Cognitive and Social Processes

The Department of Psychological Science at Ball State University has outstanding faculty and graduate students who energize the dynamic research and graduate programs. Graduate study in the department focuses on the excitement and challenges of scholarly work. Programs are designed to combine a broad foundation and background in the science of psychology with extensive knowledge in specific areas within the discipline. The programs offered seek to fill a need, with a goal of preparing students to meet their future needs and achieve their aspirations. The clinical program is a two-year degree designed to provide training that is consistent with a scientist-practitioner model of clinical psychology. Graduates will be prepared to enter a doctoral program or pursue licensure as a master's-level therapist/counselor. The program provides students with excellent opportunities to work closely with faculty.

The master's in cognitive and social processes is a two-year program designed to provide extensive training in social and cognitive psychology, research methods, and statistics. Graduates can pursue a Ph.D. in cognitive or social psychology or may work for businesses or corporations, in industrial settings, as researchers, as instructors in community colleges, or as consultants.

Degrees Offered

Master of Arts (M.A.) in Clinical Psychology
Master of Arts (M.A.) in Cognitive and Social Processes

Applied Opportunities

Various internships, special facilities, and service learning opportunities are available to admitted students. Each opportunity is individualized to better suit the student's personal goals. Past outside learning placements include: Riley Children's Hospital, Marion VA Hospital, the La Rue Carter Hospital, and the Ball State Counseling Center.

Application/Admission Requirements

In addition to meeting the admission requirements of the Graduate School (requires an overall GPA of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale) the department must receive from applicants the following material:

The Department of Psychological Science standard Graduate Application form
All transcripts of undergraduate work and any previous graduate study revealing coursework in psychology, including, at least, experimental design methodology and statistics sent to the Graduate School, Ball State University, Muncie IN 47306.
An official report of scores on the Graduate Record Examination
Three letters of recommendation, preferably from individuals who are familiar with academic performance, research, and/or clinical experience
Biographical statement focusing on qualifications and academic/career goals (limited to two double-spaced, typed pages)

International students must apply through the Rinker Center for International Programs.

Deadline for fall semester admission is March 1 of the previous spring. Late applications may be considered only if openings are available after consideration of all applications received by March 1.

Graduate Assistantships

A number of assistantships are offered each year. To apply for an assistantship in the department, simply check the box on the application. The department will notify you about the assistantship when they notify you your admission. If admitted to a program, but not awarded an assistantship in the department, information about other opportunities on campus will be provided.

Contact Information

Director of Graduate Studies
Kerri Pickel, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Psychological Science
Department of Psychological Science (NQ 120)
Muncie, IN 47303
(765) 285-1711
kpickel@bsu.edu