The General Experimental Program in Psychology is designed to provide a specific research emphasis within the field of psychology that is not covered by our other two experimental programs (Developmental and Animal Behavior). Possible areas of emphasis within the General Experimental Program include Social/Political Psychology and Quantitative Psychology (see below). The exact area and trajectory of study will be worked out with the student’s faculty advisor in advance.

Most students who are admitted aspire to a position in academics; however, opportunities for employment in private industry or research institutes also exist. Focus is on high quality training with intensive student-faculty involvement in joint research. Students are expected to participate actively in research with faculty members throughout their tenure in the program. This emphasis on one-to-one training allows students to acquire research skills while working on projects leading to publication or grant application. Each student will eventually develop advanced knowledge and research expertise in one or more of the emphasis areas.

Current emphasis areas (with primary associated faculty in parentheses) include:

• Social Psychology (Dr. Luke Conway): Students in this emphasis are expected to do research in the area of social/political psychology.  Students are also required (in addition to requirements for all Ph.D. Experimental students) to take the Advanced Social Psychology Seminar and the Advanced Political Psychology seminar. See http://psychweb.psy.umt.edu/conway/ for more information about specific research in this area (after perusing that website, you may also contact Luke Conway at luke.conway@umontana.edu for further information).

• Quantitative Psychology (Dr. Dan Denis)

The General Experimental Program generally requires a minimum of four years to complete, with the last two years devoted mainly to research including the dissertation. During the first two years, the student will complete the general core courses which are taken by all graduate students in the department and the thesis research project. The experimental core courses are generally completed by the third year.

In preparing students for academic positions, the specific goals of the General Experimental Program are to train individuals who are:

• Competent to teach introductory psychology, statistics, research methodology, social psychology, and political psychology, as well as a more general ability to learn and teach new courses as needed.
  
  
• Published in the field of psychology and have demonstrated potential for long-term contributions to science.
  
  
• Capable in all phases of a research program.
  
  
• Experienced in interdisciplinary research and knowledgeable in areas of science relevant to their specialty.