4+1 Masters Program

Overview of the 4+1 Programs

The 4+1 terminal Master's Programs in Psychology provide qualified students earning a baccalaureate degree in Psychology from Tulane University with graduate training in psychology. Students either may pursue the M.S. with an empirical thesis, concentrating in depth on a particular area of psychology OR students may pursue the M.S. with a broad training base without a thesis. The 4+1 M.S. degrees are in psychological science (i.e., degrees are not offered in applied areas of psychology). Admissions criteria and curricular requirements are detailed below.

Note: Applications for the 4+1 program are accepted only from students pursuing a baccalaureate degree from Tulane.

Our 4+1 program began in 2002, with a single graduate in 2003. Enrollments have increased steadily over the past four years. For an optimal faculty/student ratio, the department will restrict enrollment to a maximum of 10 students. Our program graduates and career trajectories after the degree are detailed below.

General Psychology M.S. (Non-Thesis Track)

Checklist General Track (pdf)

This option provides a broad background in the theories and methods of Psychology at the graduate level, and comprises 30 graduate credit hours. No thesis is required. Students electing to pursue this option desire a broad background rather than specialization in a particular area. Note: The average completion time in this track is 9.23 months (i.e., almost all students can finish the coursework in two semesters).

Courses must include 3 credits in quantitative methods beyond PSYC 309/609 (typically PSYC6110), 3 credits in each of the three distribution area (i.e., social-cognitive-developmental, applied, psychobiology), 6 credits of core courses (i.e., courses numbered 700-710, which also may satisfy distribution requirements), no more than 3 credits independent study, and no more than one course outside psychology.

Up to 6 graduate credit hours may count toward the bachelors and the M.S. degree. In addition up to 6 additional graduate credit hours taken as an overload during undergraduate study may be applied toward the M.S. degree. It is generally understood that students will complete some coursework toward the M.S. during their senior year at Tulane. Note: The average completion time is 12.27 months (i.e., students often defend their theses during the summer for the August degree).

For advice on senior year courses that are appropriate for 4+1 M.S. applicants who do not plan to conduct an empirical thesis, please consult Dr. Golob before completing the curriculum plan section of the supplementary application.

Area-Specific M.S. (Thesis Track)

Checklist Area-Specific (pdf)

This option provides an in-depth examination of the theories and methods of a specific area of psychology, including the completion of an empirical thesis in that area. The degree requires 24 credit hours plus the thesis. Students electing to pursue this option usually have initiated research as undergraduate students, and have identified a specific area of interest. A member of the graduate faculty must commit to thesis supervision prior to admission.

Courses must include 3 credits in quantitative methods beyond PSYC 309/609 (typically PSYC6110), and 3 credits of core courses (i.e., courses numbered 700–710). The thesis advisor will provide guidance as to the particular courses appropriate to each student's unique interest.

Up to 6 graduate credit hours may count toward the bachelors and the M.S. degree. In addition up to 6 additional graduate credit hours taken as an overload during undergraduate study may be applied toward the M.S. degree. It is generally understood that students will complete some coursework toward the MS during their senior year at Tulane. It also is generally understood that students pursuing the thesis option have conducted empirical research as an undergraduate student.

top ⇑Admissions Information

Criteria for Admission

Students at Tulane University working toward the baccalaureate degree in psychology would apply for admission no later than the fall of their senior year. To be considered for admission, students should meet the following minimum criteria:

• Recommended SAT or GRE score (Q+V) of 1100 or higher
• Undergraduate grade point average of 3.2 or higher
• A letter grade of B or higher earned in PSYC 3090 (Univariate Statistics I )
• Baccaureate degree from Tulane pending successful completion of requirements
• Letters of Reference:
  • For applicants to the general track (no thesis), three recommendation forms (pdf) are required, of which two must be from full-time faculty members in the Department of Psychology.
  • For applicants to the area specific track (thesis option), two recommendation forms (pdf) must be from a full-time faculty members in the Department of Psychology are required; one form MUST contain a graduate faculty member's commitment to supervise the thesis research, at least 3 credits of independent empirical research in psychology should have been earned as an undergraduate.

Required Application Materials

1. Application for Graduate Study in the School of Science and Engineering
2. 4+1 Supplemental Application (pdf). Please note that the supplemental application includes a curriculum plan. Thesis option students should consult with their thesis advisors before completing this section; nonthesis option students should consult with Dr. Golob
3. Current Transcript (a copy of the unofficial audit is acceptable)
4. Letters of Reference for the track to which the student is applying, as noted above under that track listing. These letters should provide an assessment of the qualifications for graduate study.

top ⇑Notes for Currently Enrolled Students

Tuition, Fees and Commencement

Students enrolled in the program pay reduced tuition for their year of study; tuition for the 4+1 MS program is 35% of full time graduate tuition. Students also are responsible for paying the requisite fees to the School of Science and Engineering in a timely fashion. In addition, students should note the school's published deadlines for application for degree, submission of thesis (if applicable), and degree fees. Information regarding commencement ceremonies will be posted when available. In the meantime, commencement weekend dates may be found here.

Advising

Enrolled students will be assigned a faculty advisor by the Graduate Training Committee. The faculty advisor will help assure that the student's uniquely tailored curriculum satisfies degree requirements, as well as helping to facilitate the student's own academic goals. For students adopting the general track, the advisor is Dr. Golob. Students adopting the specific area option generally will be advised by their thesis director. The checklists that highlight the requirements may be helpful in planning your curriculum with your advisor.

top ⇑Program Graduates

Jonathan Becker, M.S., May 2004

Medical School

Sophia Belay, M.S., May 2004

University of Connecticut, Ph.D. Program, Clinical

Ryan Bigelson, M.S., May 2013

Applicant, Medical School

Kady Bourgeois, M.S., May 2007

Position Unknown

Jennifer Braaten, M.S., May 2007

MD.LSUHSC

Christopher Burchett, M.S., December 2012

Quality Assurance Specialist, Epic Systems, WI

Elizabeth Carey, M.S., May 2008

PhD Candidate; School Psychology, Tulane University Department of Psychology

Lee Ann Carnes, 2007

University of Maryland, Ph.D. Program, School Psychology

Max Daigh, May 2010

Teach for America, Kansas City

Jacob Firestone, M.S., May 2012

La Salle University, Psy.D. Program

Phillip Glotser, M.S., May 2007

LSU Medical School

Dhruv Gupta, M.S., May 2013

Applicant, Medical School or Second Masters

Brooke Hansen, M.S., May 2010

Oklahoma State University, Ph.D. Program, School Psychology

Briana Hedman, M.A., 2006

Data Collector, Health Research Association, University of Southern California

Trenesha Hill, M.S., December 2013 (anticipated)

Tulane University Department of Psychology Ph.D. Program, School Psychology

Lauren Hitt, M.S., August 2008

High School Counselor, Sojourner Truth Academy, New Orleans

Kelly Holmes, M.S., August 2009

Project Fleur de Lis, New Orleans

Kyle Hucke, M.S., May 2008

PhD Candidate; Tulane University Department of Psychology

Timothy Jackson, M.S., May 2007

Law School, Ohio State University

Galen Jones, M.A., 2006

Program Coordinator, UAB Department of Pediatrics

Jennifer Kuhn, M.S., August 2008

Ph.D. Program, Clinical Psychology

Yamile Molina, M.S., May 2005

University of Washington, Ph.D. Program, Animal Behavior

Isaac Perkins, M.S., August 2003

Masters Program, I/O

Lauren Peterson, M.S., May 2012

Management Training Program, Enterprise

Lily Rabinow, M.S. August 2013 (anticipated)

Brooke Rappaport, M.S., May 2013

Applicant, Doctoral Programs

Alexandra Roselli, M.S., August 2013 (anticipated)

Christine Sassane, M.S., 2010

City of New Orleans, Law School Applicant

Samantha Siegel, M.S., May 2004

University of North Texas, Master's Program Counseling

Nicole Simoes, M.A., 2006

Lab Coordinator, Pediatric Psychopharmacology, Massachusetts General

Evan Smith, M.S., May 2009

Nova Southeastern, PsyD program

Lindsay Stewart, M.A., 2005

Nova Southeastern, Doctor of Psychology

Cristina Weeks, M.S., August 2004

Georgia State University, Ph.D. Program, School

Gretchen Williams, M.A., 2006

Medical School, Osteopathic Medicine

Claire Yanta, M.S., May 2011

Law School Applicant