The graduate program in psychology, leading to the master's of arts degree, is designed both for individuals seeking advanced degree work in psychological science and for those dealing with human resource, program evaluation, or human factors issues in their workplace. In keeping with the goals of the field's two major professional organizations--the American Psychological Association and the Association for Psychological Science--the program emphasizes using scientific research methods to assist in the solution of real-world problems.
Students elect to pursue a course of study with either an applied focus or a basic research focus. The applied research track is designed to serve students who either have jobs or seek employment in such applied settings as education, the health professions, business, the legal system, and social services. This track combines a rigorous program of academic study with a hands-on research project, focused on solving a specific problem under close faculty guidance. The basic research track is designed to serve students who wish to prepare for admission to a doctoral program or who seek employment in research settings. For these students, a rigorous program of coursework combined with an individually supervised research apprenticeship will lead to projects with the potential for publication.
