Master of Arts in Psychology

The University of Saint Mary offers a Master of Arts in Psychology as advanced preparation for students who wish to further their education in the discipline of psychology.

The goals of the program are to provide opportunities for individuals with the appropriate educational background to:

• Enhance their professional and personal lives through an enhanced understanding of psychological principles and their applications;
• Prepare for further study in the field at the doctoral level.

Program Outcomes

The University of Saint Mary Master of Arts in Psychology seeks to educate students in the following learning outcome areas: Professional Development, Research and Critical Thinking, and Application of Psychological Knowledge. Success in each of these areas is defined in terms of the objectives indicated below.

I. Professional Development

Outcome: The student will demonstrate a capacity for self-reflection and will develop an identity as a professional in the field of psychology.

Objectives: By the completion of the program, the student will:

1. Demonstrate an ability to apply psychological principles to enhance understanding of oneself and interpersonal relationships,
2. Identify short- and long-term career goals and provide reasonable strategies to achieve these goals which take into account the student’s self-identified strengths and weaknesses,
3. Articulate an understanding of common ethical issues in the helping professions, and
4. Articulate an awareness of how credentialing, collegial relationships, and continuing education impact ongoing professional development.

II. Research and Critical Thinking

Outcome: The student will demonstrate an understanding of research in the field of psychology where the student is able to think critically and effectively communicate these thoughts orally and in writing.

Objectives: By the completion of the program, the student will:

1. Articulate an understanding of basic concepts used in behavioral research, statistics, and assessment,
2. Evaluate empirical research in psychology,
3. Conduct effective literature reviews,
4. Be able to design a research proposal in psychology,
5. Communicate ideas successfully in writing adhering to APA style, and
6. Communicate ideas orally in an effective manner.

III. Application of Psychological Knowledge

Outcome: The student will demonstrate knowledge of a range of psychological concepts and their applications.

Objectives: By the completion of the program, the student will:

1. Demonstrate an understanding of how the history of psychology shapes the identity of professionals and impacts the conceptualization of current issues,
2. Demonstrate an understanding of major counseling approaches,
3. Articulate an understanding of group, social, and/or cultural influences on behavior and demonstrate knowledge of group process and group leadership skills,
4. Articulate an understanding of the etiology, recommended treatments and diagnostic indicators for major disorders listed in the most current Diagnostic Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, and
5. Articulate an understanding of cognitive, developmental, and/or biological factors influencing behavior.

Master of Arts in Psychology Program Dispositions

The University of Saint Mary candidate will demonstrate readiness for a career in the profession of Psychology through a commitment to:

1. professionalism, professional development, and collaboration;
2. critical reflective practice, professional ethics and standards of care;
3. professional identity and expectations;
4. interpersonal communication and skills efficacy.

Dispositions will be assessed throughout the candidates' educational experience in the program.

Admission Requirements

In addition to general requirements of admission to the Graduate Division, candidates for the Master of Arts in Psychology require:

• A bachelor's degree from an accredited institution, with a minimum undergraduate grade point average of 2.75 (on a 4.00 scale).
• Completion of undergraduate courses in: general or introductory psychology; developmental psychology; psychological disorders; one course in social psychology or personality psychology; and an introductory statistics course, all completed with a minimum of a "B" (3.00) average. Exceptions may be made if the student can demonstrate the ability needed to be successful in a graduate psychology program through other application materials.
• Official transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate work and degree conferral.
• Completed application form and fee.
• Three professional recommendations addressing academic performance and specific dispositions (form provided).
• Personal statement discussing future vocational goals, reasons for wishing to be in the program, and relevant characteristics and/or experiences that support being effective in their future profession.
• An interview (in person or virtual) with the Graduate Psychology program director and/or faculty.

Students are admitted to the Master of Arts in Psychology program twice a year, at the start of the fall and spring semesters. Admission to the Master of Arts in Psychology program is competitive and openings are limited. Admission is based on the quality of credentials submitted, the results of an interview with the Graduate Psychology program director and availability of openings in the program. A student not selected for admission may update his/her application materials and reapply during a future admissions period.

Students seeking admission to the program must be able to demonstrate the ability to communicate in the English language receptively and expressively, orally and in written form with sufficient proficiency to develop professional relationships, function within professional settings, and engage in professional activities with accepted standards of practice.

Continuous Enrollment

Students admitted to the Graduate Psychology program must be continuously enrolled during the fall and spring semesters until they graduate. Students who fail to enroll, for either the fall or the spring semester, will be dismissed from the program unless they receive a Leave of Absence. Students desiring a Leave of Absence from the program would need to submit a request to the Director of the Graduate Psychology program stating the reasons for their request. The Leave of Absence request must be approved by the Social and Behavioral Sciences Division Chair.

Curriculum (37 crs)

Required Courses

PY 720	Historical Foundations of Psychology	3
PY 721	Advanced Social Psychology	3
PY 723	Advanced Psychopathology	3
PY 730/SW 730	Methods of Research and Assessment	3
PY 731	Statistical Analysis for Counselors and Therapists	3
PY 741	Professional Orientation and Ethics	3
PY 744	Career Development and Counseling	3
PY 750	Counseling Theories	3
PY 751	Group Processes in Counseling and Therapy	3
PY 780	Summary Portfolio	1
	Electives	9

Electives: May include up to 6 credits from another division with Program Director approval

Students wishing to pursue doctoral study are advised to research programs of interest to assess admission criteria. These students may also wish to explore research activities outside of Saint Mary depending upon their career goals.

Course Scheduling

Required courses are taught once a year and follow a rotation. Students need to take classes year-round (including at least one summer) in order to complete the program. It is recommended that students work with their advisor to establish an academic plan which maps out when they plan to enroll in specific courses.

Maximum Hours

Students in graduate level psychology programs may not enroll in more than 12 credit hours during the fall and spring semesters, and no more than 6 credit hours during the summer semester, without first obtaining consent from the Social and Behavioral Sciences Division Chair.