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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.

In addition to the College of Professional Studies and Advancement 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 regionally accredited institution. 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 toward program requirements as determined appropriate by the program faculty
  • 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 509Advanced Social Psychology

3
LAP 510Advanced Theories of Personality

3

General Psychology Concentration - 9 SH

LAP 520Biological Bases of Behavior

3
LAP 552Career Development in Psychology

3
and
LAP 526Psychology of Organizational Leadership

3
or
LAP 605Principles of Community Psychology

3

Note: Students may complete other LAP or cognate discipline courses by permission of Program Chair.

Community Psychology Concentration - 9 SH

LAP 605Principles of Community Psychology

3
and
LAP 526Psychology of Organizational Leadership

3
and/or
LAP 660Professional Writing for Community Psychology

3
and/or
LAP 615Community Organizing

3
and/or
LAP 665Advanced Theoretical Foundations of Community Psychology

3
and/or
LAS 665Urban Politics and the Community

3

Psychological Assessment Concentration - 9 SH

LAP 502Psychological Assessment II--Intellectual Assessment

3
LAP 503Psychological Assessment III--Personality Assessment

3
LAP 546Assessment of Organizations

3

Teaching of Psychology Concentration - 9 SH

HED 500Instructional Design and Assessment in Higher Education

3
HED 510Teaching and Learning with Technology-Based Practices

3
HED 591Field Experience in Higher Education: Becoming a College Educator

3

Core Courses - 15 SH

LAP 501Introduction to Psychological Assessment

3
LAP 505Advanced Abnormal Psychology

3
LAP 513Advanced Developmental and Cognitive Psychology

3
LAP 516Research Design

3
LAP 517Psychological Statistics, Design and Analysis

3

Note: LAP 517 must be taken for 3 SH.

Capstone Course - 3 SH

LAP 598Comprehensive Exam Seminar

1 TO 3
or
LAP 599Thesis

1 TO 3

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.

For more information about this program, visit  http://www.nl.edu/academics/socialbehavioralsciencesmasters/psychology/