Psychology, M.A.
The M.A. in Psychology program covers the major areas of psychology, including developmental, social, personality, abnormal, and cognitive psychology, as well as establishes a rigorous foundation in statistics, research design, and psychological assessment. The program is offered in both online and on-campus blended formats.
Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs):
PLO1. Students will be able to demonstrate competency in core theoretical areas in psychology including: human development, social psychology, research methods, abnormal psychology, and personality theories.
PLO2. Students will be able to communicate effectively from a psychological perspective through research, writing and presentations.
PLO3. Students will be able to analyze and apply psychological theory and research.
PLO4. Students will be able to design psychological research using statistical software.
PLO5. Students will be able to identify and evaluate professional development and career opportunities in psychology and related fields.
In addition to the College of Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Graduate Admissions Requirements, applicants must:
- Submit official scores for the Criterion Online Writing Evaluation or a professional writing sample, such as a baccalaureate capstone paper or final paper for an upper-level undergraduate course, inclusive of cover page, references, and appendices, if any.
- Waived for applicants who hold a graduate degree from a school with institutional accreditation. Please visit www.nl.edu/lls for test information.
- Students who submit a professional writing sample may still be directed to complete the Criterion Online Writing Assessment, at the discretion of the Program Chair.
- Submit a minimum of two professional letters of recommendation, addressing topics/questions as established and periodically revised by the faculty. Letters of recommendation must be written by individuals who know the candidate from an academic or professional perspective and are able to comment on the candidate’s capacity for undertaking graduate studies.
- Submit a written statement of academic and professional goals responding to questions as established and periodically revised by the faculty.
- Undergo a faculty review.
Program Details:
- Requires 36 SH for completion
- Requires a minimum grade of C in all program courses
- Requires Comprehensive Exam OR Thesis with approval of graduate advisor
- Credit for Prior Learning may be accepted for LAP 526 or as determined appropriate by the program faculty for the maximum of 9 semester hours
- Requires completion of one or more concentrations listed below:
- General Psychology
- Community Psychology
- Psychological Assessment
- Teaching of Psychology
Required Courses
Gateway Courses - 6 SH
| LAP 509 | Advanced Social Psychology | 3 |
| LAP 510 | Advanced Theories of Personality | 3 |
General Psychology Concentration - 9 SH
| LAP 520 | Biological Bases of Behavior | 3 |
| LAP 552 | Career Development in Psychology | 3 |
| | and | |
| LAP 526 | Psychology of Organizational Leadership | 3 |
| | or | |
| LAP 605 | Principles of Community Psychology | 3 |
Note: Students may complete other LAP or cognate discipline courses by permission of Program Chair.
Psychological Assessment Concentration - 9 SH
| LAP 502 | Psychological Assessment II--Intellectual Assessment | 3 |
| LAP 503 | Psychological Assessment III--Personality Assessment | 3 |
| LAP 546 | Assessment of Organizations | 3 |
Core Courses - 15 SH
| LAP 501 | Introduction to Psychological Assessment | 3 |
| LAP 505 | Advanced Abnormal Psychology | 3 |
| LAP 513 | Advanced Developmental and Cognitive Psychology | 3 |
| LAP 516 | Research Design | 3 |
| LAP 517 | Psychological Statistics and Analysis | 3 |
Note: LAP 517 must be taken for 3 SH.
Community Psychology Concentration - 9 SH
| LAP 605 | Principles of Community Psychology | 3 |
| | and | |
| LAP 526 | Psychology of Organizational Leadership | 3 |
| | and/or | |
| LAP 660 | Professional Writing for Community Psychology I | 3 |
| | and/or | |
| LAP 615 | Community Organizing | 3 |
| | and/or | |
| LAP 665 | Advanced Theoretical Foundations of Community Psychology | 3 |
Teaching of Psychology Concentration - 9 SH
| LAP 560 | Instructional Design and Assessment in Teaching of Psychology | 3 |
| LAP 561 | Teaching and Learning with Technology-Based Practices | 3 |
| LAP 563 | Field Experience in Teaching of Psychology | 3 |
Capstone Course - 3 SH
Note: LAP 598 or LAP 599 must be taken for a total of 3 semester hours.
Electives - 3 SH
Students may complete other LAP or cognate discipline courses by permission of Program Chair.