There are three areas of specialization in the master's program: general, counseling, and industrial-organizational. In addition to general university requirements found on p. 53, students seeking the M.A. degree in psychology must meet the following requirements.

Admission Requirements
Graduate applications for summer, fall, and spring semesters are due on the preceding February 1. This application deadline is for the Department of Psychology only, and supersedes all other published deadlines. Files completed after the published deadline may not be acted on in time to enroll in the desired semester. Each applicant must complete the University application and file with the Department of Psychology three letters of recommendation, scores on the general test and the psychology subject test of the GRE, a letter of intent indicating reasons and goals for pursuing a M.A. degree in psychology, and a completed departmental supplementary data form. Application files will not be complete and will not be reviewed if scores on the general test and the psychology subject test of the GRE are absent. Applicants can assume that their files are incomplete until they receive a letter from the department indicating that files are complete.

The following are the minimum admission requirements:

1. A bachelor's degree in psychology (preferably) or the completion of at least general psychology, experimental psychology, 3 semester hours of statistics and a psychology course in the area of intended master's emphasis. Any of these requirements may be waived if the student demonstrates competence in the area. Although a student may be admitted with deficiencies, the requirements must be fulfilled before the student is admitted to any 6000level course. In addition, certain graduate courses have specific undergraduate prerequisites.
2. If admitted, students are required to have EXP 4404 or its equivalent in order to complete the Acquired Bases of Behavior core in the M.A. program.
3. Students entering the counseling psychology specialization will be interviewed individually or within an applicant group.

Non Degree-Seeking Students
Non degree-seeking students may not take 6000level courses if not fully admitted into the master's program, or without permission of the department chairperson. They may, however, take 5000level courses, and the department may be petitioned to apply up to 12 semester hours earned as a non degree-seeking student toward the M.A. degree if the student is later admitted into the graduate program.

Degree Requirements
Graduate students should develop their degree plans with their advisors during the first semester of graduate work. All students must complete University requirements and a planned degree program of at least 42 semester hours with a "B" average and with these stipulations:

1. Only 6 semester hours may be at the 3000- or 4000-level. Usually these hours may NOT be in psychology, especially prerequisites to the graduate program.
2. Only with approval of the advisor may courses outside the psychology department (except required courses) be taken toward the 42 semester hours requirement.
3. All students must complete PSY 6217 and STA 5206 or STA 5207 or STA 5166 (with advisor's permission) and at least one course from each of the four core areas.

With the advisor's approval, a student may apply a maximum of 6 semester hours of graduate work taken at another university toward the degree. With the approval of the department chairperson, a maximum of 10 semester hours may be accepted toward the degree.

All master's work must have been taken within seven years preceding completion of the degree requirements or the student may be required to pass an examination covering the expired course work.

GENERAL PSYCHOLOGY SPECIALIZATION
The general psychology specialization is designed for those students who wish to do graduate work in psychology in any area other than counseling, or industrial-organizational psychology. Graduates may find employment in junior college teaching, industry, community mental health clinics, and research centers (military, corporate, etc.).

The curriculum provides depth in basic content areas, theory and experience in research design and implementation, and specialization through the selection of electives and thesis or internship topic. The program will prepare students to pursue a Ph.D. (for any area of psychology except industrial-organizational) or to enter many occupations requiring an M.A. degree.

With a faculty advisor, each student develops an individualized program. Examples of areas of possible student specialization include behavior modification, biological psychology, sensation and perception, developmental psychology, behavioral medicine, cognitive science, and social psychology.

COUNSELING PSYCHOLOGY SPECIALIZATION
The counseling specialization is designed to prepare counselors for school and non-school settings. Theoretical preparation in counseling is integrated with practical experiences. The student works at least one full day each week in a field placement as a part of practicums in individual and group counseling. Other practicums are electives. Schools and agencies in the community provide experiential settings for practicum placements and cooperate closely with the department in providing supervision. The curriculum is designed especially for those who will seek employment as counselors immediately following their completion of the master's program.

The department offers courses required for State of Florida Plan II Certification in School Guidance and Counseling. See Psychology Student Handbook for details.

Those students desiring preparation for licensure by the State of Florida as a mental health counselor should see their advisors for additional courses which are required.

INDUSTRIALORGANIZATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY SPECIALIZATION
The industrial-organizational (I-O) specialization combines traditional personnel psychology (selection, performance appraisal, test construction and validation, fair employment practices, and legal issues) with the more interpersonal emphasis of organizational psychology (motivation, job satisfaction, leadership, interpersonal communication, organizational diagnosis and change). The program includes an optional specialization in organizational development, offered in collaboration with the Department of Management. The curriculum meets the needs of students who plan to be employed at the master's level in organizational settings as well as those who wish to pursue a doctoral program in I/O psychology at another university.

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