Student Learning Outcomes- The graduate with a Master of Science degree in Psychology will:
- Demonstrate a broad knowledge of the affective, biological, cognitive, developmental, social and learning bases of complex behavior and use the science of psychology to analyze and integrate research in a specialized content area.
- “Apply appropriate techniques to identify and answer research questions and to make informed decisions” regarding research literature.
- Apply the “ethical standards of the discipline,” to address complex ethical issues in multiple contexts (e.g., when working with those from diverse backgrounds), while recognizing one’s limitations and seeking consultation as needed.
- Demonstrate a competence and ethical awareness in writing, speaking, and professional interactions that exhibit clear and culturally perceptive communication.
- Develop a professional identity and an appropriate career path based on knowledge of the discipline and accurate self-reflection.
Note - Quoted phrases are taken directly from the following source:
American Psychological Association, Task Force on Guidelines for Master’s Programs in Psychology. (2018). APA guidelines on core learning goals for master’s degree graduates in psychology. Washington, DC: American Psychological Association. Retrieved from www.apa.org/ed
This program is designed to prepare students for employment that utilizes acquired psychological knowledge and skills as well as provide a basis for further graduate study. There are two ways to be considered for admission:
The student must be fully admitted to Graduate Studies and have completed at least 12 hours of undergraduate or graduate psychology courses at an accredited institution. A 3.0 or higher GPA in psychology coursework is preferred.
The applicant must also submit three letters of recommendation and a formal statement of purpose
Optionally, the candidate may submit official score report from the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) Verbal, Quantitative, and Analytical Writing sections. Students with a GPA below 3.0 in psychology coursework are strongly encouraged to submit GRE scores.
Selection will be based on the applicant’s GPA, GRE scores (if submitted), consistency of the statement of purpose with program goals, and letters of recommendation indicating high potential for graduate work in psychology.
Completed applications will be considered on a space available basis until one week before the first day of classes for the fall and spring semesters. Although admission occurs on a year round basis, the sequence of courses is designed to begin in the fall semester. Starting in the spring or summer may result in an extended time to complete the degree.
No more than 12 graduate hours taken as a non-degree student (i.e., one not officially admitted to the psychology graduate program) may be applied to the M.S. in psychology. The program coordinator must approve these graduate hours. All courses must also meet the time limits established by the Graduate Studies office. Upon acceptance into the M.S. in psychology program, the student will be assigned a program graduate advisor and will be able to apply for federal financial aid.
Students should be aware that most graduate courses have prerequisites. These prerequisites must be met before enrolling in the courses. In some situations, a prerequisite may be waived with the consent of the course instructor. Each student must pass a writing proficiency exam prior to filing a program of study. A score of 3.5 or higher on the Analytical Writing section of the GRE satisfies the writing proficiency exam requirement. Each student must write and successfully defend a masters thesis. The thesis must have been submitted before the student is cleared to graduate.
