What is General Experimental psychology?
GENERAL EXPERIMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY EMPHASIZES BASIC THEORY AND INCLUDES TRAINING IN EXPERIMENTAL, QUASI-EXPERIMENTAL AND NON-EXPERIMENTAL METHODOLOGY IN PSYCHOLOGY. Currently, some areas of interest in which specialized training is available are a) quantitative methods and research design, b) physiological psychology, c) learning and cognition, d) social psychology, e) behavior modification and f) developmental psychology. A rigorous program in General Experimental Psychology, with thesis, is advised for the student who intends later to go on to pursue a Ph.D. in an area of psychology in which research and methodology are required.
What can I do with a General Experimental degree?
A rigorous program in General Experimental Psychology with thesis, comprehensive exams, research experience and teaching experience is advised for the student who intends later to apply to a Ph.D. program in theoretical psychology or certain areas of applied psychology. A recent report from the National Science Foundation confirmed that more graduates of our department completed Ph.D. programs than graduates from any other non-Ph.D. granting university in the country. The M.A. degree in General Experimental psychology can also serve as a basis for employment in applied psychology. Graduates may qualify for research positions in government or industry, particularly those positions that require knowledge of data base management and computer applications. In conjunction with expertise in business or health science, graduates often find excellent career opportunities in educational, consumer, corporate, or community settings.
How do I apply to the General Experimental Program?
Typically an undergraduate major in psychology (although we have had successful students from other majors) and a strong overall grade point average are required. Normally, GRE scores should be above the 50th percentile and the grade point average should be no less than 3.00 in Psychology courses and 3.00 overall. Students with lower scores on the GRE or with somewhat lower grade point averages are occasionally accepted if they can provide alternative evidence of capability to perform successfully in the General-Experimental option. Alternative evidence might include a broad background in mathematics and natural science, a linguistic or socio-cultural background which differs from that of the typical applicant, a research or professional background, or a disability that requires alternative measures of potential competence.
Non-psychology majors who would otherwise be acceptable to our program are urged to qualify themselves for admission by completing the requirements in our Graduate Handbook. Applicants whose background differs from that of the typical applicant to our program should ensure that at least two of the required three letters of recommendation are provided by faculty members from whom they took upper division courses in psychology.
Applications are due:For More Information:
- April 1st - Fall Applications
- November 15th - Spring Applications
- Consult the Graduate Handbook and University Catalog
- Contact the program co-directors:Dr. Ainsworth and Dr. Otten
- Read the application checklist
- If you have further questions, contact the Psychology Department.
**Additional forms may be found on the Graduate Forms page.
What is expected for the M.A.?
Required Courses (20 units) Course # Course Name Units Psy 420/L Advanced Statistical Methods and Lab 3/1 Psy 520/L Multivariate Statistical Methods and Lab 3/1 Psy 524/L Multivariate Analysis by Computer and Lab 3/1 Advanced Research Methods (3 units) Psy 692A Seminar in Research Methodology 3 Advanced Psychological Theory (9 units) Select 6 units from the following: Psy 690A Seminar in Sensation and Perception 3 Psy 690B Seminar in Conditioning and Learning 3 Psy 691A Seminar in Cognition 3 Psy 691B Seminar in Emotion and Motivation 3 And select 3 units from the following: Psy 640 Advanced Social Psychology I 3 Psy 641 Advanced Social Psychology II 3 Electives (8 units) Students must take 8 or more academic units at the 400-level (by permission), 500 or 600-level. Thesis (6 units) Psy 697 Directed Comprehensive Studies 3 Psy 698 Thesis or Graduate Project 3 Area Examination: 3 units, which do not count toward 34 units. Each candidate for the M.A. degree must pass an examination in the area of General Experimental Psychology conducted by the graduate committee of this option. For further information, consult the Department of Psychology Graduate Handbook or graduate advisor.
Final Oral Examination: This examination is based primarily on the thesis and is scheduled 2 weeks after the final version of the thesis is presented to the graduate committee.
Total time allowed for completion of the entire program is 7 years from the time of acceptance. Students who intend to interrupt their program are expected to notify the department in writing to request prior approval. Those who fail to meet these requirements, or who fail to maintain a grade-point average of 3.0 or greater, are subject to being dropped from the program.
TOTAL MINIMUM UNITS REQUIRED FOR THE M.A. DEGREE IN PSYCHOLOGY, GENERAL EXPERIMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY OPTION: 34
Program Faculty
Donald Butler (Emeritus; not pictured) Gabriela Chavira Janet Oh Sun-Mee Kang (not pictured) Bradley McAuliff Mark Otten (Program Director) Jill Quilici Abraham Rutchick (not pictured) Carrie Saetermoe Jerry Shaw (not pictured) Holli Tonyan Michele Wittig Erica Wohldmann Robert Youmans
Top L to R: Jill Quilici, Janet Oh, Erica Wohldmann, Gabriela Chavira, Holli Tonyan, Carrie Saetermoe
Bottom L to R: Robert Youmans, Michele Wittig, Bradley McAuliff, Andrew Ainsworth
