Mar 29, 2024  
2017-2018 Graduate Catalog 
    
2017-2018 Graduate Catalog This is not the most recent catalog version; be sure you are viewing the appropriate catalog year.

Master of Science in Psychology - General Experimental (PSY)


The curriculum produces master’s level psychologists with general knowledge of psychology in various content areas, research methodologies, and theoretical formulations. Based on a “mentor model,” the program of study, progress, training and thesis are supervised by one or more faculty members. The general program does not prepare or qualify the student for a license in the State of Michigan as a clinical psychologist. It accommodates students preparing for doctoral programs or seeking career advancement in a basic or applied research area.

Admission Requirements


Admission to the program is based on the following criteria and priority consideration will be given to those who meet all requirements

  1. Academic ability as measured by Verbal, Quantitative and Analytical Writing scores on the GRE. In keeping with other programs in the state and with national criteria, admission typically includes a minimum score around the 50th percentile on the Verbal and Quantitative sections, and a Writing section minimum score of 4.0. Scores on the GRE Advanced Psychology Test are not required and will not be used in decisions.
  2. Achievement in undergraduate or graduate work. Undergraduate GPA of approximately 3.0 or better on a 4.0 scale. Successful applicants typically present with higher GPAs.
  3. Academic background in psychology. Applicants must have completed a minimum of 20 undergraduate semester hours in psychology, including a course in statistics and a laboratory course in research methods/experimental psychology.
  4. Personal qualities that predict success in graduate study and in professional placement after graduation. To evaluate these, each applicant must submit three letters of recommendation. Personal qualities will also be evaluated in the context of an interview for those who pass the initial file review and are invited to the interview day(s).
  5. Fit between applicant and faculty interests. A personal statement is required describing the applicant’s interests. We will be particularly interested in students who have had research and/or clinical experiences that are a good fit with faculty areas of expertise.

Steps for Admission

These steps must be completed and all admissions requirements met for your application to be reviewed by the department.

Graduate Admission Application and application fee.

Application Requirements include:

  • Personal Statement (upload link available in application)
    • Your personal statement may include a description of significant life experiences and people that have shaped your career choice, the impact of your clinical and research experiences thus far, your special interests, and/or your personal goals as a psychologist. Please limit responses to 500 words.
  • Writing Sample (upload link available in application)
    • A writing sample that demonstrates scholarly ability (typically a research paper)
  • Curriculum Vita/Resume (upload link available in application)
  • Two letters of recommendation
    • Recommenders will be required to submit the completed Graduate School Recommendation (including Psychology sub-section) and a letter of support. Letters and recommendation forms should be sent or submitted directly from the recommender.
  • Supplemental (Department) Application (upload link available in application)
  • Official transcripts of all education beyond high school. Required from every institution granting credit. All international transcripts must be evaluated by Educational Perspectives- contact International Admissions for more information.

Submitted by e-mail or mail: 

transcripts_admissions@emich.edu and psy_xgrad@emich.edu

OR

Office of Admissions
Eastern Michigan University
P.O. Box 970
Ypsilanti, MI 48197

and 

Psychology Department
Eastern Michigan University
341 Science Complex
Ypsilanti, MI 48197

  • Official GRE results, including Verbal, Quantitative, and Writing scores as well as the Advanced Psychology Exam score, if taken. If required, submit evidence of English language proficiency as demonstrated by official test scores on the TOEFL, TWE, or MELAB. Eastern Michigan University’s school code is 1201.

Questions and concerns should be directed to: Psychology Department | Eastern Michigan University | 341 Science Complex | Ypsilanti, MI 48197 | psy_xgrad@emich.edu | 734.487.1155

Completed applications, including Graduation Record Examination (GRE) scores, letters of recommendation, and transcripts, must be received by February 1 for consideration. If the first falls on a weekend, materials will be accepted the next business day only.

Incomplete applications will not be considered. Credits earned under non-degree student status do not automatically apply to the requirements of the degree program. There are no admissions to degree programs in the winter and summer sessions. After the admission quota for the program has been met, students may be placed on a waiting list, which does not guarantee admission unless spaces become available.

Eastern Michigan University and the Psychology Department reserve the right to change any statement in this program concerning, but not limited to, rules, policies, tuition, fees, curricula, and courses.

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Department Information


Psychology, College of Arts & Sciences

Carol Freedman-Doan, Ph.D. | Department Head | 341C Science Complex | 734.487.1155 | cfreedman@emich.edu

Advisor Information


Rusty McIntyre, Ph.D. | Experimental Program Coordinator | 301N Science Complex | 734.487.2406 | rmcinty4@emich.edu

Degree Requirements: 30 hours


The M.S. in Psychology - General Experimental requires 30 graduate hours, with at least 24 in psychology. All students who apply should seek a faculty advisor, or mentor, to act as their sponsor. Students uncertain about a mentor choice, or applying from another campus and unfamiliar with the faculty, may be assigned a temporary mentor by the coordinator of the program. The program is highly individualized and the mentor supervises the student’s training, research and master’s thesis. Should a student’s interests change, a new mentor may be selected with approval from both faculty members and the general experimental program coordinator.

Elective Courses: 6-12 hours


Six to 12 hours of psychology courses selected within the department in consultation with the graduate advisor.

Cognate Courses: 0-6 hours


Zero to six hours selected from outside the department in consultation with the graduate advisor.