Master of Arts (M.A.) Major in Psychological Research (Non-thesis Option)

Program Overview

The Master of Arts (M.A.) degree with a major in Psychological Research is designed to foster competence in the methodological foundations and conduct of psychological research across a wide variety of settings. Students will gain expertise regarding the impact of biological, social, emotional, cognitive, and behavioral factors on psychological phenomena. Focus is placed on learning interpersonal/research skills and statistical competencies relevant to the responsible and ethical conduct of both basic and applied psychological research.

Evaluation of Student Fitness and Performance

Members of the faculty, using their professional judgments, evaluate student fitness and performance continuously. The criteria used by the faculty to make such judgments include instructors’ observations of student performance in class or in activities related to courses. Students who are not making satisfactory progress or who are not meeting program standards should consider withdrawing from the program.

In this context, the term “satisfactory progress” refers to an academic judgment made regarding the student’s fitness and performance. It is a judgment that the student has failed to meet program standards rather than a judgment made on the basis of the student’s violation of valid rules of conduct. Disciplinary matters are referred to Dean of Student’s Office.

Student Review Process

If a faculty member believes that a student is not making satisfactory progress or meeting program standards, he or she should discuss the situation with the student. If the faculty member believes that the student’s performance cannot improve to acceptable standards, the faculty member should refer the student to the Program Standards Committee of the appropriate department. The Program Standards Committee consists of three faculty members appointed by the Department Chair in consultation with the department’s senior faculty.

The Committee will notify the student of the reasons that he or she is not making satisfactory progress or meeting program standards and will give the student an opportunity to meet with the Committee to respond and to present information and witnesses to the committee. The Committee will also meet with the faculty member who referred the student to the Committee. After considering the matter, and within ten working days of meeting with the student, the Committee will report to the student and the Department Chair. The Committee will recommend that the student either be allowed to remain in the program or be removed from the program. The committee may make other recommendations, such as placing restrictions or conditions on the student’s continuing in the program. Within ten working days of receiving the Committee’s recommendations, the student will be notified of the Department Chair’s decision (acceptance or rejection of the committee’s recommendation).

Within ten working days of receiving the Committee’s recommendation, the Chair will make a decision as to the student’s continued presence in the program. Before making the decision, the student will have the opportunity to meet with the Chair and to offer information on his/her behalf. However, the Chair need not meet with the student before making a decision if the Chair has given the student a reasonable opportunity to meet, and the student has either failed or refused to meet. The Chair will notify the student of the decision.

If the student is dissatisfied with the Chair’s decision, he or she may appeal to the Dean of the Graduate College. However, in order for an appeal to be considered, the student must submit a written notice for an appeal to the Chair and to the Dean within ten working days of receiving the Chair’s decision. The Dean will consider the matter based on information compiled by the Chair and notify the student of his or her decision within ten working days of the Dean’s receipt of the appeal from the Chair. The Dean may meet with the student and give the student an opportunity to address the issues. The Dean’s decision is final.

Application Requirements

The items listed below are required for admission consideration for applicable semesters of entry during the current academic year. Submission instructions, additional details, and changes to admission requirements for semesters other than the current academic year can be found on The Graduate College's website. International students should review the International Admission Documents page for additional requirements.

  • completed online application
  • $55 nonrefundable application fee

          or

  • $90 nonrefundable application fee for applications with international credentials
  • baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited university (Non-U.S. degrees must be equivalent to a four-year U.S. Bachelor’s degree. In most cases, three-year degrees are not considered. Visit our International FAQs for more information.)
  • official transcripts from each institution where course credit was granted
  • a 3.0 overall GPA or a 3.0 GPA in the last 60 hours of undergraduate course work (plus any completed graduate courses)
  • minimum 3.0 GPA in the following prerequisite courses:
    • Introduction to Psychology
    • Quantitative and Statistical Methods
    • Experimental and Research Methods
  • GRE not required
  • research interest statement listing three faculty members in the Texas State Psychology Department whose research interests most closely match the student’s
  • resume/CV including prior experience in research or clinical areas, awards, and scholarships
  • statement of purpose (approximately 1–2 pages) conveying research interests, plans for graduate study, professional aspirations, and career goals. Students should indicate how their scholarly interests fit with those of specific faculty members in the Department of Psychology, as well as any relevant experience, special abilities, or skills (e.g., computer programming, fluency in another language).
  • three letters of recommendation from non-related individuals familiar with the student’s scholarly work and/or relevant experience

Approved English Proficiency Exam Scores

Applicants are required to submit an approved English proficiency exam score that meets the minimum program requirements below unless they have earned a bachelor’s degree or higher from a regionally accredited U.S. institution or the equivalent from a country on our exempt countries list.

  • official TOEFL iBT scores required with a 78 overall
  • official PTE scores required with a 52
  • official IELTS (academic) scores required with a 6.5 overall and minimum individual module scores of 6.0
  • official Duolingo Scores required with a 110 overall
  • official TOEFL Essentials scores required with an 8.5 overall

This program does not offer admission if the scores above are not met.

Degree Requirements

The Master of Arts (M.A.) degree with a major in Psychological Research requires 38 semester credit hours.

In addition to meeting the University standards, students are required to follow department policies. The policy of the department on grades is that a student must complete all required courses with a grade of "B" or better. Students who make a grade of "C" or worse in a required course will be required to retake the course. A student will be placed on probation for receiving two grades of "C" or worse in the program. A student whose current degree audit reflects 3 "C"s in required courses will be dismissed.

At the midpoint of each semester, faculty will be asked to provide information to the Graduate Director regarding any students having potential problems with grades. The Graduate Director or Designee will meet with students in danger of making "C"s or worse in their program courses.

The Graduate Director or Designee will review all students’ grades at the end of each semester and send written notification to those students who make grades of "C" or worse explaining their status and any required actions.

Course Requirements

Required Courses
PSY 5198Research Seminar (Taken twice)2
PSY 5311Univariate and Bivariate Statistics3
PSY 5321Multivariate Statistics3
PSY 5324Biological Bases of Behavior3
PSY 5391Research Methods & Experimental Design3
PSY 5366Individual Study (Taken twice)6
Prescribed Electives
Choose 18 hours from the following:18
Psychological Development: Theories & Research
Advanced Psychopathology
Assessment in Psychology
Principles of Measurement and Statistics
Neuropsychological Assessment
Foundations of Health Psychology
Psychopharmacology
Health Psychology: Prevention and Intervention
Psychological Therapies
Forensic Psychology
Cognitive Neuroscience
Individual Study
Research Seminar in Social Psychology
Learning, Cognition, and Motivation
Human Memory and Memory Disorders
The Psychology of Language
Introduction to Psychophysiology
Internship in Psychology
Total Hours38

Comprehensive Examination Requirement

All students in the Psychological Research Program are required by the University to take and pass a comprehensive examination in order to graduate. Students will have their comprehensive examination administered orally and will be evaluated on the basis of their final project. If students fail the exam, they are allowed to repeat it until they pass.

Students who do not successfully complete the requirements for the degree within the timelines specified will be dismissed from the program.

Master's level courses in Psychology: PSY

Courses Offered

Psychology (PSY)

PSY 5105. Practicum in Teaching Psychology.

This course will examine processes and strategies designed to improve the teaching and learning process. Students will be introduced to learning and instructional theory and selected concepts, issues, and strategies of instructional planning, delivery, management, and evaluation. This course does not earn graduate degree credit. Repeatable with different emphasis. Prerequisite: Instructor approval.

1 Credit Hour. 1 Lecture Contact Hour. 0 Lab Contact Hours.
Course Attribute(s): Exclude from 3-peat Processing|Graduate Assistantship|Exclude from Graduate GPA
Grade Mode: Leveling/Assistantships

PSY 5198. Research Seminar.

Taken in two consecutive semesters, this seminar provides an orientation to the graduate program and the steps required for thesis completion. Topics include the discussion of research interests, critiquing literature, and topic selection; developing and submitting a research proposal; selecting a thesis committee; and thesis completion and submission. Restricted to M.A. students in Psychological Research.

1 Credit Hour. 1 Lecture Contact Hour. 0 Lab Contact Hours.
Grade Mode: Standard Letter

PSY 5199B. Thesis.

This course represents a student’s continuous thesis enrollment. The student continues to enroll in this course until the thesis is submitted for binding.

1 Credit Hour. 1 Lecture Contact Hour. 0 Lab Contact Hours.
Course Attribute(s): Exclude from 3-peat Processing
Grade Mode: Credit/No Credit

PSY 5299B. Thesis.

This course represents a student’s continuous thesis enrollment. The student continues to enroll in this course until the thesis is submitted for binding.

2 Credit Hours. 2 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.
Course Attribute(s): Exclude from 3-peat Processing
Grade Mode: Credit/No Credit

PSY 5306. Psychological Development: Theories & Research.

This course is an advanced coverage of biological, social, and cognitive development throughout the lifespan. Topics include cognitive developmental theory, sensory/perceptual development, language development, infant attachment, the development of gender roles, moral development, and issues related to aging. Prerequisite: PSY 3300 with a grade of "C" or better.

3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.
Grade Mode: Standard Letter

PSY 5310. Advanced Psychopathology.

This course offers a critical analysis of the definition and classification of psychopathology and experiences and an in-depth study of theories and research on causes, remediation, and prevention. Prerequisite: PSY 3315 with a grade of "C" or better.

3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.
Grade Mode: Standard Letter

PSY 5311. Univariate and Bivariate Statistics.

This course introduces students to univariate and bivariate statistical concepts and techniques used in psychology research (e.g., probability, sampling distributions, t-tests, and analysis of variance, correlation). Emphasis is placed on developing skills in data analysis including the selection of appropriate techniques, using data analysis software, and interpretation of statistical results. Prerequisite: PSY 2301 with a grade of "C" or better.

3 Credit Hours. 2 Lecture Contact Hours. 1 Lab Contact Hour.
Grade Mode: Standard Letter

PSY 5318. Assessment in Psychology.

The course will provide an overview of assessment instruments commonly used by psychologists and neuropsychologists in research and practice. Basic psychometrics such as validity and reliability also will be covered.

3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.
Grade Mode: Standard Letter

PSY 5320. Principles of Measurement and Statistics.

The course emphasizes classical measurement theory, including reliability and validity of measurement instruments commonly used in psychology, and reviews descriptive statistics with a focus on correlation and regression. Prerequisite: Course in undergraduate statistics.

3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.
Grade Mode: Standard Letter

PSY 5321. Multivariate Statistics.

This course introduces students to multivariate statistical techniques commonly used in psychological research such as analysis of variance and covariance, multiple regression, and factor analysis. Emphasis is placed on developing applied skills in data analysis: selection of appropriate statistical techniques, using data analysis software, and interpretation of statistical results. Prerequisite: PSY 5311 with a grade of "B" or better.

3 Credit Hours. 2 Lecture Contact Hours. 1 Lab Contact Hour.
Grade Mode: Standard Letter

PSY 5324. Biological Bases of Behavior.

This course provides an overview of the nervous system structure and function appropriate to the overall field of Psychology in order to foster an appreciation of the biological determinants of behavior.

3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.
Grade Mode: Standard Letter

PSY 5326. Neuropsychological Assessment.

This course will introduce principles of neuropsychological assessment including assessment procedures, interpretation of results, neuropathology, and the range of neuropsychological functions to be assessed. This course will also cover the characteristics and administration of several neuropsychological assessment instruments.

3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.
Grade Mode: Standard Letter

PSY 5335. Foundations of Health Psychology.

This course will utilize a biopsychosocial approach to understand the psychology of wellness and disease. Topics include stress, coping, pain, social support, and chronic illness. Special emphasis will focus on physiological responses, psychoneuroimmunology, and somatization.

3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.
Grade Mode: Standard Letter

PSY 5345. Psychopharmacology.

This course explores: (1) the reasons that humans and animals consume mind altering substances called psychoactive drugs, (2) the neuronal, chemical, and hormonal mechanisms underlying drug action, and (3) the environmental factors that modulate the impact of psychoactive drugs on emotional, cognitive, perceptual and behavioral expression in humans and animals.

3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.
Grade Mode: Standard Letter

PSY 5348. Health Psychology: Prevention and Intervention.

This course will focus on primary, secondary and tertiary prevention and intervention strategies to enhance health and wellness. Topics will include health-promoting behaviors, risky health behaviors, theories of health behavior change, the process of medical care, and treatment adherence. Special emphasis will be on planning, implementation, and assessment of interventions. Prerequisites: PSY 5335 with a grade of "B" or better.

3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.
Grade Mode: Standard Letter

PSY 5352. Psychological Therapies.

This survey course on evidence-based psychological interventions focuses on the active mechanisms by which therapies work and their application to specific diagnostic categories and conditions. Interpersonal, behavioral, cognitive-behavioral, and dialectical behavior therapies will be highlighted along with newer empirically-based therapies such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and mindfulness approaches.

3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.
Grade Mode: Standard Letter

PSY 5360G. Forensic Psychology.

Examination of the relationships between psychology and the Criminal Justice system. Emphasis is placed on how psychology variables influence how individuals carry out their duties within the system. Sample topics include: (a) psychology and jury decision-making, (b) accuracy/impact of eyewitnesses testimony, and (c) how characteristics of defendants influence juries.

3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.
Course Attribute(s): Topics
Grade Mode: Standard Letter

PSY 5360H. Psychology of Women.

The course includes an in-depth examination of the development of women's roles and gender differences as well as a consideration of women's relationships, sexuality, employment, and diversity. Special topics such as women and violence will also be covered. (MULT).

3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.
Course Attribute(s): Multicultural Content|Topics
Grade Mode: Standard Letter

PSY 5360N. Advanced Statistical Methodology.

An overview of commonly used statistical methods in scientific research, with a core focus on generalized linear mixed models for individual studies and meta-analysis for study aggregation. Analyses will be implemented primarily in the R statistical programming environment.

3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.
Course Attribute(s): Exclude from 3-peat Processing|Topics
Grade Mode: Standard Letter

PSY 5360O. Applied Biostatistics in Health Research.

This course will examine methodological approaches and applied biostatistics in health research. Emphasis on non-parametric univariate and multivariate statistical tests. Prerequisite: PSY 5311 with a grade of "C" or better or instructor approval.

3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.
Course Attribute(s): Exclude from 3-peat Processing|Topics
Grade Mode: Standard Letter

PSY 5360P. Psychology of Culture and Diversity.

This course provides a graduate level introduction to psychological theories and methods that examine the links between culture and human behavior, affect and cognitions. The course explores the relevance of these links to life development, mental health, social and gender identity, and sexuality. The student is expected to gain critical thinking skills in evaluating the validity of psychological knowledge within a cultural context. More importantly, the students are expected to gain an appreciation and understanding for cultural variation in human behavior across different cultures and an enhanced awareness and ability to work with a culturally diverse and multicultural population.

3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.
Course Attribute(s): Exclude from 3-peat Processing|Topics
Grade Mode: Standard Letter

PSY 5362. Cognitive Neuroscience.

This course provides a comprehensive introduction to cognitive neuroscience: the study of the biological basis of cognitive processes such as perception, attention, memory, language, and decision-making. This is a seminar course that will cover theoretical constructs, methods, and current research findings in cognitive neuroscience. Prerequisite: PSY 3322 with a grade of "B" or better.

3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.
Grade Mode: Standard Letter

PSY 5366. Individual Study.

Students design and execute original research or engage in extensive fieldwork in the field of psychology under the supervision of a faculty member. May be repeated once for credit. Prerequisite: PSY 5391 with a grade of "C" or better and instructor approval.

3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.
Course Attribute(s): Exclude from 3-peat Processing
Grade Mode: Standard Letter

PSY 5367. Research Seminar in Social Psychology.

The course provides an in-depth examination of selected topics in social psychology. The focus of student commitment and responsibility is learning about social psychology and actively producing psychological knowledge. The course covers the research process and concludes with each student developing a research proposal.

3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.
Grade Mode: Standard Letter

PSY 5370. Learning, Cognition, and Motivation.

Basic problems in the acquisition of responses, treating with such constructs as reinforcement, extinction, retention, forgetting, problem solving, motivation, and punishment. Major theories are treated through attention to classical experiments, but greatest emphasis is given to contemporary research. See Educational Psychology 5370.

3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.
Grade Mode: Standard Letter

PSY 5373. Human Memory and Memory Disorders.

This course provides a comprehensive overview of topics in human memory including different types of memory and the brain structures involved. Special emphasis will be given to problems with memory including aging memory, amnesia, and Alzheimer's disease. This course will cover current theories of memory with discussions of cutting-edge research.

3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.
Grade Mode: Standard Letter

PSY 5374. The Psychology of Language.

This course provides a grounding in the cognitive theories/models of the major areas of language research: acquisition, comprehension, and production. It also provides an overview of the cognitive processes involved in several specific topic areas in language, such as syntax, semantics, discourse, prosody, bilingualism, neuro-linguistics, sign language, and reading.

3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.
Grade Mode: Standard Letter

PSY 5381. Introduction to Psychophysiology.

This course will provide an overview of the principles, theory, and applications of using physiological measures to study mental processes. This course will illustrate how the use of psychophysiological measurements can enhance our understanding of brain/mind/behavior relationships.

3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.
Grade Mode: Standard Letter

PSY 5391. Research Methods & Experimental Design.

Problems in psychology, emphasis on research procedures. A research project is required of each student. Restricted to M.A. students in Psychological Research.

3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 3 Lab Contact Hours.
Grade Mode: Standard Letter

PSY 5398. Internship in Psychology.

Students engage in extensive field work in a professional setting related to psychology. Prerequisite: PSY 5311 and PSY 5321 and PSY 5391 all with grades of "C" or better.

3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.
Grade Mode: Standard Letter

PSY 5399A. Thesis.

This course represents a student’s initial thesis enrollment. No thesis credit is awarded until the student has completed the thesis in PSY 5399B.

3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.
Grade Mode: Credit/No Credit

PSY 5399B. Thesis.

This course represents a student’s continuous thesis enrollment. The student continues to enroll in this course until the thesis is submitted for binding.

3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.
Course Attribute(s): Exclude from 3-peat Processing
Grade Mode: Credit/No Credit

PSY 5599B. Thesis.

This course represents a student’s continuous thesis enrollment. The student continues to enroll in this course until the thesis is submitted for binding.

5 Credit Hours. 5 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.
Course Attribute(s): Exclude from 3-peat Processing
Grade Mode: Credit/No Credit

PSY 5999B. Thesis.

This course represents a student’s continuous thesis enrollment. The student continues to enroll in this course until the thesis is submitted for binding.

9 Credit Hours. 9 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.
Course Attribute(s): Exclude from 3-peat Processing
Grade Mode: Credit/No Credit