Experimental M.A. Program
APPLY NOW REQUEST INFO GRADUATE COLLEGEGraduates of our general experimental psychology program are prepared to pursue a doctorate in one of the areas of experimental psychology or provide research support to ongoing public or private projects. The experimental psychology option is designed to help a student advance to a Ph.D. program. The graduate could teach at the post-secondary level. With work experience gained in one’s already-established career path, the M.A. in experimental psychology may lead to enhanced career opportunities.
The Experimental Psychology option has the objectives of:
- Providing a core knowledge of psychology and specialized areas of research that interest the student,
- Developing the ability to conduct research in psychology at the master's degree level, and
- Preparing students with the necessary background to support continuation of graduate psychology in doctoral programs emphasizing research competencies.
If one's goal is to teach psychology at a regional university which offers baccalaureate degrees, or degrees higher than the baccalaureate, one will eventually need to earn a Ph.D. in psychology to be able to have the opportunity to become tenured and promoted.
If one's career goal is to earn a Ph.D. in psychology, it is more efficient to directly apply and be accepted into a Ph.D. granting program. Ph.D. granting institutions often will allow little transfer credit for those students accepted into their Ph.D. programs with an M.A. One would obtain an M.A. in psychology from UTRGV in order to enhance the likelihood of entering a Ph.D. program, because one did not meet the admissions requirements to the Ph.D. from the baccalaureate level. This may occur, for example, if one’s GRE score, grade point average, and work/research experience are limited. Many Ph.D. programs in psychology will, however, grant preferential admission to applicants who hold an M.A. in psychology.
The department also offers the almost full integration of the Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) certificate with a Master of Arts in Experimental Psychology.
Overview
The Master of Arts in Experimental Psychology program prepares students to pursue a doctorate in one of the areas of experimental psychology or provide research support to ongoing public or private projects. The experimental psychology option is designed to help a student advance to a Ph.D. program.
Admission Requirements
To be admitted to the graduate program in experimental psychology, prospective candidates must first meet all requirements for graduate admission to UT Rio Grande Valley, as well as the other requirements listed below:
- Undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0 in the last 60 semester credit hours.
- Undergraduate course in statistics and/or research methods with a grade of B or higher.
- Three letters of recommendation from professional or academic sources.
- A 500-word essay that outlines your educational and professional goals and your qualifications for graduate study. Include the following:
- Discuss your fit with the program as well as your short-term and long-term academic and professional goals.
- Describe any previous fieldwork and research experience or interests, and explain how these align with specific faculty work in our department.
- Resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV).
Application for admission must be submitted prior to the published deadline. The application is available at www.utrgv.edu/gradapply.
Course Requirements
Thesis Option:
Required Courses (15 hours)
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| PSYC 6344 | Memory and Cognition | 3 |
| PSYC 6303 | Inferential Statistics | 3 |
| PSYC 6304 | Multivariate Statistics | 3 |
| PSYC 6332 | Research Design | 3 |
| PSYC 6325 | Conditioning and Learning | 3 |
Electives (15 Hours)
Selected in consultation with the graduate program coordinator. The Applied Behavior Analyst Certificate may be added as part of the 15 hours of electives.
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| PSYC 6321 | Contemporary Topics in Psychology: Animal Behavior Research | 3 |
| PSYC 6174 | Special Topics in Psychology: Journal and BCBA Review | 1 |
| PSYC 6274 | Special Topics in Psychology: Journal and BCBA Review | 2 |
| PSYC 6302 | Statistics for Psychological Research II | 3 |
| PSYC 6305 | Advanced Studies in Psychopathology | 3 |
| PSYC 6306 | Social Psychology | 3 |
| PSYC 6311 | Advanced Studies in Personality Theory | 3 |
| PSYC 6312 | Child Psychopathology | 3 |
| PSYC 6315 | Applied Behavior Analysis | 3 |
| PSYC 6320 | Neuropsychology | 3 |
| PSYC 6321* | Contemporary Topics in Psychology | 3 |
| PSYC 6330 | Developmental Psychology | 3 |
| PSYC 6334 | Single Subject Designs | 3 |
| PSYC 6336 | Advanced Psychological Measurement | 3 |
| PSYC 6340 | Cross-Cultural Psychology | 3 |
| PSYC 6350 | Behavioral Assessment | 3 |
| PSYC 6351 | Behavior Change | 3 |
| PSYC 6352 | Personality Assessment | 3 |
| PSYC 6354 | Individual Psychotherapy | 3 |
| PSYC 6355 | Behavior Change and Supervision | 3 |
| PSYC 6356 | Group Psychotherapy | 3 |
| PSYC 6362 | Contemporary Professional Issues and Ethics in Applied Behavior Analysis | 3 |
| PSYC 6363 | Contemporary Professional Issues and Ethics in Psychology | 3 |
| PSYC 6364 | Clinical Practicum I | 3 |
| PSYC 6368 | Internship | 3 |
| PSYC 6390 | Psychology Research Internship | 3 |
*PSYC 6321 may be taken twice when the topic varies.
Thesis (6 Hours)
More details on thesis requirements and expectations will be provided by the student’s thesis advisor. Requirements and expectations by the graduate college may be found at the ETD website https://www.utrgv.edu/graduate/for-new-and-current-students/thesis-and-dissertation/index.htm.
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| PSYC 7300 | Thesis I | 3 |
| PSYC 7301 | Thesis II | 3 |
Total Credit Hours: 36