▲ Concentration in Applied Developmental Psychology (APD)
The concentration in applied developmental psychology focuses on child development. It provides basic knowledge about normal development, skills for assessing developmental level, and techniques for planning and evaluating programs that foster optimal development. Graduates are prepared for employment at agencies concerned with educational and health programs for children, enrichment programs for infants and preschoolers, and education programs for parents.
▲ Concentration in Biopsychology (BP)
Biopsychology is the study of the neurobiological bases of behavior: how the brain affects behavior. The growth in our understanding of this relationship has been one of the major scientific developments of the last 50 years. Biopsychology includes human and animal studies of the role of specific brain regions and neurochemical factors in behavior. As examples, biopsychologists examine the effect of drugs and how they act; the biological bases of learning; behavioral problems associated with specific brain damage; and anatomical and chemical correlates of mental illnesses.
The concentration in biopsychology emphasizes training in the neurobiological bases of behavior. Students are prepared for doctoral work or employment in government or industry research laboratories.
▲ Concentration in Clinical Psychology (CLN)
The clinical psychology concentration trains students to have flexibility to fill the evolving functions of clinical psychologists, including research, direct provision of clinical services, supervision, program development and evaluation, and consultation.
The clinical psychology MA concentration is not a terminal degree. Students who have been admitted to the doctoral program with a concentration in clinical psychology may apply to receive the MA in psychology on completion of 31 credits of course work. Students must also be in good standing in the program, as determined by the director of clinical training.
▲ Concentration in Human Factors/Applied Cognition (HF)
The human factors/applied cognition concentration trains students in the application of cognitive science to real-world problems. Students gain expertise in such areas as human/computer interaction, cognitive system engineering, cognitive ergonomics, and transportation. Faculty members help place students who do not have real-world experience in a part- or full-time practicum before completing the degree.
▲ Concentration in Industrial/Organizational Psychology (IO)
The industrial/organizational psychology concentration trains students in the conduct and application of psychological research in work settings. Expertise can be developed in a variety of areas, including personnel selection, training, leadership, motivation, and human performance assessment.
▲ Concentration in School Psychology (SCH)
The School Psychology program is committed to an instructional model that combines a sound understanding of psychological theory and research with outstanding practicum and internship experiences. The curriculum imparts foundational knowledge in psychology, education, intervention and problem solving, statistics and research methodology, and professional school psychology, along with supervised experiences in educational and clinical settings.
Students admitted to the MA in psychology concentration in school psychology are expected to complete also the School Psychology Graduate Certificate . Students must apply for admission to both the master’s program concentration and the certificate. Students in the combined master’s concentration-certificate program must complete a one-year full-time internship along with a 6-credit course PSYC 790 - School Psychology Internship during their third year of study.
Students who are admitted to the MA in psychology concentration in applied developmental psychology who wish also to pursue additional training in school psychology must apply for admission to the school psychology program. These students should consult with the director of the school psychology program to develop an individual program of study that fulfills the requirements for licensure or certification.
The MA concentration and graduate certificate make up a program designed to prepare graduates for professional practice in school psychology. The program is approved by School Psychology Training Programs of the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP). Students completing this concentration in the master’s degree and the certificate will be eligible for licensure in Virginia and certification or licensure in other states as a school psychologist. Certification or licensure as a school psychologist typically requires all course work for both the master’s degree and the certificate. (Students seeking licensure for independent practice as a school psychologist must meet the educational, residency, and exam requirements of the Commonwealth of Virginia Board of Psychology.)
All students admitted to the MA in psychology concentration in school psychology are expected to complete also the graduate certificate in school psychology. Students must apply for admission to both the master’s program concentration and the certificate. Students in the combined master’s concentration-certificate program must complete a one-year full-time internship along with a 6-credit course PSYC 790 - School Psychology Internship during their third year of study.
Students who are admitted to the MA in psychology concentration in applied developmental psychology who wish also to pursue additional training in school psychology must apply for admission to the school psychology program. These students should consult with the director of the school psychology program to develop an individual program of study that fulfills the requirements for licensure or certification.
Students in the school psychology concentration are required to enroll full time unless an alternative arrangement is made with the permission of the director of the concentration.
Non Mason students enrolled in a school psychology training program at another institution who are completing an internship in the local area and wish to enroll in PSYC 790 - School Psychology Internship may do so by enrolling in nondegree status.
The number of credits required for the concentration may be reduced by a maximum of 18 credits on the basis of graduate course work completed before admission with approval of the school psychology faculty, director of the graduate program, and dean.
Satisfactory Performance
Students pursuing combined master’s concentration-certificate program must receive a minimum grade of 3.00 in each course. An unsatisfactory evaluation at any time by the School Psychology Committee may result in termination from the program.
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