The 4+1 terminal Master's Programs in Psychology provide qualified students earning a baccalaureate degree in Psychology from Tulane University with graduate training in psychology. Students either may pursue the M.S. with an empirical thesis, concentrating in depth on a particular area of psychology OR students may pursue the M.S. with a broad training base without a thesis. The 4+1 M.S. degrees are in psychological science (i.e., degrees are not offered in applied areas of psychology). Admissions criteria and curricular requirements are detailed below.
Note: Applications for the 4+1 program are accepted only from students pursuing a baccalaureate degree from Tulane.
Our 4+1 program began in 2002, with a single graduate in 2003. Enrollments have increased steadily over the past four years. Five students are beginning Fall 2007; for an optimal faculty/student ratio, the department will restrict enrollment to a maximum of 10 students. Our program graduates and career trajectories after the degree are detailed below.
General Psychology M.S. (Non-Thesis Track)
Checklist General Track (pdf)
This option provides a broad background in the theories and methods of Psychology at the graduate level, and comprises 30 graduate credit hours. No thesis is required. Students electing to pursue this option desire a broad background rather than specialization in a particular area.
Courses must include 6 credits in quantitative methods beyond Psyc 209/609, 3 credits in each of the three distribution area (i.e., social-cognitive-developmental, applied, psychobiology), 6 credits of core courses (i.e., courses numbered 700-710, which also may satisfy distribution requirements), no more than 3 credits independent study, and no more than one course outside psychology.
Up to 6 graduate credit hours may count toward the bachelors and the M.S. degree. In addition up to 6 additional graduate credit hours taken as an overload during undergraduate study may be applied toward the M.S. degree. It is generally understood that students will complete some coursework toward the MS during their senior year at Tulane.
For advice on senior year courses that are appropriate for 4+1 M.S. applicants who do not plan to conduct an empirical thesis, please consult Dr. Ruscher before completing the curriculum plan section of the supplementary application.
Area-Specific M.S. (Thesis Track)
Checklist Area-Specific (pdf)
This option provides an in-depth examination of the theories and methods of a specific area of psychology, including the completion of an empirical thesis in that area. The degree requires 24 credit hours plus the thesis. Students electing to pursue this option usually have initiated research as undergraduate students, and have identified a specific area of interest. A member of the graduate faculty must commit to thesis supervision prior to admission.
Courses must include 3 credits in quantitative methods beyond Psyc 209/609 and 3 credits of core courses (i.e., courses numbered 700–710). The thesis advisor will provide guidance as to the particular courses appropriate to each student's unique interest.
Up to 6 graduate credit hours may count toward the bachelors and the M.S. degree. In addition up to 6 additional graduate credit hours taken as an overload during undergraduate study may be applied toward the M.S. degree. It is generally understood that students will complete some coursework toward the MS during their senior year at Tulane. It also is generally understood that students pursuing the thesis option have conducted empirical research as an undergraduate student.
Criteria for Admission
Students at Tulane University working toward the baccalaureate degree in psychology would apply for admission no later than the fall of their senior year. To be considered for admission, students should meet the following minimum criteria:
Required Application Materials
Please bring the following materials to the Psychology Main Office in Percival Stern 2007, addressed to "Chair 4+1 Admissions."
Tuition, Fees and Commencement
Students enrolled in the program pay reduced tuition for their year of study; beginning AY07-08, tuition is 35% of full time graduate tuition. Students also are responsible for paying the requisite fees to the School of Science and Engineering in a timely fashion. In addition, students should note the school's published deadlines for application for degree, submission of thesis (if applicable), and degree fees. Information regarding commencement ceremonies will be posted when available. In the meantime, commencement weekend dates for 2008 and beyond may be found at: http://www.grads.tulane.edu/future.html
Advising
Enrolled students will be assigned a faculty advisor by the Graduate Training Committee. The faculty advisor will help assure that the student's uniquely tailored curriculum satisfies degree requirements, as well as helping to facilitate the student's own academic goals. For students adopting the general track, the advisor is Dr. Ruscher. Students adopting the specific area option generally will be advised by their thesis director. The checklists that highlight the requirements may be helpful in planning your curriculum with your advisor.
Program Alumni and Post Graduate Activity
Current Students
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