Master of Science in Psychology
Louis H. Janda, Graduate Program Director (757-683-4211)
The Master of Science in Experimental Psychology is appropriate for students wishing to develop research skills and knowledge of general psychology appropriate for pursuing study in a doctoral program in psychology or for those seeking the master's as a terminal degree. The curriculum is designed to provide a strong background in research methods and general psychology so that the student will have a wide range of choices for future professional development.
This program is not a clinical or counseling training program, and those holding an MS degree in Psychology as their highest degree cannot be licensed as a clinical psychologist in the Commonwealth of Virginia. However, some courses and research areas are relevant to clinical psychology. Some students who intend to pursue clinical training at the doctoral level enter the MS program in order to increase their overall knowledge of the field of Psychology. These students use their MS degree to strengthen their resume's for application to doctoral programs in clinical psychology.
Graduate students are required to work closely with members of the faculty and to participate in the research and other professional activities that are available within the department. In the area of human experimental psychology, studies are being conducted in industrial/organizational psychology and human factors, personality, social behavior, cognitive processes, developmental, and community psychology. Research topics include friendships, memory development in children, parenting, program evaluation, sex roles, body image, neuropsychological aspects of vigilance, driving behaviors, simulation, aging, and coping with chronic illness.
Admissions
To qualify for admission, a candidate must meet the general university admission requirements. In addition, the candidate must present: (1) undergraduate courses in statistics and experimental psychology and nine additional hours in psychology; (2) official scores on the general (aptitude) part of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE); and (3) transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate work. A brief statement by the student outlining personal goals and academic objectives and three letters of reference (at least two of which are from college or university faculty) are requested. All credentials in support of applications should be sent to the Office of Admissions by May 15th at the latest. The entire application procedure can be completed via the internet, and applicants are encouraged to submit their applications in the electronic format
The personal statement should describe any research experience, and the most useful and valuable letters of recommendation are those sent by research sponsors or mentors.
Applicants who do not have a bachelor's degree in Psychology must also submit scores from the advanced (Psychology) component of the GRE examination.
Requirements for earning the MS degree
To qualify for the Master of Science with a major in psychology, a student must meet the following requirements:
Program of study. The student must maintain a B average (3.00 on a 4.00 scale) in a minimum of 36 hours of course work. The student is required to complete successfully a core of courses established by the faculty with a least a B average (3.00). The core courses consist of the following: PSYC 727, 728, 731 or 741, and 651 or 749. An important part of the core sequence is the first-year research project. When a student is admitted to the MS program they are matched with a research sponsor who directs the first-year research. Completion of the core is a prerequisite for beginning work on the thesis (including registration for PSYC 698 and 699), or non-thesis comprehensive exam. Full-time students must complete the core courses in the first year, and part-time students must do so in the first two years.
Student performance will be monitored by the graduate program director. Students will be advised when their performance does not meet minimum requirements. Following completion of the core requirements, students will elect either a thesis or nonthesis option for completing the degree.
Thesis Option. Students choosing the thesis option complete 30 hours of course work plus six hours of research and thesis. The thesis option is requried for students wishing to pursue doctoral training. Prior to beginning research, the student will identify a faculty sponsor and then a thesis committee will be formed. In most cases the faculty member who sponsored the first-year project will become the thesis chair/research sponsor. When the student have completed the research, a written thesis must be submitted to the thesis committee. Completion of the thesis depends on the acceptance of the written thesis by the thesis committee and the graduate program director, as well as on passing an oral examination in a public defense of the thesis.
Nonthesis Option. The educational and professional goals of some students are better served by completing the work for the master's degree without the thesis component. Students who elect the nonthesis option complete 36 hours of course work, including at least three hours of practicum.
Nonthesis students are required to pass a comprehensive exam in an area of expertise identified by the student in conjunction with his/her comprehensive exam committee. Prior to preparation for the exam, the student will submit to the graduate program director a proposed reading list.
Certificates of Concentration. Certificates of concentration may be earned by students receiving a master's degree in psychology. To obtain a certificate in one of three possible areas, the student must complete 12 credit hours in courses relevant to the area and maintain a minimum GPS of 3.00 in those courses. Course credit hours to fulfill the core requirements may not be used toward a certificate of concentration. The student must also complete a research project or practicum relevant to the area of concentration.
Areas of concentration include:
Psychopathology and Assessment: Required course: PSYC 661, 663, and 664; Other relevant courses: PSYC 653, 672
Quantitative and Assessment: Required courses: PSYC 723, 663, and/or 664; Other relevant courses: PSYC 726, 745, 763
Applied Cognitive Psychology: Required courses: PSYC 731 and 741 (Only 3 credits count towards certificate); Other relevant courses: PSYC 651, 663, 672, 749, 770
The Graduate Catalogue of Old Dominion University should be consulted for more information regarding requirements for the MS degree. In the 2006-2008 catalogue the relevant information is on page 232.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions for the Master's Program
