The Master of Arts in Psychology-Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Do I need to have my BA in Psychology to apply to the M.A. program?

We do not require that applicants have an undergraduate major in psychology. However, we do suggest/encourage applicants to have taken some course work in the field. A research methods course is recommended.

Q. Can I enroll in the program part time?

It is possible to complete the program part-time. However, you must have a flexible schedule. We do not offer evening classes, although some courses are offered late in the afternoon.

Q. Can I start the program in January?

No, we offer September admission only.

Q. Does the department provide any funding such as Teaching Assistantships?

Financial Assistance for students in the M.A. Program in not available within the

Department of Psychology, however, fellowships, scholarships and loan information is available in the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences Bulletin. www.bu.edu/cas/graduate.

Q. What is the deadline for the MA-only program?

The application deadline for the MA-only program is May 15th. We begin reviewing complete applications March 1st and continue reviewing applications as they become complete through May 15th.

Q. Do my chances for admission decline if I apply for the May 15th deadline?

No, all applications are considered on merit.

Q. How many letters of recommendation do I need?

Three letters are requested, please note that we do require at least two academic references.

Q. What are the minimum GRE scores required for admission?

We do not have a minimum level that we require. The average scores of candidates that were admitted to the program for Fall, 02 were: Verbal 510; Quantitative 640; Analytical 590. However, we take all aspects of your application into consideration. International students please be advised that we require the TOEFL.

Q. Is the GRE Subject test required?

A subject test is not required for the M.A. program.

Q. When do you begin interviews for the M.A. Program?

We do not conduct interviews for admission to our M.A. program. You are of course welcome to visit the campus. You are free to send questions via e-mail to perlitsh@bu.edu.

Q. Is a Thesis required?

We do not require a formal thesis. We do require a “Directed Study” which is a research apprenticeship. A written product that results from this work is expected.

Q. What is a “Directed Study?”

The Directed Study is our research apprenticeship. You will work with a faculty member on a research project. There are varied opportunities for research both within and outside the department. We have the most diverse research activity and largest psychology department in the Boston area. Please visit our web site to view the research interests of our faculty. www.bu.edu/psych/faculty.

Q. Am I able to “specialize’ in one particular area?

We do not offer structured “specializations.” We encourage you to do your Directed Study in your particular area of interest.

Q. What is the average class size?

Class sizes vary, most graduate courses have a maximum of 30 students.

Q. Are there separate classes for the M.A. students?

We do not have any MA only courses, you will be taking most of your courses with Ph.D. candidates. Our graduate programs are fully integrated. There are, however, a few courses that are limited to advanced students in the clinical program.

Q. Does this program prepare me for licensure as a psychologist?

No, our program was not set up to prepare students for licensure. For information about licensure at the M.A. level you need to contact the Board of Registration of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts or other states that have M.A. level licenses.

Q. What can I do with my M.A. degree in General Psychology other than doctoral training?

Our graduates go on to work in a variety of areas: research, mental health and human services and business. Some of our students have gone to law school, medical school, social work, education, mental health administration and other specializations.

Q. Can I transfer into the Ph.D. program after completion of my MA?

There is no automatic acceptance into the Ph.D. Program. There is a separate admissions process for each of the doctoral programs.

Q. What is the percent of students who go on to a Ph.D. program?

Our last survey of M.A. graduates showed that approximately 52%, of the individuals who responded, went on to doctoral programs of various types.