General Psychology - Masters
For information regarding specific course requirements, refer to the University Graduate Catalog.
Program Mission
The Master of Science degree program in General Psychology offers students advanced training in the core areas of psychology and the opportunity to develop and explore specialized areas of interest. Students work closely with a faculty mentor to design an individualized course of study that combines classroom training and hands-on research experience. Graduates will have a solid foundation for pursuing doctoral-level training in psychology and related fields or for entry into a variety of work settings.
General Psychology Model Curriculum
Program Description
The M.S. Degree in General Psychology is a 4 semester (fall, spring, summer, fall) full-time degree program including coursework in statistics and research methods, as well as in cognitive psychology, neuropsychology/physiological psychology, developmental psychology, social/cultural psychology, and individual differences. An important component of the program is the thesis requirement, in which students develop a research project in collaboration with their faculty mentor. The topic of the research project is usually an experimental study, but project concerning the history of psychology is also possible. Students should consult the General Psychology MS Handbook for a list of faculty members and their interests. Prospective graduate students must have a faculty member willing to work with them on their thesis if they are to be accepted into the program. To see a list of recent graduates, see Completed Thesis Projects.
The program prepares graduates to work in a variety of areas, including developing their knowledge of statistical and research methods as well as of diverse fields within psychology, and engendering their skills and knowledge in relation to the specific field of study of their thesis.
The Department of Psychology at Eastern Kentucky University offers a stimulating and supportive environment for graduate study. Students are encouraged to collaborate with faculty in research and other academic and professional activities. The Department is housed in the Cammack Building. The building features a student computer lab, graduate student work areas, and excellent research facilities. Our interlibrary loan facilities are excellent, such that students have relatively quick access to publications well beyond those in our well-stocked library.
Admission Requirements
General information regarding applying to the EKU Graduate School
Admission Requirements
- A minimum of five undergraduate psychology courses including general psychology, statistics, and experimental psychology plus two other acceptable courses [comparable courses in relevant disciplines (e.g., Human Resources, Business) will be considered].
- A minimum overall undergraduate grade point average of 2.5, or 2.75 for the last 60 hours. Students receiving clear admission to graduate programs in psychology usually have an overall undergraduate grade point average of 3.0 or higher.
- A Graduate Record Examination (GRE) score is required.
- Must submit academic transcripts for any undergraduate and graduate work
- Completion of an online application including a personal statement, three letters of recommendation, and curriculum vitae/resume.
Admissions and the Application Process
The admissions process will include the completion of an online application. The application process will occur completely online through the EKU Graduate School website (http://gradschool.eku.edu/apply), including submission of personal statement, 3 letters of recommendation, and CV/resume. Once materials have been received they will be reviewed by the Admission Committee. Applicants will be ranked based on GRE, GPA, personal statement, letters of recommendation, and relevant academic and professional experience. Applications should be received by March 1. Notification regarding admission will usually be made in April. Students applying later may be accepted if space is available.
Applications should be completed by March 1 in order to be considered for the next entering class.
Completed applications will include:
- Completed online application through EKU Graduate School (http://gradschool.eku.edu/apply).
- Academic transcripts from every institution you have attended (undergraduate and graduate level). These transcripts need to be sent directly to EKU from that institution.
- Official GRE scores. The test scores must be sent directly from the testing institution to the EKU Graduate Office to be official. EKU Graduate School code is 1200.
- Personal statement (2-3 typewritten, double spaced pages). A personal statement will be submitted as a part of online application.
- The General Psychology Masters program at EKU teaches graduates students about current empirical and experimental work in Psychology, as well as how to do research in Psychology. Students complete a thesis, which can be empirical research (e.g., observational study, questionnaire research, experimental work) or historical or theoretical work in Psychology. We recommend that you examine the research interests of the EKU Psychology faculty (in the General Psychology Graduate Student Handbook online) to see if any faculty interests connect with your own. In your letter be sure to discuss how your interests might meld with those of one or more faculty members. (To be accepted into the program, you will eventually need to have such a faculty mentor to work with.)
- Please provide a personal statement addressing your academic experiences, professional interests, and an explanation of why the field of Psychology, and specifically the EKU General Psychology Program, is a good fit for you. Below are some additional questions to consider as you construct your response.
- What personal characteristics do you possess that you believe are important to doing research in psychology?
- What particular area or areas of Psychology are you most engaged by?
- Do you possess any particular strengths that you feel will be an asset to you in graduate school?
- What are your professional goals and how do they match the mission of our program?
- Describe any experiences that have particularly prepared you for graduate study in psychology.
- If you feel that any portion of your application does not accurately reflect your academic skills or preparation for graduate school in psychology (e.g., GRE, GPA, etc.), please explain in your personal statement.
- Three letters of recommendation from individuals familiar with your abilities relevant to graduate-level study in psychology. Two letters should be related to the undergraduate major, with at least one from faculty. These letters will be submitted online using a recommendation form.
- Curriculum Vitae/Resume. The CV/resume will be submitted as a part of online application.
For more information or questions regarding the application and admission process, please contact:
Dr. Robert W. Mitchell
Program Coordinator, General Psychology Master’s Program
521 Lancaster Ave.
127 Cammack Building
Richmond, KY 40475
robert.mitchell@eku.edu
