MA Program Information

Students entering the graduate program in Developmental Psychology should have a background in intermediate statistics, psychological research methods, and lifespan development. If students haven't had it already, intermediate statistics (PSY 571) must be taken during the summer prior to or during the first semester of the graduate program.

The first three courses to be taken are PSY 730 (Current Issues), PSY 737 (Observation), and PSY 739 (Technical Writing). These courses have been designed to complement each other and are to be taken concurrently. They are offered in the Fall semester only.

Most students would be expected to complete PSY 770 (Research Methods) and PSY 771 (Analysis of Variance) in the second semester (Spring) of the program. If a student’s background in statistics needs strengthening, it would be appropriate to take PSY 571 (Intermediate Statistics) prior to enrolling in these courses.

Students must register for two Special Topic Seminars (PSY 891). These can be taken at any time in the student’s training but should be completed prior to beginning thesis work (PSY 898 and PSY 799). Topics and instructors in the PSY 891s are continually changing. In past semesters, seminars have been offered in social development, cognitive development, child-rearing practices, child therapy, infancy, adolescence, and aging.

Students must complete four units of Field Experience (PSY 839). In most cases, field experience will occur through contributions to a faculty research laboratory. This experience can also involve supervised work on campus (e.g., in the Children's Campus or as a teaching or research assistant in other academic program of the university) or in an agency or institution off campus (with various populations of any age). All field experience placements must be approved by the Coordinator of the Developmental concentration prior to registration. Field experiences must be completed under qualified supervision and involve four hours of work per unit, per week for the semester (60 hours per unit).

The last courses to be taken are related to the thesis. PSY 799 (Special Study) should be taken first and is completed when the student has undertaken a thorough review of the literature in a specific area and has designed and written a thesis proposal. Registration in PSY 898 (Thesis) permits the student to gather data, analyze results, and write the thesis.

The thesis committee must consist of a minimum of two tenured/tenure-track faculty members selected from the Psychology department faculty. In consultation with the Thesis Chair, the student will select at least one additional Psychology faculty member. Additional members may be selected from inside or outside of the major department or from outside the university.

Students meet with the entire thesis committee at least twice (1) proposal meeting and (2) oral defense of the thesis meeting. Meetings should be scheduled two weeks in advance and copies of proposals and thesis drafts submitted to each committee member one week in advance. Meetings are usually scheduled during the regular spring and fall semesters. Normally there are no committee meetings held during the summer months.

The sample Four Semester Thesis Timeline below is a suggestion. Each thesis timeline will vary by student, advisor, and type of thesis. Your primary advisor will be your point person for all thesis questions and final decisions.