Student Learning Outcomes- The graduate with a Master of Science degree in Psychology will use the knowledge and skills obtained in the program to:
- Demonstrate competency in applying and interpreting advanced research designs and statistics.
- Demonstrate knowledge of individual and cultural differences in research and applied settings.
- Demonstrate knowledge of ethical and related legal issues in research and applied settings, and use problem-solving skills to resolve ethical dilemmas.
- Demonstrate knowledge of the following bases of behavior in research and applied settings: biological, cognitive, affective, social, and learning.
- Demonstrate knowledge and application of empirically valid psychological assessment methods in research and applied settings.
- Demonstrate use of the language of the science of psychology in technical writing and speaking.
- Demonstrate technological skills common to psychological science (e.g., computer software such as statistical programs, word processors, etc.) and where appropriate specialized technology associated with a student’s area of interest (e.g. lab equipment, measurement devices, etc).
This program is designed to prepare students for employment that utilizes acquired psychological knowledge and skills as well as provide a basis for further graduate study. There are two ways to be considered for admission:
The student must be fully admitted to Graduate Studies and have a minimum GPA of 3.00 in at least 12 hours of undergraduate psychology courses at an accredited institution.
The applicant must also submit three letters of recommendation; a formal statement of purpose; and an official score report from the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) Verbal, Quantitative, and Analytical Writing sections.
- OR -
The student must be fully admitted to Graduate Studies. In addition, the applicant must have a minimum GPA of 3.00 in 12 or more credit hours of graduate Psychology courses at an accredited institution. The applicant must also submit three letters of recommendation; a formal statement of purpose; and an official score report from the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) Verbal, Quantitative, and Analytical Writing sections.
Selection will be based on the applicant’s GPA, GRE scores, consistency of the statement of purpose with program goals, and letters of recommendation indicating high potential for graduate work in psychology. There is no minimum score required on the GRE, but preference will be given to applicants with a combined Verbal + Quantitative score of 297 or higher.
Completed applications will be considered on a space available basis until one week before the first day of classes for the fall and spring semesters. Although admission occurs on a year round basis, the sequence of courses is designed to begin in the fall semester. Starting in the spring or summer may result in an extended time to complete the degree.
No more than 12 graduate hours taken as a non-degree student (i.e., one not officially admitted to the psychology graduate program) may be applied to the M.S. in psychology. The chair of the department must approve these graduate hours. All courses must also meet the time limits established by the Graduate Studies office. Upon acceptance into the M.S. in psychology program, the student will be assigned a departmental graduate adviser and will be able to apply for federal financial aid.
Students should be aware that most graduate courses have prerequisites. These prerequisites must be met before enrolling in the courses. In some situations, a prerequisite may be waived with the consent of the course instructor. Each student must pass a writing proficiency exam prior to filing a program of study. A score of 3.5 or higher on the Analytical Writing section of the GRE satisfies the writing proficiency exam requirement. Each student must write and successfully defend a masters thesis. The thesis must have been submitted before the student is cleared to graduate.
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