Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Behavioral Sciences
The mission of the Interdisciplinary Behavioral Science master’s program is to support Kentucky State University’s mission by preparing its diverse student population of traditional and non-traditional students to meet society’s growing need for psychological services in a variety of settings. Students in this program will engage in a program of study based on rigorous coursework, research, and service activities founded on the scientist-practitioner model of education. This program will prepare students to go on to doctoral study in psychology, or to work in industry, government, mental health care, or private practice, consistent with the Kentucky State University motto: Come In to Learn—Go Out to Serve.
The Interdisciplinary Behavioral Science program takes a multidisciplinary approach to the area of psychology and law by providing students with background in theoretical perspectives from psychology, sociology, and criminology, basic and applied research methods, and statistical techniques. Students will develop competencies relevant to the science and practice of psychology, and to the study of the intersection of behavioral and social science and law.
MIBS offers a 12-hour Graduate Certificate in Interdisciplinary Intelligence Studies. This certificate is offered in conjunction with our Kentucky State University membership in the Bluegrass State Intelligence Community Center for Academic Excellence (BGS-IC-CAE). The Consortium member institutions are Eastern Kentucky University, our lead institution, Kentucky State University, Morehead State University, the UK Patterson School of Diplomacy and International Commerce, and Marshall University. Students who elect to earn this graduate certificate will enroll in courses such as Behavioral Profiling, Persuasion and Radicalization, Terrorism and Insurgency, Political Psychology, and other courses taught by faculty from Psychology, Sociology, and Political Science. Students who participate in this program are eligible for scholarship money, travel awards, and other benefits such as opportunities to present at conferences, and access to hiring managers from local, state, and national intelligence and security organizations.
Admission
All applicants to the program must meet all KSU Graduate School application requirements, including:
- Properly completed graduate application forms.
- A letter of application with a statement of educational goals and career objectives.
- A thoughtful, well-written essay of approximately 1,500 words describing the applicant’s motivation for earning a degree in Interdisciplinary Behavioral Science and describing relevant experiences which have contributed to this goal. The essay will be evaluated as satisfactory or unsatisfactory by the program faculty.
- A curriculum vitae or resume of qualifications.
- Official undergraduate and graduate transcripts: copies of all official transcripts must be mailed from the applicant’s undergraduate institution directly to the Office of the Registrar, Kentucky State University, Frankfort, Ky. 40601.
- An undergraduate GPA of not less than 2.70.
- Three letters of reference from professors or employers mailed to the Office of the Registrar.
Applicants who meet the entry requirements will be granted regular admission status by the program Admission Committee.
Probationary admission status may be granted if students do not meet all the requirements stated above. Such applicants must possess baccalaureate degrees with undergraduate GPAs of at least 2.4 and also meet all other requirements for Regular Admission. Probationary students are subject to initial performance requirements more stringent than those imposed upon others. All unsatisfactory requirements must be met before students are granted regular admission to the program.