Department of Psychology at Illinois State University
The Master's Degree Sequence — Quantitative focuses on the use of quantitative methods in the solution of problems in theoretical and applied psychology. The sequence provides critical foundation preparation for advanced graduate study and can facilitate entry into careers in community college teaching as well as a variety of careers in the business-industrial sector. For the thesis, students are encouraged to work with any faculty member in the area or the Department as a whole on any topic of interest in which measurement and statistics is relevant or can be applied in novel ways.
Specific objectives of the program include building a solid foundation of basic psychological principles which will help the student to understand and explain human behavior. Students are trained to be adept at using computers and technology in data collection, management, and analysis through coursework and applied experiences. This includes proficiency in common statistical software packages as well as using the Internet in data collection and analysis. Students also have the opportunity to participate in our professional practice experience in statistical consultation. Through this unique experience, students work with faculty as apprentices in their consultation on and off campus, culminating in the final semester with students being primary consultants under faculty supervision. Communication skills, as well as statistical expertise, are stressed as being critical to effective consultation.
To accomplish this goal within the two-year program, each student is required to take a minimum of 32 semester hours and complete a Master's Thesis. The table below lists the courses that are required of all students in the sequence as well as additional courses that are strongly recommended (depending on the student's specific interests).
All courses are three semester
hours unless otherwise noted.
32 semester hours minimum requirement, which includes a thesis.
* A core requirement for all students enrolled in the Master's Degree program in Psychology
NOTE: The program as proposed is composed only of courses currently offered or listed in the Graduate Catalog. Courses proposed in the future could change the structure of this program.
All students in the program are required to complete a Master's thesis based on original research. Completing a thesis is an indispensable part of learning the intricacies of integrating theory, design, measurement, and analysis. Work on the thesis typically begins during the student's second semester, and it is typically complete at the end of the second year.