Terminal Masters students are admitted into a general experimental program and typically will work with a faculty member from one of our experimental areas, although clinical faculty may also supervise students’ research programs. These research areas include developmental, cognitive and social psychology, as well as psychopathology and developmental psychopathology. We also have faculty qualified to direct theses in quantitative psychology and biological psychology. Students are encouraged to become familiar with research being carried on throughout the department by attending colloquia and lab meetings, and by participating in research opportunities in any lab in which facilities can be made available.
Faculty work closely with students. The primary goal of the Terminal Masters degree track is to develop competence in the core areas of psychology and their methods. Students are expected to demonstrate competence in research and have the skills and moral standards to apply the knowledge of the discipline competently and ethically in their daily lives and careers. The degree culminates in the preparation of a research thesis based on original laboratory research.
Application Deadline:
- Early deadline is December 1
- Final deadline is April 1.
GRE UPDATE
We are no longer accepting GRE scores from applicants to the MA-PhD program in Cognitive, Developmental, or Social Psychology or to the Terminal MA program in General Experimental Psychology, for entry in Fall 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply to the Terminal M.A. program in General Experimental Psychology?
To apply to the masters program, you must submit all your application materials by April 1.
Please go to the Admissions page for details.
Can I begin my training in the spring semester?
No, we only admit students once per year. Entering classes begin their studies in the fall semester.
Can I work on my degree part-time or nights?
No, the Terminal Master’s Program is a full-time, day program.
What are the minimum requirements for admission?
There are no specific minimum requirements, but successful applicants typically have undergraduate GPAs of 3.0 or above, and some significant research experience. You must submit transcripts of all previous college and university work.
Will prior research experience help my chances of admission?
Very much so. The faculty look for evidence that you have a serious commitment to a research career in psychology, and previous research experience both demonstrates that commitment and allows us to evaluate your capabilities in a research setting.
How long does it take to complete the M.A.?
The length of the program depends on the student’s progress on the thesis, but the typical duration is 2-3 years.
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