Masters program in Cognitive Psychology

[d.joo]

Hello everyone,

 

I am a recent grad who did not major in psychology. My major was a self-design major that fused architecture and public health, and i became very interested in environmental psychology. Currently, I am pursuing web development and user experience and learned that cognitive psychology is very interesting as well. So as a non-psych major without any research experience, I would like to apply for MS in cog psych or env psych (as there are only a few env psych programs in the world).

 

In order to increase my chances for getting in, what would be the best way to prepare? I am planing to take some research method class over the summer and also have been reading some articles/listening to lectures but would appreciate if anyone could suggest some essential books to read. 

 

I would appreciate any advice on selecting schools (both US/Europe) or in general, and also would love to hear from a non-major who succeeded in getting into masters program.

 

Thank you!

Edited March 13, 2015 by d.joo

[cognitivepsychqueen]

Your best bet would definitely be to get into an Experimental Psychology Master's program with a strong advisor whose research interests align with yours. There are very few and far between schools that offer Cognitive Psychology programs with terminal masters degrees. This means that you must get into the PhD program during which you will be awarded an MS in Cognitive Psych along the way. During my interview circuit this year, I met a handful of people who did not get into PhD programs the last few years so went for the Masters in Experimental. One girl had her masters from  SFSU in Brain Sciences or something of the like. If your GPA, research experience, and GRE scores are competitive though I would definitely not worry too much about not having a Bachelor's in Psych. I have met plenty of people who had other majors, and if they had taken the appropriate coursework, got into PhD programs in Cognitive Psychology. 

[mihir1190]

Hey! 

I have a dual degree  (M.Sc. Maths and B.E Electronics engineering) with 7.8/10 gpa. I am looking to do a masters in General Psychology. I like cognitive, developmental and social psychology, but cant pin point at one, yet. I have not done any course work in psychology and taking up a couple in research methods and general psych over coursera. I was told that getting through to a PhD program will be impossible without research experience and course work and hence I started looking at masters programs.

 

1. Why are there such few schools offering terminal masters in General Psychology?  
2. How do you cope with masters loans if you want to continue to a PhD?
3. Are there any good listings for General Psychology masters rankings?
4. How do I improve my chances of an admit?