Georgia Institute of Technology

What you'll study

The programme emphasises rigorous empirical training in psychological science with a strong quantitative and experimental orientation. Core areas typically covered include advanced research methods, experimental design, multivariate statistics, and computational approaches to cognition and behaviour. Students select from elective modules that reflect faculty strengths—examples include cognitive neuroscience, perception and attention, learning and memory, social cognition, psychophysiology, decision making, and computational modelling.

Training is organised around coursework and an independent research thesis. Coursework builds quantitative competence (e.g. linear models, mixed-effects modelling, Bayesian methods) and experimental technique (e.g. psychophysics, neuroimaging basics, eye-tracking, EEG). The thesis involves designing, running and analysing an original empirical study under the supervision of a faculty advisor, and typically culminates in a written thesis and oral defence or seminar presentation.

• Advanced Research Methods in Psychology
• Statistics for Experimental Psychology (linear & mixed models, ANOVA, regression)
• Computational and Quantitative Methods (simulation, machine learning applications)
• Cognitive Neuroscience and Psychophysiology
• Perception, Attention and Memory Seminar
• Laboratory practicum and thesis research

Structure

The programme is structured to combine formal coursework with extensive supervised research. Full-time students typically complete the degree over one to two years, depending on prior preparation and the scope of the thesis project. Students work closely with a primary research advisor and are encouraged to participate in ongoing lab projects, present at conferences and contribute to publications.

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, preferably in psychology, cognitive science, neuroscience, computer science, statistics, engineering or another quantitatively oriented discipline. Strong quantitative preparation (statistics, experimental methods, programming) and prior research experience are important. Typical application materials include an academic transcript, curriculum vitae, a personal statement describing research interests and fit with faculty, and two or three letters of recommendation from academic or professional referees.

International applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency according to institutional requirements. Admissions are competitive and selection emphasises research potential, quantitative aptitude and match with faculty research programmes.

Career prospects

Graduates of a research‑focused master’s in experimental psychology pursue a range of careers in academia, industry and the public sector. Common next steps include:

• Continuation to PhD programmes in psychology, cognitive science, neuroscience or related fields
• Research roles such as research assistant, lab manager or data scientist in university, hospital or private research settings
• Industry positions in user experience and human factors research, product research, or behavioural data analysis
• Roles in applied research organisations, policy labs, health technology companies, and neuroscience or neurotechnology startups

The programme’s strong quantitative and experimental training also prepares graduates for roles requiring advanced data analysis, experimental design and computational skills.

Why study at Georgia Institute of Technology

Georgia Tech offers a distinctive environment for experimental psychology due to its strong emphasis on quantitative methods, computation and interdisciplinary collaboration. The School of Psychology sits within a research‑intensive institute with close links to engineering, computer science, biomedical engineering and business, allowing students to draw on complementary expertise and facilities.

Students benefit from access to modern research infrastructure (behavioural labs, psychophysiology and neuroimaging resources, eye‑tracking equipment), active research groups in cognition, perception, social and computational psychology, and opportunities to collaborate on cross‑disciplinary projects. The Atlanta metropolitan area also provides connections to hospitals, research institutes and technology companies for applied research experience and internships.

Overall, Georgia Tech is well suited to applicants seeking an empirically rigorous, quantitatively focused master’s that prepares them for research careers or doctoral study in experimental and cognitive psychology.