M.A. Program
The 32-hour M.A. program prepares students for work in research labs (such as NIH) or for doctoral work. It provides students with a thorough review of neuroanatomy and neuronal processes and a strong training in statistics. A thesis is normally required. All hours earned in the Master's program may be applied to the Biopsychology track in the doctoral program for students who apply for and are admitted to that program upon completion of the MA.
Accelerated M.A. Program
George Mason University now offers students in their junior year the opportunity to apply for admission to the Accelerated M.A. in Biopsychology program. Accelerated M.A. students are admitted to the M.A. program in their senior year, and may take up to 8 hours of credit from specified courses, such as 527, 531, 558 and 559. These courses will be waived in the M.A. program. Students planning to complete the M.A. 18 months after graduation with a B.A. or B.S. degree must take 527 and 531 in their senior year. Thus, students in this program will only be required to take 24 hours in the M.A. beyond the undergraduate degree. The application process is identical to that for the standard M.A., but GRE scores are not required. For further information, please contact Dr. Jane Flinn at jflinn@gmu.edu.
M.A. Requirements
Biopsychology Core Requirements (11 hours)
527 Introduction to Neuroanatomy
531 Mammalian Neurobiology ( with required lab )
558 Neuronal Bases of Learning and Memory
At least one of the following:
559 Behavioral Neurochemistry
556 Chemistry of the Brain*
Statistics Requirement (8 hours)
611 Advanced Statistics
612 Advanced Statistics
Thesis or Practicum (thesis normally required) (6 hours)
792 Practicum in Developmental and Biopsychology
799 Master's Thesis
591 Profressional Seminar in Psychology
Courses to be chosen with approval of advisor; possible topics are:
561 Behavioral Biology of Substance Abuse
583 General Biochemistry (BIOL)
592 Developmental Psychobiology (Special Topics)
592 Histology and Histochemistry of the Brain
593 General Biochemistry
702 Biological Bases of Human Behavior
704 Lifespan Development
Total Hours: 32
* These courses are currently listed as Psyc 592 'special topics' but have been presented to CAS for approval for regular graduate course status.
Admission is competitive. Applicants are expected to have 15 hours of course work in psychology, including a statistics course and an experimental laboratory course in psychology (PSYC 304, 305, or 309 animal learning, cognition, or perception). The following are also required:
- GPA of 3.00 on a 4.00 scale for the last 60 hours of undergraduate work and a minimum GPA of 3.25 in undergraduate psychology courses.
- Scores from the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) taken within the last five years (not required for Accelerated M.A.).
- Three letters of reference from professors or supervisors.
- Departmental Form is required and is enclosed. Please call (703) 993-1342 or download it from our website at http:/ /www.gmu.edu/departments/psychology/.
- Biographical statement describing the applicant's background, experience, and goals in psychology.
- Work experience, publications, or special recommendations may compensate for deficiencies in other qualifications.
Applications may be obtained from the Office of Admissions and should be completed and returned with the application fee to:
Graduate Admissions Office
College of Arts and Sciences (MS 2D2)
George Mason University
Fairfax, Virginia 22030-4444
(703) 993-2400
Applicants may also apply online from the Office of Admissions webpage at .
Because space is limited, fulfillment of the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission to graduate program
Completed applications for fall admission are due February 1, with reviewing and decisions beginning on February 1 and continuing until the class is full. Applications for spring admission are not accepted. Students should plan to take the GRE at least two months prior to this deadline to allow for processing.
