Graduate: M.S. in Psychological Science

Program Mission: The purpose of our program is to provide the training and education needed to become a competent psychological scientist. We use a mentorship model that offers our students the opportunity to work within vibrant research programs led by leading Psychological Scientists whose expertise spans across a variety of sub-disciplines, including child development, gerontology, clinical, cognitive, and socio-cultural. Our faculty work closely with students and community partners to develop evidence-based solutions for challenges encountered in the home, workplace, courtroom, healthcare and educational settings. We have a common goal of leveraging expertise in studying human behavior to promote health and well-being for individuals from diverse backgrounds. In addition to gaining applied research experience, students will take courses within a curriculum designed to foster the skills required to be successful in Ph.D. programs, as well as the applied research sector. We also offer students unique opportunities to gain hands-on teaching experience, and robust statistical skills.

Core Skills/Competencies: Students in our program will acquire a set of marketable skills through coursework, direct research supervision, and a thesis project.  While we strive to tailor students training based on their research interests and career goals, a core set of competencies will be acquired through successful completion of our program. These competencies include:

• Knowledge of a variety of research designs
• Proficiency in a wide range of data analytic approaches, including quantitative and qualitative methods
• Ability to collaborate effectively within professional settings
• Effective instructional skills and knowledge of high-impact teaching practices
• Knowledge of core psychological science sub-disciplines
• Ability to critically evaluate theoretical and empirical work within Psychology
• Effective written and oral communication skills
• Knowledge of ethical and methodological considerations in research with people from diverse backgrounds
• Ability to develop evidence-based solutions to real-world problems