Interdisciplinary Studies in Human Behavior (M.A.)

For students applying to the masters in art in interdisciplinary studies in human behavior program, please submit the following to the Graduate School:

• The graduate school application
• One copy of official transcripts from each institution of higher learning attended
• A written personal statement (300 to 600 words) of your experience, education, future goals, and how the interdisciplinary studies in human behavior program fits in with these aspects. Note: The quality of the personal statement may carry considerable weight in determining admission to the program.

A 2.75 minimum GPA is required for admission to the Graduate School and to the Master of Arts in interdisciplinary studies in human behavior program. No GRE is required.

Program Requirements

Two routes to the master’s degree in the Interdisciplinary Studies in Human Behavior are available. They are:

• 30 credits plus a comprehensive written examination.
• 36 credits that include a Master’s thesis (by permission only, see below).

Course Requirements

Completion of 12 Core credits. Students take the following four core courses:

Completion of 6 Cross-Discipline. Students elect any two of the following:

Completion of 12 Elective credits. Students elect any four of the following elective courses:

PSY 575R, PSY 590, PSY 595, THAN 525: Not eligible for the comprehensive exam.

Certificate Opportunity

Certificate in Thanatology

In addition to the MA degree in Interdisciplinary Studies in Human Behavior, students may obtain a Certificate in Thanatology if they choose the following as their four elective courses:

Students must indicate intent to complete the Certificate in Thanatology by emailing the Office of the Registrar at hoodgrad@hood.edu.

NOTE: Course substitutions are not permitted. A student may be exempted from these requirements by petition to the appropriate department. The petition must be in writing and, if approved, written evidence of the exemption must be forwarded to the Office of the Registrar by the program director. The exemption is made a part of the student’s record. When a course is formally exempted, another course must be taken. Exemption does not constitute credit.

Comprehensive exam

Students take a comprehensive examination of five completed courses: any three of the four required Psychology courses and any two electives except PSY 575R, PSY 590, PSY 595, THAN 525. Students must pass at least four of the five course examinations.

Master’s Thesis

Students may choose to write a thesis which would require an additional six credits above the 30-credit course requirement. Students must obtain faculty permission to pursue this option, and it is recommended that they have a strong background in statistics and research methodology.