M.A. in Psychological Sciences

The psychological sciences program at James Madison University fosters the development of students interested in improving their research skills and preparing for doctoral education. The primary function of the program is to develop students' knowledge, skills, and abilities in scientific inquiry, methods, and analysis and to equip students to apply their research-based training as researchers, consultants, and/or practitioners.

At the core of the program is coursework in multiple content areas within psychology; coursework in statistics, measurement, and research design; a research apprenticeship; and a thesis. The culture of the program is consistent with that of doctoral programs, including expectations that students will develop a portfolio of scholarly accomplishments (e.g., publications and conference presentations) and participate in various extra-curricular activities related to their discipline. Regular attendance at program-wide roundtable discussions and concentration-specific meetings is expected and required.

Students develop expertise in a specialty area through selected course work and closely mentored experiences with a faculty adviser. Faculty advisers provide regular support and consultation regarding progress in the program and professional development.

Concentrations

Behavior Analysis

The behavior analysis concentration is for students interested in pursuing a doctoral degree in behavior analysis or related disciplines (e.g., behavioral pharmacology, behavioral neuroscience, exceptional education). It is also for students interested in pursuing coursework and experience requirements to qualify for examination to become a master's-level Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA®). Most students choose this latter option and have had great success.

Applied Research

The concentration in applied research is designed for students interested in pursuing a Ph.D. in various areas of psychology with an emphasis on applied research, such as sport psychology, police psychology, positive psychology, motivational psychology, multi-cultural psychology, and clinical psychology.

Experimental Psychology

The concentration in experimental psychology is designed for students interested in pursuing a Ph.D. in various areas of research psychology with an emphasis on basic science such as cognitive psychology, sensation and perception, learning theory, and behavioral neuroscience. It also provides a foundation for work in applied settings such as in the federal government.

Quantitative Psychology

The purpose of the quantitative psychology concentration is to train students in quantitative methods (e.g., assessment, measurement, applied statistics, program evaluation). The intent of this training is to prepare students for doctoral study in quantitative methods. Students who choose not to pursue doctoral study may be prepared for some entry-level careers in government agencies, non-profit organizations or educational institutions.

Minimum Requirements1

• Psychological Sciences Program Method and Research Core
• PSYC 605. Intermediate Inferential Statistics
• PSYC 700. Thesis Research
• Two additional courses as specified by concentration
• Content Courses (choose three of the following as specified by concentration):
  • PSYC 610. Principles of Behavior Analysis
  • PSYC 613. Cognitive Science
  • PSYC 616. Social Psychology
  • PSYC 624. Neuroscience or PSYC 625. Human Neuropsychology
  • PSYC 690. Experimental Analysis of Behavior
• Concentration and Elective Courses (as specified by concentration)

1Before the Department of Graduate Psychology recommends students for graduation; they must have a successful review by the Master of Arts in Psychological Sciences Program Committee.

Concentration in Applied Behavior Analysis Curriculum

Methodology and Research Core (6 credit hours)

• PSYC 700 - Thesis
• PSYC 805 - Single Case Experimentation

Content Courses (9 credit hours)

• PSYC 610 - Applied Behavior Analysis
• PSYC 689 Ethics and Professional Development in ABA
• PSYC 690 - Experimental Analysis of Behavior

Concentration and Elective Courses (21 credit hours)

• EXED 620 - Behavioral Assessment
• EXED 619 Behavioral Methods of Instruction
• PSYC 695 – Practicum
• EXED 624 Supervision and Management Using ABA

Other experiences

In addition to course work and other requirements of the psychological sciences program (e.g., Apprenticeship, Research Roundtable), students participate in a monthly concentration meeting where faculty and students discuss published research and professional issues related to behavior analysis. Additionally, students in the behavior analysis concentration may participate in the activities of various local, regional, national, and international agencies, groups, and professional organizations that advance the scientific study of behavior and its humane application to solve practical problems.

Practicum

Practicum experiences may be completed in a variety of settings. Students have completed their practicum hours in the local public school districts, JMU clinics, Virginia Institute of Autism, etc. Additional information regarding the JMU Clinics.

Past students have enjoyed the variety of experience opportunities as students are placed in different settings each year. Placements are determined by the program advisor.

Concentration in Applied Research Curriculum

Methodology and Research Core (15 credit hours)

• PSYC 605. Intermediate Inferential Statistics
• PSYC 608 - Multivariate Statistical Methods in Psychology
• PSYC 700 - Thesis
• One course chosen from the following:
  • PSYC 602 - Psychological Research Methods
  • PSYC 606 - Measurement Theory
  • PSYC 805 - Single Case Experimentation
  • PSYC 836 - Hierarchical Linear Models
  • PSYC 840 - Mixed methods

Content Courses (9 credit hours chosen from the following and approved by the adviser)

• PSYC 610 - Applied Behavior Analysis
• PSYC 613 - Cognitive Science
• PSYC 616 - Social Psychology
• PSYC 624 - Neuroscience
• PSYC 625 - Human Neuropsychology
• PSYC 628 - Introduction to Psychopharmacology
• PSYC 690 - Experimental Analysis of Behavior
• PSYC 855. Assessment and Consultation Practice

Concentration and Elective Courses (12 credit hours)

• PSYC 695 – Practicum
• Electives (9 credit hours approved by the adviser)

Other experiences

In addition to course work and other requirements of the psychological sciences program (e.g., Apprenticeship, Research Roundtable), students participate in a monthly concentration meeting where faculty and students discuss published research and professional issues related to applied psychology.

Concentration in Experimental Psychology Curriculum

Methodology and Research Core (15 credit hours)

• PSYC 605. Intermediate Inferential Statistics
• PSYC 608 - Multivariate Statistical Methods in Psychology
• PSYC 700 - Thesis
• PSYC 602 - Psychological Research Methods or another methods-related elective (e.g., Psyc 606, 805, 836, 840) approved by adviser 3

Content Courses (9 credit hours chosen from the following and approved by the adviser)

• PSYC 610 - Applied Behavior Analysis
• PSYC 613 - Cognitive Science
• PSYC 616 - Social Psychology
• PSYC 624 - Neuroscience
• PSYC 625 - Human Neuropsychology
• PSYC 628 - Introduction to Psychopharmacology
• PSYC 690 - Experimental Analysis of Behavior

Concentration and Elective Courses (12 credit hours)

• Any additional content course listed above
• PSYC 601 - Special Topics
• PSYC 604 - Data Management and Analysis
• PSYC 606 - Measurement Theory
• PSYC 805 - Single Case Experimentation
• BIO 504 - Evolution
• BIO 550 - Neurobiology
• CSD 523 - Psychoacoustics
• Other courses, as approved by the adviser

Other experiences

In addition to course work and other requirements of the psychological sciences program (e.g., Apprenticeship, Research Roundtable), students participate in a monthly concentration meeting where faculty and students discuss published research and professional issues related to the various topics in experimental psychology.

Concentration in Quantitative Psychology Curriculum

Methodology and Research Core (15 credit hours)

• PSYC 605. Intermediate Inferential Statistics
• PSYC 606 - Measurement Theory
• PSYC 608 - Multivariate Statistical Methods in Psychology
• PSYC 700 - Thesis - For students in this concentration, the thesis must be an empirical study that either (a) focuses on an assessment, measurement, or statistical issue or (b) demonstrates the application of sophisticated statistics or measurement techniques. 6

Content Courses (9 credit hours chosen from the following and approved by the adviser)

• PSYC 610 - Applied Behavior Analysis
• PSYC 613 - Cognitive Science
• PSYC 616 - Social Psychology
• PSYC 624 - Neuroscience
• PSYC 625 - Human Neuropsychology
• PSYC 690 - Experimental Analysis of Behavior

Concentration and Elective Courses (12 credit hours)

• PSYC 604 - Computer-Assisted Data Management and Analysis
• Electives approved by advisor—For students in this concentration, the electives are chosen from a list of quantitative-related courses

Other experiences

In addition to course work and other requirements of the psychological sciences program (e.g., Apprenticeship, Research Roundtable), students participate in concentration meetings where faculty and students discuss published research and professional issues related to quantitative methods in psychology. Additionally, students in the quantitative methods concentration will become acquainted with and involved in the activities of the Center for Assessment and Research Studies (CARS). Many students in the quantitative methods concentration receive graduate assistantships from working at or with CARS, and students graduating from this concentration have an excellent record of being accepted into Ph.D. programs in quantitative psychology and in assessment and measurement.

The primary goal of the program is to prepare students to pursue doctoral work; another goal is to prepare students for master’s level employment in research-informed occupations.

While enrolled in this program, students will:

• become familiar with the major concepts, theoretical perspectives, methodologies, and empirical
• findings in fundamental areas of psychological science.
• develop the skills necessary to independently conduct and critique psychological research.
• acquire communication, information literacy, and technology skills at a professional level.
• develop a professional identity that reflects the values of research scientists in psychology.