* * * Click HERE for more tips on Senior Essays * * *
Overview: All seniors will fall into one of the 4 categories described below:
• Two credits from 400-495 with substantial writing*;
At least one must be 492 or 493 (Directed
research), and taken during the Senior year.
• A research proposal signed by the senior essay adviser that specifies a research hypothesis, a rationale, and proposed methods for collecting
and analyzing data must be submitted by the
end of registration in the fall of the senior year
(Distinction Proposal Info link below).
• A senior essay** should be turned in to the department by the end of the Senior year
(Click here for senior essay tips)
-
•Two credits from 400-495 with substantial writing*;
At least one must be taken during the Senior year. -
•A proposal signed by the essay advisor that
specifies the research topic must be submitted by the end of registration period in the fall of Senior year (see Distinction Proposal Info link below)
• A senior essay** should be turned in to the department by the end of the Senior year
(Click here for senior essay tips).
• Two credits from 400-495 with substantial writing*; At least one must be taken during the Senior year.
• Two credits from 400-495 with substantial writing*; At least one must be 492 or 493 (Directed research), and taken during the Senior year.
• Research methods and statistics requirements must be taken by the end of Junior year.
BS
(empirical research
only)
BA
(no restriction
on research format)
Distinction
(click HERE for more information on distinction)
No Distinction
Degree
Senior Requirement Information
If you still have questions, then contact Dr. Julia Kim-Cohen (psych.thesis@yale.edu)
Requirements • Courses • Advising • Seniors • Forms • Research Opportunities • FAQs
* “Substantial writing” means a final paper with a minimum length of 20 pages for a full-credit course (400-494), or a final paper with a minimum length of 10 pages for a half-credit course (495).
** A senior essay must be a product of one or two of the 400-level courses taken to fulfill the senior requirements. It can be a final paper of one of the 400-level courses taken during the Senior year, or a paper combining final papers from the two 400-level courses. A senior essay will be graded by the senior essay advisor and a second reader. A grade of A or A– on senior essay is required for distinction in the major.
Some Common Senior Requirement Questions
Q: What qualifies for distinction in the major?
A: To qualify for distinction in the major, students must obtain grades of A or A– in three-quarters of the credits in the major as well as a grade of A or A– on the senior essay. All courses taken in the Psychology Department will be included in these calculations for Distinction in the Major (which for some students may include classes above and beyond the 12 courses used for major credit). We also include classes outside are department which are taken for major credit (e.g., MCDB classes that are used for Psychology major credit in the Neuroscience Track) in these calculations. Note that Grades of F as well as marks of CR in courses taken on a Credit/D/Fail basis are included as non-A grades.
Q: I am not seeking Distinction in the Major. Do I have to submit a senior essay at the end of my senior year?
A: No. You can simply fulfill your senior requirement by taking 2 credits at the 400-495 level. For each credit, students must fulfill a substantial writing requirement, and at least one of the credits must be taken in the Senior year. Only students seeking Distinction are required to submit a senior essay. For more details regarding the senior requirement, click here.
Q: What is the “substantial writing requirement”?
A: Substantial writing” means a final paper with a minimum length of 20 pages for a full-credit course (400-494), or a final paper with a minimum length of 10 pages for a half-credit course (495).
Q: I previously took a Directed Research (or Reading) course and wrote a 5-page paper and gave a presentation. Can I get a credit for this toward my senior requirement?
A: No. Although this credit can count toward the major and toward graduation, it cannot fulfill a senior requirement credit because it does not meet the “substantial writing requirement” of at least 20 pages.
Q: If I am seeking Distinction and submitting a senior essay, do I have to write a separate senior essay in addition to the substantial writing requirement in each of my 400-level courses?
A: No. You may submit a paper that was written for credit in one of your 400-level courses. The paper should be a minimum of 20 pages.
Q: I preregistered for a 400-level senior seminar. What are my options for fulfilling the second senior requirement credit? Can I take two senior seminars to fulfill my 2 credit senior requirement?
A: Yes, you can fulfill your senior requirement with a senior seminar. 400-level courses include senior seminars, Directed Reading, Directed Research, and half-credit lab courses (Psyc 495). So you may take two senior seminars to fulfill both senior requirement credits, but we can pre-register you for only one seminar. Preregistration for senior seminars takes place at the end of the Junior year.
Q: I am planning to take two semesters of Directed Research to fulfill my senior requirement. May I still preregister for a senior seminar?
A: All rising seniors may pre-register for a senior seminar for their senior year. However, if there is a shortage of slots available for senior seminars, priority will be given to students who need a senior seminar in order to fulfill their senior requirement.
Q: I am seeking a BA degree with Distinction. Do I have to write a literature review for my senior essay or can I do an empirical research project?
A: There are no restrictions in research format for students seeking a BA. For a BA degree with Distinction, the senior essay can be a literature review or empirical study.
Q: How long does a senior essay need to be?
A: The minimum length is 20 pages, but you should also discuss this issue with your advisor who may have more specific suggestions based on the nature of your senior essay project.
(updated for the Class of 2013)
SENIOR ESSAYS FOR THE CLASS OF 2013
ARE DUE APRIL 19, 2013 BY 4PM!
(Note: Essays for December degree students and those who want to submit
their essays in the fall semester are due December 12, 2012 by 4pm)