Doctoral Program FAQs

For Prospective Students

What training does the doctoral program offer?
We study the cognitive and social process in complex learning whether it takes place in classroom or everyday life. We do not provide clinical or counseling training at the Ph.D. level. We have a clinical master’s program, contact Dr. Gail Johnson for more information. We have a school psychology master’s program, contact Dr. Jennifer Schroeder for more information.

How do I apply?
Please follow the instructions at the grad school.

If you have any questions not answered by these websites, the best thing to do is to email Vicky_Turner@tamu-commerce.edu.

What is the minimum of GRE?
We do not adopt the minimum GRE score policy.

Can you tell me if I get in? Can you tell me why I did not get in?
We have an organized admissions process. The doctoral committee considers all applications and makes its recommendations. Recommendations are done by the committee, not by individual professors. Then the faculty meeting at the department reviews the recommendations and makes the decisions.

Do you have any online classes?
We offer some online classes, so a portion of your course work can be done online.

Can you provide some information about the program?
Please read the pdf file here.

What is the time frame for a summer residence?
It always starts on the first Monday of June and lasts for 2.5 weeks.

For Current Students

When can I map out my degree plan?
We will discuss your degree plan when you come to do your residence. Prior to that, contact me regarding your course work.

Can we set up an appointment to discuss my degree plan?
In your best interests, I ask everyone to wait till your residence and bring your portfolio and thesis if you have done one at another university. Email me (curt_carlson@tamu-commerce.edu) for the Degree Plan Spreadsheet in Excel for you to keep track of your degree plan.

Can I get a student handbook?
Download handbook here.

Who should I contact if I cannot register in myLeo?
Contact either Barb or Amy at 903.886.5594.

How long does it take to get the degree?
It depends on when you start to do your research and how you do your research. Any tips? Do some every week, keep a journal of your progress and ideas, and really touch base with your adviser.

Do you have a description of faculty research interests?
Please check out the department website, and contact the individual faculty member if you need more details.

What is the time frame for a summer residence?
It always starts on the first Monday of June and lasts for 2.5 weeks.

What is the 9-month rule?
Make sure you complete the doctoral tool courses listed in the handbook 9 months before you actually could graduate.

If I moved, who should I contact for address changes?
Other than the postal office, you should email me and Amy at Amy_Manning@tamu-commerce.edu.

When does the department conduct its annual evaluation of students?
Usually we do this in Sept. Download the academic progress report here, fill it out, and send it to me (curt_carlson@tamu-commerce.edu) electronically. I need this document, and not your CV.

How difficult is comp? Or how will my answer be graded?
We are not a program that looks to fail students in comps. Some programs are. Whether you pass or fail, it is the unanimous decision made by at least two experts on the topic.

Is there some comp reading list?
Download the current comps reading list suggested by some faculty members here. Note that the department has and will have new faculty members. This means you need to contact them for any updates.

What would qualify as a good answer to a comp question?
First, quote Dr. Zelhart here.

“I just finished grading a dozen comprehensive examinations. There is a problem with the way several of our students responded to several questions. They treat a question as if it is asking for their analysis rather than what the literature might indicate. There was a general lack of appropriate citations. Treating a question as a thought problem might be alright for some disciplines. Ours is an empirical endeavor, however. Students’ answers should reference appropriate literature rather than their opinions”.

Second, let me give you an example.

Theoretical claim: Memory is highly malleable.

Empirical Evidence: Loftus and Palmer (1974) showed participants short traffic safety films of car accidents. They subsequently asked participants in different conditions how fast the cars were going when they ‘contacted,’ ‘bumped into,’ ‘collided with,’ ‘smashed into,’ or ‘hit’ each other. The speed implied by the verb in the question affected participants’ judgments, such that more intense verbs led higher estimates than less intense verbs. (Note: I quoted this from Zwaan et al. (04).

Third, what if I cannot remember all the studies?

No one expects you to remember them all. However, in my personal view, you need to know at least know one or two studies for each theory.

Do I need to apply to Graduate School prior to my dissertation proposal and final defense?
You need to apply 30 days prior to your proposal and final defense meetings. You need to apply twice!