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2009-2010 University Catalog
Psychology, MA
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Banner Code: LA-MA-PSYC
The master’s degree in psychology has concentrations in applied developmental psychology, biopsychology, human factors/applied cognition, industrial/organizational psychology, and school psychology. The department does not offer a master’s degree in clinical or counseling psychology, but a master’s degree in psychology with a concentration in clinical psychology is available for students who have been admitted to the doctoral program concentration in clinical psychology.
This program of study is offered by the Department of Psychology .
For policies governing all masters degree, see the Academic Policies chapter of the catalog. |
Application Requirements
In addition to fulfilling admission requirements for graduate study, applicants must have 15 credits in psychology including a course in statistics and a laboratory course in psychology. In addition, school psychology requires courses in personality or abnormal psychology, developmental psychology, and tests and measurements. All applicants are required to submit results of the GRE taken within the past five years (applicants should plan to take the GRE at least two months before the deadline); three letters of reference from professors or supervisors; and a departmental application. Applicants are asked to submit a biographical statement outlining their background and experience and describing their future goals in psychology.
Successful applicants have an overall GPA of 3.00 for the last 60 undergraduate credits, generally a minimum GPA of 3.25 in undergraduate psychology courses, and combined GRE scores of 1,000 or above. Work experience, publications, or special recommendations may compensate for deficiencies in other qualifications. Because the number of students admitted to each program is limited, meeting these minimum requirements does not guarantee admission. Provisional Admission
Students who are admitted provisionally are required to take 12 credits in psychology and earn a minimum GPA of 3.25 in those courses to qualify for removal of the provisional qualifier. Programs may add other conditions to provisional admission. Individualized study courses can not be used toward the 12 credits. Degree Requirements
In addition to satisfying the requirements for all master’s degrees, students pursuing a master’s degree in psychology must successfully complete 32 - 46 credits of required course work. They must complete this coursework in one of six concentrations.
A minimum of 9 credits of 798, 799, 597, or 792 may be applied toward the master’s degree. A maximum of 6 credits of 798 and 799 may be applied to the master’s degree. ▲ Concentration in Applied Developmental Psychology (APD)
The applied developmental psychology concentration 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.
Students must complete 32 graduate credits. Core courses (6 credits) chosen from:
Quantitative methods (8 credits):
Specialized content (8 credits) chosen from:
Thesis research or practicum experience (4 credits) chosen from:
Practicum (4 credits)
Practicum is 3 credits of 792 and 1 credit of 597. Professional seminar (2 credits):
Electives (4 credits)
Students complete the 32 credits required for this degree through a content course, practicum, or directed reading and research. ▲ Concentration in Biopsychology (BP)
The biopsychology concentration emphasizes training in the neurobiological bases of behavior. Students are prepared for doctoral work or employment in government or industry research laboratories.
Students must complete 32 graduate credits. Two courses (5 credits) of specialized content:
One chemistry course (3 credits) chosen from:
Two quantitative methods courses (8 credits):
Professional seminar (1 credit):
Two courses (6 credits) chosen from:
Elective coursework
Students complete the 32 credits required for this degree through additional credits of course work or research. Thesis (6 credits):
A thesis is normally required, but 6 credits of PSYC 792 - Practicum may serve as a substitute if approved by the advisor and program coordinator. ▲ 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 32 credits of course work. Students must also be in good standing in the program, as determined by the director of clinical training. Four required courses (14 credits):
Two courses (8 credits) in advanced statistics:
One course (3 credits) in practicum:
One course (1 credit) in seminar:
Two courses (6 credits) chosen from:
Biological Bases of Behavior:
Developmental Bases of Behavior:
Social and Cognitive Foundations of Clinical Psychology:
History, Systems, and Theories of Personality and Psychotherapy:
Social-Cognitive Interventions in Clinical Psychology:
▲ 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.
Students must complete 32 graduate credits. One core course (3 credits) chosen from:
Two courses (8 credits) of quantitative and research methods:
Two courses (6 credits) of specialized content:
Two courses (6 credits) which may be repeated, chosen from:
Electives
Students complete the 32 credits required for this degree through additional course work, including courses not listed above within or outside the department, with prior written approval of the graduate director. Practicum (optional) (6 credits)
Students need an advisor’s approval to register for practicum. Thesis (optional) (6 credits)
Students need the chair’s approval to register for thesis. ▲ 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.
Students pursuing this concentration must complete 32 graduate credits. One core course (3 credits) chosen from:
Two courses (8 credits) of quantitative and research methods:
Four courses (12 credits) of specialized content:
and one course (3 credits) chosen from:
and one course (3 credits) chosen from:
Electives
Students complete the 32 credits required for this degree through additional course work. A maxium of 6 credits may come from courses outside the department with prior written approval of the graduate director. Practicum (optional) (1-6 credits)
Students need an advisor’s approval to register for practicum. Thesis (optional) (3-6 credits)
Students need the chair’s approval to register for thesis. ▲ Concentration in School Psychology (SCH)
The concentration in school psychology consists of a combined master’s degree and the Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies (CAGS) .
The school psychology concentration 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 practicum and internship experiences.
The master’s degree concentration and certificate make up a degree program designed to prepare graduates for professional certification in school psychology. The program is approved by School Psychology Training Programs of the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP). Students completing the master’s degree and certification will be eligible for licensure in Virginia and certification or licensure in other states as a school psychologist. Please note that the certification or licensure as a school psychologist typically requires all course work for both the master’s degree and the certificate of advanced studies. (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.)
Students who have not already earned a master’s degree in a related field must apply for admission to both the master’s program and the certificate. All students entering the master’s program are expected to complete the certificate of advanced graduate studies. In other words, the master’s degree is not a terminal degree. Students who are completing an internship in the local area and wish to enroll in the internship class may do so by enrolling in nondegree status.
With approval of the school psychology faculty, graduate coordinator, and dean, 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.
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.
All students must complete a research project and, as part of the Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies, a full year of internship. An unsatisfactory evaluation at any time by the School Psychology Committee may result in termination from the School Psychology Program.
Students pursuing the combined concentration in school psychology and certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies must complete 61 credits, with a minimum grade of 3.00 in each course. One required counseling course (3 credits):
One required EDSE course (3 credits) chosen from:
One course (3 credits) chosen from:
Additional required psychology courses (37 credits):
Mandatory completion of School Psychology Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies (15 credits)
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