Master of Arts in Psychology
Overview
The Master of Arts degree in Psychology (MAP) program, a non-clinical, non-licensure track program, is designed to cover all aspects of the psychology profession by emphasizing theory, research, and practice and to give students the broadest range of education and experience to expand their occupational and academic opportunities.
Students are equipped to pursue a career in the areas of industrial and organizational psychology, developmental psychology, or general psychology. This 36-credit program may also serve as a stepping-stone into various doctoral degrees.
Students examine, evaluate, and apply psychological principles and methods in a variety of settings. Each emphasis allows the student to focus on understanding and performing research pertinent to his or her area of study along with practical applications for prevention, intervention, and transformation. Whether the student seeks to impact lives through improving the learning of a child, empowering people to enhance relationships, or transforming the culture of a business, this dual focus gives the student the opportunity to stand out among others in their field of interest, increasing their marketability for jobs and future education.
The material within psychology courses can be sensitive in nature. You may read, study, watch, and discuss potentially disturbing topics. Some of the materials may result in difficulties for you. Some courses in the program require self-examination and/or public discussion regarding sexual history; history of abuse and neglect; psychological treatment; and relationships with parents, peers, and spouses or significant others. Please consult your instructor or an appropriate treatment provider should you have concerns or experience any difficulties.
Program Learning Outcomes (PLO) for the M.A. in Psychology
Graduates of the Master of Arts degree in Psychology program will be able to:
- PLO 1: Integrate God’s Word within the profession of psychology.
- PLO 2: Demonstrate effective oral and written communication.
- PLO 3: Evaluate key personal and professional ethics affecting psychology professionals.
- PLO 4: Evaluate statistical analysis and data management.
- PLO 5: Examine cultural and diversity issues within the field of psychology.
- PLO 6: Apply theories, skills, and knowledge within the field of psychology.
Requirements for the M.A. in Psychology
Preparation for the Degree
STAT 280 with a grade of C- or higher, or its equivalent is a requisite for the major, specifically a prerequisite for PSYC 670. STAT 280 does not count toward graduate degree totals.
Requirements
This program features 12 classes at three credits each, which total 36 credits. Each course meets for eight weeks. The graduate student typically takes one course at a time completing two classes each semester. The major core component is 18 credits in length, while the second component consists of 18 credits of a chosen emphasis.
| Requirement | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Major Core Requirements | 18 | |
| Emphasis | 18 | |
| Total Credits | 36 | |
Major Core Requirements
In order to earn the Master of Arts degree in Psychology, graduate students must complete the following required core courses while achieving a minimum cumulative grade-point average (GPA) of 3.0:
| Requirement | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| PSYC 510 | Tests and Assessment | 3 |
| PSYC 520 | Social and Cultural Psychology | 3 |
| PSYC 550 | Professional and Ethical Issues | 3 |
| PSYC 670 | Research and Evaluation Methods | 3 |
| PSYC 680 | Literature Review Advanced Topic | 3 |
| PSYC 690 | Graduate Psychology Culminating Experience | 3 |
| Total Credits | 18 | |
Emphasis
M.A. in Psychology students have the opportunity to select from one of the following three emphases:
General
Students with a general emphasis examine, evaluate, and apply psychological principles and methods in a variety of settings through psychoeducational training, intervention strategies, research, human service management, etc. These professionals are able to pursue careers in mental health agencies, correctional facilities, or schools; or the degree may be used in the pursuit of doctoral-level education.
| Requirement | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ORGS 610 | Organizational Behavior and Development | 3 |
| or PSYC 600 | Industrial and Organizational Psychology | |
| PSYC 540 | Personality | 3 |
| or PSYC 560 | Group Work | |
| PSYC 640 | Applied Lifespan Development | 3 |
| or PSYC 650 | Child, Adolescent, and Family Issues and Interventions | |
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Motivational Psychology in Organizations | ||
| Personnel Selection, Training, and Development | ||
| Behavioral Assessment, Modification, and Management | ||
| Cognitive Development, Issues, and Interventions | ||
| Electives | Select six credits of graduate PSYC courses. | 6 |
| Total Credits | 18 | |
Industrial and Organizational Psychology
Students emphasizing in industrial and organizational psychology examine, evaluate, and apply theories and methods in workplace settings through continuous improvement strategies, positive performance interventions, motivational principles, and values-based approaches in the organization. Graduates build careers within the business sector in areas such as human resources, training, marketing, organizational development, and organizational behavior.
These professionals will be able to pursue careers as corporate researchers, consultants, or trainers; or the degree may be used in the pursuit of doctoral-level education.
| Requirement | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ORGS 610 | Organizational Behavior and Development | 3 |
| PSYC 530 | Motivational Psychology in Organizations | 3 |
| PSYC 560 | Group Work | 3 |
| PSYC 590 | Personnel Selection, Training, and Development | 3 |
| PSYC 600 | Industrial and Organizational Psychology | 3 |
| Elective | Select three credits of graduate PSYC courses. | 3 |
| Total Credits | 18 | |
Developmental Psychology
Students emphasizing in developmental psychology address issues facing individuals from birth to death utilizing a foundation built on cognitive, behavioral, psychological, and theological approaches. Students focus on research, along with assessment, interventions, and application. This program prepares the graduate for careers in education, social services, mental health, or nonprofit organizations; or may be used in the pursuit of doctoral-level education.
| Requirement | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| PSYC 530 | Motivational Psychology in Organizations | 3 |
| or PSYC 540 | Personality | |
| PSYC 620 | Behavioral Assessment, Modification, and Management | 3 |
| PSYC 630 | Cognitive Development, Issues, and Interventions | 3 |
| PSYC 640 | Applied Lifespan Development | 3 |
| PSYC 650 | Child, Adolescent, and Family Issues and Interventions | 3 |
| Elective | Select three credits of graduate PSYC courses. | 3 |
| Total Credits | 18 | |