Academic Research Master's Program

The Academic Research program offers a two year Master's degree program with a focus of study in one of four Options: Behavior Analysis, Neuroscience, Developmental, and Social/Cognitive. Please see the blended program page for information on our program for current students to begin taking graduate courses in their senior year of their undergraduate degree. 

Admission Requirements

  • A minimum GPA of 3.25 in psychology coursework is required.
  • All applicants must submit a 500-750 word statement of purpose addressing their background, research interests in psychology, preparation, career goals, and how they relate to the proposed area of study. Upload into the personal statement field in CalState Apply. 
  • All applicants must identify a faculty member willing to serve as their research supervisor. Enter their name into your CalState Apply application, below your statement of purpose.
  • Three letters of recommendation, through CalState Apply
  • Academic Research Prerequisite Verification Form for the program you are applying to. Please upload this in the Supplemental Materials section in CalState Apply.
  • Prerequisites required to be completed prior to admission include: PSYC 104; PSYC 241; PSYC 242.
  • Neuroscience: BIOL 105, CHEM 107, PSYC 321, and PSYC 325.
  • Social/Cognitive: PSYC 302 and PSYC 335.
  • Developmental: PSYC 311 or CD 350, PSYC 438, and CD 464 or PSYC 418
  • Behavior Analysis: PSYC 320, PSYC 322.

Core Requirements for the Degree (All Options)

  • PSYC 641     Research Methods I (completion in Senior Year if in the blended program)
  • PSYC 642     Research Methods II (completion in Senior Year if in the blended program)
  • PSYC 578     Analysis of Variance or
  • PSYC 588     Regression/Multivariate Topics
  • PSYC 647     Academic Research Proseminar
  • PYSC 690     Thesis each semester (It is advised that student enroll in 1 unit per semester in their first year and 2 units per semester in their 2nd year)
  • Elective courses relative to selected specialization
  • Completion of either a Thesis or Project as a culminating experience 

Neuroscience is the study of the physiological bases of behavior, particularly how the brain affects behavior. This option provides an extensive background in biological bases of behavior and numberous research opportunities. This option prepares students for application to Ph.D. programs in the field of biological psychology and neuroscience. For this option, additional prerequisites to be completed prior to admission include: BIOL 105; CHEM 107 or equivalent; PSYC 321; PSYC 325. Faculty affiliated with this research include Dr. Ethan Gahtan and Dr. Amanda Hahn.

Program Requirements:  PDF icon ar_student_handbook_2021-22.pdf

Developmental is the study of the psychological problems in the context of human development. This option provides students with a background in understanding both normal and atypical development. Emphasis on normal development milestones in conjunction with a focus on emotional and behavioral challenges prepares students to work with a variety of children and families. This option also prepares studens for application to Ph.D. programs. For this option, additional prerequisites to be completed prior to admission include: PSYC 311; PSYC 418 or CD 464; PSYC 438. For additional program courseswork information, please see the Developmental Psychopathology Option document above. Faculty affiliated with this research include Dr. Tasha Howe and Dr. Maria Iturbide. 

Program Requirements:  PDF icon ar_student_handbook_2021-22.pdf

Social/Cognitive is concerned both with psychological effects of the physical environment and with effects of human action on the environment. The Social and Environmental Psychology Option provides students with the academic background in psychology necessary to both understand and positively affect others on issues related to the environment. Coursework exposes students to a variety of perspectives and views on the environment and methodological skills necessary to conduct research in this area. This option prepares students to seek employment in organizations concerned with the environment, or to pursue Ph.D. study. For this option, additional prerequisites to be completed prior to admission include: PSYC 302; PSYC 335. For additional program courseswork information, please see the Social and Environmental Psychology Option document above. Faculty affiliated with this research include Dr. Amber Gaffney, Dr. Gregg Gold, and Dr. Mari Sanchez.

Program Requirements:  PDF icon ar_student_handbook_2021-22.pdf

Behavior Analysis This option develops students’ skills in conducting behavioral research and providing applied behavior analysis services for children and adults in areas including education, intellectual disabilities, major neurocognitive disorders, and autism spectrum disorders. This program is designed to provide the coursework that constitutes part of the requirements for becoming a Board Certified Behavior Analyst. For this option, additional prerequisites to be completed prior to admission include: PSYC 320 Behavior Analysis and PSYC 322 Learning and Motivation. Faculty affiliated with this research include Dr. Chris Walmsley. 

Program Requirements:  PDF icon ar_student_handbook_2021-22.pdf

How to apply

All applicants apply directly through the Psychology Department by submitting:

Priority deadline for Fall 2022: March 1, 2022

Contact Us

Faculty Coordinator

Dr. Amber Gaffney

amber.gaffney@humboldt.edu