Psychology MA, Psychological and Brain Sciences
Application Deadline
The Application Deadline for the Psychological and Brain Sciences Program is December 1.
Admission Requirements
In addition to meeting the general admission requirements of the Graduate School, applicants should have completed undergraduate courses at minimum in general psychology, psychological statistics, and research methods. Each master's program has additional admission requirements specific to that program.
For more information about the admission requirements visit the department's program website and apply to the program through the Graduate School.
Teaching and Research Assistantships
Students in the thesis track typically receive a teaching assistantship in their first year and sometimes in part of their second year. Typically, no funding is available for non-thesis track students.
Degree Requirements
All masters students in the Psychological and Brain Sciences program will take coursework and thesis track students will also conduct a thesis project.
Thesis and non-thesis track students will complete 30 credit hours including core, research, and elective courses listed below as part of the M.A. program:
Thesis Option
Students are required to complete a master's thesis for this program. Theses should follow the procedures in the Psychological and Brain Sciences Handbook and on the Graduate School website.
| Required Coursework | ||
| PSYCH 5340 | Human Neuroanatomy | 3 |
| PSYCH 5400 | Seminar: Special Topics in Behavioral Neuroscience 1 | 4 |
| PSYCH 5407 | Psychopharmacology | 3 |
| PSYCH 5465 | Seminar: Behavioral Neuroscience | 3 |
| PSYCH 5468 | Seminar: Cognitive and Affective Processes | 3 |
| PSYCH 7421 | Quantitative Methods I | 4 |
| PSYCH 7422 | Quantitative Methods II | 4 |
| PSYCH 7483 | Directed Research | 4 |
| or PSYCH 7484 | Directed Readings | |
| PSYCH 7491 | MA Thesis Research | 2 |
| Total Hours | 30 | |
- 1
One credit hour taken per semester.
Non-Thesis Option
| Required Coursework | ||
| PSYCH 5340 | Human Neuroanatomy | 3 |
| PSYCH 5400 | Seminar: Special Topics in Behavioral Neuroscience 1 | 3 |
| PSYCH 5407 | Psychopharmacology | 3 |
| PSYCH 5465 | Seminar: Behavioral Neuroscience | 3 |
| PSYCH 5468 | Seminar: Cognitive and Affective Processes | 3 |
| PSYCH 7421 | Quantitative Methods I | 4 |
| PSYCH 7422 | Quantitative Methods II | 4 |
| Electives | 7 | |
| Choose two of the following courses: | ||
| Emotions and the Brain | ||
| Human Learning and Memory | ||
| Introduction to Clinical Neuropsychology | ||
| Drug Use and Addiction: People, Policy, and Practice | ||
| Quantitative Methods III | ||
| Directed Research | ||
or PSYCH 7484 | Directed Readings | |
| Total Hours | 30 | |
- 1
One credit hour taken per semester.
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the program, graduates should be able to:
- Demonstrate an integrative understanding of psychological concepts, theories, research, and historical trends in Psychological and Brain Sciences. (Psychological Science Knowledge Base)
- Explain and apply (thesis track only) the scientific method to solve problems in Psychological and Brain Sciences and articulate how the solutions rely on scientific reasoning. (Critical Thinking)
- Evaluate, identify, and apply appropriate research methods in Psychological and Brain Sciences, including research design, data analysis (e.g., selecting, conducting, and interpreting basic statistical tests) and data interpretation. (Scientific Inquiry)
- Communicate using a variety of written and oral formats (e.g., papers in the format specified by journal or granting agency, oral research presentations, posters for research at conferences, grant applications, professional publications) in a clear, concise way. (Communication)
- Evaluate and apply ethical principles to Psychological and Brain Sciences research and teaching according to national and international standards, while adopting social and ethical values that build community at local, national, and global levels (Ethical and Social Responsibility)
- Demonstrate self-reliance and independence in initiating a program of research and carry out research projects from design to dissemination. (Professional Development; Scientific Inquiry)
- Display professionalism and ownership of professional growth and learning through an evolving career development plan tailored to one’s accurate self-assessment of abilities, achievements, motivations, and work habits. (Professional Development)