Psychology Program Admissions 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.

 

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