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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.
**NOTE: As of fall semester 2015, the Training and Performance Improvement and related certificate programs are no longer accepting new students.
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 (PY 505), advanced statistical analysis (PY 506), and the development of modern psychology (PY 500) , for a total of 12 credits, (b) successful completion (and defense) of the master’s thesis (PY 599) for a total of 4 credits and (c) a minimum of 12 credits of course work, in addition to PY 599 or PY 590, at the 500 level (3 courses).
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 at least three 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 March 1st. Applications submitted after this date will be considered on a rolling basis.
Training and Performance Improvement (suspended)
**As of fall semester 2015, this program and related certificates are no longer accepting new students.**
The Department of Psychological Science offers a graduate study program leading to the master of science degree in training and human performance improvement with a special emphasis on planned organizational change. The program is designed to prepare professionals who can function as effective leaders of successful teams in private or public agencies and organizations. Graduates of the program will be able to create and lead learning and performance improvement efforts that contribute to organizational achievement, and employ action research to identify and solve organizational problems related to the effective use of human resources. For those individuals interested in training and human performance improvement but who do not wish to pursue the masters degree, the department offers two one-year graduate certificate programs. A 16-credit-hour facilitating training certificate and a 17-credit-hour performance improvement certificate are available to interested individuals.
Program Requirements for Training and Peformance Improvement (suspended)
Students pursuing a graduate certificate will be admitted to Northern Michigan University as a non-degree level student. Students pursing a master of science degree will design, in consultation with his/her adviser, a plan of study consisting of a minimum 40 credit hours. Requirements for the graduate degree program include: completion of at least 40 semester hours of approved graduate credit with a minimum grade point average of 3.0, a minimum of 28 credits taken in 500-level courses open only to graduate students, and admission to candidacy to the graduate degree.
Admission Requirements for Training and Performance Improvement (suspended)
To qualify for regular admission, students must complete PY 100 Introductory Psychology or the equivalent, and PY 305 Psychological Statistics or MA 171 Introduction to Probability and Statistics or their equivalent and they must meet all of the regular admission requirements of the Office of Graduate Education. Applicants who do not meet regular admission criteria may apply for conditional admission, as defined by the Office of Graduate Education.
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 March 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: 2017 - 2018 Graduate Bulletin | View the current NMU Catalog.