Master of Arts in Psychology

 

DEGREE AT A GLANCE:

    • Number of Credits
    • 39
    • Cost Per Credit
    • $ 325
    • Total Tuition*
    • $ 12,675
  • *(Before Transfer Credit)
 

Program Description

The Master of Arts in Psychology program guides students through in-depth exploration of the discipline. At the core of the program is the “generalist model”, a conceptual framework that emphasizes foundational study of theories and research methods, and factors related to human behavior including lifespan development, social and cultural diversity, assessment, personality and psychopathology. It is not considered a terminal degree in the field, but rather prepares graduates to enter doctoral and other graduate studies and supports the development of knowledge and skills that may promote the graduate’s career advancement.

Students must either hold an accredited undergraduate degree in Psychology or have a completed Bachelor's degree in another discipline with credit in the following foundational courses:

  • 1. Intro to Psychology or General Psychology
  • 2. Research and Statistical Methods in Psychology
  • 3. Human Growth and Development or Lifespan Development
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Program Objectives

Graduates in this degree program will be able to:

  • Examine and critique historical and contemporary trends occurring across multiple domains of the degree discipline.
  • Apply concepts of psychology to normal and abnormal individual, social, cultural,and organizational functioning.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of how to develop discipline related research models and analyze statistical data.
  • Access and evaluate scholarly resources pertinent to the discipline.
  • Write competently according to the standards of the American Psychological Association.
  • Acquire knowledge of professional and career opportunities in the discipline.
  • Develop knowledge of and adhere to the American Psychological Association’s Ethical Principles.

Admission Requirements

The Master of Arts in Psychology program guides students through in-depth, advanced level exploration of the discipline. At the core of the program is the generalist model, an approach that emphasizes foundational study of theories and research methods, and factors related to human behavior including lifespan development, social and cultural diversity, assessment, personality and psychopathology. It is not considered a terminal degree in the field, but rather supports the development of knowledge and skills that promote graduates’ career advancement, and prepares those electing to pursue advanced graduate studies to enter doctoral and other graduate programs.

Admissions Requirements

  • Meet our admissions requirements for entry into a graduate program
  • Meet the program requirement of a 2.0/4.0 GPA
  • Either hold an undergraduate degree in Psychology or have a completed bachelor's degree in another discipline with credit in the following foundational courses*:

Introduction to Psychology or General Psychology

An undergraduate course designed to introduce students to the broad discipline and study of psychology, its key historical and contemporary events, publications, practices, and perspectives.

Research and Statistical Methods in Psychology

An undergraduate course in which students examine and learn how to develop sound research designs and statistically analyze and interpret research results (Note: Completing both a Research Design course and a Statistics Course separately may substitute for this requirement).

Human Growth and Development or Lifespan Development

An undergraduate course that examines biological, cognitive, and psychosocial milestones of the human lifespan and related normal changes and disorders (Note: Completion of courses covering phases of the human lifespan but not its entirety [e.g. Early Childhood Development and Adolescence & Young Adulthood] may not substitute for this requirement).

*Preadmission courses completed at the Undergraduate level must be graded C or better; B or better at the Graduate level

First Course Requirement

Students are required to register for PSYC500 – Orientation to Graduate Learning in Psychology first but are able to complete other courses along with PSYC500 if they would like.

Recommended Course Progression

  • PSYC 500 - Orientation to Graduate Learning in Psychology (3 hours) FIRST COURSE REQUIREMENT
  • PSYC 501 - Research and Statistical Methods (3 hours) – either next registration or concurrent with PSYC500
  • PSYC 510 - Lifespan Development (3 hours)
  • PSYC 520 - Personality (3 hours)
  • PSYC 525 - Physiological Psychology (3 hours)
  • PSYC 515 - Social Psychology (3 hours)
  • PSYC 511 - Learning and Cognition (3 hours)
  • PSYC 502 - Tests and Measurements – (3 hours)
    Pre-requisite: PSYC 501 Research and Statistical Methods
  • PSYC 526 - Psychopathology (3 hours)
    Pre-requisite: PSYC 525 Physiological Psychology
  • PSYC 550 - Professional Ethics and Standards (3 hours)
  • PSYC 590 - Contemporary Issues in Psychology (3 hours)

Have Questions?
Our admissions staff is available Monday - Thursday from 8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. and Friday from 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. ET to answer your questions and provide assistance with the admissions process. You can reach us by phone at 877-777-9081, e-mail us at info@apus.edu, or connect with us via Live Chat.

 
Core Requirements
33 Hours
NAME
DESCRIPTION
CREDITS
PSYC500
Orientation to Graduate Learning in Psychology
3 hours

This course orients and prepares students for entry into advanced level study of psychology. It provides an overview of the field and guides students in the development, honing and application of critical thinking, research and writing skills necessary for successful completion of the Master of Arts in Psychology graduate degree. This course must be taken during the student’s first term.

PSYC501
Research and Statistical Methods
3 hours

This course provides an overview of quantitative and qualitative methodology and design and examines ethical and legal considerations for research practices relevant to the field of psychology. Skills needed to evaluate published research reports are also emphasized.

PSYC502
Tests and Measurements
3 hours

This course serves to introduce students to the topic of psychological testing. In addition to describing the various types of psychological testing, it will also provide information about test design and construction, administration and scoring, and reliability and validity. Pre-requisite: PSYC 501 Research and Statistical Methods

Pre Reqs: Research and Statistical Methods(PSYC501)

PSYC510
Lifespan Development
3 hours

This course reviews social, emotional, cultural, cognitive, biological, and learning theories and research related to human development. Emphasis is on both healthy development and challenges experienced by individuals and groups across the human life cycle. Cultural differences and commonality noted in the developmental process are examined.

PSYC511
Learning and Cognition
3 hours

This course guides students through advanced level, in-depth and detailed study of classic and contemporary models of human cognition and learning through the lenses of the principle schools of psychology. Specific theories addressed include: functionalistic, associationistic, and cognitive.

PSYC515
Social Psychology
3 hours

This course is a graduate level study of cultural issues and social influences on human functioning. Classic foundations combine with new research, recent methodological and up-to-date theoretical innovations to form the basis of a study that integrates scholarship and applied social psychology for everyday living.

PSYC520
Personality and Counseling Theories
3 hours

This course explores the processes of normal and abnormal personality development and models of counseling and psychotherapy including psychoanalytic, behavioral, cognitive, and existential approaches.

PSYC525
Physiological Psychology
3 hours

This advanced level course focuses on the physiological processes underlying normal and pathological behavior. Neurological features of disorders such as schizophrenia and depression are examined.

PSYC526
Psychopathology
3 hours

This course guides graduate level learners in in-depth study of classic and contemporary theories and treatment of abnormal human functioning. Students will undertake extensive investigation of cultural factors related to the expression and effective assessment of pathology. Pre-requisite: PSYC 525 Physiological Psychology

Pre Reqs: Physiological Psychology(PSYC525)

PSYC550
Professional Ethics and Standards
3 hours

This course is an advanced level study of the ethical, legal and professional issues relevant to the practice of professional psychology. Topics include APA ethical standards and codes related to confidentiality, competence, and duty to warn, ethical decision-making guidelines, as well as federal and state laws pertinent to psychology. Application of ethics to professional psychology activity is emphasized.

PSYC590
Contemporary Issues in Psychology
3 hours

This course requires students to critically and creatively examine psychological topics that are currently relevant in the field of psychology within contemporary society. Some of the topics covered include: media influence and how the discipline of psychology is represented through media; the application of technology in treatment (e.g. online counseling), new issues in childhood/adolescence, the increasing incidence of specific disorders (i.e., autism spectrum disorders), and teen issues (e.g., eating disorders, pregnancy, self-injury), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and war and the emerging psychological needs of today’s military.


Major Requirements
3 Hours
NAME
DESCRIPTION
CREDITS
PSYC610
Multicultural Issues in Human Behavior
3 hours

This graduate level course covers the historical, research and theoretical underpinnings of multicultural psychology. It guides students in a comprehensive examination of diverse cultural groups and in-depth analysis of contemporary multicultural trends and issues related to ethnicity, race, gender, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, disability, age and religion. Students will research issues in cultural psychology through the development and design of their own empirical study.

PSYC620
Substance Abuse and Addiction
3 hours

This course guides graduate learners in advanced level study of addictive disorders, including the historical and social context of the addictive process and the neurobiology of substance dependence. Course foci include the assessment of addiction, the substances of abuse, issues experienced by special populations, and available treatments for substance abuse and addiction.

PSYC630
Crisis and Emergency Intervention
3 hours

This course offers an in-depth analysis of crisis and trauma events, survivor responses and needs, and competent strategic interventions. A theoretical approach draws on systems and developmental constructs to provide an assessment and intervention model that is both holistic and integrated within particular environments. Unique crisis events are addressed, including sexual assault, domestic violence, disasters (both natural and man-made), service provider stress, complicated bereavement, child abuse and neglect, and school crises.


Final Program Requirement
3 Hours
NAME
DESCRIPTION
CREDITS
PSYC699
Master's Capstone with Integrative Project in Psychology
3 hours

This course is designed to guide students through a review of the content domains covered along the degree path of the Master of Arts in Psychology degree. It affords an opportunity to synthesize and articulate knowledge obtained during degree progression via the selection of multiple threads of inquiry and analysis of peer-reviewed, scholarly literature related to successfully completed coursework. The course requires informed library research and concise exposition. Students completing this phase of their degree will receive substantial guidance and support from their instructor and classmates throughout the course. Pre-requisite: Successful completion of all program coursework. Capstone courses are NOT included in the university retake policy. All grades for any capstone attempts will appear on transcript and will be calculated in GPA


Graduate Electives
0 Hours
Electives are typically courses available at your degree level that are not currently required as a part of your degree program/academic plan. Please visit the catalog to view a complete listing of courses.

Program Completion Rates, Median Debt and More

The following program details are intended to help you make an informed decision about the university that's right for you.

2011-2012 Program Completion Rate
Normal time to completion for full-time student2 years
Graduates who completed in this time10%
Tuition & Fees as of January 1, 2013 Median Loan Debt of 2011-2012 Graduates
Tuition
(before any awarded transfer credit)
$12,675 Federal loans6$0
Technology fee2$50Private educational loans$0
Transfer Credit Evaluation fee3
(if applicable)
$50 Institution financing plan$0
Graduation fee$100 
Comprehensive Exam4$250 
Books and supplies5$2,052 
On-campus room and boardNot applicable 

1 Data may be “not available” if the program has no graduates during reporting period or if it has not been in existence the normal time for completion. If 0%, then graduates in the reporting period took longer than the average time, usually because they were part-time students. 91% of our students are working adults and do not take a full-time course load.

2 A $50 Technology Fee will be charged for all future undergraduate and graduate level course registrations, including audited courses. The fee is not applicable for Comprehensive Exam courses. An APUS grant will cover the fee for Active Duty Military, Reservists, National Guard, Vocational Rehabilitation (VOCA), VA and VA Chapter 33 students, and anyone using military tuition assistance (TA).

3 Transfer Credit Evaluation Fee waived for all United States Active Duty Military, Guard, and Reserve personnel.

4 If a comprehensive exam is required to complete your program of study there will be an additional fee of $250. This fee covers the cost of exam supplies and materials.

5 Cost for books and supplies is based on an average for the courses within this degree program. Students must obtain their own software when required for a course or program.

6 This figure does not include PLUS loans or TEACH grants converted to Unsubsidized Federal Direct Loans.

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American Public University System (APUS) makes no representation or guarantee that successful completion of an APUS program or coursework will result in employment within a particular field. Many employers take into account various criteria, in addition to education, when determining eligibility for employment. To assist our students in their career search, the APUS Office of Career Services provides students and alumni a variety of tools, resources, information, and guidance to assist them as they pursue their life goals.

 

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