Psychology (Brain and Behavior), Ph.D.

Doctoral Degree Programs

Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology

Applicants are judged on the basis of prior academic record, GRE scores, three letters of recommendation from persons qualified to assess the applicant’s readiness for graduate study, and scholarship personal statement. Applicants are expected to have completed appropriate undergraduate foundation courses in psychology (e.g., statistics, experimental, and history and systems). A student may be invited to come to campus for a personal interview as part of the application process. The department typically receives applications from a larger number of qualified applicants than it can enroll. Prospective students should specify their intended emphasis area at time of application. Descriptions of each of these areas are available online at www.usm.edu/psychology. New students are admitted only for fall semester. Applications received by December 1 (clinical, counseling, school) or March 1 (Brain and Behavior) will receive a full review.

The Department of Psychology values diversity, and members of underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply. Additionally, whereas participation in on-campus admissions seminars and interviews is highly recommended for applicants who enter the final selection pool, alternative arrangements may be requested through the director of training for those individuals who are unable to travel to Hattiesburg.

Residency

Students must meet the residency requirements specified in this Bulletin.

Research and Scholarly Integrity Education

All faculty holding Regular or Associate graduate faculty status, must complete CITI training modules required by the Graduate School and their departments. All graduate students must complete the CITI training modules required by the Graduate School and their departments the first semester they are enrolled in graduate school. The RSIE policy and training information are found on the Graduate School web page –www.usm.edu/graduate-school. Contact the Dean of the Graduate School if you have any questions regarding the policy of training information.

Comprehensive Exam

Doctoral qualifying exams may be required. A comprehensive exam is required for all doctoral students and must be passed before proceeding to the dissertation. A 3.0 GPA is required for graduation.

Continuous Enrollment Requirement: Students must meet the requirements specified in the front section of this Bulletin for continuous enrollment.

Common Requirements for the Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology

Research Tool(s)

Research tools are completed as part of the master’s in psychology (MA) earned en route to the doctorate.

PSY 661 - Research Evaluation in the Behavioral Sciences  3 hrs.

PSY 662 - Quantitative Methods I  3 hrs. or REF 762 - Quantitative Analysis II  3 hrs.

PSY 663 - Quantitative Methods II  3 hrs. or REF 830 - Multivariate Analysis  3 hrs.

PSY 698 - Thesis  6 hrs.

Requirements for an Emphasis in Brain and Behavior Psychology

In addition to the requirements listed under common requirements for the doctor of philosophy degree, the student must take the following: