Student Learning Outcomes

Students graduating from this program will:

• Demonstrate knowledge and skills in the evaluation, conduct, and dissemination of psychological research.
• Explain and promote ethical principles, ethical conduct, and high professional standards in research and applied situations.
• Work with diverse individuals in professional contexts.

Note. Beginning academic year 2012-2013, The Department of Psychology and Counseling is no longer accepting new students into the Master of Arts in Psychology program. The information that follows is applicable to students accepted to the program prior to Fall 2012. The student learning outcomes and general suggested plan of study are also applicable to students enrolled in the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Psychology degree program who are eligible for a Master of Arts in Psychology degree as part of the PhD in Psychology degree program. A more detailed list of requirements for obtaining a Master of Arts in Psychology degree as part of the PhD in Psychology degree program can be found in the PhD program handbook.

Program Description

The Master of Arts in Psychology Program prepares students for research careers in academic or community psychology settings. The program involves training in theory, research design and statistics, and the application of principles to real world situations. The program provides advanced training both for recent graduates and for individuals who have been in the work force for a number of years. Although some students subsequently enter doctoral programs and complete Ph.D.s, many immediately accept challenging jobs in the public, private or non-profit sector. Students may complete the program on a full- or part-time basis. However, to ensure the timeliness of training, all program requirements must be completed within five years from admission.

The program is research oriented and provides many opportunities to gain valuable experience in conducting research and includes experimental studies working with human participants in a variety of areas. See faculty interests and on-going projects on the Department of Psychology and Counseling website.

Potential applicants should be aware that the Master of Arts in Psychology program is not designed to prepare students for professional practice as a psychologist. Further, completion of the Master of Arts in Psychology program is not adequate preparation for either the practice of psychology or use of the term “psychologist,” both of which are regulated by state statute. Students interested in the practice of psychology should consider the Clinical Psychology Ph.D. program described under the Department of Psychology and Counseling listing.

Suggested Plan of Study

The program is designed for students who seek rigorous training in research design and statistical analysis. Acquiring skills in these areas will prepare students for additional graduate training as well as for immediate application in a work setting. Quantitatively skilled professionals are employed in a variety of settings including: university departments such as psychology, marketing, management, education, medical and biological research programs, personnel management programs, government, industry, market research firms, large-scale mental testing corporations, software development companies and consulting firms.

One key component of training is three credit hours of a capstone research project, either research and thesis or directed research program evaluation, in which students will, under the direct supervision of faculty, apply the skills they have learned in the classroom to real-world problems and research questions.