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 GOALS OF THE GRADUATE PROGRAM:
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Our graduate program's overall goals are to inculcate 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 communicating ideas and research findings
by writing and speaking, 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 should become authorities in the area of their particular
research focus, and they should be experts in related research. They should 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 should be 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, and informal activities.

OVERVIEW OF THE REQUIREMENTS BY YEAR:
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Year 1
..The student takes an immigration course, a core course,
..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.

..During the summer a literature review paper is written.

Year 3
..The dissertation topic is selected and presented formally to the student’s committee.

..Coursework continues, as agreed upon by student and committee.

Year 4
..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 a detailed description of the program goals, requirements,

    • ..and policies, please click -here-
     
  • For a checklist of the requirements, please click -here-

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