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Accelerated Master of Science in Psychology

The Psychology B.S./M.S. Scholars program provides an opportunity for select undergraduate students to complete their undergraduate education and psychology M.S. curriculum classes in 5 years. Through this program, potential B.S./M.S. students are identified when first admitted as undergraduate psychology majors. Following a review and streamlined admittance process, up to 5 students can be selected per program year. In the event that vacant spaces exist for students in any given program year, students may also be selected from undergraduate psychology majors in good standing who apply for the program in their junior year of undergraduate study.

The Psychology B.S./M.S. Scholars Program allows accelerated entry into graduate level courses during the students' fourth undergraduate year with planned entry into graduate school upon completion of their B.S. degree at the end of year 4. Because students have received a "head start" by completing a structured curriculum in their senior year, their graduate coursework for the M.S. degree can be completed in one year post-B.S.. The B.S./M.S. curriculum is designed to include a 4-year undergraduate or 4-year undergraduate co-op program. Students in the program cannot be enrolled in a 5-year co-op.

During the course of their undergraduate study, students will need to seek out and establish a faculty member to serve as their mentor and program advisor, and with whom they wish to continue working during their graduate training and completion of their graduate thesis. You may apply after you've attained between 90-120 hours at Drexel University and before the deadline for admission to the MS program.


Admission requirements for Entering Freshmen

  • Combined SAT score of 1350 (Quantitative and Verbal scores only)
  • High school GPA of at least 3.5
  • Top 10% of graduating class

If these admission requirements are met, an additional application essay will be requested via email.

Program Admission requirements

  • Cumulative GPA of 3.5 of higher with no grade lower than a "C" in any class
  • Currently enrolled in a 4-year 1 co-op or 4-year no co-op
  • Take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) and achieve a minimum 1100 with no section less than 500*
    • *please note, these score requirements are in conjunction with the older version of the GREs. Equivalent scores for the new GREs will be determined
  • Because of these ongoing criteria, acceptance into the MS program is not guaranteed
  • Before beginning this process, please contact the Graduate Assistant to the BS/MS program at DrexelMSProgram@gmail.com.

Program Timeline

Freshman and Sophomore Year

During this time, students currently enrolled and interested in the program should complete the following tasks:

  • Maintaining a cumulative GPA of at least 3.5 with no grade lower than a "C"
  • Confirm enrollment in a 4-year co-op or a 4-year non co-op program
  • Contact the Graduate Program advisor and the Accelerated Degree Program advisor to confirm your interest in the program
  • Begin working in a research lab and/or seek out a faculty mentor to work with for the program

Junior Year

During this time, students currently enrolled and interested in the program should complete the following tasks:

  • Maintain a cumulatibe GPA of at least 3.5 with no grade lower than a "C"
  • Confirm enrollment in a 4-year co-op or a 4-year non-co-op program
  • Contact the Graduate Program advisor and the Accelerated Degree Graduate Assistant to confirm your interest and progress in the program
  • In the fall or winter, GREs should be taken to ensure admittance into the program
  • Confirm faculty mentor
  • Complete the Accelerated Degree form found here: http://www.drexel.edu/graduatestudies/forms/form_accelerated_Degree_Program_5_24.pdf
  • In the spring, candidates should complete a formal application to the graduate program (including CV, letters of recommendation, and personal statement) via the following link: http://www.drexel.edu/graduatestudies/form.html

Senior Year

During this time, students currently enrolled and interested in the program should complete the following tasks:

  • Contact the Graduate Administative Coordinator and the Accelerated Degree Graduate Assistant to schedule your graduate courses before each term
  • Complete all undergraduate psychology major requirements by the end of spring term
  • Begin researching your thesis topic
  • Continue research with faculty mentor

Graduate Year

During this time, students currently enrolled and interested in the program should complete the following tasks:

  • Register for courses according to the suggested course sequence
  • Continue research with faculty mentor
  • Complete and defend thesis in time for June gradution

Suggested Course Sequence for Accelerated MS Students

The following course sequence is provided to aid the accelerated MS student in curriculum planning. Although substitutions or changes in sequence can be made (with the approval of the faculty mentor, program director, and relevant course instructor), the following sequence is designed to have core courses provided at the optimal point in the student's educational process, while encouraging individualized course of study.

First Year (4th undergraduate year) – 15 Credits

Please note that these courses should be taken in addition to any courses needed to complete B.S. requirement.

Fall Term
PSY 610 – Data Analysis

Winter Term
PSY 510 – Research Methods
PSY 865 – Independent Study

Spring Term
PSY 511 – Research Methods II
Elective

Second Year – 30 Credits

Fall Term
PSY 514 – Learning and Applied Behavior Analysis (can be substituted for PSY 624- Behavior Analysis with Graduate Program Director's approval)
OR
PSY 516 – Developmental Psychology
OR
PSY 520 – Psychopathology
PSY 530 – Principles of Neuroscience
PSY 512 – Cognitive Psychology
PSY 898 – Master's Thesis Psych I

Winter Term
PSY 898 – Master's Thesis Psych II
PSY 865 – Independent Study
Elective

Spring Term
PSY 898 – Master's Thesis Psych III
Elective
Elective

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I still apply to the BS/MS program once I'm already enrolled in Drexel?

Yes you can! There are several criteria that you need to meet before applying to the program. They are as follows:

  • Cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher with no grade lower than a "C" in any class
  • Currently enrolled in a 4-year 1 co-op or 4-year no co-op
  • Take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) and achieve a minimum 1100 with no section less than 500

You must apply during your Junior year at Drexel University before the regular graduate admission deadline. In addition to submitting the regular complete graduate application for the Psychology program, you must complete the Accelerated Degree Form found here: http://www.drexel.edu/grADUATESTUDIES/forms/Form_Accelerated_Degree_Program_5_24.pdf as well as confirming your faculty mentor. Before beginning this process, please contact the Graduate Assistant to the BS/MS program, Sadia Rharbite, at sadiarharbite34@gmail.com.

Can I still continue to take undergraduate courses during the 5th and final year of the BS/MS program?

Unfortunately, you will not be able to take undergraduate courses during the final year. The way that the BS/MS program is set up, you are enrolled in the 4-year co-op or non-co-op program, and you officially graduate from that at the end of the Spring term of your 4th year.

How will the BS/MS program affect my financial aid?

Your first four years of the program will be financed through undergraduate means (e.g. A.J Drexel scholarship, Pell Grant). During the 5th and final year, your tuition will become graduate tuition which is a by-credit based system.