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Terminal Masters in Psychology (M.A.)

**Please address all Graduate Application questions to Ms. Sherry Cornett at (336) 334-5689.**

Terminal M.A. Application Deadline: April 20th

HOW TO APPLY

The Psychology Department offers a terminal Master of Arts in general experimental psychology. Please note that we DO NOT offer a terminal Masters in clinical psychology. (To instead apply for the Ph.D., see the page on doctoral study.)

Terminal Masters students are admitted into a general experimental program and typically will work with a faculty member from one of our experimental areas. These areas include developmental, cognitive and social psychology. We also have faculty qualified to direct theses in quantitative psychology and biological psychology. Students are encouraged to become familiar with research being carried on throughout the department by attending colloquia and lab meetings, and by participating in research opportunities in any lab in which facilities can be made available.

Faculty work closely with students. The primary goal of the Terminal Masters degree track is to develop competence in the core areas of psychology and their methods. Students are expected to demonstrate competence in research and have the skills and moral standards to apply the knowledge of the discipline competently and ethically in their daily lives and careers. The degree culminates in the preparation of a research thesis based on original laboratory research.

How do I apply to the Experimental Psychology M.A. program?

To apply to the masters program, you must submit by April 20th: 1) A Graduate School Application with supporting materials, and 2) a Psychology Department Application with supporting materials.

FOR THE UNCG GRADUATE SCHOOL:

• A completed graduate school application {you do not need to attach a resume or your essay to the graduate school's application}
• Official copy of your GRE SCORES
• Two (2) copies of official transcripts from colleges/universities
• Three letters of recommendation
• A $55.00 application fee is required

ONLINE GRADUATE SCHOOL APPLICATION AND INSTRUCTIONS ARE FOUND AT http://www.uncg.edu/grs/prospective/forms.html)

In addition to the Graduate School Application (click “apply online here”), please complete the North Carolina Residency Form, if applicable. For your convenience, a request for transcripts form, a recommendation form, and a McNair fee waiver form are also included on the Graduate School page.

While we prefer to receive online applications, those applicants needing to submit an application on paper will also find a paper application request form.

FOR THE PSYCHOLOGY DEPARTMENT:

Please email the following three things to the psychology department at psyapply@uncg.edu or mail them to the department at the address listed on the top of the applicant information form. Please specify in your psychology application and research statement which area(s) you are most interested in and, if possible, name any specific faculty members you would be particularly interested in working with. The three major areas are cognitive, developmental, and social. In addition, you may mention biological, behavior analysis, or quantitative interests. 

• A completed applicant application form
• A personal statement (up to 500 words). Include your reasons for pursuing a degree in psychology, including ultimate career goals. [We prefer a Microsoft Word document or Adobe PDF file, but simple text is allowed.]
• A research statement (up to 500 words). Include your research interests and potential faculty person(s) with whom you would like to further develop these interests. Faculty are listed by area with their research interests on our department directory. [We prefer a Microsoft Word document or Adobe PDF file, but simple text is allowed.

Please contact our Graduate Department Secretary, Sherry Cornett (sscornet@uncg.edu), if you have any questions or are having trouble accessing any forms.

WE LOOK FORWARD TO RECEIVING YOUR APPLICATION

Can I begin my training in the spring semester?

No, we only admit students once per year. Entering classes begin their studies in the fall semester.

What are the minimum requirements for admission?

There are no specific minimum requirements. You must submit GRE scores and transcripts of all previous college and university work. Successful applicants generally have undergraduate GPAs of 3.0 or above, and combined verbal and quantitative GRE scores of 1000 or above.

Will prior research experience help my chances of admission?

Very much so. The faculty look for evidence that you have a serious commitment to a research career in psychology, and previous research experience both demonstrates that commitment and allows us to evaluate your capabilities in a research setting.

How long does it take to complete the M.A.?

The length of the program depends on the student's progress on the thesis, but the typical duration is 2-3 years.

Director of Graduate Studies: Dr. Douglas Levine, (336) 256-2472.

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