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. For deadlines and additional application information, please visit the department's website.
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 the Department of Psychology's website (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-statutory tuition waivers, and students enrolled in this program are ineligible to hold waiver-generating appointments.
Please refer to the Office of the Registrar's website for the current graduate tuition and fees.
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 on the Office of the Registrar's website. 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 acquire and apply in-depth knowledge of essential topics in psychological science. Essential topics include current debates in the field, current methods and measurement practices, and new issues in research ethics.
- As active participants in specialized research laboratories and through elective coursework, students will acquire in-depth knowledge of topics and methods in their sub-field to prepare for doctoral programs or jobs in industry that value specific methods. Sub-fields include attention and perception, cognitive neuroscience, behavioral neuroscience, social-personality, industrial/organizational, developmental, clinical-community, and quantitative psychology. Demonstrations of sub-field knowledge entail critically evaluating published research in sub-fields, generating new research questions, and using sub-field methods and technologies appropriately.
- Students will identify and apply appropriate data analytic methods, interpret statistical results, and create data visualizations. Skills are acquired through coursework and laboratory work and applied in independent and collaborative research projects.
- Students will Identify and communicate independent research interests through collaborative study and research with their advisors. Students demonstrate communication skills through successful participation in a program-wide research fair, which includes academic poster presentations, oral presentations, and samples of academic writing.
- Students will develop masters-level academic writing skills. Written works include graduate seminar papers, pre-registered research reports, IRB submissions, literature reviews, and manuscripts submitted for publication.
- Students will set goals, design action plans, and create professional materials to prepare for doctoral programs or jobs in industry. Professional development materials include curriculum vitae, resumes, cover letters, professional profiles, research statements, and individual development plans.
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
Psychology Graduate studies email
Department of Psychology website
Psychology faculty
Overview of Grad College Admissions & Requirements
College of Liberal Arts and Sciences website
309 Psychology Building, 603 East Daniel Street, Champaign, IL 61820
(217) 333-2169