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Psychological Science at NMU
The Department of Psychological Science offers two master of science degrees: 1) Psychological Science and 2) Applied Behavior Analysis. Each master’s program has its own set of admission and program requirements.
Psychological Science
The Department of Psychological Science offers a master of science degree that provides students with a thorough grounding in psychological science, preparing the student for doctoral programs and/or positions that require the master’s degree. The MS degree in psychological science at NMU provides (a) intensive student-initiated training in a variety of areas of psychology, (b) the statistical and methodological knowledge required to examine basic or applied issues and to function as an applied psychologist and (c) an appreciation of the scientific basis of all fields of psychology. Many graduates of this program will pursue training at the doctoral level while others will be prepared to work in a wide variety of occupations in which an advanced understanding of psychology, research methodology or human research is of value.
Program Requirements for Psychological Science
The degree requirements for the MS in Psychological Science are a minimum of 32 graduate-level course credits, which must include (a) successful completion of a course on advanced research methods (PSY 505) and advanced statistical analysis (PSY 506) for a total of 6 credits, (b) successful completion (and defense) of the master’s thesis (PSY 599) for a total of 3 credits and (c) a minimum of 12 PSY credits of course work, in addition to PY 599, at the 500 level.
Admission Requirements for Psychological Science
Applications for admission to the MS program in psychological science at NMU, on either a full- or part-time basis, will be accepted from students holding a BA or BS degree preferably in psychology, or an appropriate equivalent. Candidates with other majors will be considered but may be required to complete certain undergraduate course work in psychology prior to being advanced to candidacy for the MS degree. Candidates must submit an authorized transcript of their BA- or BS-level work, which must include a course in Introductory Psychology, and a course in Statistics, a formal letter of application outlining goals and expectations, Curriculum Vitae, and two letters of reference from individuals who know the candidate personally.
The graduate admissions committee of the Department of Psychological Science will review all applications and will consult with potential thesis supervisors of suitable candidates. Dossiers are evaluated in their entirety. The committee will offer full or conditional admission to the MS degree program, depending upon the candidate’s comparative strengths and weaknesses, to a limited number of acceptable applicants each year. Review of applications for the next academic year will begin after February 1st. Applications submitted after this date will be considered on a rolling basis.
Applied Behavior Analysis
The Department of Psychological Science offers a master of science degree that provides students with a thorough grounding in Applied Behavior Analysis, preparing the student for employment in applied settings and for admission to doctoral programs. The MS degree in applied behavior analysis at NMU provides (a) comprehensive coursework in applied behavior analysis including those required for Board Certified Behavior Analyst certification, (b) support in obtaining the experience required for Board Certified Behavior Analyst certification, and (c) opportunities for independent research.
Program Requirements for Applied Behavior Analysis
Students will be required to complete 40 hours of designated course and practicum work including 12 hours of an intensive practicum experience and an Applied Behavior Research Capstone Project (2 credits) or Thesis (4 credits).
Admission Requirements for Applied Behavior Analysis
Applications for admission to the master of science program in Applied Behavior Analysis at NMU, on a full-time basis will be accepted from students holding a BA or BS. Students must also meet the Graduate Education and Research Office admission requirements consisting of a minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA. Candidates must submit an authorized transcript of their BA or BS level work (must include a course in Introductory Psychology and a course in Statistics), a personal statement (outlining their interest in the program, expectations for the program, and career goals), a curriculum vitae, and three letters of reference from individuals who know the candidate personally.
Review of fully complete applications will begin after February 1 for Fall enrollment and be considered on a rolling basis after this date. Applicants will be selected by the department faculty based on the merit of the overall application, and the number of applicants accepted will depend upon the program's current capacity. The program does not accept applications for the Winter or Summer term.
Programs
Bulletin Year: 2020 - 2021 Graduate Bulletin | View the current NMU Catalog.