Master of Science in Experimental Psychology: Health and Sports Psychology Option

This degree does not qualify a student for any licensing certificate in Sports Psychology. This degree is structured to meet the education requirement of the Association for Applied Sports Psychology (AASP). It is the student's responsibility to be sure the elective coursework chosen meets the current requirements. Licensure requirements can be found on the AASP website.

To be admitted to this program, the prospective student must meet all requirements for admission to the School of Graduate Studies and the Master of Science in Experimental Psychology program.

Minimum Admission Requirements:

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree with a minimum of 3.0 grade point average (four-point scale) or graduation from an accredited college or university with a master's degree or higher with a minimum of 3.0 grade point average (four-point scale) is required and at least nine hours of undergraduate psychology courses with a 3.0 grade point average.
A minimum score of 280 (combined) on the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) (Verbal and Quantitative), and a minimum score of 3.0 on the writing portion.
On-time application packet that contains the application form, all student transcripts, GRE scores, a Statement of Purpose (including whether the student plans to take the comprehensive exam or write a thesis, the type of research the student is interested in, and a list of 2-3 faculty members the student would be interested in working with), a 3-5 page writing sample, and a list of three academic references with full names, titles/positions, school names, current telephone numbers and email addresses.
Entering international students must have a minimum TOEFL score requirement of 550 on the paper-based TOEFL or 79 on the iBT, 6.5 on the IELTS, or 1200 on the GTEC CBT, or the equivalent.

Thesis Option

The Thesis track of the Master of Science in Experimental Psychology Health and Sports Psychology option is designed to provide a preparation for students who wish to pursue masters-level study, are interested in engaging in research, and wish to pursue a doctoral degree after completion.

Achievement of the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission into the degree program. The Experimental Psychology admissions committee will review the application packets based on minimum requirements and capacity of the faculty members in the program. Students will be made aware of committee decisions within 30 days of the application deadline. No exceptions to this policy will be granted. Completed applications received after the due date will be reviewed for admission in the next full term.

All students will begin the program at the beginning of either the Fall or Spring semester.

This program is also offered online.

I. Core Curriculum: 18 hours

A. Statistics and Research Methods Courses: 9 hours

PY 501. Advanced Data Analysis I Credits: 3
PY 502. Advanced Data Analysis II Credits: 3
PY 503. Advanced Research Methods and Evaluation Credits: 3

B. Theory Courses: 9 hours

PY 515. Advanced Sports Psychology Credits: 3
PY 520. The Diagnostic Process for Mental Disorders Credits: 3
PY 528. Health Psychology Credits: 3

II. Applied Courses: 18 - 24 hours

Choose six to eight courses from the following:

PY 510. Advanced Developmental Psychology Credits: 3
PY 529. Psychopharmacology Credits: 3
PY 530. Advanced Social Psychology Credits: 3
PY 540. Advanced Cognitive Psychology Credits: 3
PY 541. Techniques of Counseling Credits: 3
PY 544. Exercise Physiology Credits: 3
PY 565. Psychology and Sociology of Human Performance Credits: 3
PY 595. Professional Orientation and Ethics Credits: 3
PY 597. Selected Topics in Psychology Credits: 1-3

III. Practicum: 3 hours

PY 598. Psychology Practicum Credits: 3

IV. Thesis: 6 hours

PY 500. Master's Thesis Research Credits: 3
PY 590. Master's Thesis Credits: 1-3

Total Minimum Required: 45-54 hours

Note(s):

This program is also offered online.

Program Completion Requirements:

Completion of all courses required in the curriculum with a 3.0 quality point average (overall and in each requirement area).
At least 45 semester hours within the required areas. Credit hours beyond 54 will require special permission from the Department Chairperson and the Dean of the School of Graduate Studies.
Completion of a Master's Thesis.

Non-Thesis Option

The non-thesis track of the Master of Science in Experimental Psychology: Clinical Psychology (or Health and Sports) provides an option for students who do not intend to pursue a doctoral degree in psychology.

Achievement of the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission into the degree program, but the minimum requirements must be met. Students will be made aware of committee decisions within 30 days of the application deadline. No exceptions to this policy will be granted. Completed applications received after the due date will be reviewed for admission in the next full term.