Do you offer a Master's Program?
The School of Psychology does not offer a terminal Master's program. Students are only admitted into the Ph.D. program. A master's degree is earned en route to a doctorate degree.
Can I enroll in the graduate program part-time?
No. You must be a full-time student, enrolled in at least 12 credit hours per semester.This is generally a more than full time commitment which includes coursework, lab work, participation in seminars and lab meetings as well as the hours as a Teaching or Research Assistant.
To receive reduced fees you must register for:
- either 12 hours letter grade or pass/fail, or
- 9 hours letter grade or pass/fail and 3 hours of audit.
What about the GRE?
The submission of GRE scores is optional. You may submit scores for consideration but submission is not required. All applicants will receive full consideration regardless of whether GRE scores are submitted.
What is a Graduate Assistantship?
In most research-oriented universities, the predominant means of support for graduate students comes from assistantships. An assistantship usually involves remission of tuition and a monthly stipend. The amount varies from department to department.
Generally, a Graduate Teaching Assistant (GTA) may grade tests, run a laboratory, review, or discussion section for a professor, or teach an introductory level course.
A Graduate Research Assistant (GRA) participates in a faculty member's research. The work will vary: it may be coding data, doing laboratory tests, designing computer programs to support the research, or doing library research. The research skills and knowledge a GRA develops often leads to the student's own master's or doctoral research.
How do I get a Graduate Assistantship?
Initially you must indicate on your application that you would like to be considered for assistantship. In most cases you will work in Psychology; however, you may seek an assistantship in another department if you are qualified. Graduate assistantships are offered on acceptance within the School of Psychology Ph.D. program.
Once a Graduate Assistant, always a Graduate Assistant?
No, some students are appointed for an academic year and others are appointed semester-by-semester.
What if I make a C or a D in class? Does it still count?
For required courses, you must earn an A or a strong B to pass. If you earn a C or lower, you must retake the course.
How do I register for courses? And what courses should I register for?
First-year students will receive an introduction during orientation.
How long does it take to get my Ph.D.?
Doctoral and master's candidates share a core curriculum in general psychology and quantitative methods. Most students require a minimum of three calendar years to complete the course requirements and thesis for the MS. The doctoral program consists of additional coursework, programs of individual study, and research culminating in the dissertation. Most students entering the program with a bachelor's degree require at least five years to complete a doctoral degree.
For additional questions, please email psych.gatech.edu
