2017-2018 College Catalog 
    
    Mar 29, 2024  
2017-2018 College Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Psychology, M.S.


Program Coordinator - Dr. Virginia Gonsman

The goals and objectives of the Master of Science Degree in Psychology center on preparing students who are employed in a related field and who aspire to enhance or to obtain professional knowledge, skills, and credentials for career advancement or who are seeking a gradual transition to doctoral level work. The curriculum is designed to expose students to research, theory, and applications in most subfields of psychology. Students will have an especially strong foundation in research methodology and knowledge of social, developmental, cognitive, and personality psychology.

Upon completion of the program, graduates will be able to:

  1. think and communicate about the theoretical, methodological, and applied aspects of psychology at the graduate level;
  2. demonstrate advanced critical thinking skills especially in relation to conducting and evaluating psychological research and its applications;
  3. exercise knowledge of quantitative data analysis necessary for psychological research and for the interpretation of research;
  4. show how moral and ethical perspectives influence research, theory, and applications in psychology;
  5. draw upon a solid knowledge of general psychological theories and research particularly within the areas of cognitive psychology, social psychology, developmental psychology, and theories of personality;
  6. use computer applications necessary for a career in psychology including searching professional databases and other appropriate technical skills;
  7. demonstrate leadership skills with an orientation toward using psychological knowledge in service to others; and
  8. exercise the professional skills necessary for career experiences in psychology and its related fields including knowledge related to experimental and correlational research and psychological testing.

Special Admissions Criterion

Incoming students should possess an undergraduate background in statistics and research methods as evaluated by the Program Coordinator.

Total Credits in Core: 27


Students Must Choose One of the Following Three Options:


Thesis Option


This option is designed for students who plan to pursue a Ph.D.

Management Option (Non-Thesis)


  • MBA courses 9 Credits

Elective Option (Non-Thesis)


  • PY/COUN/MBA Advisor Approved Electives 9 Credits

Total Credits in Concentration: 9 Credits


Total Credits in Degree: 36


Other Requirements


Comprehensive Exam - A comprehensive examination is required after the completion of the core courses. The comprehensive exam will evaluate learning of the material from the required course work and will be in appropriate sections. Any sections failed by the student must be retaken.