Admission
Applicants must meet the requirements of the School of Science and Technology as outlined in the current edition of the School of Science and Technology Bulletin. In addition to the general test of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE), the psychology subject test is also required of all applicants.
Prerequisites
Undergraduate preparation should include successful completion of: a course in history and systems of psychology; one course in biology (anatomy and physiology is recommended); one course in physics or chemistry; one course in anthropology or sociology; one course in statistics, and one course in mathematics; two courses from learning, physiological psychology, cognition, or sensation and perception; and two courses from developmental, personality, or social. Students are required to demonstrate proficiency using a computer operating system and at least one of the packages for statistical analysis (e.g., SPSS). Students can take a course offered by the Department of Psychology in order to meet this requirement.
Experimental emphasis
The course of study for the doctor of philosophy degree with an experimental emphasis includes a minimum of 155 units of academic credit, including the foregoing general requirements. The PhD degree with an experimental emphasis will include the following:
Advanced courses and seminars in major area of concentration (24 units).
Minor concentration (12)
PhD students will complete 12 units in an area other than their major concentration relevant to psychological research and therapy. The area of concentration and the courses to be included must be approved by the department.
Examples of possible areas of minor concentration include, but are not limited to, health psychology (or related areas, such as preventive care or health promotion and education), psychology and religion, psychology and culture/ethnic diversity, psychology and biology, development, psychopharmacology, and neuropsychology.
Doctoral dissertation
A doctoral dissertation is required of all students in the PhD degree program. This project should involve an original research contribution to the field and should be developed in consultation with the student's supervisory committee.
As a second-year project, students must complete PSYC 503 Advanced Multivariate Statistics and 12 units of PSYC 595 Directed Research. These units normally will be completed by the end of the second year of study.
Course requirements
While working on the dissertation, candidates must complete PSYC 604 Advanced Topics in Multivariate Analysis, at least 36 units of doctoral research (PSYC 697), and 4 units of PSYC 699.
Qualifying examination
A proposal must be submitted to and approved by the faculty supervisory committee after a formal presentation and defense before the committee.
Defense
Upon completion of the doctoral dissertation, a public defense before the supervisory committee is required.
Advancement to candidacy
Students may apply for doctoral candidacy upon (1) completion of the core curriculum and minimum specialty-area coursework, (2) successful completion of the comprehensive examination, (3) acceptance of the doctoral dissertation proposal, and (4) recommendation of the faculty.
Last Revised: Thu, Aug 23, 2007
