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                                 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.

Program Requirements - Research Concentration

Completion of a minimum of 36 hours of graduate coursework is required for graduation. Eighteen of these hours are core courses, with the remaining 18 hours consisting of approved elective coursework or thesis credit. Students must successfully defend a thesis.

Schedule of courses - Research Concentration

First Year
Fall
Psychology 510 - Applied Research I
Psychology 595r or 596r - Advanced Studies
Psychology 501 - Teaching of Psychology

Spring
Psychology 514 - Applied Research II
Psychology 595r or 596r - Advanced Studies
Elective

Second Year
Fall
Psychology 595r or 596r - Advanced Studies
Psychology 599r - Master's Thesis
Elective

Spring
Psychology 599r - Master's Thesis
Elective
Elective

Couse Descriptions

501 Teaching of Psychology (3)

This course, taken by many first-year graduate students in the Department of Psychology, is intended to provide, an in-depth understanding of the fundamental elements of  teaching, while placing an emphasis on the quality of teaching.  Due to the interactive nature of the material, it is a highly participative course.  Activities are intended to provide a strong network of peer and mentor support.  Throughout the course the student will develop a better understanding of: Proper course preparation, The process of classroom interaction, and Assessment of learning, Remember: Teachers are lifelong students!

Sample Syllabus from Fall 2007

510/511 Applied Research I (3)

Discussion of problems in the application of psychological research methodology in nonlaboratory settings. Emphasis on the interpretation and relevance of research results for the practitioner. Prerequisite: PSY 201 and admission to the Research master’s program or approval of the graduate coordinator.

Sample Syllabus from Fall 2007

514 Applied Research II (3)

Prerequisite: PSY 510 or 511, and Admission to the Research Master’s Program or approval of the Graduate Coordinator.

Sample Syllabus from Spring 2007

595r Advanced Studies in Experimental Psychology (3)

Detailed examination of current issues in learning, perception and psychophysics cognition and/or physiological psychology. Maximum credit: nine hours for students in the psychology graduate programs unless specific approval is given by program director. Prerequisite: approval of the instructor.

Sample Syllabus from Fall 2007

596r Advanced Studies in Developmental/ Personality/Social Psychology (3)

Detailed examination of current issues in personality, developmental and/or social psychology. Maximum credit: nine hours for students in the psychology graduate program unless specific approval is given by program director. Prerequisite: Admission to a Psychology master's program or approval of the graduate instructor.

Sample Syllabus from Fall 2007

 

597r Individual Research (1-3)

Supervised individual projects that involve intensive literature surveys or development of research procedures. A written report required. Maximum credit: six hours. Prerequisite: approval of the instructor.

598r Directed Individual Study (1-3)

Supervised individual study in subject areas included in the graduate curriculum in psychology. Demonstration of knowledge acquired via tests and/or reports required. Maximum credit: six hours unless specific approval is given by student’s program director. Prerequisite: approval of the instructor.

599r Master’s Thesis (1-6)

Maximum of six hours of graded credit.

A Note about Electives :   

The seminars (PSY 595 and 596) can be taken as electives, as can any I/O course.  In addition, students may take course from other departments with permission of the Coordinator.  For example, students interested in Program Evaluation can take that course from Human Services Management.  All courses taken outside of the department require permission and usually also require approval of the instructor.

Program Faculty

Please visit http://www.utc.edu/Academic/Psychology/profiles.php to read about each faculty member's research interests.

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

Supplemental Data Form

Letter of Recomendation

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