Experimental Psychology, M.S.

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Program Director

Wendy A. Williams
Psychology 426

The experimental psychology specialization reflects our commitment to provide students with a generalized background in experimental psychology at the graduate level. Two specializations are available: General Experimental Psychology and Applied Behavior Analysis. Students are expected to complete a set of required core courses and additional requirements within either of the two specializations. Applicants for admission should indicate their interest area(s) in their personal statement of goals. Upon enrolling, students will meet with their faculty advisors to discuss ofjectives and to establish a research plan. Collaborative research is encouraged, beginning with a research project, developled in conjunction with the advisor, which may lead to the student’s master’s thesis.

Prerequisites: PSY 301, 362, 363, 461 (or approved equivalents). Prerequisite courses may be taken concurrently with certain program courses.

Required Core Courses

Methods and Statistics Credits: 9-10

Choose at least two courses:

PSY 550 - Research in Natural Environments Credits: (5)
PSY 555 - Design and Analysis for Applied Research Credits: (4)
PSY 558 - Advanced Statistics Credits: (5)

Theory and Research Credits: 12-13

Choose at least three courses:

PSY 541 - Cognitive Psychology Credits: (5)
PSY 551 - Behavior Analysis Credits: (4)
PSY 576 - Comparative Psychology Credits: (4)
PSY 588 - Physiological Psychology Credits: (4)

Other Required Courses:

PSY 580 - Current Issues in Psychology Credits: (3)
Must be taken for 2 different topics for 6 credits.
PSY 595 - Graduate Research Credits: (1-10)
Must be taken for 3 credits
PSY 700 - Master’s Thesis, Project Study and/or Examination Credits: (1-6)
Must be taken for 6 credits

Subtotal Core Credits: 36-38

General Experimental Psychology Specialization

The general experimental psychology specialization requires students to complete the required core courses and a set of electives that allow the students to concentrate in areas of study adequately represented among the faculty. These areas currently include industrial/organizational psychology, primate behavior, educational psychology, human cognition, evolutionary psychology and animal behavior.

It may be possible to develop curricular tracks in other areas of psychology and/or interdisciplinary programs; however, to be sure that a curriculum can be developed that meets the student’s needs, it should be planned in consultation with a faculty advisor prior to enrollment in the program.

The educational requirements of the Animal Behavior Society’s Associate Applied Animal Behaviorist Certificate can be met by completing the degree program with an appropriate selection of core and elective courses.

Core Requirements Credits: 36-38

Electives Credits: 10-12

By advisement, in approved ares of concentration.

Total GEP Credits: 48

Applied Behavior Analysis Specialization Credits: 34-36

The specialization in applied behavior analysis is designed to prepare graduates with the knowledge and skills of behavior analysis for later doctoral study or for work with individuals and organizations in clinical or research settings such as education, developmental disabilities, mental health, business, and industry. This program provides the educational requirements to become a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). Additional BCBA requirements include supervised hours of practice and a board examination.

Core Requirements Credits: 36-38

Required Courses Credits: 34

EDSE 501 - Orientation, Foundations, and Issues Credits: (2)
EDSE 510 - Instructional Management Principles Credits: (3)
EDSE 521 - Functional Behavioral and Instructional Assessment Credits: (3)
PSY 553 - Single-Subject Design Credits: (4)
PSY 554 - Behavioral Interventions Credits: (5)
PSY 562 - Advanced Principles of Learning Credits: (4)
PSY 684 - Internship in Applied Experimental Psychology Credits: (3-12)
Must be taken for 12 credits

Total ABA Credits: 70-72

* ABA track students must select PSY 551 from the Theory and research option list.