The major goal of the program is to prepare students for doctoral training in psychology. Our success in placing our students in prominent doctoral programs has been excellent. For example, we have had graduates from our program completing their doctoral training at University of Southern Mississippi, Brown, Emory, University of Georgia, and University of Illinois. In addition to preparing students for doctoral programs, the mission of the program also includes preparing students for research positions in the private and public sector.
Over 350 students have graduated from the program over the past 34 years. Currently, there are 14 students enrolled in the program. The faculty-student relationship is based on a mentoring system. All incoming students are required to be actively involved in research with a program faculty member throughout their program of study (typically two years). The mentoring system allows students to develop their research skills as well as develop close interpersonal and academic relationships with faculty. Finally, students are provided feedback regarding their progress in the program via evaluations by program faculty at the end of each academic year.