The Master's Program in psychology is built on a strong core curriculum in general psychology and provides professionals with a broad perspective of the discipline of psychology, research skills and professional ethics. Advanced courses encourage students to consider current trends and challenges in fields that provide psychological services. In supplementing the core curriculum with electives in a variety of specialized areas, the M.A. strengthens professionals’ skills in both the theory and practice of psychology and related fields. Students can complete the M.A. in Psychology with 33 credits (30 credits of course work and 3 credits for the thesis) or 36 credits of course work and the completion of a comprehensive examination. The thesis provides an opportunity to work closely with a faculty member in a selected area of expertise. The master’s program prepares graduates to work in a variety of mental health or human service settings, including mental health care facilities, child welfare and family counseling agencies, institutions for the aged, and other social and community organizations. Graduates are also prepared for admission to programs of advanced study in psychology, such as the Ph.D. and Psy.D. programs.

Applicants to the M.A. program must have completed at least 12 undergraduate credits of psychology, including statistics, with a grade point average of at least 2.75. In addition, they must submit letters of recommendation from two professors. Admission to the M.A. program in no way implies acceptance into the Ph.D. program. Nonetheless, outstanding master’s degree candidates are admitted into doctoral courses with the permission of the directors of both programs, and some M.A. graduates are accepted into the Ph.D. program. Both graduate programs are committed to increasing the enrollment of aspiring minority students. IELTS/TOEFL are required for international students.