4+1 Master's in

Psychological Science

The 4+1 terminal Master's Program in Psychological Science provides qualified students earning a baccalaureate degree in Psychology from Tulane University and Xavier University of Louisiana with graduate training in psychology. The goal of the program is to prepare students for their next step of graduate training (e.g., doctoral program, medical school, law school) or entry into the workforce. Most students who apply to the 4+1 program in Psychological Science are interested in obtaining a broad background in psychology at the graduate level (or they may be interested in a specific area such as social psychology or developmental psychology).

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General Information

Prospective and current students should use the information below to learn about our 4+1 Master's Degree program in Psychological Science. 

The 4+1 terminal Master's Program in Psychological Science provides qualified students earning a baccalaureate degree in Psychology from Tulane University and Xavier University of Louisiana with graduate training in psychology. The goal of the program is to prepare students for their next step of graduate training (e.g., doctoral program, medical school, law school) or entry into the workforce. Most students who apply to the 4+1 program in Psychological Science are interested in obtaining a broad background in psychology at the graduate level (or they may be interested in a specific area such as social psychology or developmental psychology). Curricular requirements and admissions criteria are detailed below.

Since its inception in 2002, 76 students have graduated from the 4+1 program in Psychological Science: 44 students (58%) completed the non-thesis track, and 32 students (42%) completed the thesis track. Our 4+1 graduates and career trajectories after the MS degree are detailed in the “Program Graduates” section at the bottom of this webpage.

This option, comprising 30 graduate credit hours, provides a broad background in the theories and methods of Psychology at the graduate level. No thesis is required. The average completion time in this track is 9 months (i.e., almost all students can finish the coursework in two semesters if they completed two graduate courses during their senior year).

Courses must include:

  • 3 credits in quantitative methods beyond PSYC 6090 (typically PSYC 6110), 
  • 3 credits in each of the distribution areas (i.e., 3 credits in the biological underpinnings of behavior and 3 credits in social, cultural, and developmental psychology), 
  • 6 credits in core courses (i.e., PSYC courses numbered 7000-7090, which also may satisfy distribution requirements), 
  • Professional Issues for MS Students (a 3-credit course designed for 4+1 master’s students to help them utilize and apply their skills and knowledge of psychology and to help prepare them for their future professions),
  • No more than 3 credits of independent study in Psychology, 
  • No more than one graduate course outside psychology (which must be approved by the Psychology Department’s Graduate Training Committee).

 

Additional Information:

  • Up to 6 graduate credit hours may count toward the bachelor’s degree and the master’s degree. 
  • Up to 6 additional graduate credit hours taken as an overload during undergraduate study (i.e., above the minimum 120 credit hours required to graduate) may be applied toward the MS degree. 
  • If students opt to take more than 6 graduate credits in psychology during undergraduate study for the purpose of applying these additional graduate credits to a future MS degree, they must notify the Psychology Senior Program Coordinator (Email: psych@tulane.edu) PRIOR to the conferral of their undergraduate degree. 
  • It is expected that applicants to the non-thesis track will complete some coursework toward the MS (typically two graduate courses) during their senior year.

The thesis track is available only to Tulane alumni. 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 30 graduate credit hours consisting of eight graduate courses (24 credits) plus the thesis (3 credits of graded PSYC 6610 Independent Study first semester of +1 year and 3 credits of graded PSYC 9980 Master’s Thesis Research second semester of +1 year).

Tulane students electing to pursue the thesis track must have initiated empirical research as an undergraduate student and identified a specific area of research interest. Students are encouraged to develop a master’s thesis topic that is a continuation or extension of their undergraduate honors thesis or independent study research. An assistant, associate, or full professor in Tulane’s Department of Psychology must commit to thesis supervision prior to admission. 

Potential thesis advisors include the following assistant, associate, and full professors: 

 

In some instances, adjunct and research faculty may serve as co-directors.

The average completion time for the thesis track is 12 months (i.e., students often defend their theses during the summer for the August degree). Note: Students who pursue the thesis track are strongly encouraged to defend and submit the master’s thesis to the School of Science and Engineering (SSE) within one year after entering the program. However, the master’s thesis must be defended and submitted in final form to SSE within two years after entering the program. Students who fail to meet the two-year deadline will be recommended for dismissal from the program.

The curriculum is flexible and specific to each individual student. The thesis advisor will provide guidance in the selection of courses appropriate to each student's unique interests and in all aspects of the master’s thesis.

 

Required Courses Include:

  • 3 credits in quantitative methods beyond PSYC 6090 (typically PSYC 6110)
  • 3 credits in core courses (i.e., PSYC courses numbered 7000–7090)
  • Professional Issues for MS Students (a 3-credit course designed for 4+1 master’s students to help them utilize and apply their skills and knowledge of psychology and to help prepare them for their future professions)

 

Additional Information:

  • Up to 6 graduate credit hours may count toward the bachelor’s degree and the master’s degree. 
  • Also, up to 6 additional graduate credit hours taken as an overload during undergraduate study (i.e., above the minimum 120 credit hours required to graduate) may be applied toward the MS degree. 
  • If students opt to take more than 6 graduate credits in psychology during undergraduate study for the purpose of applying these additional graduate credits to a future MS degree, they must notify the Psychology Senior Program Coordinator (Email: psych@tulane.edu) PRIOR to the conferral of their undergraduate degree. 
  • It is expected that applicants to the thesis track will complete some coursework toward the MS (typically two graduate courses) during their senior year at Tulane.

 

Thesis Committee and Prospectus

Master’s thesis research is the central element of the 4+1 Thesis Track. The thesis is an extension of research conducted at the undergraduate level and tied closely to the research advisor’s interests and expertise. A student conducting a thesis in partial fulfillment of the 4+1 MS degree in Psychological Science will assemble a thesis committee of three faculty members, two of whom must be full-time faculty members in Tulane’s Department of Psychology. The student will prepare a written thesis prospectus for the committee, not to exceed 5 pages. The prospectus should describe the specific hypotheses, most relevant literature, proposed methodology and data analysis, and expected outcomes and significance of the project. Within one week after submission of the prospectus to the committee, the student will meet with the full committee for comments and guidance. The prospectus meeting with the thesis committee must occur prior to October 1 of the +1 year for students entering in August and prior to February 15 of the +1 year for students entering in January. Upon completion of the thesis, the committee will read and review the final thesis document and evaluate student performance at a formal thesis defense. The master’s thesis oral defense meeting must be held before: (a) April 15 for May degree, (b) August 5 for August degree, and (c) December 5 for December degree. The final document must be submitted to the School of Science and Engineering (SSE) by the deadlines posted on their website (the exact dates vary from year to year). The thesis must be defended and submitted in final form to SSE within two years after entering the master’s program. Students who fail to meet the two-year deadline will be recommended for dismissal.

Students at Tulane University and Xavier University of Louisiana working toward the baccalaureate degree in Psychology may enter the 4+1 program during either the fall or spring semester of any academic year. The deadline for receipt of the COMPLETED APPLICATION, INCLUDING ALL SUPPORTING MATERIALS is April 1 to start in the fall semester and December 1 to start in the spring semester. 

Note: Spring semester applications only will be accepted from students who successfully completed PSYC 6090 Univariate Statistics I (or the PSYC 3090-4090 course sequence) during their undergraduate study. 

  • There are no rolling admissions, and we do not accept early applications (i.e., students may not apply until the last semester of their Senior year). The online application opens annually in October.

To be competitive for admission, students should meet the following criteria:

  • Undergraduate grade point average of 3.4 or higher 
  • A letter grade of B or higher earned in PSYC 3090 Univariate Statistics I (Note: the Department of Psychology’s 4+1 Master’s Education Committee generally does not offer admission to students who earn less than an A- in 3090)
  • Baccalaureate degree from Tulane or Xavier University of Louisiana pending successful completion of requirements
  • For applicants to the thesis track, at least 3 credits of independent empirical research in psychology must have been earned as an undergraduate. Also, an assistant, associate, or full professor in Tulane’s Department of Psychology must commit to thesis supervision prior to submitting your application. Note: The thesis track is available only to Tulane alumni.
  • Standardized test scores (i.e., SAT, ACT, GRE) are NOT required for applicants to the 4+1 MS Program in Psychological Science 
  • References: You should obtain two recommendations to provide an assessment of your qualifications for graduate study. One of the recommendations must be written by a regular full-time faculty member in Tulane University’s Department of Psychology (refer to the following website for a list of the full-time faculty: https://sse.tulane.edu/psyc/full-time-faculty). The full-time faculty member in Tulane’s Department of Psychology must meet at least one of the following two requirements: (a) For applicants to the thesis track (Tulane alumni only), the recommendation must contain a commitment from an assistant, associate, or full professor in Tulane’s Department of Psychology to supervise the thesis research; or (b) For applicants to the non-thesis track who completed a psychology graduate course (6000-level or above) during their junior or senior year, the letter must be written by the Tulane faculty member who taught the graduate course. The second recommendation may be submitted by a faculty member outside the Department of Psychology, a research supervisor, or a clinical supervisor. [Note to referees: in lieu of submitting a letter, you may complete the following one-page 4+1 recommendation form].

Advising

All students admitted to the 4+1 Accelerated MS Program in Psychological Science will be assigned an advisor to assure that each student’s uniquely tailored curriculum satisfies degree requirements, as well as the student’s own academic goals. Students admitted to the 4+1 Non-Thesis track will be advised by the 4+1 Faculty Coordinator, Dr. Julie Alvarez. Students admitted to the Thesis Track will be advised by their thesis director. The thesis advisor will provide guidance in the selection of courses appropriate to your interests and in all aspects of the master’s thesis research. The checklists, which highlight the requirements of each track, should be helpful in planning your curriculum with your advisor and can be found in the links below.

Graduates

Interested in what our gradautes are doing now? Click here to learn more. 

Note: For students who completed the Thesis Track, the titles of their master’s theses may be found at the following website: https://sse.tulane.edu/psyc/masters-thesis-titles 

Jonathan Abrams, MS, Non-Thesis Track, May 2015
User Experience Researcher at Google in San Francisco, CA

Jonathan Becker, MS, Thesis Track, May 2004
Medical Director, Neuroscience & TMS Treatment Center, Brentwood, TN

Sophia Belay, MS, Thesis Track, May 2004
PhD, Clinical Psychology, University of Connecticut

Ryan Bigelsen, MS, Non-Thesis Track, May 2013
Rheumatology Fellow, Lehigh Valley Health Network, Allentown, PA

Kady (Bourgeois) Van Hook, MS, Non-Thesis Track, May 2007
HR Professional, Key Energy Services, Houston, TX

Jennifer Braaten, MS, Non-Thesis Track, May 2007
MD, LSUHSC

Ryan Brennan, MS, Non-Thesis Track, May 2018
Senior Research Worker, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY

Haley Broughton, MS, Non-Thesis Track, May 2021
Senior Procurement Analyst, Spencer Stuart, Chicago, IL

Christopher Burchett, MS, Thesis Track, December 2012
Quality Assurance Specialist, Epic Systems, Madison, WI

Elizabeth Carey, MS, Thesis Track, May 2008
PhD, School Psychology, Tulane University

Lee Ann Carnes, MS, Thesis Track, 2007
PhD, School Psychology, University of Maryland

Kyla Chenier, MS, Non-Thesis Track, May 2021
MA in Counseling, Northwestern University

Samantha Couch, MS, Non-Thesis Track, May 2014
Employed in Industry, New Orleans LA

Maya Cohen, MS, Thesis Track, August 2020
Student Service Specialist, College of Lake County, Waukegan, IL

Max Daigh, MS, Thesis Track, May 2010
Founder & Chief Educational Consultant, The Harrison Group, New Orleans, LA

Joshua Dillon, MS, Non-Thesis Track, May 2015
MSW, Rutgers University

Walden (Mary) Ferrell, MS, Non-Thesis Track, December 2023
Intern and Volunteer Coordinator, Metro Nashville Office of Family Safety, Nashville, TN

Jacob Firestone, MS, Non-Thesis Track, May 2012
PsyD in Clinical Psychology, La Salle University

Riana Gaudet, MS, Thesis Track, May 2021
English Language Assistant, TAPIF - Teaching Assistant Program in France

Phillip Glotser, MS, Non-Thesis Track, May 2007
MD, Louisiana State University School of Medicine in Shreveport

Dhruv Gupta, MS, Non-Thesis Track, May 2013
MD, St George's University School of Medicine

Brooke Hansen, MS, Non-Thesis Track, May 2010
PhD, School Psychology, Oklahoma State University

Briana Hedman, MA, Non-Thesis Track, 2006
PhD, Counseling Psychology, University of Denver

Trenesha Hill, MS, Thesis Track, December 2013
PhD, School Psychology, Tulane University

Lauren Hitt, MS, Thesis Track, August 2008
Partner, Grand Isle Group, New Orleans, LA

Kelly Holmes, MS, Thesis Track, August 2009
PhD, School Psychology, Loyola University Chicago School of Education

Kyle Hucke, MS, Thesis Track, May 2008
PhD, Psychology, Tulane University

Audrey Hwang, MS, Thesis Track, December 2023
Research Coordinator, Switch off Get Active, New Orleans, LA

Timothy Jackson, MS, Non-Thesis Track, May 2007
JD, The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law

Yipeng (Lavine) Jin, MS, Non-Thesis Track, May 2024
Applying to doctoral programs in social and health psychology

Galen (Jones) Hale, MA, Non-Thesis Track, 2006
Senior Clinical Trial Manager at Jazz Pharmaceuticals

Justin Kordys, MS, Non-Thesis Track, August 2014
JD, Loyola University Chicago School of Law

Jennifer Kuhn, MS, Thesis Track, August 2008
PhD, Clinical Psychology, Western Michigan University

Sarah Kurash, MS, Non-Thesis Track, May 2015
Human Resources Generalist at Benefit Street Partners in New York, NY

Sahim (Samia) Lalani, MS, Thesis Track, December 2015
Project Manager, New Left Accelerator

Erika Larson, MS, Non-Thesis Track, May 2015
Senior Program Manager III at Aya Healthcare

Emma Lewis, MS, Thesis Track, December 2017
PhD, Human Nutrition/International Health, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD

Caley Lowe, MS, Thesis Track, December 2023
Acquisition Associate, DevelopNOLA

Meagan Magaldi, MS, Thesis Track, August 2017
JD, University of Florida College of Law

Idan Mark, MS, Thesis Track, December 2014
School Psychology Intern, Tel Aviv

Steven McAfee, MS, Non-Thesis Track, May 2021
Behavior Technician, Reach for the Stars Learning Center, Brooklyn

Luke Mears, MS, Non-Thesis Track, December 2022
Research Associate, Child Mind Institute, New York, NY

Marina Mery, MS, Non-Thesis Track, December 2014
PhD, Industrial/Organizational Psychology, University of Oklahoma

Yamile Molina, MS, Thesis Track, May 2005
PhD, Animal Behavior, University of Washington

Anise Muir, MS, Non-Thesis Track, May 2020
HR with the Federal Government

Matthew Nonnamaker, MS, Non-Thesis Track, May 2015
Team Lead Solutions Consultant, Optimizely, Boston, MA

Irina Parau, MS, Non-Thesis Track, May 2024

Cathrine Paul, MS, Non-Thesis Track, May 2021
Melanoma Coordinator, Dermatology Consultants, Newton-Wellesley, Newton Lower Falls, MA

Alexandra Payne, MS, Non-Thesis Track, December 2016
Research Assistant, University of Cape Town, South Africa

Isaac Perkins, MS, Thesis Track, August 2003
MS, Organizational Development and Leadership, Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine

Lauren Peterson, MS, Thesis Track, May 2012
Community Relations Coordinator in Houston, TX

Sarah Podesta, MS, Non-Thesis Track, August 2016
Mathematics Teacher, Discovery Health Sciences Schools, Kenner, LA

Lily Rabinow, MS, Thesis Track, December 2013
MD, UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA

Emily Ramier, MS, Non-Thesis Track, May 2020
Culture & Behavior Consultant, Human Capital Consulting, Deloitte, Canada

Brooke Rappaport, MS, Thesis Track, May 2013
PhD, Counseling Psychology, University of Georgia

Ramal Rauf, MS, Thesis Track, December 2023
School Psychology PhD Program, Tulane University

Jacquelyn (Jackie) Reeb, MS, Non-Thesis Track, May 2021
Medical Student, Tulane School of Medicine

Annabelle Reese, MS, Thesis Track, December 2022
Quantitative Psychology PhD Program, University of South Carolina

Nicole Renke, MS, Non-Thesis Track, May 2017
Product Manager, Illumina, San Diego, CA

Alexandra (Roselli) Lamb, MS, Thesis Track, December 2013
JD, Loyola University New Orleans College of Law

Anisah Sahibul, MS, Non-Thesis Track, May 2022
Laboratory Research Technician, Tulane University

Erica Salutric, MS, Non-Thesis Track, December 2022

Christine Sassane, MS, Thesis Track, 2010
JD, Temple University

Iina Savolainen, MS, Non-Thesis Track, December 2016
Doctor of Social Science, Social Psychology, Tampere University, Finland

Samantha Siegel, MS, Thesis Track, May 2004
Licensed Professional Counselor, Masters of Education in Counseling from the University of North Texas in Denton, TX

Brad Silk, MS, Non-Thesis Track, May 2019
Reporting Analyst, Headspace, Boston, MA

Carly Silvers, MS, Non-Thesis Track, May 2019
Certified Child Life Specialist, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago

Nicole (Simoes) Repp, MA, Non-Thesis Track, 2006
Senior Director of College and Career Counseling, Excel Academy Charter School, Boston, MA

Evan Smith, MS, Non-Thesis Track, May 2009
PhD in Clinical Psychology, Nova Southeastern University

Ariel Blue Stevenson, MS, Non-Thesis Track, May 2020
MSW Graduate Student, Chicago, IL

Lindsay Stewart, MA, Non-Thesis Track, 2005
PhD in Clinical Psychology, Nova Southeastern University

Juliana Vanderburg, MS, Thesis Track, 2017
PhD in School Psychology, UNC Chapel Hill

Cristina Weeks, MS, Thesis Track, August 2004
PhD in School Psychology, Georgia State University

Kaitlyn White, MS, Non-Thesis Track, May 2023
MEd Candidate in Mental Health Counseling at Teachers College, Columbia University

Gretchen Williams, MA, Non-Thesis Track, 2006
Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine

Claire Yanta-O’Mahoney, MS, Thesis Track, May 2011
Founder and Trainer at Fleur de Lis Fitness in Virginia Beach, VA