The graduate program in psychology offers training in the behavioral
sciences including concentrations in developmental psychology,
neuroscience, perception/cognition, and social psychology. There is a
strong emphasis on research, empirical methods, teaching, and
presentation skills throughout the duration of graduate studies.
In preparation for cross-disciplinary research, all students are
required to take and pass one course in each of our four core
concentration areas. Additionally, students must pass foundation courses
that include statistics, experimental design, and our proseminar. To
gain depth as well as breadth in the behavioral sciences, students must
also complete 21 credits of electives during their training. In addition
to coursework and continuous research, during the month of September,
all third-year graduate students must pass the qualifying examination.
The qualifying exam consists of an NIH-style grant proposal that is
evaluated through oral and written examination.
The dissertation committee is formed after the student has passed the
qualifying examination. This committee must approve the student's
dissertation proposal, and it has full but collaborative control over
the nature of that proposal. The committee consists of a chair,
who is a full member of the graduate faculty; two other members of the
department graduate faculty, and includes the student's adviser and an
outside member.
When the dissertation is complete, the student and the committee
chair schedule an oral defense, working in consultation with the
other committee members. The date of the oral defense must be
approved by the program director at least four weeks before the defense
takes place. All members of the graduate faculty are invited to attend
the defense. Every attempt is made by the members of the dissertation
committee to reach a unanimous decision, but if this should prove
impossible, a student can pass the defense with affirmative votes from
three of the four members.
