Program Overview

Psychology MA, Psychological and Brain Sciences

Overview

The Psychology MA, Psychological and Brain Sciences program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of psychological concepts, theories, research, and historical trends in 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.

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 credits)
  • PSYCH 5400: Seminar: Special Topics in Behavioral Neuroscience (4 credits)
  • PSYCH 5407: Psychopharmacology (3 credits)
  • PSYCH 5465: Seminar: Behavioral Neuroscience (3 credits)
  • PSYCH 5468: Seminar: Cognitive and Affective Processes (3 credits)
  • PSYCH 7421: Quantitative Methods I (4 credits)
  • PSYCH 7422: Quantitative Methods II (4 credits)
  • PSYCH 7483: Directed Research (4 credits) or PSYCH 7484: Directed Readings
  • PSYCH 7491: MA Thesis Research (2 credits)
  • Total Hours: 30

Non-Thesis Option

• Required Coursework:
  • PSYCH 5340: Human Neuroanatomy (3 credits)
  • PSYCH 5400: Seminar: Special Topics in Behavioral Neuroscience (3 credits)
  • PSYCH 5407: Psychopharmacology (3 credits)
  • PSYCH 5465: Seminar: Behavioral Neuroscience (3 credits)
  • PSYCH 5468: Seminar: Cognitive and Affective Processes (3 credits)
  • PSYCH 7421: Quantitative Methods I (4 credits)
  • PSYCH 7422: Quantitative Methods II (4 credits)
  • Electives (7 credits): Choose two of the following courses:
    • PSYCH 4350: Emotions and the Brain
    • PSYCH 4349: Human Learning and Memory
    • PSYCH 4374: Introduction to Clinical Neuropsychology
    • PSYCH 4275: Drug Use and Addiction: People, Policy, and Practice
    • PSYCH 7423: Quantitative Methods III
    • PSYCH 7483: Directed Research
    • PSYCH 7484: Directed Readings
  • Total Hours: 30

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.
• 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.
• Evaluate, identify, and apply appropriate research methods in Psychological and Brain Sciences, including research design, data analysis, and data interpretation.
• Communicate using a variety of written and oral formats in a clear, concise way.
• 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.
• Demonstrate self-reliance and independence in initiating a program of research and carry out research projects from design to dissemination.
• 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.