Psychological Science, MS
for the Master of Science in Psychological Science
A two-year, in-person research-based program designed for students who want research experience augmented by advanced courses in experimental techniques and professional development within a top-rated department at a world-class university. Each student admitted to the program is paired with a faculty advisor/mentor based on research interests. A Master’s thesis is not required.
Graduate Degree Programs in Psychology
optional concentrations:
- Developmental Psychopathology
- Ecological Community Psychology
- Second Language Acquisition & Teacher Education
Admission
The Graduate College admission requirements apply for all programs. All candidates for admission must have a minimum grade point average of 3.0 (or B) on a 4.0 scale in courses representing the last 60 hours of work completed for the bachelor’s degree. The candidate for admission to the graduate program should ordinarily have the following preparation: a minimum of 15 semester hours in psychology, a laboratory research methods course in psychology, and a course in statistics. Departmental committees also consider Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores and letters of recommendation. Preference is given to students who have taken mathematics beyond college algebra and to those who have some research experience. Students are accepted only for fall admission. The M.S. in Psychological Science application deadline is February 6, 2022.
In addition to the aforementioned criteria, applicants are evaluated on their supporting documents, career goals, career promise, and research interests. Additional weight is given to the quality and extent of prior research and other relevant experience.
All applicants whose native language is not English or who are from any country other than the US, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, or New Zealand (even if they are native English speakers) are required by the University to submit the results of an English language proficiency test. The university will accept the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) to determine admission eligibility.
- The minimum total TOEFL iBT score for admission (including all four sections): 79
- Minimum total TOEFL iBT score for exemption from the English as a Second Language Placement Test (EPT) for admission (including all four sections): 103
- Minimum total IELTS score for admission: 6.5, including a minimum subscore of 6 on all four modules. Students receiving scores below 7 will be required to take the EPT for placement in English as Second Language courses.
Refer to www.psychology.illinois.edu (MS in Psychological Science) for additional information about the Department of Psychology's admission requirements.
Faculty Research Interests
The program is designed to prepare students for academic and research-oriented careers. Students become actively involved in research throughout the program.
For the most part, we view graduate education as an apprenticeship. Our task is to provide an environment where mature young scholars can gain experience in research as they collaborate with faculty and with other graduate students. Faculty research interests can be viewed here.
Facilities and Resources
Students have designated work and study areas, access to research, library, and computing services. In some cases, student may collaborate with the Psychological Services Center, Illinois NeuroBehavioral Assessment Laboratory, Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, Educational Psychology, and the School of Labor and Employee Relations.
Financial Aid
The M.S. in Psychological Science program is self-supporting. The program does not accept non-statuatory tuition waivers, and students enrolled in this program are ineligible to hold waiver-generating appointments.
Please refer to this link for the current graduate tuition and fees: https://registrar.illinois.edu/tuition-fee-rates
Enrollment for this program spans 4 semesters. Credit hours will range from 6–12 (or more) each semester, depending on course availability, international/domestic status, and student goals. International students are required to register for 12 credit hours to maintain F-1/J-1 student status.
Information regarding fees depends on the individual applicant. Fees are explained at http://registrar.illinois.edu/fee-info. Please note that these costs do not include housing, transportation or other costs of living expenses.
for the Master of Science in Psychological Science
For additional details and requirements refer to the department's graduate handbook and the Graduate College Handbook.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| PSYC 500 | Professional Develop for Psych | 1 to 4 |
| PSYC 501 | Best Psych Research Practices | 2 to 4 |
| PSYC 506 | Statistical Methods I | 4 |
| PSYC 507 | Statistical Methods II | 4 |
| PSYC 590 | Individual Research | 0 to 16 |
| Electives | 12 | |
| Total Hours | 32 | |
Other requirements
| Requirement | Description |
|---|---|
| Other requirements may overlap. | |
| Minimum 500-level Hours Required Overall | 12 |
| Minimum GPA | 2.75 |
for the Master of Science in Psychological Science
- Students will demonstrate an advanced level of knowledge about topics in psychological science (e.g., current debates in the field, current methods and measurement practices, and new issues in research ethics).
- Students will demonstrate depth of knowledge of content and methods in their program of study (e.g., attention and perception, cognitive neuroscience, social psychology, industrial/organizational psychology). Depth of knowledge will be acquired through participation in active research labs, production of a lab report, selection of specialized electives, and the successful practice of critically evaluating research in psychological science. Critical evaluation includes considering internal and external validity, implications for theory, and methodological and analytical integrity.
- Students will demonstrate research skills (design, analysis, and interpretation of research reports) in major and subfields of psychological science through coursework is statistics and research practices, and through participation in active research laboratories. In courses and in lab contexts, students will use appropriate statistical techniques to analyze data and interpret results.
- Students will identify and communicate independent research interests. Students will identify independent research interests through discussion with their advisor and through a review of the literature. Students will communicate independent interests through a formal presentation of their ideas as part of a public speaking requirement in core courses. Students will communicate these interests through a written report, or successful submission of a proposal to the OPRS, or the submission of a pre-registered report, or by contributing to the creation of a manuscript.
- Students will produce examples of academic writing that reflect independent research interests. Students will demonstrate writing competency through a written report, or submission of a pre-registered report, or successful submission of a proposal to the OPRS, or the creation of a manuscript.
- Students will set academic goals and design action plans for pursuing doctoral work or jobs in the industry through the construction of professional development materials (e.g., the creation of a CV, resume, cover letter, professional profile, personal statement, and research plan).
for the Master of Science in Psychological Science
head of department: Wendy Heller (Interim Head is currently Nicole Allen)
director of graduate studies: Diane Beck
director of admissions committee: Ashley Ramm
email: Psych-Grad@illinois.edu
department website: http://www.psychology.illinois.edu
department faculty: Psychology Faculty
overview of grad college admissions & requirements: https://grad.illinois.edu/admissions/apply
college website: https://las.illinois.edu/
department office: 309 Psychology Building, 603 East Daniel Street, Champaign, IL 61820
phone: (217) 333-2169