The Master of Arts in Psychology Science is a two-year program designed to prepare students for doctoral programs or employment in research and/or academic-related settings by delving deeper into the core psychological domains shown in the graph. As well as by providing extensive training in Research Methods and Statistics.
Mission
The Department of Psychological Science’s mission is to provide graduate level training to prepare students for doctoral programs or employment in research and/or academic-related settings. The Clinical Psychology program is designed to provide training consistent with a clinical science model, whereas the Psychological Science program is designed to provide students with a broad foundational knowledge of core psychological science domains. Both programs emphasize graduate level training in research methods and statistics, while also allowing students to customize their education to specific professional goals. The programs also emphasize the development of: a) critical thinking skills; b) oral and written communication competency; c) diversity competency; e) professional ethics; and f) practical experience.
Important Program Update
Indiana recently passed legislation that sets minimum enrollment thresholds for graduate programs. To comply with this legislation, Ball State is in the process of merging the Master’s in Psychological Science with the Master’s in Clinical Psychology. Beginning Fall 2026, these programs will be offered as a single degree: the Master of Arts in Psychology. The new degree will have two tracks: Psychological Science and Clinical Science. Individuals applying for Fall 2026 admission should apply to the Psychological Science MA program but will enroll in the Psychological Science track of the new Master’s in Psychology if admitted. Aside from the change in degree name, no other changes are planned. The Psychological Science track will preserve the goals and curriculum of the current Psychological Science program.
What Makes Us Unique?
We offer a wide range of courses, research experiences, and:
- a customizable path to your degree
- professional development opportunities
- enough flexibility for students to double Master's in either quantitative psychology or counseling or complete a certificate in an area of interest
- GRE Test scores not required
What It's Like to Pursue a Master of Arts in Psychological Science at Ball State
As a student, you may have access to a
graduate assistantship, which covers most of your tuition and fees and provides a stipend. This helps alleviate the burden of graduate school expenses and student debt, allowing you to focus more fully on developing your career.
We accept 10 to 12 students each year, resulting in small class sizes and many opportunities for students to collaborate with faculty on research projects. You will receive the one-on-one attention needed to excel academically.
Our graduate faculty welcomes the opportunity to conduct research with students and we recommend that all students get involved in research projects. Often, our graduate assistants are assigned to work on faculty research projects.
- Adam Barnas
Cognitive Psychology and Neuroscience; Visual Attention; Spatial Cognition and Navigation; Aging and Alzheimer’s Disease; Virtual Reality; Eye-tracking
- Anjolii Diaz
Developmental Psychology; Emotions & Cognitive Processes; EEG; Sleep; Academic & Social Competence
- Alexandria Johnson
Assessment and measurement of externalizing psychopathology; Etiology and biological correlates of externalizing psychopathology; Treatment and intervention for externalizing psychopathology
- Katie M. Lawson
Work-family conflict and balance; Gendered career development (e.g., women in Computer Science)
- Tayla Lee
Psychological Assessment; Externalizing Psychopathology; Co-occurring Disorders
- Linh Littleford
Microaggressions; Source; Effects; Teaching & Diversity; Privilege & Inequality; Diversity & Ethnic Minority Issues
- Adam Lueke
Information Processing. Goals; Mindfulness; Social Attitudes; Interpersonal Dynamics; Religiosity
- Andrew Luttrell
Social Psychology; Moral Attitudes; Public Opinion; Attitudes & Persuasion
- Daniele Nardi
Cognitive Psychology; Navigation; Spatial Cognition; Way-finding & Reorientation
- Mackenzie R. Riggenbach
Cognitive Psychology: False memory, Eyewitness memory, Cognitive modeling, Cognitive principles in the classroom
- Kristin Ritchey
Cognitive Psychology; Reading Comprehension; Teaching & Learning in Higher Education
- Stephanie Simon-Dack
Interhemispheric Transfer Beta Frequency Activity & Inhibition; Early Sensory Perception
- Michael Tagler
Attitudes & Persuasion; Sleep; Infidelity Sex Differences; Theory of Planned Behavior
Admission Requirements
Admission to the Master of Arts in Psychological Science program at Ball State University is based on applicants’ academic preparation, relevant experiences, and potential to succeed in graduate training. Applicants are evaluated using standardized, merit-based criteria, with additional consideration given to the alignment between their research interests and the expertise of our department’s faculty:
To apply, candidates must submit:
- A professional statement and curriculum vitae showing that our program would be a good fit. The professional statement should address program fit and career goals, research and applied experience, research interests and student–faculty research match, and any additional qualifications you wish to share.
- Positive letters of recommendation providing evidence that you have the skills and characteristics to succeed.
- Evidence of a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale from a bachelor’s degree granting institution.
- Undergraduate coursework in psychology that includes experimental design, research methodology, and statistics. Applicants without a psychology major will be considered; if admitted, non-majors may need to take additional courses to prepare for required graduate coursework.
The GRE is not required.
All qualified applicants are given full consideration for admission without regard to race, religion, color, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, genetic information, ethnicity, national origin or ancestry, age, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected status, and applicants are not required to hold or profess specific beliefs to gain admission.
Application Deadline
For full consideration our priority application deadline is February 1st. The graduate school will continue to accept applications after this date, but we may not be able to consider you for admission or a Graduate Assistantship in the department if your application is submitted after this date.
All accepted students will begin their studies in August.
Program Requirements
This program consists of 30 credits of required graduate-level psychological science courses, plus 6 elective credits. Our curriculum provides enough flexibility to double Master's in quantitative psychology or receive a certificate in an area of interest.
Credits
Total: 36
- Required Courses: 30 credits
- Electives: 6 credits
Courses
A few of the classes you will take include:
- PSYS 680 Research Methods in Psychology
- PSYS 681 Applied Research Methods
- PSYS 616 Perception and Cognition
- PSYS 697 Diversity Issues in Psychological Research
- PSYS 613 Developmental Psychology
- PSYS 623 Theories of Personality
- PSYS 668 Physiological Psychology
For a complete list of all the courses you will take and their descriptions, please see our Graduate Catalog.
View Catalog
What Can You Do with a Master of Arts in Psychological Science?
Our program prepares students for doctoral studies or employment after graduation. Example jobs include:
Learn more about the jobs of program alumni and how the MA in psychological science helped to prepare them for these jobs.
View Alumni Profiles
Recent graduates have also been accepted into a variety of doctoral programs. Examples include:
- Behavioral and Cognitive Neuroscience PhD (e.g., Wayne State University)
- Cognitive Psychology PhD (e.g., University of New Hampshire)
- Communication Studies PhD (e.g., Ohio University)
- Counseling Psychology PhD (e.g., Howard University)
- Educational Psychology PhD (e.g., Ball State University)
- Experimental Psychology PhD (e.g., Texas Tech University, Florida International University)
- Human Development PhD
- I/O, Marketing, Human Factors PhD (e.g., Wright State University)
- Neuroscience PhD (e.g., University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee)
- Kinesiology PhD with an emphasis in Exercise Psychology (e.g., Iowa State University)
- Social-Cognitive Psychology PhD (e.g., University of Nebraska-Lincoln)
- Social Psychology PhD (e.g., Miami University)
Paying for Your Education
A graduate assistantship is an excellent opportunity to gain meaningful professional experience while helping cover the costs of your degree. Learn more.
Ready to Apply?
Are you interested in pursuing this degree? Then you will need to meet our admissions criteria and apply.
More Information
If you would like to learn more about this program or about Ball State Graduate School in general, please complete our online form to request more information. Or if you’d like to speak with someone in our department directly by phone or email, please contact us.