Georgia Tech School of Psychology

Graduate Student Handbook

Overview

Introduction

The School of Psychology of the Georgia Institute of Technology offers programs of study leading to the degrees of Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy, with four areas of specialization: Engineering, Experimental, Industrial/Organizational, and Quantitative Psychology. All four programs of study provide intensive exposure to the theoretical and methodological foundations of psychology with strong emphasis on quantitative skills. Each student is expected to show individual initiative in both research activities and academic study, supported by close faculty-student contact.

Doctoral Degree

The Doctoral program provides the student with specialized coursework and opportunities for research in Engineering, Experimental, Industrial/Organizational, or Quantitative Psychology. Each curriculum includes individualized study and research with a strong foundation in general experimental psychology as a basis for this specialization. The goal of the School of Psychology, reflected in the structure of the program described within this handbook, is to provide an academic environment in which the Ph.D. degree will be completed in a reasonable amount of time.

Master’s Degree

The Master’s degree, designed to require at least two calendar years, is intended to prepare the student for continuation of graduate work toward the Ph.D. The Master’s degree is viewed as a significant educational achievement and is not automatically awarded en route to the Ph.D. However, except for unusual circumstances the School of Psychology does not admit students for a terminal masters degree.

PH.D. Objectives

Objectives of the Doctoral program require that students:

1. Demonstrate understanding and use of psychological principles and techniques at an advanced level. Such use will be based upon a comprehensive knowledge of general psychology from a core set of courses including biopsychology, cognitive processes, development, experimental analysis of behavior, human abilities, personality, sensation and perception, and social.

2. Read, review, and critique psychological literature and write research reports at a level of expertise commensurate with that represented in current research journals;

3. Demonstrate an ability to explain, use and apply statistical principles and techniques at a level allowing them to design and assist others in designing psychological experiments;

4. Prepare and use a comprehensive, analytic review of the literature on a psychological problem;

5. Present psychological material verbally to professional audiences and demonstrate effective skills in classroom instruction;

6. Display a high degree of competence in an area of specialization as demonstrated by performance on a doctoral preliminary examination;

7. Demonstrate competence in a minor field. A minor field should be chosen to supplement a student's training in his or her specialty in a manner consistent with his/her occupational goals. Competence is defined as knowledge of the terminology specific to the minor field and knowledge of the major concepts, principles and methodologies of that field relevant to the goals of the student. Each student is required to complete a minimum of 9 semester hours of coursework outside of their specialty.

8. Plan and execute research on a significant psychological problem; and

9. Demonstrate awareness of current professional problems in psychology (e.g., ethical problems).

Collaborative Arrangements

The School of Psychology is affiliated with a number of research facilities in the Atlanta area. Included are Zoo Atlanta, the Yerkes Regional Primate Research Laboratories, Georgia Mental Health Institute, the University of Georgia Gerontology Center, Wesley Woods Geriatric Hospital, and Emory Hospital’s FMRI unit.

Coursework in areas not represented in the Georgia Tech curriculum is available at other institutions in the Atlanta area through the University System, a consortium of Atlanta-area colleges and universities. Students may simply register for those courses at Georgia Tech. Information on cross-registration procedures is available in the Registrar's office. Students have access to these courses for graduate credit.