Experimental Psychology
Masters Degree
The Department of Psychology offers a Master of Science degree that provides students with a thorough grounding in experimental psychology, preparing the student for doctoral programs and research psychology positions in Michigan which require the Master's degree. The M.S. degree in psychology at NMU (a) will provide intensive student-initiated research training in a variety of areas of experimental psychology, (b) will provide the statistical and methodological knowledge required to examine basic or applied issues and to function as a professional psychologist, and (c) will develop an appreciation of the scientific basis of all fields of psychology, In addition to the satisfaction of completing an advanced degree, many graduates of this program will pursue training at the doctoral level while others will be prepared to work in a wide variety of occupations in which an advanced understanding of psychology, research methodology or human research is of value.

The Master's candidate may choose a thesis topic in any of these areas of specialization: social psychology, cognitive science, neuroscience, developmental psychology, behavioral analysis, and history of psychology. As a Master of Science candidate in Psychology students will work closely with a primary faculty advisor who has expertise in the chosen field of experimental psychology. The program is designed such that during the first year the student should be able to complete the required course work and prepare a thesis proposal; during the second year the student should be able to complete the remaining course credits and the data-based thesis. A thesis defense conducted by the student's thesis committee, open to members of the university community, is the capstone project for the M.S. degree.

Program Requirements and Required Courses

The degree requirements for the M.S. in Psychology are a minimum of 36-graduate level course credits which must include (a) successful completion of the two core courses in advanced research methods and experimental design, PY 505 and PY 506, for a total of 8 credits, (b) successful completion (and defense) of the Master's thesis, PY 599, for a maximum total of 4 credits, and (c) a minimum of 12 credits of course work at the 500-level (3 courses) excluding the thesis credits.

Core
PY505: Advanced Research Methods and Experimental Design I- 4 credit hours
PY506: Advanced Research Methods and Experimental Design II- 4 credit hours

Concentration - - 20-24 credit hours
Courses selected with the approval of advisor. A minimum of 12 credits must be at the 500-level.
A maximum of 8 credits can be taken in directed studies.

Research

PY 599: Thesis - - 4 credit hours


Total Credits Required for Degree - 36 Credit Hours


A thesis research proposal will be evaluated by the student's thesis committee before thesis research may formally begin and before the student is advanced to candidacy. The thesis committee includes the student's advisor (chair of the committee), one other member of the Psychology Department and an appropriately qualified member from outside the department. A faculty member in another department may substitute for the department member, with the approval of the thesis advisor and the department. An open thesis oral defense is required. The thesis will demonstrate the student's capacity for independent work of acceptable scientific caliber. It is anticipated that each full time regular member of the faculty of the Department of Psychology will supervise from 1-3 (full-time equivalent) M.S. students. The thesis must be completed within 3 years of completion of all course requirements.

Admission Requirements


Applications for admission to the M.S. program in psychology at Northern Michigan University, on either a full-time or a part-time basis, will be accepted from students holding a B.A. or B.S. degree preferably in Psychology or an appropriate equivalent. Candidates with other majors will be considered but may be required to complete certain undergraduate course work in Psychology prior to being advanced to candidacy for the M.S. degree. Candidates must submit an authorized transcript of their B.A. or B.S. level work, the results of the GRE exams (both the General and the Psychology sections), a Curriculum Vitae, a formal letter of application outlining goals and expectations and at least three letters of reference from individuals who know the candidate personally. The Graduate Admissions Committee of the Department of Psychology will review all applications and will consult with potential thesis supervisors of suitable candidates. Dossiers are evaluated in their entirety. The Committee will offer full or conditional admission to the M.S. degree program, depending upon the candidates comparative strengths and weaknesses, to a limited number of acceptable applicants each year.


Further Information


For further information, contact the Department of Psychology, 346 Gries Hall, phone (906) 227-2935.