COURSE CURRICULUM

The Master of Science in Research Psychology at DePaul University features a comprehensive curriculum that combines theoretical foundations, advanced research training, and elective specialization to prepare students for doctoral study or research-oriented careers. The program requires the completion of 48 quarter credit hours, including 36 credits of core coursework and 12 credits of electives. Core courses focus on key areas such as physiological processes, advanced statistics, and quantitative research design, providing students with strong methodological and analytical skills essential for psychological research. In addition, students take courses across major domains of psychology, including cognitive, developmental, and social psychology, allowing them to build broad disciplinary knowledge. A required diversity course enhances understanding of human differences and cultural perspectives, while reinforcing ethical considerations in research and practice.A central component of the curriculum is the capstone requirement, where students complete either a master’s thesis or a directed research project, both of which involve conducting empirical research under faculty supervision. This hands-on research experience allows students to design studies, analyze data, and contribute original findings to the field. Elective courses provide further opportunities for specialization in areas such as qualitative research methods, multivariate analysis, psychological measurement, industrial-organizational psychology, trauma studies, health psychology, and community psychology, enabling students to tailor their academic path to their interests and career goals.Throughout the program, emphasis is placed on critical thinking, scientific inquiry, and ethical research practices. Students learn to evaluate scholarly literature, develop research questions, and apply appropriate methodologies to investigate psychological phenomena. By integrating coursework, research experience, and methodological training, the curriculum equips graduates with the knowledge and skills necessary to pursue doctoral programs or careers in research, consulting, and applied psychology fields.