in the Department's Psychological Clinic, and either a research project or a Master's thesis.

Courses for the experimental student are designed to provide more extensive information in research design as well as theoretical background related to the student's thesis research. Sub-specialties may include, but are not limited to, Comparative Psychology, Cognitive-Neuroscience, Cognition, Developmental Psychology & Lifespan, Health, Perception, Personality, Social Psychology, and Speech & Hearing. This training will provide students the critical background knowledge to be successful at research or to pursue a doctorate in their chosen area.

Both programs, as well as the core curriculum, are designed to provide students with the necessary theoretical and research background to pursue further graduate study, if they so choose. Graduate students in both areas receive individual attention and close supervision by departmental faculty.

Entrance Requirements

The requirements for regular admission are as follows:

1. A bachelor's degree from an accredited institution of higher education
2. A minimum grade point average of 3.00 on all undergraduate course work (A=4.0).
3. Completion of at least 21 semester hours of psychology courses on the undergraduate level including at least one course in statistics and one in experimental methods.
4. Summed score of 1000 or better on the verbal and quantitative subtests of the Graduate Record Examination.
5. Submission of a score on the GRE Subject Test in Psychology is recommended, especially for applicants for graduate assistantships.

Applicants who do not meet the requirements for regular admission may be considered for provisional admission if space is available. See the Graduate Bulletin for details.

Please see the Facilities and Application Procedures for more information.