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Stephanie Chenard '19, '20, '22

Psychology: Research
MS

The Master of Science in Research Psychology is a 36-credit program that requires two years of full-time study. This program is designed to prepare students for doctoral work in psychology and related fields as well as for careers in research requiring a masters’ level education.

The program combines coursework in basic areas of psychology with research skill objectives, such as critically analyzing research and designing studies. This coursework provides the basis for collaborative research with faculty members. 

An outstanding feature of this program is the opportunity for close interaction with faculty, both in the classroom and in the laboratory, because of the low student to faculty ratio. Faculty have a broad range of research interest areas and are willing to consider student proposals for a specific interest area.

Career opportunities for psychology researchers

Upon graduation, psychology researchers typically find jobs in fields focused on human interaction at organizations like: 

  • universities
  • laboratories
  • government agencies
  • marketing departments
  • private research organizations
  • non-profit organization

Psychology students may also choose concentrations in:

Student success

John Augusta MS '26 and his family posing with Arnie at Commencement

Student spotlight

John Augusta MS '26: Airman, father, student

Active Air Force member and father of two graduates with MS in psychology

Graduate Thesis 

Full-time students in the research psychology MS program are assigned a thesis advisor once they are enrolled in the program.

Students are required to propose their thesis within 2 years of being accepted into the program and complete all degree coursework and thesis within 6 years of being accepted. 

Grade Requirements

In addition to the Graduate Degree Requirements, students in the Research Psychology Option must pass at least 5 of the 6 required courses with a B- or better in each course.

Degree Requirements

  • completion of coursework
  • successful thesis proposal & thesis defense
  • completion of thesis edits from advisor and committee (provided after defense)
  • thesis formatting approval from the Office of the Associate Provost for Graduate Studies
  • submission of thesis to the UMass Dartmouth Library (via email)

Coursework Requirements

Typically, students complete the 36-credit MS program in two years of full-time study. Students will take 30 credits of required courses and 6 credits of elective courses.

There are four required content courses, one offered each semester of students’ careers. Each of these courses has its own skill objectives that are required for successful research careers—analyzing research, writing literature reviews, developing ideas for research, and presenting research. 

Research

Assistant Professor of Psychology Raina Lamade, PhD, photographed in The Grove.

Research spotlight

Dr. Raina Lamade

Assistant Professor appointed to prestigious APA panel and subcommittee

Admissions requirements

To apply please create an account in our Applicant Portal. You will need to submit:

  • Application form
  • $60 application fee (non-refundable)
  • Statement of Purpose (minimum 300 words)
  • Resume
  • Transcripts for all post-secondary institutions attended (regardless of whether a credential is earned or not)
  • English Proficiency test scores:TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo, or PTE Academic (if applicable)
  • Letter(s) of Recommendation (see program requirements for more information)
  • GRE/GMAT (not required for most programs, see program requirements for more information)

Unofficial transcripts and test scores are accepted for application review but official documents are required for enrollment, please have documents (ie. test scores) sent prior to the expiration. 

Program-specific requirements

Candidates must submit the required application materials, university requirements and program-specific requirements, for consideration.

Successful candidates will have a Bachelor of Arts degree or a Bachelor of Science degree, and an interest in research. Students must demonstrate evidence of potential to excel in course work and research. Admission decisions will be made based on all of the submitted documents (e.g., research experience/interest, personal statement, GPA, letters of recommendation, etc.).

Requirements:

  • 2 letters of recommendation from individuals who are familiar with student’s academic or research experience. Applicants will be required to provide the recommenders name and email address so we can contact the recommender for the letter of recommendation.
  • The Statement of Purpose should include evidence of research interest/experience and the reason they believe our graduate program is a good fit (students are encouraged to specify the faculty members they would like to work with or the preferred area of research).
  • The submission of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores is optional, but the scores will be considered as part of the application if submitted.
  • A sample of student’s writing is optional.
  • Admitted students must have successfully completed an undergraduate statistics course before beginning the program.

Application dates

A limited number of assistantships are available on a competitive basis. This award is subject to the work needs of the position and department, your satisfactory performance of duties, your academic record, and availability of funds, and may be subject to change.

Learn more about assistantships at UMass Dartmouth

International (F-1) students who receive science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) degrees may be eligible to apply for a 24-month extension of their post-completion optional practical training (OPT). To learn about the eligibility criteria and detailed steps to apply, please review the International Student & Scholar Center (ISSC) OPT page and USCIS resources. F-1 students must consult with the ISSC to apply for STEM OPT.