Cornell University

Graduate SchoolGraduate School

Graduate SchoolFields of Study

Developmental Psychology M.A. (Ithaca)

Field of Study

Psychological Sciences and Human Development

Program Description

Each program within the field of Psychological Sciences and Human Development shares four broadly defined areas of special interest:

  • development
  • cognition
  • neuroscience
  • social and personality psychology

The program prepares students for careers in academic life, primarily in psychology, sociology, or human development; in research programs of governmental agencies at various levels; and in a range of programs in community agencies and private enterprise. It does not prepare students to be clinical psychologists, school psychologists, or family life counselors.

Students develop an individual program of study and research in consultation with their Special Committee, which is chaired by a member of the Field of Human Development but may include faculty members from other fields. Students may be required to complete two semesters of graduate-level training in statistics.

All students are expected to acquire a basic background in the behavioral sciences and to master a broad base of knowledge of human development in the context of family and society. The M.A. degree program requires a research thesis.

Research facilities:
There are a number of fully equipped laboratories directed by individual faculty members who are conducting observational and experimental studies of basic processes in development. Students may also become involved in research or demonstration projects in the Family Life Development Center (child maltreatment and families under stress) and the Bronfenbrenner Life Course Center (adulthood and aging).

Contact Information

Website: https://psychology.cornell.edu/graduate-admission-and-requirements-ma
Email: ma84@cornell.edu
Phone: 607 255-4661

G201B Martha Van Rensselaer Hall
Cornell University
Ithaca, NY  14853

Concentrations by Subject

  • aging and health
  • cognitive development
  • developmental psychopathology
  • ecology of human development
  • law, psychology and human development
  • social and personality development

Tuition

Visit the Graduate School's Tuition Rates page.

Application Requirements and Deadlines

Application Deadlines:

Fall, Feb 1

Requirements Summary:

Most successful applicants have an undergraduate major in a social science field, but students of high ability may be admitted regardless of undergraduate background.

Learning Outcomes

  • Demonstrate readiness for PhD and other advanced studies by completing an empirical masters thesis
  • Learn advanced research skills
  • Demonstrate ethical and other professional skill development