Master of Science in Psychology

Program Description

The Master of Science in Psychology is a flexible degree program. Students can graduate either by completing a practicum, or by successfully completing and defending an original research project (thesis). As such, our program offers two tracks: a thesis track and a practicum track.

Clinical Thesis Track

A thesis is a guided research experience that is supposed to help students learn to produce and publish original research. A thesis is required for those that plan to also go on to a doctoral program. Students need to work closely with their academic advisor to make sure they are registering for courses that will lead toward completion of one of these programs of study. The department has a once-a-year admission policy (Fall only). Thus, each class is a Fall start cohort.

Practicum Track

If students do not plan to do doctoral work, we recommend the practicum track. Students may find it more difficult to obtain employment in settings that provide direct clinical services if they have not completed a practicum. Students need to work closely with their academic advisor to make sure they are registering for courses that will lead toward completion of one of these programs of study. The department has a once-a-year admission policy (Fall only). Thus, each class is a Fall start cohort.

Students can choose to complete both tracks. In this scenario, the thesis satisfies the graduation requirement, and a practicum is undertaken to either strengthen the student’s academic vita, or to help her or him pursue post-master’s employment in a clinical setting.

We only admit in the Fall term and applications are due by July 1. Here are required application procedures and frequently asked questions. 

All graduate students, regardless of chosen track, are required to successfully complete the graduate comprehensive exam. The purpose of the examination is to allow you to demonstrate your competency of the material learned in your graduate studies. Studying for this examination will give you a chance to integrate what you have learned in your classes and to remedy your deficiencies, and will help prepare you to take the licensing exam.

Graduate students can earn money for school and gain valuable work experience from one of the graduate assistantships that are available on a competitive basis. We also have Graduate Scholarships.