General Psychology
Master of Arts
Psychology is a discipline with a bright future. Among fields requiring a college degree, it is expected to be one of the fastest growing fields in America, and to continue to grow steadily for at least another dozen years after that. The primary purpose of the M.A. in General Psychology is to prepare students for future graduate study. The 30-credit program provides instruction in core competency areas but also allows students to structure a program that meets their interests.
Our program offers courses in abnormal psychology, human development, counseling theory and techniques, social psychology, and statistics and research methodology. Beyond these core courses, students can choose to focus on other areas of interest such as forensic psychology, learning disabilities, or mental health counseling.
In the classroom. In the workforce.
What You'll Learn
Every student will develop a solid theoretical foundation of core competency areas in general psychology as well as the necessary knowledge and skills to critically evaluate, analyze, and interpret psychological literature and research.
Future Studies
The program prepares students for doctoral or other graduate level study in psychology and related fields.
Career Opportunities
Upon completion of the degree, students may choose to obtain employment in a variety of social service, mental health, and psychiatric institutions and settings.
Program is 30 credits; 8 core courses and 2 electives.
Required Core Courses
- PSY5036: Behavioral Statistics
- PSY5205: Applied Research Methods
- PSY5325 Psychology of Learning
- PSY5345: Advanced Abnormal Psychology
- PSY5415: Psychology of Development
- PSY6615: Social Bases of Behavior and Cultural Diversity
- PSY8410: Cognitive Psychology
- PSY9210: Physiological Bases of Behavior
Plus 2 Elective Courses.
Students can choose 2 graduate level forensic psychology or school psychology courses that meet their interests. This should be done in collaboration with the student’s advisor.
Students can also attend part-time and create an individualized program with their advisor. Students can elect to enroll in summer courses as an alternative to the fall semester.
All Courses
Coverage includes descriptive statistics: central tendency, variability, transformed scores, graphing, skewness, and kurtosis. Also included will be probability and inferential statistics, including z test, t tests (one and two sample), ANOVA, Chi square and the Pearson r. Basic preparation in mathematics is needed. PREREQUISITE: Preparation in math.
This course examines the major theories, principles and techniques of mental health counseling and the application of such theories to counseling settings. This includes the examination of the influence of psychoanalytic, interpersonal/social, cognitive and behavioristic theories on present therapeutic techniques. A number of treatment modalities and styles of counseling are evaluated and the relationship between the nature of the disturbance and the effectiveness of each approach is discussed. Coursework, classroom discussion and role play is used to translate theoretical understanding into effective counseling behavior for a clear understanding of applying theoretical perspectives to work with clients. PREREQUISITE: None
This course includes the identification and diagnosis and mental health treatment planning for abnormal, deviant, or psychopathological behavior and includes assessments and treatment procedures. This course examines disorders in adulthood, adolescence, and childhood with consideration of the relationship between biological, social, psychological and environmental factors, as well as problems in classification and potential behavior systems. The concepts of normal and abnormal will be explored especially when attempting to understand the behaviors of culturally diverse groups. The symptomatological disorders, including borderline personalities and various phobic and obsessive-compulsive syndromes will be studied. The standards for differential diagnosis will be clarified. Conditions relating to dis-compensation, stress, anxiety, and defense mechanisms will be covered. PREREQUISITE: PSY 5415
This course examines social science research including evaluative methodologies and strategies, types of research, program evaluation, needs assessments, and ethical and legal considerations. This course links statistical analysis and research methodology so that the student may become a sophisticated research consumer as well as research producer. Understanding research strategy and the logic behind the statistical tests for applied purposes is the underlying theme of the course. This course will allow students to understand the nature of empirical research in developing surveys, educational interventions, program evaluations, and therapeutic strategies. PREREQUISITE: None
This course addresses the physical, cognitive and social-emotional development of children, adolescents, adults and the elderly, including a description of behaviors that are present at the various stages and explanations for those behaviors regarding relative contributions of heredity and environment. The major theories of physical, cognitive, affective and social development across the life span are applied to mental health counseling practice. The sociocultural and social economic factors that may contribute to a development outcome are also considered. PREREQUISITE: None
This course examines the theories of multicultural counseling, issues and trends of a multicultural and diverse society and includes the foundational knowledge and skills needed to provide mental health counseling services to diverse populations in a culturally competent manner. This course covers a number of advanced topics in the general area of social psychology, including cultural, ethnic and group processes, sex roles, organizational behavior, group dynamics, status and role, attribution theory and leadership. Special emphasis will also be placed on cultural diversity, including those issues related to cultural, racial and ethnic bases of behavior. PREREQUISITE: None