Psychology M.A.

Program Rationale:

The Master of Arts program is designed to prepare students for careers in the field of human services or as preparation for further graduate study.

Program Learning Outcomes:

Upon completion of the MA program in psychology, students should demonstrate the following:

• proficiency with researching, summarizing, and critically evaluating scholarly literature;
• the advanced skills necessary to comprehend, design, and conduct rigorous academic research;
• professional-level skill in scholarly presentations, including the ability to write and publish in peer-reviewed academic journals and to present at professional conferences;
• an ability to critically analyze and integrate psychological theory in applied and real-life situations; and
• expertise within an area of psychology (community psychology, health psychology, or other area of focus).

Course and Capstone Requirements:

M.A. Program

The program requires 36 to 42 credits, including a thesis. A common core of 18 credits is required for all students.

Common Core:

PSY 512	Seminar in Developmental Psychology	3
PSY 545	Introduction to Clinical Psychology	3
PSY 550	Introduction to Community Psychology	3
PSY 596	Psychological Research: Design and Analysis I	3
PSY 597	Psychological Research: Design and Analysis II	3
PSY 599	Thesis	3

PSY 599: defense required

General Psychology Specializations (36 credits):

The general psychology specialization is designed to give students the opportunity to follow their interests. The specialization provides solid preparation in core areas of psychology, including developmental, clinical, and community psychology and research methodology. General psychology MA graduates often go on to doctoral programs, but many also work in a variety of research and human services settings.

Common Core

	Directed electives as approved by advisor	18
Total Credit Hours:		18

Community Psychology Specialization (36 credits):

The community psychology specialization is designed to train students to be active practitioners in the prevention field or prepare them for further study. It emphasizes developing and delivering interventions that can prevent the onset of psychological problems such as substance abuse, interpersonal violence, and depression. Most of our graduates work in the program planning and development level of local and state government, non-profit organizations, and schools, although some work in direct service positions.

Common Core

Specialization:

PSY 551	Prevention and Community-Based Research	3
PSY 553	Program Development and Evaluation	3
PSY 595	Graduate Internship in Psychological Applications	3
	Directed electives as approved by advisor	9
Total Credit Hours:		18

Health Psychology Specialization (42 credits):

The health psychology specialization is designed to prepare students for a career in the field of health psychology or for further graduate study. MA graduates often go on to doctoral programs, and others work in a variety of research and human service settings where they can apply knowledge of health-related behaviors, stress, disease risk factors, and methods to improve health and chronic illness. Some also work in the area of prevention.

Common Core

Specialization:

PSY 541	Health Psychology	3
PSY 542	Psychology of Stress	3
PSY 543	Stress Management: Theory & Research	3
PSY 530	Psychopathology	3
PSY 551	Prevention and Community-Based Research	3
PSY 595	Graduate Internship in Psychological Applications	3
Total Credit Hours:		18

Note: A maximum of six credits at the 400 level may be included, with approval of faculty advisor, in the planned program of study.