The M.A. and Ph.D. programs in Educational Psychology with an emphasis on Applied Cognition and Development were designed for those who wish to contribute to research and scholarship on schooling and student learning using psychological principles of human development and learning. Because of the commitment to this level of scholarship, it is strongly recommended that students in the program enroll full-time.
Some Recent M.A. and Ph.D. Program Graduates
I. Admission Requirements
Admission is dependent on a number of factors including the match of the student’s interests to the faculty research interests, GPA, GRE, and availability of an appropriate advisor. A majority decision of the graduate faculty is required for the candidate to be recommended for admission to the program. In addition, a faculty member must agree to serve as temporary advisor for the student.
The M.A. with thesis is considered the typical route to the Ph.D. because of the strong research emphasis of the Applied Cognition and Development Program. Only students who are considered possible future candidates for the Ph.D. are recommended for admission to the M.A. program.
II. PhD Coursework
Click here for PhD coursework (PDF format)
III. Timeline for Completion
TIMELINE FOR COMPLETION
The deadlines below apply to full-time students only and are the maximum time limits. Students may complete the work in less time. Part-time students may exceed these timelines by 50%.
Ph.D. Degree
Year 1
- Predominantly As in coursework.
- Successful completion of required and elective coursework.
- Successful performance of teaching/research assistantship responsibilities
- Demonstration of ethics and a professional attitudes as well as engagement in the intellectual life of the department.
- Formation of doctoral committee that must include four graduate faculty, two of whom are members of the Applied Cognition and Development Program. The committee, together with the student, decides the number and format of the comprehensive exams.
Year 2
- Predominantly As in coursework.
- Successful completion of required and elective coursework.
- Successful performance of teaching/research assistantship responsibilities
- Demonstration of ethics and a professional attitudes as well as engagement in the intellectual life of the department.
- Steady and productive dissertation research (grade must be S)
- Successful completion of written and oral comprehensive exams by the end of the second year.
Year 3
- Predominantly As in coursework.
- Successful completion of required and elective coursework.
- Successful performance of teaching/research assistantship responsibilities
- Demonstration of ethics and a professional attitudes as well as engagement in the intellectual life of the department.
- Steady and productive dissertation research (grade must be S)
- Dissertation prospectus should be approved by the end of the third year after admission to the PhD Program.
Year 4
- Predominantly As in coursework.
- Successful completion of required and elective coursework.
- Successful performance of teaching/research assistantship responsibilities
- Demonstration of ethics and a professional attitudes as well as engagement in the intellectual life of the department.
- Steady and productive dissertation research (grade must be S)
Year 5
- Predominantly As in coursework.
- Successful completion of required and elective coursework.
- Successful performance of teaching/research assistantship responsibilities
- Demonstration of ethics and a professional attitudes as well as engagement in the intellectual life of the department.
- Steady and productive dissertation research (grade must be S)
- Dissertation defense should be approved by the end of the fifth year after admission to the PhD Program.
Probation and Dismissal Procedures
Students not making sufficient academic progress as assessed by the timeline for completion, or exhibiting conduct not befitting the ethical and professional standards (e.g., academic dishonesty) will be reviewed for possible dismissal from their program of study.
Following a negative review the program area has the option of putting the student on probation or, in the case of extenuating circumstances, dismissing the student. If the program puts the student on probation the student will receive a letter indicating what must improve, a deadline for improvement and the consequences for failing to improve. It is the responsibility of the student to meet the deadline for improvement.
IV. Financial Aid
Financial support is available from a variety of sources: departmental teaching and research assistantships; university-wide graduate assistantships and fellowships; and federally funded research assistantships. Assistantships normally provide tuition and fee waivers. To receive full consideration for all available assistantships completed applications must be received by the department by January 1st.
V. How to Apply
You’ll need to complete an application on-line at the graduate school website. To access that website and to learn about what you will need to submit to the graduate school, please visit the Graduate School Application Requirements web page. Deadlines for applications to the program can be found at: http://www.coe.uga.edu/epsy/student/prospective-graduate-students/
In addition to the materials required by the UGA Graduate School, which include a completed UGA application, transcripts from all institutions attended, and appropriate test scores, the following materials are required by the Applied Cognition and Development Program: completed application form, Statement of Intent, Vitae or Resume, transcripts, and three letters of recommendation. If you would like to apply for an assistantship please complete the assistantship application form.
Contact: Dr. Martha Carr, Program Coordinator, Applied Cognition and Development
Email: mmcarr@uga.edu