Psychology, M.A./Ph.D. (Experimental Psychology Concentration)

General Information

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Gerald Deehan, Ph.D., Graduate Coordinator
422B Rogers-Stout
Box 70649
423-439-4412
e-mail: deehan@etsu.edu

Main Psychology Department Phone: (423) 439-4424, Fax: (423) 439-5695

Web Address: https://www.etsu.edu/cas/psychology/

Michael Gray, Department Executive Aide

e-mail: grayma2@etsu.edu

The experimental psychology doctoral concentration is guided by the scientific method and places a strong emphasis on research and teaching. The concentration’s philosophy emphasizes the respect for and understanding of cultural and individual differences in recruitment, retention, the development of faculty and students, and in the curriculum. The concentration actively seeks to promote equity and inclusion and to make the field reflective of those whom it serves.

The primary mission of the articulated MA/PhD concentration in Experimental Psychology at ETSU is to provide students with broad and general training in translational research in the psychological sciences, including the areas of developmental, cognitive, social, and behavioral neuroscience. The concentration is unique compared to most other programs in what it offers students in their training experience because of the translational focus. An additional focus of the concentration is to prepare students for future faculty membership. Thus, all students gain a significant amount of first-hand experience with teaching and faculty supervision of teaching.

Ph.D. in Psychology (Experimental Psychology Concentration) Objectives:

The goals of the Ph.D. in Psychology (Experimental Psychology Concentration) are to:

1. train students to be scientists through designing, implementing, and interpreting research studies, and communicating research findings;
2. train students in the application of basic and applied research with a translational focus (i.e., “from bench to bedside”), and in the art of grant-writing;
3. train students in teaching, research, and service to prepare them for faculty positions in higher education. 

The program is designed for full-time study, manifested as a 4 year post-baccalaureate articulated M.A./Ph.D. program.

Admission Requirements

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Students accepted into the MA/PhD program in psychology, experimental concentration, must be engaged in full-time study. Applicants to the M.A./Ph.D. degree program are evaluated only once each year, for admission in the fall semester; applicants are not considered for spring admission. Complete applications must be submitted to the ETSU Graduate School by December 1st for admission the following fall semester (https://www.etsu.edu/gradschool/applynow.php). All applications are considered with the expectation that the applicant will pursue the Ph.D. Students holding bachelor’s or master’s degrees may apply.

1. Students holding a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution will be considered for the M.A./Ph.D. program. Students admitted to the Experimental Psychology Concentration in the Psychology Ph.D. program complete the requirements for an M.A. in Psychology (Experimental Psychology Concentration) (43 hour program of study with thesis) en route to Ph.D. completion. Students seeking a terminal master’s degree will not be considered.
2. Students already holding the M.A. or M.S. in psychology from a regionally accredited institution may also apply to the M.A./Ph.D. program. The master’s degree must be commensurate with the M.A. program in the Experimental Psychology Concentration at ETSU and involve the successful completion of an empirically based thesis project. Students possessing a master’s degree without an empirically based thesis will be required to complete an empirically based thesis before being admitted to doctoral candidacy. Students without commensurate coursework may be required to take additional coursework.

Students seeking admission to the experimental concentration in the M.A./Ph.D. program in psychology degree program must meet the requirements established by the College of Graduate and Continuing Studies (see https://www.etsu.edu/policies/academic/graduate_school_policies/graduate_school_admission_policy_degreeseeking.php for details). They must also meet the following superseding minimum program requirements.

1. Completed application (due December 1st for the following fall semester)
2. A grade point average of at least 3.00 (based on a 4.00 scale) in undergraduate and/or graduate level work overall and in Psychology courses;
3. Either a baccalaureate degree or master’s degree in psychology or a minimum of 18 semester hours in undergraduate psychology is desired; minimally undergraduate coursework should include a course on statistics and experimental design. However, presenting an exceptional undergraduate record may be sufficient for graduate admission, but it is expected that all undergraduate deficiencies will be overcome during the first academic year.;
4. Letters of recommendation from three persons familiar with the applicant’s academic background, aptitude for graduate study, and future performance as an academic psychologist;
5. A personal statement of 500-750 words indicating the applicant’s academic experiences, research interests, faculty member or members with whom the students would like to work, why the student feels they would fit well with that/those faculty member(s), and career goals (Prior undergraduate research interests and involvement are weighted heavily.);
6. A willingness to be interviewed by members of the admission committee.

GRE scores are not considered as part of the application process and should not be submitted.

International Applicants

WES evaluation is required for international applicants and Certification of English proficiency is required for students whose native language is not English. See https://www.etsu.edu/gradschool/internationaladmissions.php for further information about international admission requirement.

Offers and Acceptances

For students applying to the Experimental Psychology Concentration, offers will be made after the December 1^st application deadline until all positions are filled. The length of time for the student to make a decision on the offer will be clearly stated. The length of time may vary, but students will have at least one week in which they may visit the university before making a decision.​

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Transfer of Credit

Students with graduate credit earned at another institution, may petition to have these credits applied toward their degree requirements at ETSU. Credits are not automatically transferred and must be approved by the Director of Experimental Training in consultation with Experimental Psychology faculty and the School of Graduate Studies.  A maximum of 9 semester hours earned elsewhere could be applied. For students who have attained a master’s degree in Psychology, a maximum of 42 semester hours may be applied toward the MA/PhD degree requirements.

Changing Concentrations

Students must designate either the Experimental or the Clinical concentration of the Ph.D. Program in Psychology upon application and be admitted into a specific concentration. A student desiring to change concentrations must formally reapply to the program and concentration. Changing concentrations within the Ph.D. Psychology program cannot be accomplished by filing a Change of Program of Study with the School of Graduate Studies.

Waiving Core Course Requirements

Students may petition to waive specific courses through examination. The designated course instructor, along with the Director of Experimental Training will review petitions. Students must present evidence of completion of a similar course to that in the petition: transcript evidence and a course syllabus constitute the required documentation. Upon approval to sit for a waiver examination, students will be provided an opportunity for examination by the designated course instructor, and the course instructor will determine pass or failure of the examination. If the examination is passed, the instructor will recommend a course waiver to the Director of Experimental Training. The total number of degree hours will not be reduced, but an alternate course may then be substituted for degree credit.

Student Support

The program anticipates admitting four students per year, with all students receiving financial support through a graduate assistantship for at least the first three years. The support includes a stipend plus tuition waivers for the academic year (fall and spring terms). Graduate assistantships may also be supported by faculty research grants.

Student Handbook for the ETSU Experimental Psychology Concentration Graduate Program

Matriculating students are responsible for adherence to procedures and policies outlined in this catalog as well as those contained in the Student Handbook for the ETSU Experimental Psychology Concentration. Refer to that document for critical departmental guidelines and policies concerning Teaching Experience and Supervision, Annual Student Evaluations, additional Ph.D. requirements, Thesis and Dissertation Guidelines, Preliminary Project Examination, Oral Defenses, Academic Performance requirements, Academic Probation, Dismissal, and Appeal, Graduate Assistantships, and Professional Development.

Matriculation Requirements

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The School of Graduate Studies requires, among other criteria, that students must maintain at least a 3.00 average to remain in good academic standing. Specific departmental requirements also apply. All students in the M.A./Ph.D. program are expected to be enrolled as full-time students and to devote themselves full-time to their graduate pursuits during their enrollment in degree-related activities. Students are expected to be active in research collaboratively with members of the department faculty each semester they are enrolled. In addition to coursework and research, students are required to teach two lab sections or one section of a full course in each semester unless other arrangements are made for a particular student. Also available on the website are the program’s policies and procedures including, but not limited to student evaluations and progressive remediation. In addition to didactic coursework and research, students are required to complete experiential coursework which includes teaching undergraduate laboratories or courses commensurate with their level of training.

Articulation Agreement with Higher Education Teaching Certificate

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Students in the Psychology PhD program may apply two of the following courses into the Higher Education Teaching, Graduate Certificate: PSYC 5800 , PSYC 5801 , and PSYC 6801  if admitted into the program.

Students interested in this option should contact the Psychology PhD program director of experimental training before applying to the certificate.