Psychological Studies (M.A.)

Jubilee Hall
CHDCM@shu.edu
shu.edu/academics/ma-psychological-studies

Program Code: EC_PSST_MA

The M.A. in Psychological Studies program in basic theory and methods in psychology is recommended for: (1) preparation for advanced studies in related fields and (2) further exploration of the field.  Upon completion of the master’s program, many graduates proceed to obtain post-master’s and doctoral-level training in school, counseling, marriage and family, or other areas of psychology.  Other graduates function professionally in mental health agencies, clinics, hospitals, youth and family services, residential homes, and forensic settings, or in employee assistance programs or other areas. Please note: the 36-credit Psychological Studies program is exploratory and does not lead to a license for professional practice.

Concentrations

Students in the the M.A. in Psychological Studies program select one of the following concentrations:

• Applied Behavior Analysis - This concentration outlines general concepts of psychology while specializing in theories and techniques of applied behavior analysis.  In the behavior analysis courses, students will learn how to apply the principles of learning and behavioral psychology to solve real world problems. Applied behavior analysis is currently one of the fastest growing behavioral health professions internationally.  For students interested in becoming a board certified behavior analyst (BCBA®), an additional 12-credits and off-campus supervised experience are required.  Please carefully review the 'Requirements' section for complete details.
• Individualized - Based on course offerings and student interests, students work closely with an academic advisor to design an approved customized concentration aligned with their interests in psychology.
• Psychology of Sport and Exercise - This concentration provides students with a knowledge foundation to work with athletes and athletic teams; to work in wellness programs in corporate or medical settings; or in other health promotion areas.  It is designed for individuals who aspire to work in the field of counseling, coaching, education, fitness/ wellness, sports medicine, or psychology.
• School Psychology - This concentration provides foundation courses for students who are interested in working with school-age children and adolescents within the school setting, in child/adolescent mental health facilities, or those who are preparing for doctoral study.  Courses include Abnormal Psychology, Human Development, Multicultural Counseling and Psychology, Statistics, Applied Research Methods and Statistical Analysis, etc.  These courses are required ahead of application to the Ed.S. in School Psychology program, which is necessary second step in order to apply for certification.

Requirements of the program vary based upon a student's declared concentration.  Carefully review the 'Requirements' section of this program and discuss your personal and professional goals with an academic advisor prior to course registration each semester.

Admissions Details

The Office of Graduate Affairs processes all applications and offers an overview of the application process.  Specific details regarding this program's admissions details are outlined below.

Application Requirements

To be considered for admission, applicants are required to submit the following materials:

• Online application and application fee
• Resume/Curriculum vitae
• Personal statement (up to 550 words, about two pages)
• Official transcript(s) from all institutions attended
• Letters of recommendation (2) from academic and/or professional references with at least one (1) from a professional colleague who can attest to the applicant's ability to interact with others, fit with the counseling profession, and capacity for graduate study

Concentration-Specific Admissions Details

In addition to the General Application Requirements outlined above, the School Psychology concentration has additional pre-requisites and requirements:

• School Psychology coursework as part of the concentration within the M.A. in Psychological Studies can be pursued on a full- or part-time basis.  Note that students seeking the companion Ed.S. in School Psychology program after completion of the Master's program are required to study on a full-time basis.  For both programs, the faculty seek applicants who are dedicated to the field of school psychology, including a passion for working with diverse children, families, and staff in schools and within their respective communities.  Successful applicants use the required personal statement as part of their application to highlight their commitment to: (1) dependability; (2) respect and empathy for others in thought and action; (3) open-mindedness; (4) ability to identify, admit, and learn from mistakes; (5) problem solving skills; (6) professional and ethical integrity; (7) ability to successfully cope with stress; and (8) self-care skills.  Experience working with students in schools and other settings is highly valued, although it is not a requirement as part of admissions consideration.  

International applicants are welcome.  Please review the College's frequently asked admissions questions for supplemental requirements.

Application and Enrollment Dates

The program operates on a rolling admissions schedule where students may begin their studies in either the Fall or Spring semester.

Curriculum Requirements

Program requirements vary based upon declared concentration.  Students must work closely with an academic advisor when planning course schedules.

M.A. Psychological Studies with Applied Behavior Analysis Concentration

The Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) concentration of the M.A. in Psychological Studies is an introductory set of courses designed to acquaint students with the discipline.  In order to become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA®), students are required to complete additional coursework as outlined in the footnotes below and approved by an academic advisor.  This will include completion of academic coursework, earning of 1500-2000 supervised experience hours (completed independent of the degree program), and passing of the BCBA® certification examination (independent of the degree program).  Once certified, application to New Jersey for licensure as a behavior analyst can be pursued. Students are to reference state- and/or region-specific licensure requirements to practice legally.  For further information about certification, contact the Behavior Analyst Certification Board at BACB.com.

*

Students can choose to pursue Applied Behavior Analysis in one of two ways.  For those who wish to graduate with only the 4-course concentration, students can graduate at 36 credits with a degree in Psychological Studies.  If, however, a student wishes to become a board certified behavior analyst (BCBA®), the student can choose to add on: (1) an additional four (4) behavior analysis courses and, (2) complete off-campus supervised experience hours.  These additional requirements will permit a student to sit for the BCBA® certification examination.

**

For students seeking to become a board certified behavior analyst (BCBA®), CPSY 7005/CPSY 8617 and CPSY 8010 are waived in lieu of EDST 7317 and EDST 7321 respectively.  Carefully review all footnotes and work closely with an academic advisor to fulfill all requirements.

***

In order to be eligible to apply for the ABA Certificate and sit for the Board Certification examination, students in M.A. Psychological Studies with an Applied Behavior Analysis concentration must complete the four courses required of the ABA Concentration as outlined above, as well as the following four (4) additional courses: (1) CPSY 7705 Organizational Behavior Management and Supervision; (2) EDST 7317 Measurement - Exp Dsgn in ABA; (3) EDST 7321 Ethcl Lgl Prfsl Iss Behav Anly; and (4) EDST 7324 ABA Practicum I.  Regarding the ABA Practicum, additional supervised experience hours, above what is earned in ABA Practicum (EDST 7324), are necessary for a student to apply for the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) examination.  The additional hours are accrued independently.

M.A. Psychological Studies with Individualized Concentration 

*

Students complete four (4) courses (12 credits) from the Department of Professional Psychology and Family Therapy's inventory.  Courses are selected in consultation with an academic advisor and must be approved.

M.A. Psychological Studies with Psychology of Sport and Exercise Concentration

M.A. Psychological Studies with School Psychology Concentration

*

For students interested in New Jersey certification, the above 36-credits are required ahead of application to the Ed.S. in School Psychology program.  Separate application to the Ed.S. is required and outlined in the Ed.S. in School Psychology program's entry in this Catalogue.

Plan of Study

Requirements for the program are outlined in the "Requirements" tab of this Catalogue.  This Planner tab offers a sample semester-by-semester model schedule which accounts for historical course availability.  For timely completion of the program, students must routinely meet with their assigned academic advisor to carefully plan their schedule based on available courses.

M.A. Psychological Studies with Applied Behavior Analysis Concentration

M.A. in Psychological Studies with Individualized Concentration

M.A. in Psychological Studies with Psychology of Sport and Exercise Concentration

M.A. in Psychological Studies with School Psychology Concentration