The M.S. in Psychology program consists of a Foundation course; core courses; in some cases, elective courses; and the completion of a thesis or capstone project. Students complete two 12-week courses concurrently each quarter; courses must be taken in the order presented. Additional courses may be taken at the end of the Program of Study to provide breadth and depth of learning.
General Program
The General Program prepares students to apply theories to practice and to conceptualize social science research.
Foundation Course (1 cr.)
PSYC 6001 Foundations for Graduate Study in Psychology (1 cr.)
Core Courses (45 cr.)
PSYC 6205 History and Systems of Psychology (5 cr.)
PSYC 6211 Contemporary Issues in Psychology (5 cr.)
PSYC 6305 Statistics 1 (5 cr.)
PSYC 6240 Human Motivation (5 cr.)
PSYC 6310 Research Design (5 cr.)
PSYC 6235 Cognitive Psychology (5 cr.)
PSYC 6315 Tests and Measurement (5 cr.)
PSYC 6245 Social Psychology (5 cr.)
PSYC 6701 Culture and Psychology (5 cr.)
Elective Course (5 cr.)
Student select any one elective course from the graduate courses in the School of Psychology, provided prerequisites are met.
Final Project (5 or 12 cr.)
PSYC 6393 M.S. in Psychology Capstone (5 cr.)
or
PSYC 6390 Thesis (12 cr. minimum 6 cr. per term for minimum 2 terms)
Crisis Management and Response Specialization
The specialization in Crisis Management and Response focuses on the knowledge and skills individuals need to work in the fields of security, emergency management, and public safety.
Foundation Course (1 cr.)
PSYC 6001 Foundations for Graduate Study in Psychology (1 cr.)
Core Courses (50 cr.)
PSYC 6211 Contemporary Issues in Psychology (5 cr.)
PSYC 6205 History and Systems of Psychology (5 cr.)
PSYC 6740 Disaster, Crisis, and Trauma (5 cr.)
PSYC 6701 Culture and Psychology (5 cr.)
PSYC 6305 Statistics 1 (5 cr.)
PSYC 6310 Research Design (5 cr.)
PSYC 6741 Psychology of Terrorism (5 cr.)
PSYC 6331 Interviewing and Observational Strategies (5 cr.)
PSYC 6722 Counseling and Psychotherapy Theories (5 cr.)
PSYC 6742 Conflict Management, Negotiation, and Peace (5 cr.)
Final Project (5 or 12 cr.)
PSYC 6393 M.S. in Psychology Capstone (5 cr.)
or
PSYC 6390 Thesis (12 cr. minimum 6 cr. per term for minimum 2 terms)
Health Psychology Specialization
The specialization in Health Psychology examines the biological, psychological, and social factors that influence health, allowing students to gain a broad understanding of the field of psychology with a focus on the knowledge and skills required to work in the fields of illness prevention and health promotion. Students apply psychology and public health theories and principles as they increase their understanding of the effects of illness and stress.
Foundation Course (1 cr.)
PSYC 6001 Foundations for Graduate Study in Psychology (1 cr.)
Core Courses (50 cr.)
PSYC 6211 Contemporary Issues in Psychology (5 cr.)
PSYC 6205 History and Systems of Psychology (5 cr.)
PSYC 6225 Biopsychology (5 cr.)
PSYC 6305 Statistics 1 (5 cr.)
PSYC 6745 Health Psychology (5 cr.)
PSYC 6310 Research Design (5 cr.)
PSYC 6777 Essentials of Public Health: A Case Study (5 cr.)
PSYC 6748 Stress and Coping (5 cr.)
PSYC 6778 Social, Behavioral, and Cultural Factors in Health (5 cr.)
PSYC 6314 Program Evaluation (5 cr.)
Final Project (5 or 12 cr.)
PSYC 6393 M.S. in Psychology Capstone (5 cr.)
or
PSYC 6390 Thesis (12 cr. minimum 6 cr. per term for minimum 2 terms)
Leadership Development and Coaching Specialization
The specialization in Leadership Development and Coaching helps students learn the psychological principles and theories of leadership development and better understand their own capacity for leadership.
Foundation Course (1 cr.)
PSYC 6001 Foundations for Graduate Study in Psychology (1 cr.)
Core Courses (50 cr.)
PSYC 6211 Contemporary Issues in Psychology (5 cr.)
PSYC 6205 History and Systems of Psychology (5 cr.)
PSYC 6005 Business Concepts for the Organizational Development Professional (5 cr.)
PSYC 6305 Statistics 1 (5 cr.)
PSYC 6750 Leadership Development (5 cr.)
PSYC 6310 Research Design (5 cr.)
PSYC 6331 Interviewing and Observational Strategies (5 cr.)
PSYC 6216 Dynamics of Contemporary, International, and Virtual Organizations (5 cr.)
PSYC 6751 Leadership Coaching: Process and Practice (5 cr.)
PSYC 6752 Leadership Coaching: Application (5 cr.)
Final Project (5 or 12 cr.)
PSYC 6393 M.S. in Psychology Capstone (5 cr.)
or
PSYC 6390 Thesis (12 cr. minimum 6 cr. per term for minimum 2 terms)
Media Psychology Specialization
The specialization in Media Psychology helps students apply psychological theories and principles and understand how marketing and communications impact modern media in a global society.
Foundation Course (1 cr.)
PSYC 6001 Foundations for Graduate Study in Psychology (1 cr.)
Core Courses (50 cr.)
PSYC 6211 Contemporary Issues in Psychology (5 cr.)
PSYC 6205 History and Systems of Psychology (5 cr.)
PSYC 6760 Modern Communication Technologies (5 cr.)
PSYC 6245 Social Psychology (5 cr.)
PSYC 6305 Statistics 1 (5 cr.)
PSYC 6310 Research Design (5 cr.)
PSYC 6761 Psychology of Effective Communication (5 cr.)
PSYC 6701 Culture and Psychology (5 cr.)
PSYC 6762 Psychology of Communication and Power (5 cr.)
PSYC 6700 Psychology and Social Change (5 cr.)
Final Project (5 or 12 cr.)
PSYC 6393 M.S. in Psychology Capstone (5 cr.)
or
PSYC 6390 Thesis (12 cr. minimum 6 cr. per term for minimum 2 terms)
Organizational Psychology and Development Specialization
The specialization in Organizational Psychology and Development prepares students to gain an understanding of the attitudes and behaviors that influence individual and organizational effectiveness, enhancing the students work in organizations and corporations, including in human resource and personnel departments.
Foundation Course (1 cr.)
PSYC 6001 Foundations for Graduate Study in Psychology (1 cr.)
Core Courses (40 cr.)
PSYC 6005 Business Concepts for the Organizational Development Professional (5 cr.)
PSYC 6211 Contemporary Issues in Psychology (5 cr.)
PSYC 6212 Principles of Organizational Psychology and Development (5 cr.)
PSYC 6305 Statistics 1 (5 cr.)
PSYC 6213 Strategic Talent Management and Development (5 cr.)
PSYC 6310 Research Design (5 cr.)
PSYC 6214 Consulting for Organizational Change (5 cr.)
PSYC 6216 Dynamics of Contemporary, International, and Virtual Organizations (5 cr.)
Elective Course (5 cr.)
Student select any one elective course from the graduate courses in the School of Psychology, provided prerequisites are met.
Capstone (10 cr.)
PSYC 6391 Capstone I (5 cr.)
PSYC 6392 Capstone II (5 cr.)
Note: The capstone can be a thesis or another kind of culminating experience. See the course description for PSYC 6391 for more information.
Organizational Psychology and Nonprofit Management Specialization
The Organizational Psychology and Nonprofit Management specialization applies the principles of individual and organizational psychology to nonprofit management. Students broaden their understanding of the impact of organizational psychology in nonprofit settings with a focus on the organization of nonprofit boards, finance, and budgeting.
Foundation Course (1 cr.)
PSYC 6001 Foundations for Graduate Study in Psychology (1 cr.)
Core Courses (50 cr.)
PSYC 6211 Contemporary Issues in Psychology (5 cr.)
PSYC 6305 Statistics 1 (5 cr.)
PSYC 6005 Business Concepts for the Organizational Development Professional (5 cr.)
PSYC 6310 Research Design (5 cr.)
PSYC 6790 Introduction to the Nonprofit Sector (5 cr.)
PSYC 6212 Principles of Organizational Psychology and Development (5 cr.)
PSYC 6791 Organizational Management and Leadership (5 cr.)
PSYC 6792 Finance and Budgeting for the Nonprofit Sector (5 cr.)
PSYC 6793 Board Governance and Volunteer Management (5 cr.)
PSYC 6794 Resource Development (5 cr.)
Final Project (5 or 12 cr.)
PSYC 6393 M.S. in Psychology Capstone (5 cr.)
or
PSYC 6390 Thesis (12 cr. minimum 6 cr. per term for minimum 2 terms)
Program Evaluation and Research Specialization
The specialization in Program Evaluation and Research helps students gain the knowledge and skills they need to complete evaluations of a vast array of programs, including research projects, community-based projects, and assignments in various work settings.
Foundation Course (1 cr.)
PSYC 6001 Foundations for Graduate Study in Psychology (1 cr.)
Core Courses (50 cr.)
PSYC 6211 Contemporary Issues in Psychology (5 cr.)
PSYC 6205 History and Systems of Psychology (5 cr.)
PSYC 6305 Statistics 1 (5 cr.)
PSYC 6310 Research Design (5 cr.)
PSYC 6315 Tests and Measurement (5 cr.)
PSYC 6300 Philosophical Foundations in Psychological Research (5 cr.)
PSYC 6304 Statistics 2 (5 cr.)
PSYC 6311 Qualitative Analysis (5 cr.)
PSYC 6314 Program Evaluation (5 cr.)
PSYC 6320 Advanced Methods in Mixed Qualitative-Quantitative Research Designs (5 cr.)
Final Project (5 or 12 cr.)
PSYC 6393 M.S. in Psychology Capstone (5 cr.)
or
PSYC 6390 Thesis (12 cr. minimum 6 cr. per term for minimum 2 terms)
Psychology of Culture Specialization
Students in the Psychology of Culture specialization gain a broad understanding of the field of psychology with a focus on the impact of culture on human psychology. Human psychology is examined from multicultural, cross-cultural, and global perspectives, preparing students to work with diverse populations.
Foundation Course (1 cr.)
PSYC 6001 Foundations for Graduate Study in Psychology (1 cr.)
Core Courses (50 cr.)
PSYC 6211 Contemporary Issues in Psychology (5 cr.)
PSYC 6205 History and Systems of Psychology (5 cr.)
PSYC 6245 Social Psychology (5 cr.)
PSYC 6305 Statistics 1 (5 cr.)
PSYC 6701 Culture and Psychology (5 cr.)
PSYC 6310 Research Design (5 cr.)
PSYC 6830 Psychology of Sexuality (5 cr.)
PSYC 6825 Psychology of Gender (5 cr.)
PSYC 6805 Holistic Psychology (5 cr.)
PSYC 6700 Psychology and Social Change (5 cr.)
Final Project (5 or 12 cr.)
PSYC 6393 M.S. in Psychology Capstone (5 cr.)
or
PSYC 6390 Thesis (12 cr. minimum 6 cr. per term for minimum 2 terms)
Psychology, Public Administration, and Social Change Specialization
In the Psychology, Public Administration, and Social Change specialization, students learn to apply psychological theories and skills to management within public, private, and nonprofit organizations. Drawing from their own community experiences, students integrate strategic planning and management with public policy as they explore examples of organizational change and its impact on social justice.
Foundation Course (1 cr.)
PSYC 6001 Foundations for Graduate Study in Psychology (1 cr.)
Core Courses (50 cr.)
PSYC 6211 Contemporary Issues in Psychology (5 cr.)
PSYC 6205 History and Systems of Psychology (5 cr.)
PSYC 6245 Social Psychology (5 cr.)
PSYC 6305 Statistics 1 (5 cr.)
PSYC 6700 Psychology and Social Change (5 cr.)
PSYC 6310 Research Design (5 cr.)
PSYC 6775 Strategic Context of Public Management and Leadership (5 cr.)
PSYC 6701 Culture and Psychology (5 cr.)
PSYC 6776 Transformative Change in a Shared-Power World (5 cr.)
PSYC 6742 Conflict Management, Negotiation, and Peace (5 cr.)
Final Project (5 or 12 cr.)
PSYC 6393 M.S. in Psychology Capstone (5 cr.)
or
PSYC 6390 Thesis (12 cr. minimum 6 cr. per term for minimum 2 terms)
Social Psychology Specialization
The Psychology of Culture specialization integrates knowledge about individual, group, and organizational processes while studying a range of social topics. Students gain a broad understanding of the impact of social factors and situational variables that influence human development and social interaction and behavior.
Foundation Course (1 cr.)
PSYC 6001 Foundations for Graduate Study in Psychology (1 cr.)
Core Courses (50 cr.)
PSYC 6211 Contemporary Issues in Psychology (5 cr.)
PSYC 6205 History and Systems of Psychology (5 cr.)
PSYC 6215 Lifespan Development (5 cr.)
PSYC 6305 Statistics 1 (5 cr.)
PSYC 6245 Social Psychology (5 cr.)
PSYC 6310 Research Design (5 cr.)
PSYC 6235 Cognitive Psychology (5 cr.)
PSYC 6701 Culture and Psychology (5 cr.)
PSYC 6706 Advanced Social Psychology (5 cr.)
PSYC 6700 Psychology and Social Change (5 cr.)
Final Project (5 or 12 cr.)
PSYC 6393 M.S. in Psychology Capstone (5 cr.)
or
PSYC 6390 Thesis (12 cr. minimum 6 cr. per term for minimum 2 terms)
Terrorism and Security Specialization
In the specialization in Terrorism and Security, students apply psychological and public policy principles to understand the impact of terrorism and the countermeasures required to combat terrorist threats. Students gain an understanding of systemic approaches to the issues of public safety, emergency preparedness, and disaster/trauma management, preparing them for positions in the expanding field of homeland security.
Foundation Course (1 cr.)
PSYC 6001 Foundations for Graduate Study in Psychology (1 cr.)
Core Courses (50 cr.)
PSYC 6211 Contemporary Issues in Psychology (5 cr.)
PSYC 6205 History and Systems of Psychology (5 cr.)
PSYC 6701 Culture and Psychology (5 cr.)
PSYC 6305 Statistics 1 (5 cr.)
PSYC 6741 Psychology of Terrorism (5 cr.)
PSYC 6310 Research Design (5 cr.)
PSYC 6770 Public Policy Implications of Terrorism Legislation and Policies (5 cr.)
PSYC 6740 Disaster, Crisis, and Trauma (5 cr.)
PSYC 6771 Terrorism: A Systemic Approach for Emergency Preparedness (5 cr.)
PSYC 6772 Critical Incident Planning and Leadership (5 cr.)
Final Project (5 or 12 cr.)
PSYC 6393 M.S. in Psychology Capstone (5 cr.)
or
PSYC 6390 Thesis (12 cr. minimum 6 cr. per term for minimum 2 terms)
