What does this program emphasize?
The Psychological Science Master's Program is committed to quality training of students and the production of high quality research. Our goal is to offer courses and training in basic areas of psychology. Because our faculty members are expected to maintain active research laboratories, we provide a rich environment for graduate and undergraduate students to participate and learn about the research process. Master's level students are exposed to an extensive background in several basic areas of research, with the ultimate goal of training students to plan and execute original research in the field, as well as to advance their oral, writing, and critical thinking skills. These actions are intended to prepare master's graduates for advanced study so that they will be competitive applicants for a doctoral program.
What can I do with an M.A. in Psychological Science?
The Psychological Science program prepares students to enter the workforce in research-related careers or continuing to a doctoral level program in a sub-discipline such as cognitive, developmental, personality, or social psychology. Since 2008, approximately 80% of our students who have applied to doctoral programs have been admitted. Students applying for jobs after completing the program have gotten jobs as market researchers, data scientists, data analysts, and human factors designers
What is the orientation of the program?
The orientation of the program is research-focused. Students serve in an apprentice-like role assisting a mentoring faculty member with their research. The Psychological Science Master's Program faculty is composed of full-time faculty members representing the areas of biological, cognitive, developmental, ecological, forensic, health, personality, quantitative, and social psychology.
How can I be considered for admission?
Review of applicants will commence on February 1 and will continue until admissions are complete. It is helpful in completing your application materials to specify a mentor with whom you would like to do research.
How many students are accepted?
We typically have approximately 30-50 applicants and 6-10 students are accepted.
What factors are considered in the admission decision?
Academic background, research experience, and motivation to conduct research are the main factors taken into consideration when considering applicants. All information included with your application will be considered, including GRE scores if submitted, GPA, research experience, your personal statement, letters of recommendation and anything else you include with your application. Your personal statement should emphasize your research interests.
What is the ASU Psychology Department like?
There are 33 full-time faculty members in the department. The Psychological Science program has 14 core faculty members who teach courses, act as mentors, and serve as thesis committee chairs and members.
There are approximately 1500 Psychology undergraduate students and 80 Psychology graduate students in the department at any given time. Students from the Clinical, Industrial/Organizational, and School programs will also be in many of the required core classes, and there are multiple opportunities to establish relationships with students outside of the Psychological Science program.
For more information, please visit the website for the Dr. Wiley F. Smith Department of Psychology.
How do I get financial aid?
Complete a Free Application for Financial Student Aid (FAFSA) on the web at www.fafsa.ed.gov and list the schools you are considering on the form. You will receive an estimate of financial aid based on your current income. Students typically receive between $3,000 and $5,000 a semester for tuition and living expenses. Out of state students may receive more if they are independent.
For more information, please visit the Appalachian State University Office of Student Financial Aid Website.
What kind of support is available?
First-year students are guaranteed a 10-hour graduate assistantship, which pays $3,500 per semester. Typically, we are able to offer students 20-hour assistantships ($7,000 per semester).
Students in the first year (spring semester) have the opportunity to take Teaching of Psychology, a requirement for those students who would like to be able to teach an introductory Psychology class in the second year. These 20-hour teaching assistantships pay $7,000 per semester. There are often additional assistantships available within and outside of the Psychology department.
What is the tuition for graduate students at ASU?
Graduate tuition information is provided by the Office of Student Accounts.