Psychology Major, MA

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.
• Scores from the Graduate Record Examination (general and/or Psychology) may be submitted, but are not required.
• Submit online application to the Office of Graduate Admissions.

Major Advisor and Committee

• Students must earn a grade of B or better in all courses that are to count toward the 32 graduate 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.

General Psychology — Thesis

The MA in General Psychology is only 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.