Psychological and Brain Sciences Master's Program

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Overview

The master's (M.A.) degree in Psychology with an emphasis in Psychological and Brain Sciences (PBS) has two tracks: a thesis track and a non-thesis track. Both tracks involve course work on the biological basis of behavior and scientific inquiry . The thesis track has an apprenticeship model in which each student works closely and continuously with a faculty member within the realm of the faculty member's research interests . Th is work will result in an empirical research thesis. Both M.A. tracks are 30 credit hours . International students who complete this program are eligible for the  STEM Optional Practical Training Extension as the Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) code is 42.2799 (Research and Experimental Psychology, Other).

Completion of the M.A. program does not necessarily qualify a student for admission into the PBS doctoral program. An M.A. student must reapply for consideration for the Ph.D. program.

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of the degree, graduates of the M.A. in Psychology, Psychological and Brain Sciences program at UM-St. Louis will be able to:

Goal 1. Demonstrate an integrative understanding of psychological concepts, theories, research, and historical trends in Psychological and Brain Sciences. (Psychological Science Knowledge Base)

Goal 2. Explain and apply (thesis track only) the scientific method to solve problems in Psychological and Brain Sciences and articulate how the solutions rely on scientific reasoning. (Critical Thinking)

Goal 3. Evaluate, identify, and apply appropriate research methods in Psychological and Brain Sciences, including research design, data analysis (i.e., selecting, conducting, and interpreting basic statistical tests) and data interpretation. (Scientific Inquiry)

Goal 4. Communicate using a variety of written and oral formats (e.g., papers in the format specified by journal or granting agency, oral research presentations, posters for research at conferences, grant applications, professional publications) in a clear, concise way. (Communication)

Goal 5. Evaluate and apply ethical principles to Psychological and Brain Sciences research and teaching according to national and international standards, while adopting social and ethical values that build community at local, national, and global levels (Ethical and Social Responsibility)

Goal 6. Display professionalism and ownership of professional growth and learning through an evolving career development plan tailored to one’s accurate self-assessment of abilities, achievements, motivations, and work habits. (Professional Development)

Funding

Students in the thesis track M.A. typically receive a Graduate Teaching Assistantship ($5,000 stipend per semester + tuition remission) in their first year (and sometimes in (part of) their second year). The stipend can be used to pay for fees, living expenses, health insurance, and books and supplies. The tuition remission has a value of up to $28,872 per year. Typically, no funding is available for non-thesis track M.A. students.

Application Deadline

The deadline for receipt of all admission materials can be found in the Bulletin. This deadline is each year for admission to the Fall semester only.

Application Requirements

Visit the Graduate School how to apply page for more information and to apply.

  1. Official transcripts from all universities attended
    • Successful applicants must have completed a baccalaureate degree with a minimum of 15 undergraduate hours in psychology before beginning the master's program.
  2. Grade Point Average (GPA)
    • Minimum of 3.0 GPA on 4.0 scale overall and 3.2 in psychology courses.
  3. Three letters of recommendation
    • Letters of recommendation are required from persons qualified to evaluate the applicant's recent academic work, normally present or former college teachers.
  4. Entrance examinations
    • International students are required to document English proficiency by providing scores from an internationally accepted standardized examination.
  5. Statement of Purpose
    • Please submit a sentences or two about what you plan to do (e.g., I plan to earn a Ph.D. degree; I plan to earn an M.A. degree; I need to take a graduate level course to transfer back to …).
  6. Personal Statement
    • Please submit a personal statement of 300-400 words with your rationale for seeking admission to the M.A. program in Psychological and Brain Sciences. Describe your interest in the biological basis of behavior and your career goals. Indicate if you are applying to the thesis track or non-thesis track and why. If you are applying to the thesis track, please describe any prior research experience and list the faculty member(s) with whom you would like to work with and why.
  7. Curriculum Vitae (CV)
    • Please submit a CV with information about your higher education (school name, degree, major/minor/emphasis area, (expected) graduation month and year, and grade point average), any research experience , relevant work experience, any software skills.
  8. Other information that the student feels is pertinent (e.g. writing sample) may be submitted directly to the Program Director, Dr. Carissa Philippi.

 

Application fees may apply.