Psychology, M.A. (Restricted to students in the Psychology, Ph.D. program)
The Masters Degree (MA) is required for students in the Clinical-Community and School Psychology concentrations of our Ph.D. program in Psychology who have not already completed a prior MA with a research thesis. The MA is strongly recommended for students in the Quantitative Psychology and Cognitive and Neural Sciences concentrations of our Ph.D. program in Psychology. We do not offer a terminal MA in Psychology. The MA was established as a way to formalize courses taken and research experience acquired for students in their first several years of our Ph.D. program. In addition, the conferring of this degree increases opportunities for on-campus teaching, and for externships in community settings. The MA does not increase the course requirements which students will have to take to achieve their Ph.D. Students obtaining the MA will be required to successfully defend the Masters thesis and complete all required coursework.
Learning Outcomes
- Synthesize advanced knowledge in their selected concentration (School Psychology, Clinical Community Psychology, Cognitive and Neural Sciences, or Quantitative Psychology) and specific field of inquiry.
- Select and use appropriate analytic tools and methods to conduct high quality research and/or select and use evidence-based assessment, intervention, or prevention practices.
- Conduct ethical research that advances the state of knowledge in their selected field of inquiry.
- Communicate effectively in written and oral formats appropriate to a variety of different constituents in applied and/or research settings.
- Apply knowledge of diversity and multi-cultural sensitivity issues (cultural, racial, and gender differences, similarities, and contributions) to professional practice and research issues in their field of inquiry.
Degree Requirements (30 Hours)
Students will choose from one of the following concentrations: Clinical Community Psychology, School Psychology, Quantitative Psychology, or Cognitive and Neural Sciences. All concentrations require submission of a satisfactory thesis, a positive evaluation of the associated oral defense, and successful completion of at least 30 hours of coursework, specified below:
Core Methods Courses (6 Hours)
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| PSYC 709 | Basic Quantitative Methods in the Analysis of Behavioral Data I | 3 |
| PSYC 710 | Basic Quantitative Methods in the Analysis of Behavioral Data II | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours | 6 | |
Thesis Preparation (3-6 hours required depending on concentration)
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| PSYC 799 | Thesis Preparation | 3-6 |
Additional Courses (18-21 hours)
Students in each concentration will complete additional required or elective courses to reach a total 30 credit hours of coursework.