Graduate Handbook 2024-2025

Thesis

All MA Clinical Psychology candidates are required to complete and present a thesis, involving  the design of an original empirical study, data collection, analysis, and a write-up of the study  hypotheses and findings. Students work closely with a thesis committee chair to develop an  original empirical project, which is evaluated and approved by a committee chosen by the  student and his/her faculty advisor. Students work independently during all aspects of the thesis,  including design, data collection, analysis, and write-up. A final report is written by the student,  approved by the thesis committee, and submitted for credit in partial fulfillment of the degree. 

Note that each student’s experience in the program is unique and may deviate somewhat from  the events listed below.

 

MA-Clinical Psychology Thesis Schedule


Fall

Spring

Summer

YEAR 1

Identify and meet with graduate faculty advisor to discuss research opportunities and thesis topics by mid- semester.


Review literature relevant to possible thesis topics by the end of the semester.


Formulate thesis research question by the end of the semester.

Participate in annual student progress review by the end of the semester.


Design thesis project by mid-semester.


Draft formal thesis proposal by the end of the semester.


Select chair and other members of your thesis committee by the end of the

semester.

Complete thesis proposal by the end of the summer.


Obtain IRB clearance by the end of the summer (save all e-mail correspondence from IRB)

YEAR

2

Schedule thesis proposal meeting early to mid-semester (send abstract to thesis chair at least two weeks/10 business days prior).


Collect and analyze thesis data mid-to-late semester.

Write results & discussion sections of thesis early-to-mid semester.

Schedule final thesis oral defense meeting mid-to-late semester (send abstract to thesis chair at least two weeks/10 business days prior)