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Psychology MA

College of Community Studies and Public Affairs
Graduate degree / Master of Arts

Program Overview

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 psychological theory and methods to a variety of research, business, government, and organizational issues. The program's theoretical orientation requires students to examine the complex relationships among individual, group, and communities and the impact of the wider environment in which we live and work. The program emphasizes psychological theories, methods and applications to general settings (this is not a counseling or clinical therapy program).

Student outcomes

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

  • advanced understanding of the science and practice of psychology;
  • ability to be critical consumers of the existing psychological and behavioral science literature;
  • ability to apply psychological principles to relevant and diverse issues in businesses, communities, or organizations;
  • ability to assess the impact of programs and interventions;
  • ability to pursue an in-depth study of the topic and setting of interest to the student; and
  • ability to conduct independent applied research.

Transfer credits

Graduate courses taken elsewhere may be transferred into the master's degree program for up to nine degree credits. Courses to be transferred must be equivalent to courses in the program or be relevant to the student's plan of study. Decisions about transfer credit are made on a case-by-case basis by the graduate program coordinator.

Course requirements

Requirements (36 credits)

Required (12 credits)

In addition, PSYC 605 Theories of Psychological Science (4 credits) is required.

PSYC 610 Applied Research Methods

4 credits

The course will present a wide variety of research designs, analyses and conceptual approaches appropriate to improving our general understanding of behavior and social problems in communities. Methods such as experimental, quasi experimental, survey research, interview and observational may be covered along with issues of sampling, measurement, reliability and validity.

Full course description for Applied Research Methods

PSYC 618 Program Evaluation

4 credits

Learn how to utilize research skills in the applied area of program evaluation, including conceptualization, roles as evaluators, planning and implementing an evaluation, as well as analyzing and reporting results to stakeholders and participants. The strengths and weaknesses of various quantitative and qualitative methods of program evaluation are discussed, emphasizing an awareness of and sensitivity to potential cultural, class, and gender differences in the evaluation process. Students engage in a community-based program evaluation hands-on project.

Full course description for Program Evaluation

Advanced methods (at least 3 credits)

In addition, PSYC 607 Advanced Topics in Quantitative Data Analysis (3 credits) is an option.

Thesis or project (minimum of 4 credits)
Electives (14-17 credits)

Could include a practicum, additional psychology courses, approved courses from other departments, and/or other approved learning experiences (including up to 9 graduate transfer credits approved by the psychology graduate program coordinator).