Psychological Sciences — MS, PhD

Degree Programs:

The Department of Psychological Sciences offers two terminal master's degrees—a Master of Science (Non-Thesis) in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and a Master of Science (Non-Thesis) in Industrial & Organizational Psychology (I-O)—and doctoral degrees in three areas—a PhD in Clinical Psychology, a PhD in Cognitive and Behavioral Sciences (CaBS), and a PhD in Industrial & Organizational Psychology (I-O). The doctoral programs do not offer terminal master's degrees.

For the most accurate and up-to-date information about program requirements, applicants should consult the department’s webpage (https://cla.auburn.edu/psychological-sciences/graduate-studies/graduate-application-requirements/). Please email bryangt@auburn.edu for application and general program information.

Graduate degrees in Counseling, Counseling Psychology, Educational Psychology, and School Psychology are offered through the College of Education.

Admission Requirements for the MS and the PhD

Holders of the bachelor’s degree in any discipline from an accredited institution will be considered for graduate work in psychology. Students admitted to the PhD programs earn a thesis-based MS degree after completing intermediate program requirements. All programs commence in the fall semester. Spring or summer semester admission is not available.

To be considered for admission, potential applicants must submit an online application and related materials. Required materials and deadlines are subject to change, so it is imperative that applicants consult the application instructions on the Department of Psychological Sciences' web page for up-to-date directions.

To ensure consideration, the application process should be completed by December 1 for the PhD programs, February 1 for the ABA-MS program, and March 31 for the MS in I-O program.

MS in Applied Behavior Analysis

In the ABA program, students are trained to provide clinical and educational services to individuals from various populations and backgrounds including: children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorders in a clinic setting; typically developing children in school settings; children and adolescents, as well as their caregivers, in foster care settings; and adolescents in a juvenile residential facility. The ABA program is a verified course sequence provider and an approved experience provider.

General Requirements

The MS in ABA is a full-time non-thesis program requiring six consecutive semesters of full-time coursework (24 semester hours) and practicum training (21 semester hours). All students complete a capstone research project. Course and credit-hour requirements for the program total 45 hours.

Required Courses

See the Applied Behavior Analysis (Non-Thesis) — MS

MS in Industrial and Organizational (I-O) Psychology

The non-thesis M.S. in I-O Psychology program is designed to train students with the skills and knowledge to enable students to become Industrial - Organizational practitioners in an applied setting. I-O Psychology focuses on understanding, predicting, and modifying behavior in organizational settings, typically, but not limited to, work environments.

General Requirements

The M.S. in I-O Psychology program provides students with a well-rounded foundation in Industrial and Organizational Psychology. This degree does not require research or a thesis, and students participate in applied opportunities and internships. For the online program, enrollment in at least six credit hours (two 3-credit courses) per semester of required coursework (including approved electives) constitutes a full-time course load.

Required Courses

See the Industrial & Organizational Psychology (Non-Thesis) — MS

PhD in Clinical Psychology

The Clinical Psychology PhD program uses a scientist-practitioner training model that blends basic and applied research with clinical practice.

General Requirements

Typically, the program requires five years at Auburn in course work, individualized research, and practicum experiences. In addition, a one-year full-time internship at an APA-approved program is required. 83 credit hours total are required.

Students enrolled in the Clinical Psychology PhD program complete a sequence of departmental core courses providing a foundation in psychology on which specialization is based. In doctoral study, students are expected to write and defend an empirically based master’s thesis. Admission to doctoral candidacy is contingent upon the successful completion of the general doctoral examination. Students must also write and defend a research dissertation.

Required Courses

See the Clinical Psychology - PhD

PhD in Cognitive and Behavioral Sciences

The CaBS program provides a firm foundation in cognitive and behavioral sciences. Electives allow students in the CaBS PhD program flexibility in developing their own areas of specialization.

General Requirements

CaBS students are required to complete a series of core courses, write and defend an empirically based master’s thesis, and successfully complete a general doctoral examination before being admitted to doctoral candidacy. They must also write and defend a research dissertation. 60 credit hours total are required.

Required Courses

See the Cognitive and Behavioral Sciences — PhD

PhD in Industrial and Organizational (I-O) Psychology

Students enrolled in the I-O Psychology doctoral program will be trained in scientific methods applied to the industrial and organizational environment. Graduates of the program will be prepared to work in academic, research, and/or applied settings.

General Requirements

The l-O Psychology doctoral program provides doctoral students with a well-rounded foundation in Industrial Psychology, Organizational Psychology, and quantitative coursework. Students are required to complete a research-based thesis and a general doctoral exam before advancing to doctoral candidacy. The last milestone is a doctoral dissertation. The degree requires a total of 73 semester hours of credit.

Required Courses

See the Industrial & Organizational Psychology — PhD.