Choosing a Major Professor
On arrival at Purdue, the student will be assigned a temporary advisor to aid in course selection and other facets of the graduate program. During the first semester, the student is expected to meet with the primary faculty in the quantitative area in order to discuss research interests and career goals. The student should select a major professor with whom to work by the end of the fall term. This selection need not be permanent, although in most cases it will be.

The Master of Science Degree
All students are admitted to the program with the expectation that they will attain the Ph.D. degree. However, the master's degree and accompanying master's thesis will be required of all doctoral students unless waived by the committee. The Master of Science degree must be completed no later than the end of a student's third year. However, most students will normally acquire the Master of Science degree between 12 and 24 months after entering the program. Together with his or her major professor, the student will assemble a master's thesis committee consisting of not less than three people in total, of whom at least two are from the primary quantitative faculty, including the major professor.

The Doctor of Philosophy Degree
Students entering the Ph.D. program with a baccalaureate degree in psychology normally complete the program within five years. However, students with a baccalaureate in fields other than psychology may take longer, while students already possessing a Master of Science degree may take less time.

Plan of Study
A master's plan of study, outlining the intended courses for that degree, should be filed by the end of the second semester at Purdue. The Ph.D. plan of study should be filed two semesters before the preliminary examination, usually by the end of the third year at Purdue.

The Master's or Ph.D. committees must approve the respective plans of study.