Jump to: Mentorship | Psychological Science MA | Adult Development PhD

Mentorship with Dr. Vail

Using the apprenticeship model, graduate students working with Dr. Vail gain advanced training in psychological science—including skills in research methods, application of those methods to the science of existential psychology, and preparatory job training.

Dr. Vail’s grad students gain hands-on experience and expertise in a variety of research topics, including:

• Philosophical and practical perspectives on science, theory development, and data in social psychology.

• The ongoing credibility crisis/revolution and the latest best practices in psychological science research.

• Generating research questions and hypotheses.

• Developing research designs to critically test ideas and generate insights.

• Advanced data analysis and statistical skills.

• Writing for and publishing in the scientific literature.

Additionally, Dr. Vail works with students to prepare them for the challenges of professional academics not often addressed in typical coursework, including:

• How to enter and navigate the job market.

• How to seek grants and other external funding.

• How to do critical peer-reviews for academic journals.

• How to successfully teach courses and mentor students.

• Service to the professional field, company/university, department, and local community.

Dr. Vail is always looking to support talented graduate students and welcomes all inquiries and applications.

Psychological Science MA Program

The Psychological Science MA at CSU is a 2-year (36 credits) Masters degree program, entailing a combination of advanced coursework and thesis, mentored laboratory experience, and professional training using the apprenticeship model. The focus of both the curriculum and apprenticeship are to build advanced knowledge of the content area, build advanced skills in research methodology, build experience in leading/supervising a research lab, and build your academic record (research, teaching, service). Thus, you will become well-prepared for admission into a strong PhD program and—ultimately—a career in academia or another research-oriented field.

Adult Development PhD Program

The Adult Development & Aging PhD Program is a 5-year (96 credits) MA-PhD degree program, entailing a combination of advanced coursework/thesis/dissertation/comps, mentored laboratory experience, and professional training using the apprenticeship model. The program is offered jointly by CSU and University of Akron, with coursework taking place at both campuses. Students complete their Masters degree (years 1-2) on the way to completing the PhD (years 3-5).

The program focuses on lifespan development across early, middle, and late adulthood. This is a period of life involving important changes in psychosocial functioning, including key existential issues of “being and becoming,” such as:

1. Concerns about life and death (e.g., aging, health).

2. Self-determination and the challenges of authentic and inauthentic choices/actions.

3. Experiential isolation and a sense of shared reality.

4. Culture, self, and identity.

5. The struggle for meaning and purpose in life.

6. Changes in religion and spirituality.

7. Occasions for adjustments and opportunities for personal growth.

The focus of both the curriculum and apprenticeship are to build advanced knowledge of the content area, build advanced skills in research methodology, build experience in leading/supervising a research lab, and build your academic record (research, teaching, service). Thus, you will become well-prepared for a career in academia or another research-oriented field.

Applications for fall admission are due January 15th.

Applications require:

1. Application form.

2. GRE scores (waived for Fall 2023 admission)

3. Academic transcripts.

4. Three letters of recommendation.

5. Statement of purpose.

6. Program prefers a prior GPA of 3.25 or greater.

7. Program prefers a background in psychology or related field.

8. Proof of completion of BA or BS degree required before fall semester begins.

Applications must be submitted via the CSU online application portal.