MASTER OF ARTS IN INTERDISCIPLINARY BEHAVIORAL SCIENCE

The mission of the Interdisciplinary Behavioral Science master’s program is to support Kentucky State University’s mission by preparing its diverse student population of traditional and non-traditional students to meet society’s growing needs for psychological services in a variety of settings. Students in this program will engage in a program of study based on rigorous coursework, research, and service activities founded on the scientist-practitioner model of education. This program will prepare students to go on to doctoral study in psychology, or to work in industry, government, mental health care, or private practice, consistent with the Kentucky State University motto: Come In to Learn—Go Out to Serve.

The Interdisciplinary Behavioral Science program takes a multidisciplinary approach to the area of psychology and law by providing students with background in theoretical perspectives from psychology, sociology, and criminology, basic and applied research methods, and statistical techniques. Students will develop competencies relevant to the science and practice of psychology, and to the study of the intersection of behavioral and social science and law.

Admissions

All applicants to the program must meet all KSU Graduate School application requirements, including:

• roperly completed graduate application forms;
• A letter of application with a statement of educational goals and career objectives;
• A thoughtful, well-written essay of approximately 1,500 words describing the applicant's motivation for earning a degree in Interdisciplinary Behavioral Science and describing relevant experiences which have contributed to this goal. The essay will be evaluated as satisfactory or unsatisfactory by the program faculty;
• A curriculum vitae or resume of qualifications;
• Official undergraduate and graduate transcripts: copies of all official transcripts must be mailed from the applicant's undergraduate institution directly to the Office of Graduate Studies, Kentucky State University, Frankfort, Ky. 40601;
• An undergraduate GPA of not less than 2.70;
• GRE combined score of 300 (150 on the verbal and 150 on the quantitative) on tests taken after November 2011. Official scores should be sent to the Office of Graduate Studies. It is the responsibility of the applicant to apply for and take the examination and have the test scores sent; and
• Three letters of reference from professors or employers mailed to the Office of Graduate Studies.

Applicants who meet the entry requirements will be granted regular admission status by the program Admission Committee.

Probationary admission status may be granted if students do not meet all the requirements stated above. Such applicants must possess baccalaureate degrees with undergraduate GPAs of at least 2.4 and also meet all other requirements for Regular Admission. Probationary students are subject to initial performance requirements more stringent than those imposed upon others. All unsatisfactory requirements must be met before students are granted regular admission to the program.

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