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Graduate Student Handbook
Goals of the Program:
Our graduate program's overall goals are to instill in students the independence,
skills and content knowledge that will result in their becoming productive research
scientists. Among the types of independence we aim for are a sense of direction,
self-motivation, self-evaluation, and the ability to acquire new skills and knowledge
on one's own. Key skills to be acquired are developing new and innovative research ideas,
communicating these ideas and research findings in written and verbal formats,
synthesizing existing research and theory into a coherent
framework, and utilizing a variety of methodological techniques. Our program also
seeks to foster the desire for scientific and social progress that motivates the research
process. Ultimately, the training we provide is meant to produce a mature, creative
researcher and scholar who will make significant contributions to our field.
The particular content knowledge and methodological skills each researcher needs will
vary considerably. Students will become authorities in the area of their particular
research focus, and they will be experts in related research. They will be broadly
and deeply trained in the substantive domain of psychology within which their research
lies (e.g., cognitive, cognitive neuroscience, developmental or social/personality
psychology). They should appreciate and understand central issues and know about
the important research findings in that domain.
Students are able to teach in the general area of their research as well as their
specific interests. We provide training in teaching so that our students will be able not
only to contribute to existing knowledge but also to teach others to appreciate, critically
evaluate, and utilize existing knowledge.
We also wish to provide a sense of community and common endeavor for students.
We provide opportunities for shared experiences within the graduate program through
classes, brown bags, colloquia, and informal activities.
Overview of the Requirements by Year:
Year 1
The student takes an immigration course, one or two core courses, and a statistics or
methods course. The student chooses an advisor and committee. A first-year research
project is performed, and results are written up and presented in a spring brown bag.
Year 2
A second-year research project is completed, written up,
and presented in a spring brown bag.
Coursework continues, usually 2 courses per semester. The student takes one or two
core courses, and a statistics or methods course.
Year 3
The dissertation topic is selected and presented formally to the student’s committee.
Coursework continues, as agreed upon by student and committee.
A literature review paper is proposed and completed by the end of the Spring semester.
Year 4
The dissertation is completed and defended, unless a five-year program is under way.
The dissertation is completed and defended, unless a five-year program is under way.
Other requirements:
Reading and research activity is expected in the summer.
Over the graduate career, students will have the opportunity to serve as teaching
assistants (or primary instructors) for three classes.
Related Links:
Click here for a detailed description of the program goals, requirements, and policies.
Click here For a checklist of the requirements.
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