Accelerated MA in Psychology (with a Concentration in Cognitive and Behavioral Neuroscience)

Program Specific Requirements

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Application Process

Preparing to Apply

Prior to submitting your application, meet with the Bachelor’s/Accelerated Master’s (BAM) Coordinatordirector of your undergraduate program and with the director of the master’s program. 

  • Complete at least 12 credits at Mason.
  • Complete 12 hours of psychology coursework which must include:
    • PSYC 300-Statistics
    • PSYC 375-Brain and Sensory Processes and PSYC 376-Brain and Behavior two course sequence (this is the recommended path).  Alternatively, students can have completed PSYC 372-Biopsychology and still be eligible for the program. 
  • PSYC 301-Research Methods and coursework in biology and chemistry is strongly encouraged.
  • A letter of recommendation from a faculty member who will serve as student's advisor. 
  • Students are strongly encouraged to have obtained previous lab experience.
  • Be familiar with the policies for accelerated master's programs

When to Apply

Mason undergraduate students who have completed 60 credits toward the bachelor’s degree are invited to apply.

Eligible students should contact their advisor to initiate the application process. Access the Accelerated Master's Guide for more information. 

Post Application

The application is processed by the Office of Graduate Admissions. If approved, students will receive a notification from the Office of Graduate Admissions. During the final semester of the undergraduate program, students must submit their completed Transition Form to their undergraduate advisor, graduate advisor, and the CHSS Graduate Admissions Office. Upon undergraduate degree conferral and successful transition from the accelerated master’s program, students will receive an official decision letter from the Office of Graduate Admissions for the term they officially begin the master’s program.

The official date for the start of your master’s degree is the semester immediately following your undergraduate graduation.

Accelerated master’s students must graduate from their undergraduate program in the semester specified on their application to the accelerated degree program. Changes to the timeline for conferral of the undergraduate degree should be approved by the graduate program director. Students must meet the University’s accelerated master’s program policies.

Failure to meet the terms of admission will result in termination from the accelerated master’s program.

Bachelor’s/Accelerated Master’s Applications