Mission, Description, & Goals
Program Director
Sherry L. Serdikoff, Ph.D.
Mission Statement
The mission of our program is to provide students advanced training in empirical research in the Psychological Sciences.
Program Description
The Psychological Sciences Program at James Madison University fosters the development of students interested in becoming research scientists by providing rigorous training to produce graduates who are well versed in substantive content areas in psychological science and who are highly trained to independently conduct, critique, and report psychological research. Students who complete our program earn a Master of Arts degree in psychology and are prepared for further training at the doctoral level or for immediate employment in research settings. At the core of the program is coursework in multiple content areas within psychology; coursework in statistics, measurement, and research design; a research apprenticeship; and a thesis. Students develop expertise in a specialty area through selected coursework and closely mentored research experiences with a faculty advisor. Faculty advisors provide regular support and consultation regarding progress in the program and preparation for applying to doctoral programs.
Program Goals
While enrolled in this program students will:
- become familiar with the major concepts, theoretical perspectives, methodologies, and empirical findings in fundamental areas of psychological science so that the information can be used to inform their own work;
- develop the skills necessary to independently conduct and critique psychological research;
- acquire communication, information literacy, and technology skills at a professional level and;
- develop a professional identity that reflects the values of research scientists in psychology.
