COURSE CURRICULUM

The Master of Arts in Psychological Science provides students with a comprehensive foundation in experimental psychology while offering flexibility to tailor studies according to career or academic goals. The program requires 34 to 35 units of coursework, including core courses such as advanced methods in psychological research, analysis of variance, advanced biological psychology, and independent study, which collectively develop strong research and analytical skills. Students also complete a culminating experience, consisting of a four-unit thesis, where they conduct original research and defend their work under faculty supervision. The program offers concentrations to focus learning: the General Concentration emphasizes advanced cognitive and social psychology, along with regression and nonparametric statistics, totaling 10 units. The Behavioral and Cognitive Neuroscience concentration is designed for students preparing for doctoral study in biological or cognitive neuroscience or related fields. This concentration includes nine units of specialized courses such as psychopharmacology, current methods in neuroscience, neural mechanisms of learning and memory, neural substrates of psychiatric disorders, advanced learning and motivation, and statistics. Across both concentrations, students are expected to engage actively in research, enhancing their practical understanding of experimental design, data collection, and analysis. The program also includes a selection of three additional graduate-level courses, allowing students to explore areas outside the required curriculum and further align their studies with personal interests or professional objectives. Overall, the MA in Psychological Science combines rigorous coursework, specialized concentrations, and intensive research experience to prepare graduates for doctoral study or professional careers in psychology, neuroscience, research, and related fields, equipping them with the knowledge, skills, and methodological expertise necessary to contribute meaningfully to the discipline.