Research Masters Program at UTC
The Department of Psychology offers a master of science in psychology with the goal of developing students who have the professional skills necessary to function as applied or basic scientists in psychology. The research concentration is designed for students who wish to pursue graduate study of topics other than those covered in the I/O Psychology. Options within this concentration are general experimental psychology and social/developmental psychology.
Finally, The Department of Psychology offers a mentor-based graduate program. As a consequence, we encourage students to contact a faculty member in the area of research in which they are interested before applying to the University.
Research Facilities
The Department of Psychology is housed in Holt Hall. A well-equipped computer lab is located near the department offices. Lab space is available for research studies. In addition, the University computers support microsoft office and major statistical packages and all have internet access.
Thesis
Students should begin work on developing a thesis during their first year, exploring ideas and examining the existing research literature. The thesis consists of either an original empirical research project or a theoretical or conceptual interpretation of existing psychological thought based on material previously published. Graduate students who are writing a thesis must choose a thesis advisor from among the faculty .
The following information is designed to supplement guidance provided by one's thesis advisor:
University of Tennessee at Chattanooga Graduate Thesis & Dissertation Guidelines
Master's Thesis Guidelines - Department of Psychology
Admissions Procedures
The research program is individually tailored to meet each student's needs and goals. Because it is primarily a tutorial program with a strong emphasis on independent study and one-to-one faculty/student interaction, the number of students admitted each year is quite limited. In addition to GPA and GRE scores, admission decisions are heavily based on the personal statement which should detail the applicant's research interests and educational goals. Persons wishing to apply to this program should obtain a listing of the current research interests of the faculty to determine which instructor would best match or support their needs. This list is available from the coordinator of the research program.
Applicants must:
- Hold a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college or university.
- Submit an official score (not over five years old) for the Graduate Record Exam (GRE).
- Submit three letters of recommendation and a personal statement. Personal statements should describe the student’s career goals, research interests and a faculty member who can serve as their mentor. Our program focuses on a mentor based approach. The student and the mentor work to develop the skills the students are hoping to develop.
- Have a minimum grade point average of 2.5 (based on a 4.0 scale) on all undergraduate work taken prior to receiving the baccalaureate degree or 3.0 in the senior year. In a typical year, the average GPA of admitted applicants is 3.4; GRE scores and GPA are combined into a single admissions index.
Click here for an example on computing the admissions index.
Research Psychology Forms
Applicants who wish to maximize their probability of admission should be sure to have their application materials complete by March 15 for the fall semester or October 15 for the spring semester. The admissions committee will make their first set of decisions shortly after these dates. Applications will be considered through July 15 for the fall semester as long as space is still available.
For more information:
Dr. David Ross , Graduate Coordinator
Research Concentration
Psychology Department (2803)
The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga
615 McCallie Avenue Chattanooga, Tennessee 37403
349F A Holt Hall
Phone (423) 425-5288
