Mar 28, 2024  
2019-2020 Graduate Catalog 
    
2019-2020 Graduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Psychology Major, MA


This program is appropriate for two types of students. The MA in Experimental Psychology is appropriate for students who wish to gain stronger background in psychology before seeking admission to a PhD program. The MA in General Psychology is appropriate for students who are currently in our clinical or counseling doctorate programs and want to earn a master’s degree as part of their progress toward the doctorate.

Campus Code

Knoxville Campus

Concentrations (Required) and Option Available

Experimental Psychology — Thesis 

General Psychology — Thesis

Admissions Standards/Procedures

  • Any student with a BA or BS may apply to the Department of Psychology for admission to the Experimental Psychology master’s program.
  • Only students who are currently enrolled in one of our PhD programs should apply for the General Psychology master’s program.
  • All students must submit scores from the Graduate Record Examination (general).

Major Advisor and Committee

  • Students must earn a grade of B or better in all courses that are to count toward the 32 credit hour total.
  • Initially, the Director of Experimental Psychology will advise the student.
    • As soon as possible, the student must select an advisor and obtain his or her approval for registration.
    • Subsequently, the advisor and student will select two additional faculty members to comprise the student’s master’s committee.
    • Final committee approval comes from the graduate dean, upon recommendation by the department head.

Experimental Psychology — Thesis

The Experimental Psychology MA program is designed to prepare students for entry into a PhD program.  It may be appropriate for students who did not have an undergraduate psychology major or for students who wish to have a stronger background in coursework and research before applying to a doctoral program.

Credit Hours Required

32 graduate credit hours

Required Courses

Non-Course Requirements

  • Students must also propose, conduct, and successfully defend an original piece of research in the form of a master’s thesis.

General Psychology — Thesis

The MA in General Psychology is appropriate for students who are currently in our clinical or counseling doctorate programs and want to earn a master’s degree as part of their progress toward the doctorate.

Credit Hours Required

32 graduate credit hours

Required Courses

Non-Course Requirements

  • Students must also propose, conduct, and successfully defend an original piece of research in the form of a master’s thesis.