Psychology Department

Programs and Course Descriptions

Faculty

The Psychology Program

The Master’s Program in Psychology is research-oriented and designed to prepare students for admission to Ph.D. programs in all areas of psychology. Established in 1953, the M.A. program is a selective one, admitting approximately 8 applicants per year. The program’s small size allows for close interaction among students and faculty and, therefore, superior training for the students in the program. Of the program’s graduates who apply for admissions to doctoral work, over 80 percent are accepted.

There is an immediate and continuing emphasis on research. Faculty support student interests in a wide range of research areas, including neuroscience, social, cognitive, clinical, and developmental psychology. In 2009, the Psychology Department moved into the new Integrated Science Center building. Students complete two major research projects (a “first-year project” and a second-year thesis). In addition to pro-seminars on various topics in psychology, students take a professional development course which is unique among MA programs, for it is devoted to the explicit training of students in becoming a professional psychologist. In particular, it focuses on developing working knowledge of writing up research for publication, giving oral and poster presentations at conferences, applying for grants, and applying for Ph.D. programs in psychology.

Students at all levels are integrally involved in the research done in the Psychology Department. In many cases, faculty members develop and work with research teams comprised of undergraduate and M.A. students. As a team, the group collaborates to design, conduct, analyze, and publish the work. Students regularly become coauthors of articles reporting the studies in professional journals.

General Description

The general Psychology M.A. program is a research-oriented program designed to prepare students for admission to Ph.D. programs in all areas of psychology. The program often admits good students whose ability, motivation, and experience may not be adequately reflected in their standardized test scores or GPA. Our students are expected to complete the full-time two-year program of course work and research and to continue on to quality Ph.D. programs. Fall admissions only. Minority applications are encouraged.

Admission

The Graduate Record Exam is required for admission. Applicants for whom English is a second language must also submit scores on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). All application materials must be postmarked by February 15th.

Applicants must have successfully completed courses in Statistics and Experimental Psychology/Research Methods.

Programs and Course Descriptions

Description of Courses

Unless otherwise noted, all courses are graded using standard grading [A, B, C, D, F] scheme (See Grading and Academic Progress in the section entitled ‘Graduate Regulations ’) and may not be repeated for credit (See Repeated Courses requirements in the section entitled ‘Graduate Regulations ’).

Programs

Psychology, MA

Courses

Psychology