Degrees in research / experimental psychology
Research / experimental psychology degrees train you how to apply scientific research methods to investigate psychological processes and human behavior. They can help you gain the skills and experience you will need to explore theoretical questions across a wide range of behavioral topics such as sensation, perception, attention, memory, cognition and emotion. These degrees can prepare you to make valuable contributions as a research psychologist.
Pursuing research / experimental psychology degrees may be right for you if you have an interest in psychology and an inquisitive nature. “Oftentimes, you have a real passion for doing research, for asking questions and working on a way to find the information that would answer your questions. You are likely also interested in developing skills in technical expertise and interested in developing things like computer programming, quantitative skills and writing skills and putting that together with a really strong interest in psychology,” says Eric A. Thrailkill, PhD, Assistant Professor of the Department of Psychological Science at the University of Vermont and member of the Eastern Psychological Association Board of Directors.
What you’ll study in a research psych program
Research/experimental psychology degrees concentrate on the use of scientific methods to collect data and perform meaningful research across multiple subfields of psychology. The minimum degree is a bachelor’s degree in psychology. While this degree is not specialized, it is considered a research-focused degree that provides a strong foundation in core psychology concepts and research methods. It also provides the study of math and research skills needed to perform research in the profession.
At the master’s and doctoral degree levels, the curriculum of research / experimental psychology degrees includes a deeper study of the field of psychology. This includes opportunities to immerse yourself in a chosen area of study through research and curriculum.
Having an interest in statistics and not being afraid of computer programming in terms of coding different things can be very helpful because it can help you save a lot of time and it is what is being used currently to develop sophisticated analyses.
At all degree levels, there is continued focus on developing strong statistical and methodical skills as well as the level of computer literacy necessary to conduct, analyze and report research. “Having an interest in statistics and not being afraid of computer programming in terms of coding different things can be very helpful because it can help you save a lot of time and it is what is being used currently to develop sophisticated analyses. So, having some openness to trying those things and not having expectations to immediately be an expert, but having some patience to understand statistical programming and logic, is really useful because computers are becoming very powerful. They are a big part of the tools that we use to collect and analyze data,” says Thrailkill.
What degree levels are available?
Since all psychology degrees involve research, it’s not necessary to pursue a specialized research/experimental psychology degree at the bachelor’s level. In fact, few degrees, if any, offer this type of specialization. The education and research skills you acquire in pursuit of a bachelor’s degree in psychology can qualify you to participate on a research team working day-to-day with responsibilities such as contacting research participants for studies and related tasks, says Thrailkill.
Generally, most positions in research / experimental psychology require a master’s degree, while independent and leadership roles require a PhD. A master’s degree may be appropriate if you want to be part of a research team working in roles such as a statistician or analyst, in which you’re connected with research all the time but not overseeing the project, says Thrailkill. “There are different levels of positions to be in, but a PhD is going to be needed for a position where you’re independently leading research,” he says.
Bachelor’s degree programs
While you won’t be pursuing a specialized research / experimental psychology degree at the bachelor’s level, your studies in a Bachelor of Science in Psychology (BS) will include coursework in research methods as well as the mathematics and related skills needed to plan, conduct and analyze research in psychology. Your study of a broad range of psychology subspecialties offers a chance to begin thinking about areas in which you would like to pursue research.
“Often, you don’t know what you’re interested in when you’re starting out, so taking classes that are interesting to you or being flexible in terms of trying to find what your interests are [can help you define those]. Then, making connections with the professors either through participating in class or office hours or just asking them if they know anything about research opportunities is a great first step to making connections, and they’re often very happy to connect you with someone who could help you even if you have a vague idea of your interests,” says Thrailkill.
It’s helpful to get involved with research early if that is your career goal. Doing so can help you identify areas you want to pursue as well as those you want to avoid, especially if you have to complete original research as part of a degree requirement. “If you know that it’s going to be required eventually, getting involved in research as early as possible is the best advice. Don’t wait until you have a year left or a semester left because at that point, it’s hard to get integrated in and develop anything as part of a lab. It’s better to get involved as early as possible and find out because even if you find someplace that you don’t necessarily enjoy, you have time to find something that you do,” says Thrailkill.
Examples of core and major courses
A Bachelor of Science in Psychology differs from a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology (BA) in its emphasis on science. The BS usually includes more extensive studies in mathematics and science. While programs can vary slightly by school, a BS typically includes a more extensive focus on statistics, lab work and research. This curriculum is better suited for students who plan to pursue careers in academia and research.
Examples of core and major courses in a Bachelor of Science in Psychology:
- Introduction to Psychology
- Statistics for the Behavioral Sciences
- Experimental Psychology
- Psychopathology
- Developmental Psychology
- Perception
- Social Psychology
- Industrial and Organizational Psychology
- Cognitive Psychology
- Psychological Assessment
- Research Methods in Psychology
Depending on your program, your requirements for a BS in Psychology may include laboratory experience, a practicum in psychological research, a capstone project, and/or a senior thesis. You may also have a limited number of electives that you can use to explore areas of interest or expand specific skills.
Master’s programs
A master’s program in research or experimental psychology is more commonly referred to as an experimental psychology degree. While an undergraduate degree is required for admission, most programs do not require that you have a bachelor’s degree in psychology. Many programs accept related bachelor’s degrees though you may have to complete undergraduate prerequisites in areas such as research methods, statistics and psychology before you begin your graduate studies.
While there are many factors that contribute to your decision in selecting a master’s program, you will want to pursue a program that offers opportunities for research in your areas of interest. During the application process, you will likely have to indicate your areas of interest and the faculty mentors with whom you hope to work. Your chances of admission depend on the number of new students your preferred mentor can accept during the year you begin your studies.
When considering specific master’s programs, focus on places that have the most options for the type of research you hope to pursue. “A large state research university or a university that has a medical center connected to it and medical school are often the places where the most research is going on and have the most opportunities to get involved in terms of volunteering and paid assistantships. Those places are probably the places where you’ll find the most opportunities, but it’s not like you wouldn’t have opportunities if you’re interested and you go to a smaller college. Those colleges work to make those opportunities available,” says Thrailkill.
Examples of core and major courses
At this higher level of study, courses focus on more advanced concepts in research methods and the mathematic skills required to pursue a career in this field. While programs vary by institution, some offer areas of concentration such as behavioral psychology, developmental psychology, social psychology or industrial-organizational psychology. You will work closely with an assigned advisor and/or mentor to establish your objectives and a research plan.
Examples of core and major courses in a master’s in research / experimental psychology:
- Advanced Tests and Measurements
- Single-subject Design
- Design and Statistical Analysis for Applied Research
- Advanced Statistics for Psychology
- Research Design
- Ethics in Research
- Advanced Learning
- Physiological Psychology
- Instructional Strategies in Behavioral Sciences
- Professional Development in Experimental Psychology
Depending on program requirements, you may also be required to design, conduct and report on psychological research, present your research at professional events and/or complete a thesis with a successful oral defense.
Doctoral programs
Doctoral programs usually involve working toward a PhD in Experimental Psychology. Many doctoral-level programs allow you to gain admission without having to complete a master’s degree since it can be included as part of the doctoral program’s curriculum.
Doctoral programs in experimental psychology can prepare you to qualify for positions in which you can work independently and assume leadership roles. As part of this process, you will work closely with a mentor who can provide formal and informal training in becoming a research psychologist. Your program may also require that your studies be monitored by an advisory board or student advisory committee that evaluates your progress, provides feedback and keeps the faculty informed of your work.
As with selecting a master’s program, selecting a doctoral program should include consideration of your interests and where you have the most opportunities to pursue research in those areas. “Through studying as a PhD student, there’s a lot of projects that you work on through there and then you have your main project that ends up being your dissertation,” says Thrailkill.
Common coursework in doctoral programs for experimental psychology include:
What certification will I need to practice as a research psychologist?
Unlike a clinical psychologist or counseling psychologist, a research or experimental psychologist typically does not have to secure professional licensure since they do not provide psychology services. While not required, some research/experimental psychologists may have a license as a consequence of transitioning their focus from clinical to research psychology. However, most research psychologists do not have clinical experience or credentials.
“I work often with folks who do have a clinical background and went through a clinical PhD program and did an internship and those things. And, now they’ve transitioned into clinical research positions where they don’t see clients on a day to day, but their research is on a specific clinical problem where they may develop clinical trials to develop interventions that could be disseminated into clinics,” says Thrailkill. “It’s often a case when you go through clinical training, you become very very focused or specialized in a particular area, or interested in a particular disease, disorder or condition and then you can use that focus to transition to do clinical research,” says Thrailkill.
How long will it take?
The length of time it takes to complete a research or experimental degree varies based on your decision to attend school full-time or part-time and the highest level of degree you hope to earn. Knowing your educational goals can help you determine the most efficient and economical way to complete your studies. You may be able to save some time and money if you begin your pursuit of a PhD in experimental psychology directly earning a bachelor’s degree.
Here is the amount of time you can expect to spend at each degree level when pursuing a research psychology degree:
Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology:
4 years full-time; about 6 years part-time
Master’s Degree in Research/Experimental Psychology:
2 years full-time; 3 or more years part-time though part-time study is not always available
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD):
3 to 4 years full-time with a master’s degree previously earned; 5 to 7 years full-time when a master’s degree is completed at the same time
Are online programs available?
The availability of online programs varies by institution and degree level. At the bachelor’s level, an online degree in psychology is more accessible due to the passive nature of the curriculum. If you are pursuing a research-focused undergraduate degree, you may be able to complete most of those requirements remotely. Your opportunities to earn an online master’s or doctorate in research / experimental psychology will vary based on your area of interest and the online programs available. At the advanced level, many degree programs are only offered on campus.
If you desire to pursue online programs, consult with the psychology department heads and program directors at the schools you are considering. They can discuss your options and the pros and cons of pursuing an online versus on-campus education based on your educational plans and career goals.
How much will my program cost?
Your education costs are influenced by various considerations, including where you live, the type of school you attend and the level of your degree. It’s important to keep in mind that tuition fees represent just one portion of your overall expenses. When planning the cost of your education, add costs for textbooks, laboratory fees, housing, food, travel and other related expenses.
Based on your financial situation and other individual characteristics, you may not be required to cover the entire cost of your expenses on your own. If you have limited financial resources, make sure you explore every possible option for financial assistance. Investigate whether you are eligible for scholarships or grants based on your academic achievements or other personal characteristics. Some potential sources include:
- Financial awards from your school or program
- Teaching and research assistantships for graduate or doctoral-level programs
- State incentive programs
- Employer tuition reimbursement
- National and local chapters of psychology associations
- Professional or community organizations
- Private businesses
- Nontraditional student scholarships and grants
- Military or other government service scholarships
You can also apply for need-based financial aid. Start by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA determines your eligibility for direct subsidized and unsubsidized government student loans funded by the U.S. Department of Education. If you qualify for aid, you may also be eligible to work part-time in positions funded by the Federal Work-Study program.
According to the National Center for Educational Statistics (NCES), average costs for tuition and required fees, not including room and board, for the 2021-2022 academic year, categorized by type of institution included:
Average undergraduate tuition and required fees:
- Public institutions: $9,596
- Non-profit private institutions: $37,225
- For-profit private institutions: $15,505
Average graduate tuition and required fees:
- Public institutions: $12,596
- Non-profit private institutions: $29,931
- For-profit private institutions: $14,161
Are there prerequisites?
Prerequisites for a research / experimental psychology degree vary by program and degree level. The most competitive programs typically have the highest minimum GPAs and standardized test scores. In advanced experimental psychology programs, remember that admissions decisions are affected by the number of available research openings in your area of interest. You may have additional or modified prerequisites if you are an international student, veteran or former student returning to complete an unfinished degree.
Consult the admissions officer of a program you’re considering to review the prerequisites you need. Many institutions are willing to guide prospective students to find the best way to meet prerequisites and other qualifications required for admission.
Typical perquisites by degree level for a research psychology degree can include:
Bachelor’s degree:
- High school diploma or GED
- Minimum GPA of 2.5 to 3.0
- Personal statement of intent about your reasons for pursuing a degree in psychology
- Writing sample in the form of a personal essay
- High school transcripts
- Minimum scores on SAT or ACT
- Minimum of two academic letters of recommendation
- Resume of academic, professional, extracurricular and volunteer experiences
Master’s degree or PhD:
- Completion of an undergraduate degree in psychology or a related area with specific course prerequisites in the study of psychology, statistics and research methods
- Completion of a master’s degree for PhD, though not for all PhD programs
- Minimum GPA of 3.0 or higher
- Minimum scores on the General GRE
- Minimum of three letters of recommendation from former professors and/or professional colleagues
- Resume or academic-style curriculum vitae (CV)
- Writing sample in the form of a personal essay
- Preference for which faculty mentor you desire, your area of research interest and your reasoning
- Publication records
How important is accreditation?
An accredited program or institution has met industry-established standards for educational quality. When awarded, accreditation typically applies to an institution or program’s online and classroom programs.
You must earn credits from an accredited institution if you intend to transfer those credits or degree to another accredited institution in the future. This is an important consideration if you plan to apply your credits toward an advanced degree. Attending an accredited institution is also a requirement for federal financial aid and a credential preferred by potential employers.
You can check for accreditation on the school’s website or by searching the following databases:
- U.S. Department of Education’s Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs
- Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) Database of Institutions and Programs Accredited by Recognized U.S. Accrediting Organizations
While the American Psychological Association (APA) accredits psychology degree programs, they only accredit programs in the areas of clinical psychology, counseling psychology, school psychology and combinations of these areas.