MA Track
Course Requirements
Course requirements for MA track (8 required, 2 recommended seminars)
| Note | Fall Semester | Spring Semester |
|---|---|---|
| Required | PSYC 210A — Advanced Statistics I | PSYC 210b — Advanced Statistics II |
| Required | PSYC 211B Graduate Research Methods | Advanced 100+ Level Elective |
| Required | Advanced 100+ Level Elective | Advanced 100+ Level Elective |
| Required | Advanced 100+ Level Elective | PSYC 260B (lab rotation) or 100+ Level Elective |
| Recommended | PSYC 316A — Psychology Research Seminar | PSYC 316A — Psychology Research Seminar |
Lab Rotation
MA track students will take a ‘lab rotation’ course (PSYC 260B) in the spring semester, during which they will have the opportunity to engage in psychological research by working in the laboratory of a faculty member for at least 12 hours/week. MS track students will instead take the master’s thesis course (PSYC 299A).
Alternatively, based on their goals or interests, MA track students may choose another 100+ level course (instead of taking the PSYC 260B research experience/lab rotation course).
Residency Requirement
MA students have a two-semester residency requirement. That is, MA students are expected to successfully finish all the required courses (each with B- or above grade) in one academic year (i.e., two semesters) and get their MA in Psychology degree (i.e., graduate in May).
TA Opportunity
Paid teaching assistant or course assistant opportunities may be available through the department or school, for qualified MA/MS students.
MA Track to MS Track
MA track students who have shown promise in empirical research, have secured permission from a thesis advisor (most likely their MA research lab rotation faculty advisor), and are in good academic standing may apply to switch from MA track to MS track. If permitted (with a faculty advisor and the program chair), they will complete an empirical MS thesis.
MA track students who are considering switch to MS track should first speak to the potential faculty advisor and secure permission from the faculty, ideally by early Spring, but no later than April 15.