MA in Psychology
Degree Requirements
The MA in Psychology is typically completed as part of a student;s normal progress through the doctoral program. Students are accepted into the MA program under the expectation that they will continue to doctoral study in our department. We do not admit students seeking a terminal master's degree, except for the MA with an emphasis in Quantitative Psychometrics.
The MA in Psychology requirements are (1) 30 credit hours, including research credit and the student's distribution courses, (2) a thesis, and (3) a final oral examination on the thesis research. Although only 30 hours are required to earn the master's degree, MA students are expected to successfully complete a subset of courses that will meet the PhD requirements of 9 hours of distribution courses, 11 hours in statistics and 24 hours in the area of concentration.
More detailed information about the rules and regulations for degree completion can be found in the Department of Psychological Sciences Graduate Student Handbook.
Financial Aid from the Program
Financial aid is available through departmental research and teaching assistantships and from university fellowships.
Admission Criteria
Fall deadline: December 1
- Minimum GPA: 3.0
- Minimum GRE score: no minimum
- Minimum TOEFL scores:
- Internet-based (iBT): 80
- Paper-based (PBT): 550
An interview is required for admission.
Most students accepted have an undergraduate major in psychology or its equivalent. Acceptance is based on training, quality of work, recommendations, GRE scores and other information. For additional information on admission requirements, consult Graduate Study in Psychology and Associated Fields, published annually by the American Psychological Association and available in most libraries.
Required Application Materials
Note: Applicants are encouraged to review the department's web page for updates on required application materials. Submit all application materials directly to the Graduate School.
- Graduate School online application including:
- Faculty interest document (available at department website)
- Statement of purpose
- Writing sample
- Three letters of recommendation
- One unofficial copy of each college transcript where a degree was earned or is pending
- Official GRE score report. Note: Applicants are encouraged to check with the department's web page for updated GRE submission guidelines and requirements.
- Official TOEFL score (if applicable)
Admission Contact Information
Dennis Miller
212C McAlester Hall
Columbia, MO 65211
Millerden@missouri.edu
(573) 884-8141
(573) 882-7710 (fax)