Master of Arts in Psychology M.A.

The Master of Arts in Psychology degree provides access to high quality graduate education in psychology to students who are interested in the application of psychology to a variety of community and organizational-related issues. The program's theoretical orientation requires students to examine the complex relationships among individual, family and community well-being and the impact of the wider environment in which we live and work.

The program emphasizes community-based interventions rather than individualistic models of implementing change. (This is not a clinical or counseling psychology program.) The program's specialization in community psychology trains people to work with communities and organizations to help them develop, implement and evaluate innovative solutions to social problems. Prevention (rather than treatment) is a primary focus in this program along with empowerment, health promotion, community organizing and community development. Emphasis is placed on interventions that are designed around the needs and strengths of the community, and rooted in the wisdom and work of community members. Additional information about community psychology, including careers and resources, can be found at www.metrostate.edu/cps/psych/grad/whatis.html.

The goal of the psychology master's program is to provide students with an opportunity for both breadth and depth in an area of particular relevance to them. Students graduating from this program will have attained the following:

• an advanced understanding of the science and practice of psychology;
• an understanding of the intersection of race, class and gender issues and psychological theory;
• the ability to apply psychological principles to issues of concern in communities and organizations;
• skills and knowledge to assist in their work with communities and groups to create and sustain healthy settings;
• the ability to assess the impact of interventions;
• the ability to be critical consumers of the existing social science and psychological literature;
• the ability to pursue an in-depth study of the topic and community of most interest to the student; and
• the ability to independently conduct relevant applied research.

Generally, new students accepted for the fall semester only. To be considered for admission to the M.A. Psychology program, you must:

• hold a baccalaureate degree (or equivalent) from an accredited college or university at the time you start the program;
• with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher; and a
• psychology major or major in a related field; and
• have completed prerequisite courses (general psychology, social or community psychology, statistics, and research methods) with a C or better.
• International students should note the additional university requirements described under Admission Information earlier in this catalog.

To apply for admission you must submit:

• a complete M.A. in Psychology application form (see link at http://www.metrostate.edu/cps/psych/grad/docs.html) including a nonrefundable $20 application fee (waived for baccalaureate graduates of Metropolitan State University);
• official transcripts showing a baccalaureate degree or equivalent with grade-point average or narrative description of courses completed from all schools attended after high school and transcripts from any graduate or professional programs;
• letter of interest (see instructions on application form);
• a current resume of work and volunteer experiences; and
• three letters of reference with form (see link at http://www.metrostate.edu/cps/psych/grad/docs.html) as provided in the application, from previous university course instructors and work/volunteer supervisors.

A minimum of 36 semester hours is required for the M.A. in Psychology degree. This includes:

• a set of four core courses (16 credits) to establish a solid foundation in community theory, interventions and research methodology;
• two practice-oriented courses (8 credits) focused on developing skills in program evaluation and community-based intervention;
• elective courses, independent study and practicum/internship experiences (8 credits minimum) that offer an opportunity for students to focus their work on their particular area of interest (such as development of community leadership, prevention of dating violence, empowerment, substance abuse prevention, gay and lesbian issues, families in a specific ethnic community, children in daycare centers, elderly, women's health and so forth); and
• a Master's Thesis (4 credits) that allows the student to carry out an original piece of research in an area of their choosing, thus honing their applied research skills and providing a capstone for their graduate training experience.
  

Additional information regarding program curriculum can be found on the Web at www.metrostate.edu/cps/psych/grad.

Core Courses (16 credits)

PSYC 601 Principles of Community Psychology I (4 credits)
PSYC 602 Principles of Community Psychology II (4 credits)
PSYC 610 Quantitative Research Design for Community-based Research (4 credits)
PSYC 615 Qualitative Methods and Analysis for Community-based Research (4 credits)

Additional information regarding master's thesis and practicum/internship requirements, and academic progress and achievement policies specific to the program are in the M.A. in Psychology Program Handbook (available from the Psychology Department or from the Web at www.metrostate.edu/cps/psych/grad/pdf/handbook.pdf).