M.A. Program

The M.A. Program offers students the opportunity to earn a Master of Arts degree in Experimental Psychology. This program prepares students for careers and/or for admission to doctoral programs. In addition, it offers students the opportunity to complete a one-year Applied Behavior Analysis Certificate program. All courses in the certificate program can be credited to the M.A. degree if the certificate student is accepted in the M.A. program and chooses further study.

M.A. Program features:

• Web-based and lab-based research with human participants
• Neuroscience research
• Animal facilities
• Teaching and research assistantships
• Small program, with individual attention to student development
• Certificate program in Applied Behavior Analysis

The M.A. Program provides a strong core in basic experimental psychology, capped with a thesis. Twelve elective credits provide opportunities for a more general exploration of psychology as a field.

Required courses:

• Statistics (PSY 606)
  A graduate level treatment of descriptive and inferential univariate statistics. Data analysis using SPSS will be studied in conjunction with the theoretical material.
  Prerequisite: Undergraduate course in psychological statistics
  Spring. 3 credits

• Experimental Methods in Psychology I (PSY 607)
  The treatment of problems in the design and execution of single-case research is emphasized in this course. It includes a consideration of controls, drawing inferences and research techniques in both experimental and applied behavior analysis. Data presentation methods including the use of Microsoft Excel will be discussed.
  Fall. 3 credits

• Experimental Methods in Psychology II (PSY 608)
  This course covers the design, execution, and evaluation of psychological research using group designs. Representative topics include between and within group designs, random assignment, and questionnaire construction. Data collection via the Internet is emphasized.
  Prerequisite: PSY 607
  Fall. 3 credits

• Behavior Analysis and Learning (PSY 651)
  This course provides: (1) an introduction to the major theories dealing with conditioning and learning, and (2) a systematic analysis of the current data obtained from animal learning experiments in the area of reinforcement theory, stimulus control and aversive control.
  Fall. 3 credits

• Perception and Cognition (PSY 652)
  An examination of the principles of perception and cognition, with a focus on their interaction.
  Spring. 3 credits

• Neuropsychological Bases of Behavior (PSY 703)
  A systematic study of the neuroanatomical and neurophysiological mechanisms mediating behavior. Emphasis is placed on sensory systems and on mapping these systems within the brain. Neurological and psychological disorders are discussed with respect to the affected brain. Methods and techniques used in the investigation of neural correlates of behavior are demonstrated in the laboratory.
  Fall. 3 credits

• Thesis Tutorial (PSY 707)
  Student receives guidance on the selection of problem and development of the thesis study, followed by a proposal of the thesis.
  Every semester. 3 credits

• Thesis Tutorial II (PSY 708)
  Student receives guidance on the execution of the thesis study, followed by an oral defense of the thesis.
  Every semester. 3 credits.

Electives (a minimum of 12 credits must be taken):

• Social Psychology (PSY 614)
  This course is a discussion of fundamental issues in contemporary social psychology, together with an evaluation of theory, experimental methods, and research trends.
  On occasion. 3 credits.

• Personality (PSY 616)
  The theories of personality are examined from two viewpoints: the historical development of theories of behavior and a critical evaluation of these theories in the light of current research.
  On occasion. 3 credits.

• Developmental Psychology (PSY 653)
  Major theories, developmental norms, and experimental research on development throughout the lifespan are examined. The focus is on the development of the “self” in the historical, sociocultural, and physical environmental contexts. Special attention is given to ethnic and cross cultural similarities and differences, to the influence of cognitive processes, to behavior genetics, and to the information age.
  On occasion. 3 credits

• Psychopathology (PSY 655)
  Etiology, symptomatology, and dynamics of major mental disorders, the classification and systematic presentation of organic and nonorganic clinical patterns including neuroses and psychoses, and discussion of current literature are examined.
  Spring. 3 credits

• Applied Behavior Analysis (PSY 657)
  The theory and practice underlying the application of principles of classical and operant conditioning to the analysis and treatment of problems in human behavior are examined.
  Spring. 3 credits

• Practicum in Applied Behavior Analysis (PSY 658)
  Students will work in the field under the supervision of a qualified behavior analyst in a setting of their choice. The time period will vary between six weeks (summer) or fourteen weeks (fall or spring term). Practicum settings include, but are not limited to, agencies serving people with developmental disabilities, consulting firms, research facilities, and schools.
  Every semester. 3 credits

• Psychological Assessment (PSY 661)
  This course deals with the theories of intelligence, the history of the intelligence testing movement, and the administration, scoring, interpretation, and reporting on the major tests of intelligence for all ages. Emphasis is placed upon the Stanford-Binet Intelligence Scale, WPPSI, WISC, and WAIS. The use of specialized tests of intelligence for select handicapped populations (e.g., blind, deaf) is explored. The course includes supervised practical experience.
  Special fee
  On occasion. 3 credits

• Theory and Practice of Psychotherapy (PSY 664)
  This course is a survey of major theories of individual intervention and includes an introduction to basic techniques used in a one-to-one counseling situation.
  Fall. 3 credits

• Psychopharmacology (PSY 666)
  This course is a study of the neuropharmacological and behavioral effects of psychoactive drugs including stimulants and antidepressants, antianxiety agents, antipsychotics, hallucinogens or psychotomimetics, cannabis preparations, and the opiates.
  On occasion. 3 credits

• Advanced Issues in Psychology I (PSY 704)
  This course is the advanced treatment of topics of current theoretical interest. Registration by special permission only.
  Every semester. 3 credits

• Advanced Issues in Psychology II (PSY 705)
  This course is the advanced treatment of topics of current theoretical interest. Registration by special permission only.
  Every semester. 3 credits