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Frequently Asked Questions

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How do I find a department advisor?

For undergraduate students, department faculty are assigned by the first letter of your last name.

Stephenville

A - F     Ms. Mason    

G - L     Ms. Titus

M - R     Dr. Newby

S - Z     Dr. Lyons

Note: Students are encouraged to use Academic Advising Services located in the Thompson Student Center for routine advising needs

Fort Worth

A - Z     Ms. Kelley

Waco

A - Z     Dr. Rynearson

For graduate students, department faculty are assigned by campus location and/or the first letter of your last name.*

Stephenville

A - M     Dr. Albrecht

N - Z     Dr. Weissenburger

Fort Worth

A - H     Dr. Duncan

I - P     Dr. Burdenski

Q - Z     Dr. Valdez

Waco

A - Z     Dr. Chieza

* Interested persons and new graduate students should contact the department graduate student advisor, Ms. Borchardt.

How do I find a scholarship?
Tarleton has an Office of Scholarships that maintains a website with scholarship resources and information.  Click here for the website.
When do classes begin?
Check the calendar on the Tarleton homepage, the catalog, the class schedule, or the student handbook/planner.
I am a transfer student. How many hours will transfer into Tarleton's Bachelor of Science Psychology degree program?
The determination of transfer credits is a complex issue and varies from student to student.  You should meet with your advisor to go over your transcript.  He or she will give you some guidance on the courses that are likely to transfer to your degree program.
How long will it take me to graduate?
The answer to this question depends on how many hours you have left to take and how many hours you take in a given semester.  It is best to meet with your advisor to discuss a plan of action.
What is required for membership into Psi Chi?

The Psi Chi Constitution requires that undergraduate student applicants to Psi Chi:

   · Must be enrolled as a student at your school
   · Must have established a GPA at your school
   · Must be at least a second-semester sophomore
   · Must be enrolled as a major or minor in a psychology program or a program psychological in nature that is equivalent to a psychology major
   · Must have completed at least 9 semester hours or 14 quarter hours of psychology courses
   · Must have an overall GPA that is in the top 35% of their class based on rankings within sophomore, within junior, and within senior classes (if the cut-off for the top 35% is below 3.00, the applicant must have an overall GPA of at least 3.00 on a 4-point scale)
   · Must have a psychology GPA that is at least 3.00 on a 4-point scale

* Undergraduate transfer students who wish to join an established chapter must complete at least 12 semester hours (or the quarter equivalent) at the new institution unless the Psi Chi chapter has a transfer student policy that articulates clear alternative criteria, yet still conforms to the national standards regarding hours. The national standards regarding hours are that the student must have completed 36 semester hours of college credit (or the quarter equivalent) and 9 semester hours of psychology (or the quarter equivalent).

The Psi Chi Constitution requires that graduate student applicants to Psi Chi:

      · Must be enrolled as a graduate student at your school in a psychology graduate program

      · Must have established a GPA at your school

      · Must have an overall GPA of at least 3.00 on a 4-point scale in all graduate courses, including psychology courses

** Graduate students who have transferred to a new institution and are interested in becoming a Psi Chi member must complete one semester at the new institution to establish a GPA in addition to the above requirements.

How do I appeal a grade?
The department has a written policy for appealing a grade.  You can find it here.
How can I find information about textbooks?

Go to the campus bookstore online to get a listing of required course textbooks.  Follow the link "Buy your textbooks online today!" to view the listing.  You do not have to purchase your books through the campus bookstore.  

If you purchase your textbooks from the campus bookstore and do not attend classes in Stephenville, call 254-968-9006 to arrange delivery to the Hickman Building in Fort Worth and to McClennan Community College in Waco.

If I have a degree in a field other than Psychology, how many hours of leveling courses do I need for the Masters of Sciences degree?
9 hours or 3 courses.  Two of the courses must be upper level (3000 or higher).
Is there a deadline to apply for the graduate program?
The deadline varies by semester.  Please go to the Graduate Studies website to see current deadlines for the graduate programs and to download the graduate program application.
Is there a fee when you apply to one of the graduate degree programs?
There is no fee for the department application but there is a fee for the Graduate School application
Why must I submit two applications for graduate program admission?

Graduate study requires admission to the College of Graduate Studies and admission to the desired Psychology and Counseling Department graduate degree program. 

The College of Graduate Studies ensures the standards of the university are met for graduate study.  Acceptance by the College of Graduate Studies does not guarantee acceptance into the department graduate degree program. 

The department determines admission policies and requirements beyond those required of the College of Graduate Studies.  Programs may have a limited number of admissions or special requirements that are determined by training committees for each graduate degree program offered.

How many hours are considered full-time for a graduate student?
A full-time status for graduate students is 9 hours.  However, many students take fewer hours so that they can balance work responsibilities with the demands of their graduate program.
Do I have to take the GRE to be admitted to a graduate program?
Yes.  You will need an acceptable score on the GRE to gain full admission to the program.  However, you can be admitted conditionally for one semester without GRE scores.  Students who are admitted conditionally are limited to enrolling in no more than 6 hours.  Additionally, students who are conditionally admitted can take only certain courses.  Contact your graduate advisor for more information.
Is there a GRE prep Test?
Yes.  You may contact the graduate studies office to find out the dates that the test is offered each semester.  Their telephone number is 254-968-9104 or email is gradoffice@tarleton.edu.  The cost of the workshop is $10.00 for students registered at Tarleton.
Do I have to take the Master's Degree Comprehensive Exam?

Graduate student majors in counseling, professional counseling, marriage and family therapy, psychological associate, and school psychology must pass a comprehensive examination during the semester in which graduation is anticipated. The examination is composed of objective and essay questions and is administered three times a year on specific dates.

Second Saturday in April          Application Deadline: March 1

Second Saturday in July          Application Deadline: June 5

Second Saturday in November          Application Deadline: October 1

You can obtain a copy of the examination application form here.

Graduate student majors in experimental psychology will propose, conduct, and defend a written thesis in lieu of taking an objective and essay question exam.

How do I know whether to apply for the MEd in Counseling or the MS in Counseling Psychology?

Students holding a teaching certificate and wanting to continue their careers in schools typically apply for the MEd in Counseling program. 

Students wanting to work outside of the school setting typically apply for the MS in Counseling Psychology program.  Nine undergraduate semester hours in psychology (6 of these must be upper level) are required for the Counseling Psychology program.  An undergraduate degree in psychology is not required.      

The class schedule lists a date, time and location for my internship or practicum section. Do I have to come to class every week?
No, ignore this information in the class schedule.  There are no formal class meetings except for the initial orientation meeting at the beginning of the semester.
How many graduate semester hours can I transfer to Tarleton?
The department allows up to 6 graduate semester hours to be transferred into one of its graduate degree programs.  No coursework more than six years old at the time of graduation may be used toward a master's degree at Tarleton.