Master of Science Program in Experimental Psychology

The Experimental Psychology specialization reflects our commitment to providing students with a generalized background in experimental psychology while allowing them to concentrate in areas of study adequately represented among the faculty. These areas currently include primate behavior, educational psychology, applied behavior analysis, social psychology, human cognition, evolutionary psychology, and animal behavior. Applicants for admission should indicate their interest area(s) in their personal statement of goals.

It may be possible to develop curricular tracks in other areas of psychology and/or interdisciplinary programs; however, to be sure that a curriculum can be developed that meets the student's needs, it should be planned in consultation with a faculty advisor prior to enrollment in the program. Students take classes in Research Methods, Theories (in various content areas), Current Issues in Psychology, and Thesis. The degree requires 36-38 credit hours.

The educational requirements of the Animal Behavior Society's Associate Applied Animal Behaviorist Certificate can be met by completing the degree program with an appropriate selection of core and elective courses.

Upon enrolling, students will meet with their faculty advisors to discuss objectives and to establish a research plan. Collaborative research is encouraged, beginning with a research project, developed in conjunction with the advisor, which may lead to the student's master's thesis.

Prerequisites: PSY 301, 362, 363, 461 (or approved equivalents). Prerequisite courses may be taken concurrently with certain program courses. For a list of classes associated with this program, please see the graduate catalog.

Applied Behavior Analysis Specialization

The field of Behavior Analysis grew out of the scientific study of principles of learning and behavior. It has two main branches: experimental and applied behavior analysis. The experimental analysis of behavior (EAB) is the basic science of this field and has accumulated a substantial and well-respected research literature. This literature provides the scientific foundation for applied behavior analysis (ABA), which is both an applied science that develops methods of changing behavior and a profession that provides services to meet diverse behavioral needs. Professionals in applied behavior analysis engage in the specific and comprehensive use of principles of learning, including operant and respondent learning, in order to address behavioral needs of widely varying individuals in diverse settings. Examples of these applications include: building the skills and achievements of children in school settings, and enhancing the development, abilities, and choices of children and adults with different kinds of disabilities.

The specialization in applied behavior analysis is designed to prepare graduates with the knowledge and skills of behavior analysis for later doctoral study, or for work with individuals in clinical or research settings such as education, developmental disabilities, and mental health. This program provides the educational requirements to become a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). Additional BCBA requirements include supervised hours of practice and a board examination. This specialization requires students to complete the core experimental behavior classes and add an additional 34 credit hours (for a total of 70-72 credit hours). Details are provided in the graduate catalog.

You can read more about the ABA program here.