ERIC Number: EJ1451406
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2025-Jan
Pages: 6
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0098-6283
EISSN: EISSN-1532-8023
Improving Undergraduate Psychology Students' Understanding of the Graduate School Application Process
Brent Lang; Melanie R. Lemanski; Rebecca L. Heron; Kara S. Williams
Teaching of Psychology, v52 n1 p53-58 2025
Background: More students with a bachelor's degree in psychology are seeking graduate studies, though many lack knowledge about the admission process. Objective: We created a brief educational presentation to increase student knowledge of the application process, positive outcome expectations for obtaining a master's degree in psychology, and intention to apply. Method: We recruited N=55 undergraduate psychology majors at a public university in Texas. We randomly assigned participants to either a 52-min written or video version of the educational presentation. Results: Repeated measures analysis of variance revealed that participants increased their positive outcome expectations for a master's degree in psychology and increased their perceived knowledge of the application process. Our qualitative content analysis revealed improvements in participants' objective knowledge of what to include in a curriculum vitae and personal statement, who to ask for a letter of recommendation, and what resources exist for funding graduate school. Conclusions: Professors could consider using evidence-based, brief educational presentations in mentoring undergraduate students on career goals including graduate study in psychology. Teaching Implications: Additional training may be required to help educational professionals to incorporate evidence-based career planning during key stages of students' undergraduate psychology study.
Descriptors: Psychology, Majors (Students), Undergraduate Students, College Applicants, Graduate Study, College Admission, Task Analysis, Comprehension, Knowledge Level, Public Colleges, Masters Programs, Student Attitudes, School Psychology, Clinical Psychology, Crime
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Texas
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A