Department of Psychology, University of Northern Iowa
(319-273-7733 or 319-273-2235)
MASTERS PROGRAM IN PSYCHOLOGY
This major is available on the thesis option only and requires a minimum of 41-44 semester hours. The M.A. program in psychology includes two emphases: 1) clinical science, for those who wish to pursue doctoral-level study in clinical or counseling psychology or to become master’s level providers of psychological services operating in clinical settings under appropriate supervision; and 2) social, for students wishing to pursue doctoral study in social and related areas of psychology or obtain masters-level research or teaching jobs. Students may also choose an individualized study option in which they choose a program of study beyond the courses required for all students in conjunction with a faculty advisor and the graduate coordinator. The program maintains a strong empirical, research-based orientation and seeks to provide students with opportunities to develop skills in research methodology, gain advanced knowledge of major areas of scientific psychology, and obtain basic competence in skills relevant to their areas. All students are required to complete a thesis for successful completion of this program. All students also receive practical experience through one or more practicum placements.
In addition to meeting general University admission requirements, applicants are also required to submit the following for consideration: 1) a departmental application form; 2) three letters of recommendation, preferably from undergraduate psychology instructors; 3) Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores on the general aptitude tests; and 4) a statement of interests in psychology. All materials should be received by the departmental graduate coordinator no later than February 1 to ensure consideration for financial aid for the following academic year or April 30, for consideration for admission to the program. Early application is strongly encouraged.
Required for all students:
Advanced Statistics ...... 3 hours
Readings ...... 2 hours
Thesis Research ...... 6 hours
In addition to the above courses, students in the clinical science emphasis will be required to take:
Cognitive & Intellectual Assessment …………...... 3 hours
Personality Assessment …………...... 3 hours
Theories, Research, and Practice of Psychological Treatment...... 3 hours
Empirically-supported Psychological Treatments...... 3 hours
Psychopathology …………...... 3 hours
Ethical Issues in Psychological Assessment ………………………1 hour
Ethical Issues in Psychological Intervention ……………………….1 hour
Clinical Practicum …………...... 4 hours
Electives in Psychology ...... 12 hours
(determined in consultation with the Graduate and Area Coordinators)
Students in the social emphasis will also be required to take:
Social Psychology …………...... 3 hours
Special Topics in Social Psychology...... 3 hours
Developmental Psychology …………...... 3 hours
Personality …………...... …3 hours
Brain, Biology, and Behavior…………………………………………3 hours
Principles of Psychometrics …………...... ……………………….3 hours
Directed Research …………………..……………...... 6 hours
Electives in Psychology ...... 6 hours
(determined in consultation with the Graduate and Area Coordinators)
A minimum of 41 semester hours (44 hours for the clinical science emphasis), including a thesis, is required for receipt of the M.A. degree.
Additional elective courses not listed above include:
Psychology of Human Differences
Child and Adolescent Psychopathology
Research Design
Computer Programming for Psychological Applications
Conditioning and Learning
Memory and Language
Sensation and Perception
Health Psychology
Special Topics in Developmental Psychology
Development of Gender in Cross-Cultural Perspective
Drugs and Individual Behavior
Psychology of Aging
Psychology of Music
Psychology and Technology
Seminar in Psychology
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