Cognitive, developmental, and social processes are emphasized in the M.A. program in general psychology at the University of Dayton. The program is designed to prepare students for doctoral work by providing training through research and basic courses in cognitive, developmental, and social psychology. It is also possible to develop knowledge in other areas of psychology and/or an interdisciplinary program in consultation with the student's advisor. Graduates of the program have also found psychology-related employment in a variety of research and applied settings.

The curriculum establishes a solid methodological background through a two-semester sequence in experimental design and statistics. An introduction to most of the subareas of psychology is provided in the History and Systems course, which contributes to general psychological knowledge, or breadth. A multi-course concentration in cognitive psychology, developmental psychology, and social psychology is taken to develop depth of knowledge. Elective hours allow for greater depth or breadth within psychology, or exposure to interdisciplinary interests in computer science, education, business, engineering, communication, or biology. Collaborative research is strongly recommended, beginning with a first-year research project developed in conjunction with a faculty advisor.

The faculty members of the General Psychology M.A. Program conduct research devoted to understanding reading, perceptual and cognitive processing, group interaction, social interaction, and the effects of television. There are ample microcomputers, videotaping facilities, and sound-isolated observation rooms with intercoms available.

Graduates of this program and its subareas have entered Ph.D. programs at Ohio State University, University of Cincinnati, Indiana University, Purdue University, Michigan State University, Miami University of Ohio, UCLA, University of California at Riverside, University of Illinois, University of Kentucky, Kent State University, Florida State University, Florida Atlantic University, University of North Carolina, Vanderbilt University, University of Houston, University of Memphis, and University of Maryland. After attaining Ph.D. degrees, some graduates are now teaching at the University of San Diego, Florida Atlantic University, Southeastern Louisiana University, Wright State University, Ohio University, University of Cincinnati, Alfred University, Plymouth State College, Lamar University, Texas A & M University - Corpus Christi, a university in Sweden, and Sinclair Community College. Others now work for research organizations or social service agencies.

Bauer, Jack J., Ph.D. 1999: The Catholic University of America
Development of self-identity and personality; intentional self- development; cultivating happiness and meaning in life; life stories, life goals, life decisions, life transitions; transcending egotism; higher stages of personality development.
Homepage of Dr. Bauer

Biers, David W., Ph.D. 1970: Northwestern University
Statistics; research design.

Crutcher, Robert J., Ph.D. 1992: University of Colorado at Boulder
Human memory; cognitive skill and learning; language processing (e.g. second language acquisition); verbal report methodologies in studying mental processes: applications of cognitive psychology in improving human memory and thinking skills; computer applications in learning and instruction: experimental design and statistics.
Homepage of Dr. Crutcher

Davis, Susan T., Ph.D. 1991: Miami University of Ohio
Implicit memory; overconfidence and unrealistic expectations of individual capabilities; aesthetic preferences; research design; problem solving; statistics.

Elvers, Greg C., Ph.D. 1989: Purdue University
Human information processing; information integration; decision making.
Homepage of Dr. Elvers

Katsuyama, Ronald M., Ph.D. 1977: Vanderbilt University
Development of schema-directed processes in reading comprehension; problem solving; hemispheric specialization; survey research.

Kimble, Charles E., Ph.D. 1972: University of Texas
Dominance and leadership in groups; nonverbal behavior; self-evaluation and self-handicapping; attribution; attraction; computer-aided group decision making; survey research.
Homepage of Dr. Kimble

Polzella, Donald J., Ph.D. 1974: University of Michigan
Cognitive/perceptual processes; history and systems of psychology; environmental design; psychology of the arts; multi-media education.
Homepage of Dr. Polzella

Dr. Robert J. Crutcher, Co-Director
Telephone: (937) 229-1346
E-mail: Robert.Crutcher@notes.udayton.edu

Dr. Greg C. Elvers, Co-Director
Telephone: (937) 229-2171
E-mail: Greg.Elvers@notes.udayton.edu

General Psychology M.A. Program
Department of Psychology
University of Dayton
Dayton, OH 45469-1430
Fax: (937) 229-3900