Program concentrations leading to the Master of Arts in Psychology are available in the following areas:
General/Theoretical Concentration (48 credits)
This concentration is intended for those students who wish to develop a broad-based understanding of psychology for varied purposes (not necessarily involving clinical applications). Students complete 21 credits in the core courses as detailed below and select an appropriate set of elective courses from available department offerings with the approval of an advisor. The Closure Experience requirement for this concentration may involve either Psychology 555 or Psychology 554/556.
Core Courses (21 semester hours)
Clinical Services Concentration (48 credits)
This concentration is intended for those who wish to function in a mental health agency or other human services setting where the psychologist provides a range of consultative, assessment, and therapeutic functions. In consultation with the advisor, selection of electives in this concentration may focus on specific client populations and areas of expertise. A course of studies can be designed that emphasizes work with children and adolescents and/or work with adults. Students considering admission into the Psy.D. program at the post-master’s level should apply for admission into the Clinical Services track. Choice of electives and their sequencing should be discussed with the advisor and/or chairperson.
Assessment and Diagnostic Methods (9 credits minimum)
| PSYC 531 | Psychopathology | 3 |
| Or | |
| PSYC 532 | Child Psychopathology | 3 |
| | |
| PSYC 561 | Introduction to Psychological Testing | 3 |
| PSYC 562 | Cognitive Assessment | 3 |
| | |
| PSYC 580 | Assessment of Adult Personality andýPsychopathology | 3 |
| Or | |
| PSYC 581 | Socio-Emotional Assessment of ChildrenýAnd Adolescents | 3 |
Intervention Methods (9 credits minimum)
| PSYC 571 | Introduction to Individual Psychotherapy | 3 |
| PSYC 577 | Practicum (Group) | 3 |
| COUN 518 | Foundational Counseling Techniques | 3 |
| COUN 584 | Marriage, Couples, and Family Counseling | 3 |
| PSYC 572 | Introduction to Group Psychotherapy | 3 |
| PSYC 573 | Therapy With Children | 3 |
| PSYC 574 | Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy | 3 |
Electives (3-9 credits)
Selection of elective courses in the department is in consultation with the advisor.
Closure Experience (0-6 credits)
Students, in consultation with their advisor and the department chairperson, may select one of the three alternatives listed below to meet the Closure Experience requirements of this concentration.
Two of these (PSYC556, 578) are credit-bearing courses which reduce the number of elective credits from nine to six (see above).
PSYC 578: variable credit, three-credit minimum
Students should note that the internship option requires permission of the advisor and the department chairperson. Further details regarding these alternatives are available in the Student Handbook.
Students are encouraged to complete core courses early in their program of study.
The program stresses development of competencies. Alternate courses may be approved for those who can demonstrate competency in a required area. Test-out procedures should be discussed with the advisor or department chairperson for those who seek course waivers of required courses. The student should understand that program adjustments will not diminish the number of credits required for a degree; they will, however, allow the student to take more advanced specialty courses as part of the program of study.
Psychology students are encouraged to take their comprehensive examinations immediately upon completion of the seven required courses. Further details regarding the comprehensive exam are available in the Student Handbook.