Plan Description
The Graduate Faculty of the Department of Psychology is comprised of a group of dedicated individuals who have received their training at outstanding graduate programs. We continue to recruit accomplished scholars who will enhance the quality and diversity of the graduate experience available to our students. The department is committed to providing our graduate students with a high quality program balanced across classroom, laboratories, and other research settings; and for clinical students, various practicum placements. The department currently offers M.A. and Ph.D. degrees through the Clinical and Experimental Psychology Tracks.
The UNLV Clinical Psychology Tracks prepare students to address human concerns through both scholarly research and the application of psychological knowledge and skills. We recognize psychology as an empirical science and expect students to have a broad understanding of existing psychological knowledge. We guide students to base their scholarly and professional activity on the scientific foundation of psychology. Through an integration of didactic study, supervised clinical activity, and mentored scholarly research, we prepare students as generalist scientist-practitioners to conduct scientific research and clinical interventions with children and adults.
The UNLV Experimental Psychology Doctoral Program trains students to become psychological scientists capable of carrying out independent research that lives up to international standards of scientific excellence. Upon completing the degree, students will be qualified to seek careers conducting research in academia and in other institutional and applied settings. Areas of research in which faculty supervise students are: Cognitive Psychology, Neuroscience, Developmental Psychology, and Quantitative/Experimental Psychology. The program operates on a mentor model in which students work under the supervision of an identified faculty mentor. We welcome students from diverse backgrounds and encourage research in topics related to multiculturalism and diversity.
For more information about your program, including your graduate program handbook and learning outcomes, please visit the Degree Directory.
Learning outcomes for specific subplan tracks can be found below:
Plan Admission Requirements
Application deadlines
Applications available on the UNLV Graduate College website.
The program is accredited by the American Psychological Association.
All domestic and international applicants must review and follow the Graduate College Admission and Registration Requirements.
Clinical Psychology Tracks
The Clinical Psychology Tracks currently admit only students seeking a doctoral degree. The program admits students for matriculation only in the fall semester. The application deadline is December 1 prior to the fall for which matriculation is being requested. Applicants will be notified of their status prior to April 15. We anticipate entering classes of 5-8 students each year. Typical admitted students have GPAs of 3.7 and GRE scores of 600 (see http://psychology.unlv.edu/clinical.htm#Admission for more information).
- A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution or a master’s degree or equivalent from an accredited institution. We strongly recommend that applicants have a degree in psychology. Applicants should have completed at least 18 hours of undergraduate psychology courses including statistics, abnormal psychology, and experimental psychology.
- Satisfactory scores on the Verbal and Quantitative sections of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE).
- Three letters of recommendation.
- A statement of purpose written by the applicant.
- A personal interview with members of the program faculty is required for finalists in the selection process.
We will notify applicants if they are finalists in February under most circumstances. If a personal interview is not feasible, a telephone interview may be substituted. In unusual circumstances, students who do not meet these admission requirements may be admitted.
Experimental Psychology Tracks
The Experimental Psychology tracks currently admit only students seeking a doctoral degree. The program admits students for matriculation only in the fall semester. The application deadline is December 1st before the fall for which matriculation is being requested. Review of completed applications will continue until all positions are filled. Applicants are encouraged to submit their materials as early as possible.
- A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution with a minimum GPA of 3.20 (A = 4.00) or a master’s degree or equivalent from an accredited institution with a minimum GPA of 3.50. Applicants with a bachelor’s degree must have completed at least 18 hours in undergraduate psychology courses including Statistics and Research Methods or their equivalents. Post-bachelor students entering the neuroscience emphasis track that are lacking sufficient background in neuroscience will complete PSY 701 prior to taking PSY 719 and PSY 720. Post-master students entering the Quantitative/Experimental emphasis track that are lacking sufficient background in statistics will complete PSY 708 and PSY 709 prior to taking elective credits.
- Satisfactory scores on the Verbal and Quantitative sections of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE).
- Three letters of recommendation.
- A statement of purpose written by the applicant.
- Admission to the program will be based on a mentoring model. Students under serious consideration for admission to the Experimental Program are required to have a personal interview with the sponsoring faculty member and at least two other program faculty members. If a personal interview is not financially or pragmatically feasible, a telephone interview may be substituted.
Note: Strong applicants who fail to meet one of the Experimental Program admission requirements may still be considered for admission.
Students are accepted into a degree program as described in the Graduate Catalog. The faculty and corresponding sub-disciplines and sub-plans within the described programs are subject to change at any time.
Subplan 1 Requirements: Post-Bachelor’s - Clinical Psychology Track
Total Credits Required: 96
Course Requirements
Clinical Foundation Courses – Credits: 27
PSY 712 - Psychometrics
PSY 714 - History and Foundations of Clinical Psychology
PSY 715 - Assessment of Children
PSY 716 - Assessment of Adults
PSY 725 - Intervention with Children
PSY 726 - Intervention with Adults
PSY 736 - Psychopathology
PSY 750 - Diversity in Professional Psychology
PSY 755 - Ethics and Professional Issues
Research Methods and Statistics Courses – Credits: 9
PSY 707 - Research Methods
PSY 708 - Statistics for Psychologists I
PSY 709 - Statistics for Psychologists II
Practicum – Credits: 6
PSY 767 - Practicum
Thesis – Credits: 6
PSY 769 - Thesis
After successfully completing the requirements above, students are eligible to earn the Master of Arts – Psychology.
Scientific Breadth in Psychology Courses – Credits: 12
PSY 701 - Biological Bases of Behavior
PSY 703 - Cognitive Psychology
PSY 704 - Social Psychology
PSY 721 - Developmental Science
Elective Courses – Credits: 6
Complete 6 credits of 700-level Psychology courses. Other 700-level courses offered by other departments may be taken with approval of the student’s advisor and the Clinical Program Committee.
Practicum – Credits: 12
PSY 767 - Practicum
Internship – Credits: 6
Complete a full calendar year APA-approved clinical psychology internship.
PSY 771 - Professional Internship
Dissertation – Credits: 12
PSY 770 - Dissertation
Degree Requirements
- En route to doctoral candidacy the student must complete the requirements for a master’s degree in psychology, and complete 6 credits of thesis over a minimum of 2 semesters. The thesis must be proposed and defended orally.
- In addition to a master’s degree in Psychology equivalent to the one previously described (48 credits), a minimum of 48 semester hours in graduate psychology is required for the doctoral degree.
- Comprehensive Examination. The Comprehensive examination for the doctoral program will consist of an examination administered once each year. Students may take the exam after they have completed 66 credits and the Master’s thesis.
- Electives consist of any 700-level Psychology courses excluding Independent Study, Practicum, Independent Research, Thesis, Dissertation, and Professional Internship.
- Students must obtain a grade of B- or better in each course taken for that course to count toward the degree. One grade below a B- (i.e. C+ or lower) will result in probation. Once on probation for receiving a grade below a B-, a second grade (in the same or different classes) below a B-, will result in immediate separation from the program. If a student re-takes a course in which s/he received a grade lower than a B- (i.e. C+ or lower) and earns a B- or better, s/he will be removed from probation. A student may only be on academic probation twice during their graduate career in Psychology; a third probation will result in separation from the program. No student shall be allowed more than two simultaneous grades of incomplete, except in the case of a documented and approved medical leave.
- Students must conform to all policies of the UNLV Graduate College, as stated in the UNLV Graduate Catalog, those stated in the UNLV Clinical Psychology Doctoral Program Student Handbook, and the American Psychological Association Code of Ethics. Students will be evaluated at least yearly across several professional competencies. Inadequate performance in one or more may result in the imposition of additional requirements, loss of Graduate Assistantship, probation, or separation from the program.
- Transfer Credits. Admitted clinical students may transfer credits from graduate studies in other programs contingent upon departmental approval and in accordance with Graduate College policy.
- The dissertation must be orally proposed and defended.
Graduation Requirements
- The student must submit all required forms to the Graduate College and then apply for graduation up to two semesters prior to completing his/her degree requirements for both the Master’s and Doctoral portions of the program.
- The student must submit and successfully defend his/her thesis by the posted deadline. The defense must be advertised and is open to the public. Student must submit his/her approved, properly formatted hard-copy thesis to the Graduate College, and submit the approved electronic version to ProQuest by the posted deadline.
- The student must submit and successfully defend his/her dissertation by the posted deadline. The defense must be advertised and is open to the public. Student must submit his/her approved, properly formatted hard-copy dissertation to the Graduate College, and submit the approved electronic version to ProQuest by the posted deadline.
Subplan 2 Requirements: Post-Master’s - Clinical Psychology Track
Total Credits Required: 84
Course Requirements
Clinical Foundation Courses – Credits: 27
PSY 712 - Psychometrics
PSY 714 - History and Foundations of Clinical Psychology
PSY 715 - Assessment of Children
PSY 716 - Assessment of Adults
PSY 725 - Intervention with Children
PSY 726 - Intervention with Adults
PSY 736 - Psychopathology
PSY 750 - Diversity in Professional Psychology
PSY 755 - Ethics and Professional Issues
Research Methods and Statistics Courses – Credits: 9
PSY 707 - Research Methods
PSY 708 - Statistics for Psychologists I
PSY 709 - Statistics for Psychologists II
Scientific Breadth in Psychology Courses – Credits: 12
PSY 701 - Biological Bases of Behavior
PSY 703 - Cognitive Psychology
PSY 704 - Social Psychology
PSY 721 - Developmental Science
Practicum – Credits: 18
PSY 767 - Practicum
Internship – Credits: 6
Complete a full calendar year APA-approved clinical psychology internship.
PSY 771 - Professional Internship
Dissertation – Credits: 12
PSY 770 - Dissertation
Degree Requirements
- Students must complete a minimum of 84 credit hours with a minimum GPA of 3.00. Additional credits may be required to address student deficiencies or build specialized expertise.
- The number of required Clinical Foundation Courses, Research Methods and Statistics Courses, and Scientific Breadth in Psychology Courses will be determined in consultation with the Director of Clinical Training. Additional credits may be required to address student deficiencies or build specialized expertise.
- Comprehensive Examination. The comprehensive examination for the doctoral program will consist of an examination administered once each year. Students may take the exam after they have completed 45 credits.
- Students must obtain a grade of B- or better in each course taken for that course to count toward the degree. One grade below a B- (i.e., C+ or lower) will result in probation. Once a student is on probation for receiving a grade below a B-, a second grade (in the same or different classes) below a B- will result in immediate separation from the program. If a student retakes a course in which he or she received a grade lower than a B- (i.e., C+ or lower) and earns a B- or better, that student will be removed from probation. Students may be on academic probation only twice during their graduate career in Psychology; a third probation will result in separation from the program. No student shall be allowed more than two simultaneous grades of incomplete, except in the case of a documented and approved medical leave.
- Students must conform to all policies of the UNLV Graduate College as stated in the UNLV Graduate Catalog, all policies stated in the UNLV Clinical Psychology Doctoral Program Student Handbook, and the American Psychological Association Code of Ethics. Students will be evaluated at least yearly across several professional competencies. Inadequate performance in one or more may result in the imposition of additional requirements, loss of Graduate Assistantship, probation, or separation from the program.
- Transfer Credits. Admitted clinical students may transfer credits from graduate studies in other programs contingent upon departmental approval and in accordance with Graduate College policy.
- The dissertation must be orally proposed and defended.
Graduation Requirements
- Students must submit all required forms to the Graduate College and then apply for graduation up to two semesters prior to completing their degree requirements.
- Students must submit and successfully defend their dissertation by the posted deadline. The defense must be advertised and is open to the public.
- Students must submit their approved, properly formatted, hard-copy dissertation to the Graduate College, and submit the approved electronic version to ProQuest by the posted deadline.
Subplan 3 Requirements: Post-Bachelor’s - Experimental Psychology - Quantitative/Experimental Emphasis Track
Total Credits Required: 72
Course Requirements
Required Courses – Credits: 12
PSY 707 - Research Methods
PSY 708 - Statistics for Psychologists I
PSY 709 - Statistics for Psychologists II
PSY 756 - Ethics, Professional Issues, and Diversity in Experimental Psychology
Proseminar Course – Credits: 6
Complete the following course each semester during the first two years of study.
PSY 758 - Proseminar in Experimental Psychology
Breadth Courses – Credits: 3
Complete one course from one of the following options:
Option 1:
PSY 704 - Social Psychology
Option 2:
PSY 701 - Biological Bases of Behavior
PSY 719 - Behavioral Neuroscience
PSY 720 - Systems and Cognitive Neuroscience
Option 3:
PSY 703 - Cognitive Psychology
PSY 718 - Cognitive Science
Option 4:
PSY 705 - Developmental Psychology
PSY 721 - Developmental Science
Elective Courses – Credits: 6
Complete 6 credits of 700-level Psychology courses, or 600/700-level advisor-approved courses offered by other departments.
Thesis – Credits: 6
PSY 769 - Thesis
After successfully completing the requirements above, students are eligible to earn the Master of Arts – Psychology.
Breadth Courses – Credits: 3
Complete one course from one of the following options that has not been applied to the master’s degree:
Option 1:
PSY 704 - Social Psychology
Option 2:
PSY 701 - Biological Bases of Behavior
PSY 719 - Behavioral Neuroscience
PSY 720 - Systems and Cognitive Neuroscience
Option 3:
PSY 703 - Cognitive Psychology
PSY 718 - Cognitive Science
Option 4:
PSY 705 - Developmental Psychology
PSY 721 - Developmental Science
Elective Courses – Credits: 24
Complete 24 credits of 700-level Psychology courses, or 600/700-level advisor-approved courses offered by other departments. Students should use their elective credits to specialize in some area of quantitative/experimental psychology. Students will construct their course structures in collaboration with their mentors. See the Experimental Psychology Ph.D. Program Handbook for potential areas of specialization and proposed course plans for these areas of specialization.
Dissertation – Credits: 12
PSY 770 - Dissertation
Degree Requirements
- En route to doctoral candidacy the student must complete the requirements for a master’s degree in psychology and complete 6 credits of thesis over a minimum of 2 semesters.
- In addition to a master’s degree in Psychology equivalent to the one previously described, a minimum of 39 semester hours in graduate psychology is required for the doctoral degree.
- Student will be required to complete a Qualifying Activity before proposing a Dissertation. The purpose of the qualifying activity is for the student to acquire not only the expertise in a given area, but the ability to explain, discuss, and debate questions within that and related areas. Students may choose, in consultation with their advisor, from the following qualifying activities: one extensive qualifying paper, three brief papers, or a written examination.
- Students must obtain a grade of B- or better in each course taken for that course to count toward the degree. One grade below a B- (i.e. C+ or lower) will result in probation. Once on probation for receiving a grade below a B-, a second grade (in the same or different classes) below a B-, will result in immediate separation from the program. If a student re-takes a course in which s/he received a grade lower than a B- (i.e. C+ or lower) and earns a B- or better, s/he will be removed from probation. A student may only be on academic probation twice during their graduate career in Psychology; a third probation will result in separation from the program. No student shall be allowed more than two simultaneous grades of incomplete, except in the case of a documented and approved medical leave.
- Students must conform to all policies of the UNLV Graduate College, as stated in the UNLV Graduate Catalog, those stated in the UNLV Experimental Psychology Doctoral Program Student Handbook, and the American Psychological Association Code of Ethics. Students will be evaluated at least yearly across several professional competencies in the following three areas: (1) academic performance; (2) scholarly research activity; and (3) ethical behavior and professional conduct. If the program determines that a student is not making satisfactory progress toward the degree, it may request the Graduate Dean to separate the student from the program or place the student on probation. Failure to meet the conditions of the probation will result in separation from the program.
- Students must take a minimum of four semesters of dissertation which can include summers. The dissertation must be orally proposed and defended.
Graduation Requirements
- The student must submit all required forms to the Graduate College and then apply for graduation up to two semesters prior to completing his/her degree requirements for both the Master’s and Doctoral portions of the program.
- The student must submit and successfully defend his/her thesis by the posted deadline. The defense must be advertised and is open to the public.
- Student must submit his/her approved, properly formatted hard-copy thesis to the Graduate College, and submit the approved electronic version to ProQuest by the posted deadline.
- The student must submit and successfully defend his/her dissertation by the posted deadline. The defense must be advertised and is open to the public.
- Student must submit his/her approved, properly formatted dissertation to the Graduate College, and submit the approved electronic version to ProQuest by the posted deadline.
Subplan 4 Requirements: Post-Bachelor’s - Experimental Psychology - Cognitive Emphasis Track
Total Credits Required: 72
Course Requirements
Required Courses – Credits: 9
PSY 708 - Statistics for Psychologists I
PSY 709 - Statistics for Psychologists II
PSY 756 - Ethics, Professional Issues, and Diversity in Experimental Psychology
Proseminar Course – Credits: 6
Complete the following course each semester during the first two years of study:
PSY 758 - Proseminar in Experimental Psychology
Cognitive Emphasis Courses – Credits: 6
Complete two of the following courses:
PSY 717 - Cognitive Methods
PSY 718 - Cognitive Science
PSY 720 - Systems and Cognitive Neuroscience
Elective Courses – Credits: 6
Complete 6 credits of 700-level Psychology courses, or other 700-level advisor-approved courses offered by other departments. Courses at the 600-level offered by other departments require approval by the advisor and the Experimental Program Director.
Thesis – Credits: 6
PSY 769 - Thesis
After successfully completing the requirements above, students are eligible to earn the Master of Arts in Psychology.
Cognitive Emphasis Courses – Credits: 3
Complete the course that has not been applied to the master’s degree:
PSY 717 - Cognitive Methods
PSY 718 - Cognitive Science
PSY 720 - Systems and Cognitive Neuroscience
Cognitive Seminar Courses – Credits: 3
Complete one of the following seminar courses:
PSY 747 - Topics in Perception
PSY 748 - Topics in Memory:
PSY 749 - Topics in Cognitive Processes:
Elective Courses – Credits: 21
Complete 21 credits of 700-level Psychology courses, or other 700-level advisor-approved courses offered by other departments. Courses at the 600-level offered by other departments require approval by the advisor and the Experimental Program Director.
Two electives typically taken by students are:
PSY 757 - Teaching of Psychology
PSY 772 - Experimental Psychology Qualifying Paper Research
Dissertation – Credits: 12
PSY 770 - Dissertation
Degree Requirements
- En route to doctoral candidacy the student must complete the requirements for a master’s degree in psychology, and complete 6 credits of thesis over a minimum of 2 semesters.
- In addition to a master’s degree in psychology equivalent to the one previously described (33 credits), a minimum of 39 credits in graduate psychology is required for the doctoral degree.
- Students will be required to complete a qualifying activity before proposing a dissertation. The purpose of the qualifying activity is for the student to acquire not only the expertise in a given area but also the ability to explain, discuss, and debate questions within that and related areas. Students may choose, in consultation with their advisor, from the following qualifying activities: one extensive qualifying paper, three brief papers, or a written examination.
- Students must obtain a grade of B- or better in each course taken for that course to count toward the degree. One grade below a B- (i.e. C+ or lower) will result in probation. Once a student is on probation for receiving a grade below a B-, a second grade (in the same or different classes) below a B- will result in immediate separation from the program. If a student retakes a course in which he or she received a grade lower than a B- (i.e., C+ or lower) and earns a B- or better, that student will be removed from probation. Students may be on academic probation only twice during their graduate career in Psychology; a third probation will result in separation from the program. No student shall be allowed more than two simultaneous grades of incomplete, except in the case of a documented and approved medical leave.
- Students must conform to all policies of the UNLV Graduate College as stated in the UNLV Graduate Catalog, those policies stated in the UNLV Experimental Psychology Doctoral Program Student Handbook, and the American Psychological Association Code of Ethics. Students will be evaluated at least yearly across several professional competencies in the following three areas: (1) academic performance; (2) scholarly research activity; and (3) ethical behavior and professional conduct. If the program determines that a student is not making satisfactory progress toward the degree, it may request the Graduate Dean to separate the student from the program or place the student on probation. Failure to meet the conditions of the probation will result in separation from the program.
- Students must take a minimum of four semesters of dissertation, which can include summers. The dissertation must be orally proposed and defended.
Graduation Requirements
- Students must submit all required forms to the Graduate College and then apply for graduation up to two semesters prior to completing their degree requirements for both the master’s and doctoral portions of the program.
- Students must submit and successfully defend their thesis by the posted deadline. The defense must be advertised and is open to the public.
- Students must submit their approved, properly formatted, hard-copy thesis to the Graduate College, and submit the approved electronic version to ProQuest by the posted deadline.
- Students must submit and successfully defend their dissertation by the posted deadline. The defense must be advertised and is open to the public.
- Students must submit their approved, properly formatted, hard-copy dissertation to the Graduate College, and submit the approved electronic version to ProQuest by the posted deadline.
Subplan 5 Requirements: Post-Bachelor’s - Experimental Psychology - Neuroscience Emphasis Track
Total Credits Required: 72
Course Requirements
Required Courses – Credits: 15
Complete the following courses:
PSY 708 - Statistics for Psychologists I
PSY 709 - Statistics for Psychologists II
PSY 719 - Behavioral Neuroscience *
PSY 720 - Systems and Cognitive Neuroscience *
PSY 756 - Ethics, Professional Issues, and Diversity in Experimental Psychology
Proseminar Course – Credits: 6
Complete the following course each semester during the first two years of study.
PSY 758 - Proseminar in Experimental Psychology
Elective Courses – Credits: 6
Complete 6 credits of 700-level Psychology courses, or other 700-level advisor-approved courses offered by other departments. 600-level courses offered by other departments require advisor approval and concurrence by the Experimental Program Director.
Thesis – Credits: 6
PSY 769 - Thesis
After successfully completing the requirements above, students are eligible to earn the Master of Arts – Psychology.
Elective Courses – Credits: 27
Complete 27 credits of 700-level Psychology courses, or other 700-level advisor-approved courses offered by other departments. 600-level courses offered by other departments require advisor approval and concurrence by the Experimental Program Director.
Two electives typically taken by students are:
PSY 757 - Teaching of Psychology
PSY 772 - Experimental Psychology Qualifying Paper Research
Dissertation – Credits: 12
PSY 770 - Dissertation
Degree Requirements
- En route to doctoral candidacy the student must complete the requirements for a master’s degree in psychology, and complete 6 credits of thesis over a minimum of 2 semesters.
- In addition to a master’s degree in Psychology equivalent to the one previously described (33 credits), a minimum of 39 credits in graduate psychology is required for the doctoral degree.
- Student will be required to complete a Qualifying Activity before proposing a Dissertation. The purpose of the qualifying activity is for the student to acquire not only the expertise in a given area, but the ability to explain, discuss, and debate questions within that and related areas. Students may choose, in consultation with their advisor, from the following qualifying activities: one extensive qualifying paper, three brief papers, or a written examination.
- Students must obtain a grade of B- or better in each course taken for that course to count toward the degree. One grade below a B- (i.e. C+ or lower) will result in probation. Once on probation for receiving a grade below a B-, a second grade (in the same or different classes) below a B-, will result in immediate separation from the program. If a student re-takes a course in which s/he received a grade lower than a B- (i.e. C+ or lower) and earns a B- or better, s/he will be removed from probation. A student may only be on academic probation twice during their graduate career in Psychology; a third probation will result in separation from the program. No student shall be allowed more than two simultaneous grades of incomplete, except in the case of a documented and approved medical leave.
- Students must conform to all policies of the UNLV Graduate College, as stated in the UNLV Graduate Catalog, those stated in the UNLV Experimental Psychology Doctoral Program Student Handbook, and the American Psychological Association Code of Ethics. Students will be evaluated at least yearly across several professional competencies in the following three areas: (1) academic performance; (2) scholarly research activity; and (3) ethical behavior and professional conduct. If the program determines that a student is not making satisfactory progress toward the degree, it may request the Graduate Dean to separate the student from the program or place the student on probation. Failure to meet the conditions of the probation will result in separation from the program.
- Students must take a minimum of four semesters of dissertation which can include summers. The dissertation must be orally proposed and defended.
Graduation Requirements
- The student must submit all required forms to the Graduate College and then apply for graduation up to two semesters prior to completing his/her degree requirements for both the Master’s and Doctoral portions of the program.
- The student must submit and successfully defend his/her thesis by the posted deadline. The defense must be advertised and is open to the public.
- Student must submit his/her approved, properly formatted hard-copy thesis to the Graduate College, and submit the approved electronic version to ProQuest by the posted deadline.
- The student must submit and successfully defend his/her dissertation by the posted deadline. The defense must be advertised and is open to the public.
- Student must submit his/her approved, properly formatted hard-copy dissertation to the Graduate College, and submit the approved electronic version to ProQuest by the posted deadline.
Subplan 6 Requirements: Post-Bachelor’s - Experimental Psychology - Developmental Emphasis Track
Total Credits Required: 72
Course Requirements
Required Courses – Credits: 12
PSY 708 - Statistics for Psychologists I
PSY 709 - Statistics for Psychologists II
PSY 713 - Developmental Research
PSY 756 - Ethics, Professional Issues, and Diversity in Experimental Psychology
Proseminar Course – Credits: 6
Complete the following course each semester during the first two years of study.
PSY 758 - Proseminar in Experimental Psychology
Developmental Science Course – Credits: 3
Complete 3 credits of the following course:
PSY 721 - Developmental Science
Elective Courses – Credits: 6
Complete 6 credits of 700-level Psychology courses, or other 700-level advisor-approved courses offered by other departments. 600-level courses offered by other departments require advisor approval and concurrence by the Experimental Program Director.
Thesis – Credits: 6
PSY 769 - Thesis
After successfully completing the requirements above, students are eligible to earn the Master of Arts – Psychology.
Developmental Seminar Course – Credits: 3
Complete 3 credits of the following course:
PSY 740 - Topics in Developmental Psychology
Breadth Courses – Credits: 6
Complete 6 credits of courses from two different options that have not been applied to the master’s degree:
Option 1) PSY 704 - Social Psychology
Option 2) PSY 701 - Biological Bases of Behavior , PSY 719 - Behavioral Neuroscience , or PSY 720 - Systems and Cognitive Neuroscience
Option 3) PSY 703 - Cognitive Psychology or PSY 718 - Cognitive Science
Elective Courses – Credits: 18
Complete 18 credits of 700-level Psychology courses, or other 700-level advisor-approved courses offered by other departments. 600-level courses offered by other departments require advisor approval and concurrence by the Experimental Program Director.
Two electives typically taken by students are:
PSY 757 - Teaching of Psychology
PSY 772 - Experimental Psychology Qualifying Paper Research
Dissertation – Credits: 12
PSY 770 - Dissertation
Degree Requirements
- En route to doctoral candidacy the student must complete the requirements for a master’s degree in psychology, and complete 6 credits of thesis over a minimum of 2 semesters.
- In addition to a master’s degree in Psychology equivalent to the one previously described (33 credits), a minimum of 39 credits in graduate psychology is required for the doctoral degree.
- Student will be required to complete a Qualifying Activity before proposing a Dissertation. The purpose of the qualifying activity is for the student to acquire not only the expertise in a given area, but the ability to explain, discuss, and debate questions within that and related areas. Students may choose, in consultation with their advisor, from the following qualifying activities: one extensive qualifying paper, three brief papers, or a written examination.
- Students must obtain a grade of B- or better in each course taken for that course to count toward the degree. One grade below a B- (i.e. C+ or lower) will result in probation. Once on probation for receiving a grade below a B-, a second grade (in the same or different classes) below a B-, will result in immediate separation from the program. If a student re-takes a course in which s/he received a grade lower than a B- (i.e. C+ or lower) and earns a B- or better, s/he will be removed from probation. A student may only be on academic probation twice during their graduate career in Psychology; a third probation will result in separation from the program. No student shall be allowed more than two simultaneous grades of incomplete, except in the case of a documented and approved medical leave.
- Students must conform to all policies of the UNLV Graduate College, as stated in the UNLV Graduate Catalog, those stated in the UNLV Experimental Psychology Doctoral Program Student Handbook, and the American Psychological Association Code of Ethics. Students will be evaluated at least yearly across several professional competencies in the following three areas: (1) academic performance; (2) scholarly research activity; and (3) ethical behavior and professional conduct. If the program determines that a student is not making satisfactory progress toward the degree, it may request the Graduate Dean to separate the student from the program or place the student on probation. Failure to meet the conditions of the probation will result in separation from the program.
- Students must take a minimum of four semesters of dissertation which can include summers. The dissertation must be orally proposed and defended.
Graduation Requirements
- The student must submit all required forms to the Graduate College and then apply for graduation up to two semesters prior to completing his/her degree requirements for both the Master’s and Doctoral portions of the program.
- The student must submit and successfully defend his/her thesis by the posted deadline. The defense must be advertised and is open to the public.
- Student must submit his/her approved, properly formatted hard-copy thesis to the Graduate College, and submit the approved electronic version to ProQuest by the posted deadline.
- The student must submit and successfully defend his/her dissertation by the posted deadline. The defense must be advertised and is open to the public.
- Student must submit his/her approved, properly formatted hard-copy dissertation to the Graduate College, and submit the approved electronic version to ProQuest by the posted deadline.
Subplan 7 Requirements: Post-Master’s - Experimental Psychology - Quantitative/Experimental Emphasis Track
Total Credits Required: 42
Course Requirements
Required Courses – Credits: 6
PSY 707 - Research Methods
PSY 756 - Ethics, Professional Issues, and Diversity in Experimental Psychology
Proseminar Course – Credits: 6
Complete the following course each semester during the first two years of study:
PSY 758 - Proseminar in Experimental Psychology
Elective Courses – Credits: 18
Complete 18 credits of 700-level Psychology courses, or 600/700-level advisor-approved courses offered by other departments. Students should use their elective credits to specialize in some area of quantitative/experimental psychology. Students will construct their course structures in collaboration with their mentors. See the Experimental Psychology Ph.D. Program Handbook for potential areas of specialization and proposed course plans for these areas of specialization.
Dissertation – Credits: 12
PSY 770 - Dissertation
Degree Requirements
- Students must complete a minimum of 42 credit hours with a minimum GPA of 3.00. Additional credits may be required to address student deficiencies or build specialized expertise.
- Students will be required to complete a qualifying activity before proposing a dissertation. The purpose of the qualifying activity is for the student to acquire not only the expertise in a given area but also the ability to explain, discuss, and debate questions within that and related areas. Students may choose, in consultation with their advisor, from the following qualifying activities: one extensive qualifying paper, three brief papers, or a written examination.
- Students must obtain a grade of B- or better in each course taken for that course to count toward the degree. One grade below a B- (i.e., C+ or lower) will result in probation. Once a student is on probation for receiving a grade below a B-, a second grade (in the same or different classes) below a B- will result in immediate separation from the program. If a student retakes a course in which he or she received a grade lower than a B- (i.e., C+ or lower) and earns a B- or better, that student will be removed from probation. Students may be on academic probation only twice during their graduate career in Psychology; a third probation will result in separation from the program. No student shall be allowed more than two simultaneous grades of incomplete, except in the case of a documented and approved medical leave.
- Students must conform to all policies of the UNLV Graduate College as stated in the UNLV Graduate Catalog, those policies stated in the UNLV Experimental Psychology Doctoral Program Student Handbook, and the American Psychological Association Code of Ethics. Students will be evaluated at least yearly across several professional competencies in the following three areas: (1) academic performance; (2) scholarly research activity; and (3) ethical behavior and professional conduct. If the program determines that a student is not making satisfactory progress toward the degree, it may request the Graduate Dean to separate the student from the program or place the student on probation. Failure to meet the conditions of the probation will result in separation from the program.
- Students must take a minimum of four semesters of dissertation, which can include summers. The dissertation must be orally proposed and defended.
Graduation Requirements
- Students must submit all required forms to the Graduate College and then apply for graduation up to two semesters prior to completing their degree requirements.
- Students must submit and successfully defend their dissertation by the posted deadline. The defense must be advertised and is open to the public.
- Students must submit their approved, properly formatted dissertation to the Graduate College, and submit the approved electronic version to ProQuest by the posted deadline.
Subplan 8 Requirements: Post-Master’s - Experimental Psychology - Cognitive Emphasis Track
Total Credits Required: 42
Course Requirements
Required Courses – Credits: 9
PSY 708 - Statistics for Psychologists I
PSY 709 - Statistics for Psychologists II
PSY 756 - Ethics, Professional Issues, and Diversity in Experimental Psychology
Proseminar Course – Credits: 6
Complete the following course each semester during the first two years of study:
PSY 758 - Proseminar in Experimental Psychology
Cognitive Emphasis Courses – Credits: 9
PSY 717 - Cognitive Methods
PSY 718 - Cognitive Science
PSY 720 - Systems and Cognitive Neuroscience
Cognitive Seminar Courses – Credits: 3
Complete 3 credits from the following list of courses:
PSY 747 - Topics in Perception
PSY 748 - Topics in Memory:
PSY 749 - Topics in Cognitive Processes:
Elective Courses – Credits: 3
Complete 3 credits of 700-level Psychology courses, or other 700-level advisor-approved courses offered by other departments. Courses at the 600-level offered by other departments require approval by the advisor and the Experimental Program Director.
Two electives typically taken by students are:
PSY 757 - Teaching of Psychology
PSY 772 - Experimental Psychology Qualifying Paper Research
Dissertation – Credits: 12
PSY 770 - Dissertation
Degree Requirements
- Students must complete a minimum of 42 credit hours with a minimum GPA of 3.00. Additional credits may be required to address student deficiencies or build specialized expertise.
- Students will be required to complete a qualifying activity before proposing a dissertation. The purpose of the qualifying activity is for the student to acquire not only the expertise in a given area but also the ability to explain, discuss, and debate questions within that and related areas. Students may choose, in consultation with their advisor, from the following qualifying activities: one extensive qualifying paper, three brief papers, or a written examination.
- Students must obtain a grade of B- or better in each course taken for that course to count toward the degree. One grade below a B- (i.e., C+ or lower) will result in probation. Once a student is on probation for receiving a grade below a B-, a second grade (in the same or different classes) below a B- will result in immediate separation from the program. If a student retakes a course in which he or she received a grade lower than a B- (i.e., C+ or lower) and earns a B- or better, that student will be removed from probation. Students may be on academic probation only twice during their graduate career in Psychology; a third probation will result in separation from the program. No student shall be allowed more than two simultaneous grades of incomplete, except in the case of a documented and approved medical leave.
- Students must conform to all policies of the UNLV Graduate College as stated in the UNLV Graduate Catalog, those policies stated in the UNLV Experimental Psychology Doctoral Program Student Handbook, and the American Psychological Association Code of Ethics. Students will be evaluated at least yearly across several professional competencies in the following three areas: (1) academic performance; (2) scholarly research activity; and (3) ethical behavior and professional conduct. If the program determines that a student is not making satisfactory progress toward the degree, it may request the Graduate Dean to separate the student from the program or place the student on probation. Failure to meet the conditions of the probation will result in separation from the program.
- Students must take a minimum of four semesters of dissertation, which can include summers. The dissertation must be orally proposed and defended.
Graduation Requirements
- Students must submit all required forms to the Graduate College and then apply for graduation up to two semesters prior to completing their degree requirements.
- Students must submit and successfully defend their dissertation by the posted deadline. The defense must be advertised and is open to the public.
- Students must submit their approved, properly formatted, hard-copy thesis to the Graduate College, and submit the approved electronic version to ProQuest by the posted deadline.
Subplan 9 Requirements: Post-Master’s - Experimental Psychology - Neuroscience Emphasis Track
Total Credits Required: 42
Course Requirements
Required Courses – Credits: 15
*Students lacking sufficient background in Neuroscience will also take PSY 701 – Biological Bases of Behavior prior to taking these core courses.
PSY 708 - Statistics for Psychologists I
PSY 709 - Statistics for Psychologists II
PSY 719 - Behavioral Neuroscience *
PSY 720 - Systems and Cognitive Neuroscience *
PSY 756 - Ethics, Professional Issues, and Diversity in Experimental Psychology
Proseminar Course – Credits: 6
Complete the following course each semester during the first two years of study:
PSY 758 - Proseminar in Experimental Psychology
Elective Courses – Credits: 9
Complete 9 credits of 700-level Psychology courses, or other 700-level advisor-approved courses offered by other departments. 600-level courses offered by other departments require advisor approval and concurrence by the Experimental Program Director.
Two electives typically taken by students are:
PSY 757 - Teaching of Psychology
PSY 772 - Experimental Psychology Qualifying Paper Research
Dissertation – Credits: 12
PSY 770 - Dissertation
Degree Requirements
- Students must complete a minimum of 42 credit hours with a minimum GPA of 3.00. Additional credits may be required to address student deficiencies or build specialized expertise.
- Students will be required to complete a qualifying activity before proposing a dissertation. The purpose of the qualifying activity is for the student to acquire not only the expertise in a given area, but the ability to explain, discuss, and debate questions within that and related areas. Students may choose, in consultation with their advisor, from the following qualifying activities: one extensive qualifying paper, three brief papers, or a written examination.
- Students must obtain a grade of B- or better in each course taken for that course to count toward the degree. One grade below a B- (i.e., C+ or lower) will result in probation. Once a student is on probation for receiving a grade below a B-, a second grade (in the same or different classes) below a B- will result in immediate separation from the program. If a student retakes a course in which he or she received a grade lower than a B- (i.e., C+ or lower) and earns a B- or better, he or she will be removed from probation. A student may be on academic probation only twice during their graduate career in Psychology; a third probation will result in separation from the program. No student shall be allowed more than two simultaneous grades of incomplete, except in the case of a documented and approved medical leave.
- Students must conform to all policies of the UNLV Graduate College as stated in the UNLV Graduate Catalog, those policies stated in the UNLV Experimental Psychology Doctoral Program Student Handbook, and the American Psychological Association Code of Ethics. Students will be evaluated at least yearly across several professional competencies in the following three areas: (1) academic performance; (2) scholarly research activity; and (3) ethical behavior and professional conduct. If the program determines that a student is not making satisfactory progress toward the degree, it may request the Graduate Dean to separate the student from the program or place the student on probation. Failure to meet the conditions of the probation will result in separation from the program.
- Students must take a minimum of four semesters of dissertation, which can include summers. The dissertation must be orally proposed and defended.
Graduation Requirements
- Students must submit all required forms to the Graduate College and then apply for graduation up to two semesters prior to completing their degree requirements for the doctoral portions of the program.
- Students must submit and successfully defend their dissertation by the posted deadline. The defense must be advertised and is open to the public.
- Students must submit their approved, properly formatted, hard-copy dissertation to the Graduate College, and submit the approved electronic version to ProQuest by the posted deadline.
Subplan 10 Requirements: Post-Master’s - Experimental Psychology - Developmental Emphasis Track
Total Credits Required: 42
Course Requirements
Required Courses – Credits: 12
Complete 12 credits from the following list of courses:
PSY 708 - Statistics for Psychologists I
PSY 709 - Statistics for Psychologists II
PSY 713 - Developmental Research
PSY 756 - Ethics, Professional Issues, and Diversity in Experimental Psychology
Proseminar Course – Credits: 6
Complete the following course each semester during the first two years of study.
PSY 758 - Proseminar in Experimental Psychology
Developmental Science Course – Credits: 3
Complete 3 credits of the following course:
PSY 721 - Developmental Science
Developmental Seminar Course – Credits: 3
Complete 3 credits of the following course:
PSY 740 - Topics in Developmental Psychology
Breadth Courses – Credits: 6
Complete 6 credits of courses from two different options:
Option 1)PSY 704 - Social Psychology
Option 2)PSY 701 - Biological Bases of Behavior , PSY 719 - Behavioral Neuroscience , or PSY 720 - Systems and Cognitive Neuroscience
Option 3) PSY 703 - Cognitive Psychology or PSY 718 - Cognitive Science
Dissertation – Credits: 12
PSY 770 - Dissertation
Degree Requirements
- Students must complete a minimum of 42 credit hours with a minimum GPA of 3.00. Additional credits may be required to address student deficiencies or build specialized expertise.
- Student will be required to complete a Qualifying Activity before proposing a Dissertation. The purpose of the qualifying activity is for the student to acquire not only the expertise in a given area, but the ability to explain, discuss, and debate questions within that and related areas. Students may choose, in consultation with their advisor, from the following qualifying activities: one extensive qualifying paper, three brief papers, or a written examination.
- Students must obtain a grade of B- or better in each course taken for that course to count toward the degree. One grade below a B- (i.e. C+ or lower) will result in probation. Once on probation for receiving a grade below a B-, a second grade (in the same or different classes) below a B-, will result in immediate separation from the program. If a student re-takes a course in which s/he received a grade lower than a B- (i.e. C+ or lower) and earns a B- or better, s/he will be removed from probation. A student may only be on academic probation twice during their graduate career in Psychology; a third probation will result in separation from the program. No student shall be allowed more than two simultaneous grades of incomplete, except in the case of a documented and approved medical leave.
- Students must conform to all policies of the UNLV Graduate College, as stated in the UNLV Graduate Catalog, those stated in the UNLV Experimental Psychology Doctoral Program Student Handbook, and the American Psychological Association Code of Ethics. Students will be evaluated at least yearly across several professional competencies in the following three areas: (1) academic performance; (2) scholarly research activity; and (3) ethical behavior and professional conduct. If the program determines that a student is not making satisfactory progress toward the degree, it may request the Graduate Dean to separate the student from the program or place the student on probation. Failure to meet the conditions of the probation will result in separation from the program.
- Students must take a minimum of four semesters of dissertation which can include summers. The dissertation must be orally proposed and defended.
Graduation Requirements
- The student must submit all required forms to the Graduate College and then apply for graduation up to two semesters prior to completing his/her degree requirements for both the Master’s and Doctoral portions of the program.
- The student must submit and successfully defend his/her thesis by the posted deadline. The defense must be advertised and is open to the public.
- Student must submit his/her approved, properly formatted hard-copy thesis to the Graduate College, and submit the approved electronic version to ProQuest by the posted deadline.
- The student must submit and successfully defend his/her dissertation by the posted deadline. The defense must be advertised and is open to the public.
- Student must submit his/her approved, properly formatted hard-copy dissertation to the Graduate College, and submit the approved electronic version to ProQuest by the posted deadline.