Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the students at UDM like?
   UDM has an outstanding tradition of academic excellence, which provides our diverse student population - made up of 40% male, 60% female, 33% minority groups and 6% foreign represented by 40 countries - with an environment that fosters academic and personal achievement. Small classes (13:1 student/faculty ratio), flexible scheduling through full/part-time course loads and evening/weekend classes, as well as accessible faculty and advisors are just some of the ways in which our approximately 6,000 students are able to thrive. Our students' experiences are further enhanced through collaboration with fellow students whose backgrounds, age ranges, and experiences are rich and diverse.
2. What can I do with an MA degree in Psychology? What jobs are available?
   UDM MA Psychology graduates are working in a variety of settings including Community Mental Health Centers, Psychiatric Hospitals, Guidance/Counseling Centers, and Correctional Institutions. Many have also gone on to pursue PhD and PsyD degrees at Universities all over the country. A recent survey of MA graduates showed a 100% employment rate in the field for those pursuing psychological work. For more information, check out our Cooperative Education and Career Center section "What Can I Do with this Major?"
3. What is the ratio of students that apply to students that are accepted?
   Class sizes vary from year to year and are limited to ensure a favorable ratio of students to faculty advisors. Because many qualified students apply for a relatively small number of openings, admission is highly competitive. In addition to application and GRE submission, potential students will be invited to attend a required interview with faculty.
4. What are acceptable GRE scores?
   We do not set arbitrary minimums for the GRE as these factors contribute only partially to our overall assessment of the applicant. However, as we admit only a limited number of students per year, it is an important component and it is to your advantage to do as well as possible.
5. If I didn't do well on the GRE (low average), should I still apply?
   Yes, if you feel you have other strong credentials, such as solid letters of recommendation, high undergraduate GPA, and work history. We look at the total application, not just test scores.
6. What is living in the Detroit area like?
   Our multi-faceted metropolis is the largest in Michigan and ninth largest in the US, with a history and personality all its own. The city is a haven for cultural amenities and sporting fans with 30 art museums, a symphony that ranks among the nation's best, 200-plus golf courses, numerous professional sports franchises, 24 major shopping malls, an array of ethnic restaurants and cutting-edge entertainment venues. In addition to a thriving economy, Detroit's also home to the oldest state fair in the nation, the largest annual fireworks display in the world, the largest free jazz festival in North American and host to the largest ethnic festival series in the country. Plus the city is at the hub of the freeway network and railway system as well as gateway to Canada, allowing easy access to the region and beyond.
7. How much does it cost to live in the Detroit area?
   Detroit offers affordable living in a multitude of communities throughout the city. To learn more information on Detroit's cost of living, taxes, communities, employers, health care and more, please visit www.detroitchamber.com
8. Is there housing at UDM?
   UDM McNichols campus is home to six residence halls. All residence halls contain laundry facilities, vending machines and comfortable student lounges with big screen TVs. The rooms have all of the amenities you'd expect, including Internet hookups with access to the library. Residence Advisors are always on duty, and welcome spontaneous visits from their fellow residents. Some of our international students reside in the recently renovated Binny's House, where they host international dinners for their fellow students. To learn more, visit http://www.udmercy.edu/student_life/reslife.htm.
9. Is it really possible to go full-time or part-time?
   Yes, you can go either full or part-time. To go full-time means you will take three (3) courses per term. Part-time means you will take one or two courses per term. If you complete the program full-time, you will be in a position to graduate in two (2) years. If you complete the program part-time, you will be in a position to graduate in approximately three (3) years.

   Students, at time of admission, must indicate whether they will attend full-time or part-time. Students are permitted to change from full to part time provided that they inform the Program Director in writing prior to doing so. Part-time students wishing to become full-time must get verbal approval from the Program Director.

10. Why are classes only offered in the late afternoon or evenings?
    The program is designed to accommodate adults with full-time jobs. Classes typically are scheduled beginning at 4:00pm and are also offered at 5:00pm and 6:40pm. Occasionally, sections of courses may be offered during regular daytime hours between 9:00am and 3:00pm. Students who prefer to take courses during the day are permitted to take daytime sections when available.
11. Are there opportunities for students to socialize and connect with others in the program?
    For most courses, your classmates will consist of those who are admitted to the program at the same time. Opportunities to connect with second-year students will be provided at an incoming student orientation meeting. Information about the program and events of importance to MA students are announced as needed on a program listserv.
12. Do I have to do a thesis?
    No. The clinical MA program is designed to train practitioners. Consequently, a thesis is not a requirement of the program. Students wanting research experience, or students who have Ph.D. aspirations may want to give some serious consideration to completing a thesis. Students interested in completing a thesis must consult with the Program Director before proceeding.