Graduate Degree

Students are accepted for graduate study in psychology only if judged by a departmental committee to be qualified to complete a doctoral degree, and programs of study are planned with this goal in mind; the master's sequence is generally developed as an integral part of the doctoral program with special attention given to the plans and needs of each student. Additional details are given under the doctoral program as outlined below. There is no terminal master's degree in the Psychology program.

In addition to meeting the requirements of the university and of the College of Social Science, students must meet the requirements specified below.

Admission

Admissions decisions are made by a holistic evaluation of candidate applications , with the goal of determining if the candidates are qualified to complete a doctoral degree in Psychology, as the MA sequence is an integral part of the doctoral degree.

Factors given major consideration for admission to the graduate program at the first–year level include (1) an approved bachelor's degree recognized by MSU as comparable to a 4-year degree from an accredited institution, college or university, (2) a junior–senior undergraduate grade–point average of 3.20 or better in academic studies, (3) undergraduate courses in relevant psychology content and statistics, (4) favorable evaluations of the applicant by three referees, preferably instructors or research advisors in the applicants undergraduate major; and (5) approval by faculty in the area of interest and the Graduate Program Director that an applicant has achieved the above is not sufficient for admission. The number of applicants with superior qualifications exceeds the number of students that can be accommodated. 

The department is especially interested in quality students and generally considers applicants regardless of their undergraduate majors if they have adequate background for graduate study in psychology. 

Completed applications must be received by December 1 for consideration for the subsequent fall semester.

Requirements for the Master of Arts Degree in Psychology

To meet individual needs, every student has a guidance committee with the student's advisor as chairperson. The committee develops a program of studies in consultation with the student. The program is available only under Plan A (with thesis). The student must complete a total of 30 credits as follows:

Requirements for Both Plan A 

1. Complete 4 credits of PSY 899 Master's Thesis Research.
2. Preparation of an approved thesis proposal and successful oral defense of the proposal.
3. Successful oral defense of the thesis.
4. Complete Responsible Conduct of Research requirements.