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

• PSYC 515  (2 credit hours)
• PSYC 509  (3 credit hours)
• PSYC 527  or PSYC 546  or PSYC 547  (3 credit hours)
• PSYC 511  or PSYC 524  (3 credit hours)
• PSYC 530  or PSYC 550  (3 credit hours)
• PSYC 521 -PSYC 522  or STAT 531 -STAT 532  (6 credit hours)
• PSYC 420  (for graduate credit) or PSYC 565  or PSYC 580  (3 credit hours)
• One 600-level course (3 credit hours)
• PSYC 500  Thesis (6 credit hours)

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

• PSYC 515  (2 credit hours)
• PSYC 509  (3 credit hours)
• PSYC 527  or PSYC 546  or PSYC 547  (3 credit hours)
• PSYC 511  or PSYC 524  (3 credit hours)
• PSYC 530  or PSYC 550  (3 credit hours)
• PSYC 521 -PSYC 522  or STAT 531 -STAT 532  (6 credit hours)
• PSYC 420  (for graduate credit) or PSYC 565  or PSYC 580  (3 credit hours)
• One 600-level course (3 credit hours)
• PSYC 500  Thesis (6 credit hours)

Non-Course Requirements

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