Psychology - M.A.

CIP Code

42.0101

Students within the general psychology program are encouraged to pursue research interests through their scholarship for preparation for future graduate study in psychology.

The General Psychology program is designed to:

  1. Prepare students for doctoral level study in psychology.
  2. Prepare students to teach psychology in a community college.
  3. Train students in research methodology.
  4. Acquaint students with ethical concerns in research and practice.
  5. Develop skill in the critical study of the major concepts, theories, and systems of psychology and in the analysis of examples of psychological research.
  6. Support specialized study in the area of psychology chosen by the student in consultation with a faculty advisor.

Students who complete this program will be able to:

  1. Define and use appropriately the important concepts of contemporary psychology.
  2. Identify and describe major historical and contemporary theories of psychology and evaluate empirical research as support for theories and principles of psychology.
  3. Analyze and interpret data gathered using various research methods.
  4. Evaluate the design and analysis of research studies in psychology.
  5. Design, conduct, and analyze and interpret data for an independent research project.
  6. Communicate the results of empirical, library, and Internet research both orally and in writing.
  7. Define the ethical responsibilities of psychologists in both research and practice.
  8. Demonstrate advanced knowledge in a specialized area of psychology.

Program Requirements

Required Courses for the student’s program in the general psychology program is planned with an advisor and depends on the student’s background and goals.

Course Requirements

Thirty credit hours are required which must include the following courses:

PSY 507Personality Theory

3

PSY 513Statistics and Research Design I

3

PSY 521Proseminar I

3

PSY 522Proseminar II

3

PSY 532Research Design and Methodology

3

PSY 561Research in Psychology I

1

PSY 562Research in Psychology II

2

Note: Qualified undergraduates may be permitted to enroll in graduate courses with the consent of the Discipline Coordinator and authorized by the Department Chair.