Description
The MA in Psychology program is designed to prepare students for further study at the doctoral level and/or for careers in psychology and the helping professions, including as a child life professional. Students choose one of four tracks that best serves their educational goals.
Students choose one of two concentrations at the time of application: General Psychology or Child Life. *Students may be considered for the Thesis concentration after they enroll, and a research mentor has been identified (typically during the first semester of enrollment in the MA Psychology program). The Department of Psychology will provide additional instructions regarding the Thesis concentration during a student’s first semester of matriculation in the MA Psychology program.
Concentrations
- General Psychology: A 36-credit program designed to help students develop both breadth and depth in psychological knowledge, culminating in a capstone project.
- Child Life: a 40-credit program designed for students looking for careers as child life specialists. This track provides all the curriculum required by the Association for Child Life Professionals (ACLP). This track gives students a comprehensive and cohesive program emphasizing the skills and knowledge they’ll need when assisting children and families with their coping and understanding of complex and difficult medical situations.
- Thesis: A 39-credit program designed to help students develop both breadth and depth in psychological knowledge, culminating in an independent thesis research project
*Students may be considered for the Thesis concentration after they enroll and a research mentor has been identified (typically during the first semester of enrollment in the MA Psychology program). The Department of Psychology will provide additional instructions regarding the Thesis concentration during a student’s first semester of matriculation in the MA Psychology program
Admission to the Program
The application process is managed by the Center for Graduate Studies, and application materials are available online. The application process includes:
- Academic transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate course work,
- A statement of objectives,
- 3.0 minimum GPA,
- Letters of recommendation,
- A completed application, and
- Recorded responses.
Applicants will be considered for fall admission only. Contact the Center for Graduate Studies for further information and the best consideration date.
Program Requirements
Students in this program pursue a Master of Arts degree and must meet the College’s standards for graduate study.
Once matriculated, a student may proceed on a part-time basis, as long as reasonable progress is made toward the degree. It is recommended that students take at least six credits per semester.
Students must receive a minimum grade of “B” in all required courses (excluding the practicum, which is graded Satisfactory or Unsatisfactory). Those receiving a grade of “B-” or lower in one of these courses have one opportunity to repeat the course and earn a higher grade. Students failing to do this will be dismissed from the program. A student may not repeat more than one course.
General Psychology Concentration (36 credits)
- PSH 601 Research Methods (3 credits)
- PSH 602 Advanced Statistical Methods (3 credits)
- PSH 631 Social Psychology (3 Credits)
- PSH 634 Psychopathology (3 credits)
- PSH 640 Biopsychology (3 credits)
- PSH 684 Developmental Psychology (3 credits)
- PSH 706 Applications in Psychology (3 credits)
- Electives by advisement (12 credits)
Thesis Concentration (39 credits)
- PSH 601 Research Methods (3 credits)
- PSH 602 Advanced Statistical Methods (3 credits)
- PSH 631 Social Psychology (3 Credits)
- PSH 634 Psychopathology (3 credits)
- PSH 640 Biopsychology (3 credits)
- PSH 684 Developmental Psychology (3 credits)
- PSH 797 Thesis Proposal (6 credits)
- PSH 798 Thesis (6 credits)
Child Life Concentration (40 credits)
- PSH 601 Research Methods (3 credits)
- PSH 602 Applied Multivariate Statistics (3 credits)
- PSH 631 Social Psychology (3 Credits)
- PSH 640 Biopsychology (3 credits)
- PSH 684 Developmental Psychology (3 credits)
- PSH 546 Cognitive Development (3 credits)
- PSH 506 Child Life Theory, Practice, and Psychology (3 credits)
- PSH 706 Applications in Psychology (3 credits)
- SWK 649 Family Systems (3 credits)
- PSH 586 Psychological Disorders of Childhood (3 credits)
- PRO 602 End of Life Care for the Healthcare Professional (3 credits)
- EDC 695 Play Therapy (3 credits)
- Elective (3 credits)
- PSH 696 Capstone/Culminating Project (3 credits)
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the program, students will be able to:
- Analyze the relationship between biological bases of behavior and human functioning.
- Describe the process of human development and acquisition of learned behaviors across the lifespan
- Analyze how individuals’ knowledge exists in the context of their environment (e.g., social, geographical, familial, institutional, cultural, etc.) and how the environment affects their functioning
- Critique and apply principles of research methods
- Apply psychological principles and evidence-based theories to practical problems in the field of psychology
- Produce a substantive paper or project that elucidates a psychological topic (Research Tracks)
- Apply ethical and professional standards to relevant research and/or clinical situations
- Explain the role of social and cultural diversity in human characteristics, experiences, and behavior
- Identify principles and elements of best practice for psychological treatment, including differentiation of effective therapies from ineffective methods