The Master of Arts in Psychology

Course Requirements for the Master's Degree: 30 units

Continuous enrollment is required. At the discretion of the academic program, a maximum of 30 percent of the units counted toward the degree requirements may be special session credit earned in non-matriculated status combined with all transfer coursework.  This applies to special session credit earned through Open University, or in courses offered for academic credit through Regional and Continuing Education.

Graduate Time Limit:

All requirements for the degree are to be completed within five years of the end of the semester of enrollment in the oldest course applied toward the degree. See Master's Degree Requirements in the University Catalog for complete details on general degree requirements.

Application Procedures:

The Department of Psychology admits applicants to its MA program only in the fall semester each year. In addition to the Office of Graduate Studies' admission prerequisites and application procedures (please see the University Catalog , Graduate Education: Application Procedures), the Department of Psychology requires the completion of its own Admissions Application, including a Statement of Purpose, and three letters of recommendation. These application materials are available online at www.csuchico.edu/psy/ and are to be submitted along with transcripts and test scores, by February 15 for consideration for fall admission.

Prerequisites for Admission to Conditionally Classified Status:

1. Satisfactory grade point average as specified in Graduate and Postbaccalaureate Admission Requirements in the University Catalog.

2. Approval by the department and the Office of Graduate Studies.

3. An acceptable baccalaureate from an accredited institution.

4. Applied Psychology Option: completion of either the Graduate Record Examination General Test or the Miller Analogies Test.  Psychological Science Option: completion of the Graduate Record Examination General Test.  The Graduate Record Examination Advanced Test in Psychology is not required but will be considered if available.

Prerequisites for Admission to Classified Status:

In addition to any requirements listed above:

Students pursuing the Psychology Science Option must have completed the following five course prerequisites within the last 10 years: psychological research methods; one course in statistics for psychology; and three upper division psychology content courses which cover at least three of the following nine areas: learning/behavior analysis, cognition/perception/educational psychology, developmental/life-span psychology, personality/social/cross-cultural psychology, abnormal/clinical psychology, biopsychology/neuroscience, community/health psychology, evolutionary/comparative psychology, and/or industrial/organizational behavior.

Students pursuing the Applied Option (School Psychology Credential/Pupil Personnel Services) must have completed the following five course prerequisites within the last 10 years: one course in psychology of learning; one course in developmental or child/adolescent psychology; one course in statistics; one course in cognition; and one course in psychological measurement.

Advancement to Candidacy:

In addition to any requirements listed above:

1. Classified graduate standing and completion of at least 12-13 units of the proposed program:

1. Psychological Science Option: PYSC 600, PSYC 610, PSYC 611, PSYC 695 and either PSYC 560 or PSYC 615 with at least a B average in these courses;
2. PSYC 660, PSYC 600, either PSYC 603 or PSYC 605, and one elective for the Applied Psychology Option with at least a B average in these courses.

2. Student must pass the writing proficiency requirement in order to be advanced to candidacy.

3. All "Incomplete" grades in courses included in the approved program must be completed before a student will be advanced to candidacy.

4. Formation of the graduate advisory committee.

5. Development of an approved program in consultation with the graduate advisory committee and approved by the Graduate Coordinator.

6. Approval of the graduate committee in the Department of Psychology.

Requirements for the MA Degree in Psychology: Option in Psychological Science

Completion of all requirements as established by the department graduate committee, the graduate advisory committee, and the Office of Graduate Studies, to include:

30 units required:

1. Completion of an approved program consisting of 30 units of 500/600-level courses as follows:

1. Course Requirements:

SUBJ NUM	Title	Sustainable	Units	Semester Offered	Course Flags
PSYC 560	Principles of Psychological Measurement		3.0	FS
Prerequisites: A course in statistics including research design. Basic psychological measurement theory and principles of test construction. 2 hours discussion, 2 hours activity. (007960)
PSYC 600	Research and Evaluation Methods		3.0	FA
Prerequisites: PSYC 364 or equivalent, faculty permission. An examination of the nature and process of understanding and evaluating, as well as designing and conducting psychological research and evaluations studies. Important issues and criteria for evaluating quality and drawing conclusions will be emphasized. 3 hours seminar. (007996)
PSYC 603	Advanced Developmental Psychology		3.0	FS
Prerequisites: PSYC 355, faculty permission. Study of both typical human development and individual differences. Developmental issues and life events from infancy to old age and their effects upon individuals, couples, and family relationships. Emphasis will be on current theory and research related to social, emotional, and language development, and its relationship to practice. Biological and environmental influences are addressed. 3 hours seminar. (008018)
PSYC 605	Advanced Human Learning		3.0	FA
Prerequisites: PSYC 466 or PSYC 362, faculty permission. Factors contributing to acquisition, performance, and retention. The methods of evaluating learning. 3 hours seminar. (008020)
PSYC 610	Advanced General Psychology		3.0	FA
Survey of topics in general psychology and recent relevant research. Particular emphasis on major theoretical positions. 3 hours seminar. (008002)
PSYC 611	Advanced Statistical Methods in Psychology		3.0	SP
Prerequisites: PSYC 364, PSYC 600 or faculty permission. Principles of experimental design and the philosophy of science, with emphasis on the evaluation of multivariate correlational data. 3 hours seminar. (008000)
PSYC 615	Seminar in Contemporary Issues of General Psychology		3.0	SP
Detailed study and discussion of a specific area in general psychology. Content will reflect instructor's specialization. 3 hours seminar. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 6.0 units. (008003)
PSYC 628B	Issues in Teaching College Psychology		1.0	FS
Prerequisites: Graduate standing in psychology, faculty permission. Comprehensive consideration of issues in teaching at the college level and techniques related to successful instruction. 1 hour seminar. (008012)
PSYC 629B	Supervised Teaching of College Psychology		1.0	FS
Prerequisites: Graduate standing in psychology, faculty permission. Supervised teaching of lecture or laboratory work in college-level psychology courses. You must register directly with a supervising faculty member. 1 hour seminar. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 4.0 units. (008015)
PSYC 694	Research Assistantship		1.0	FS
Prerequisites: PSYC 364 or equivalent and at least conditionally classified status, faculty permission. Students learn the research process through active participation in various phases of faculty research, including theoretical development, methodology, data collection, analysis and interpretation, report writing and, when appropriate, conference presentations. 3 hours supervision. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 4.0 units. Credit/no credit grading. (008090)
PSYC 695	Seminar in Research Problems		1.0	FS
Prerequisites: PSYC 600 or its equivalent, faculty permission; PSYC 611 is recommended. Theoretical development and design of an empirical research study to further develop skills and completion of a written research proposal by the student, with faculty assistance and supervision. You must register directly with a supervising faculty member. 1 hour seminar. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 2.0 units. Credit/no credit grading. (008089)
PSYC 697P	Professional Paper: Empirical Research Manuscript		1.0 -6.0	FS
Prerequisites: Advancement to Candidacy, faculty permission. Faculty supervision of an empirical research study designed by the student. Student responsibilities include data collection, data analysis, and the final submission of a complete, professionally written research report. This course is offered for 1.0-6.0 units. You must register directly with a supervising faculty member. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 6.0 units. Credit/no credit grading. (021384)

OR (the following course may be substituted for the above)

SUBJ NUM	Title	Sustainable	Units	Semester Offered	Course Flags
PSYC 699T	Master's Thesis		1.0 -6.0	FS
Prerequisites: Advancement to candidacy, faculty permission. This course is offered for 1.0-6.0 units. You must register directly with a supervising faculty member. 9 hours supervision. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 6.0 units. Credit/no credit grading. (008100)

2. At least 24 of the units required for the degree must be in 600-level courses. The student's graduate advisory committee and the graduate committee may grant exceptions to this.
3. At the discretion of the academic program, a maximum of 30 percent of the units counted toward the degree requirements may be special session credit earned in non-matriculated status combined with all transfer coursework. This applies to special session credit earned through Open University, or in courses offered for academic credit through Regional and Continuing Education. (Correspondence courses and UC Extension coursework are not acceptable for transfer.)
4. Not more than 15 units taken before admission to classified status.
5. Not more than a total of 10 units of Independent Study (697) and Master's Thesis (699T) or Empirical Research Manuscript (697P); not more than 6 units of Master's Thesis (699T) or Empirical Research Manuscript (697P). Enrollment in PSYC 699T or PSYC 697P is restricted to students who have been advanced to candidacy; students may not enroll in 699T or 697P for more than three semesters. Not more than 4 units of Research Assistantship (PSYC 694). Not more than 1 unit of Seminar in Research Problems. (PSYC 695).
6. With the exceptions of Research Assistantship (694), Seminar in Research Problem (695), Empirical Research Manuscript (697P), and Master's Thesis (699T), all course work included in the approved program must be taken for a letter grade.

2. Completion and final approval of a Master's Thesis or Empirical Research Manuscript as specified by the student's graduate advisory committee.

3. Satisfactory completion of an oral examination in the field of study.

4. Approval by the departmental graduate committee and the Graduate Coordinators Committee on behalf of the faculty of the University.

Requirements for the MA Degree in Psychology: Option in Applied Psychology

Completion of all requirements as established by the department graduate committee, the graduate advisory committee, and the Office of Graduate Studies, to include:

30 units required:

1. Completion of an approved program consisting of 30 units of 500/600-level courses as follows:

1. Course Requirements:

4 courses required:

SUBJ NUM	Title	Sustainable	Units	Semester Offered	Course Flags
PSYC 600	Research and Evaluation Methods		3.0	FA
Prerequisites: PSYC 364 or equivalent, faculty permission. An examination of the nature and process of understanding and evaluating, as well as designing and conducting psychological research and evaluations studies. Important issues and criteria for evaluating quality and drawing conclusions will be emphasized. 3 hours seminar. (007996)
PSYC 603	Advanced Developmental Psychology		3.0	FS
Prerequisites: PSYC 355, faculty permission. Study of both typical human development and individual differences. Developmental issues and life events from infancy to old age and their effects upon individuals, couples, and family relationships. Emphasis will be on current theory and research related to social, emotional, and language development, and its relationship to practice. Biological and environmental influences are addressed. 3 hours seminar. (008018)
PSYC 605	Advanced Human Learning		3.0	FA
Prerequisites: PSYC 466 or PSYC 362, faculty permission. Factors contributing to acquisition, performance, and retention. The methods of evaluating learning. 3 hours seminar. (008020)
PSYC 696B	School Psy: Comprehensive Exam II		3.0	SP
Prerequisites: Advancement to candidacy, faculty permission. Designed for School Psychology students who have chosen the comprehensive exam as a culminating activity. The exam includes both written and oral components and is offered during the student's last semester of master's study. 9 hours supervision. Credit/no credit grading. (015916)

OR (the following course may be substituted for the above)

SUBJ NUM	Title	Sustainable	Units	Semester Offered	Course Flags
PSYC 697R	Analytical Review		3.0	FS
Prerequisites: Advancement to candidacy, faculty permission. Culminating activity for MS degree program. A comprehensive written critique of the literature in an area of specialization and/or interest and a written examination. 9 hours supervision. (008099)

OR (the following course may be substituted for the above)

SUBJ NUM	Title	Sustainable	Units	Semester Offered	Course Flags
PSYC 699T	Master's Thesis		1.0 -6.0	FS
Prerequisites: Advancement to candidacy, faculty permission. This course is offered for 1.0-6.0 units. You must register directly with a supervising faculty member. 9 hours supervision. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 6.0 units. Credit/no credit grading. (008100)

Note: Students pursuing the School Psychology Credential must complete Master's Thesis (699T) or School Psychology: Comprehensive Exam II (696B).

3 courses selected from:

SUBJ NUM	Title	Sustainable	Units	Semester Offered	Course Flags
PSYC 573	Introduction to Counseling Psychology		3.0	FA
Prerequisites: Senior or graduate standing, faculty permission. Theory of individual and family counseling and laboratory practice in individual counseling. 2 hours lecture, 3 hours laboratory. (007976)
PSYC 660	Instructionally Focused Assessment in the Schools		3.0	SP
Prerequisites: PSYC 560, classified status, faculty permission. Survey of theory and methods of selecting, administering, and interpreting screening instruments, norm-referenced tests, curriculum-based assessments, and observational systems to identify academic and behavioral concerns and design appropriate instructional interventions. Research-based instructional strategies and effective schools/teachers research serve as the basis for intervention designed to help all students reach academic standards. 3 hours clinical. (008030)
PSYC 670	Introduction to Group Counseling		3.0	SP
Prerequisites: PSYC 573 with a grade of B or higher, faculty permission. The theory, research, and laboratory practice of group counseling techniques with small groups and families. 2 hours seminar, 3 hours laboratory. (007977)
PSYC 672	Multicultural Issues in Therapy		3.0	FA
Prerequisites: PSYC 573 (may be taken concurrently), faculty permission. Seminar addressing the evaluation of the various models of psychotherapy as they relate to ethnic minorities and the influence of the mores and values of various ethnic minority populations upon the counseling process. Self-exploration of racial/ethnic perceptions, attitudes, and experiences. Review and evaluation of contemporary examples of cross-cultural research. 3 hours seminar. (008044)

2. Two or three elective courses.
3. At least 24 of the units required for the degree must be in 600-level courses. The student's graduate advisory committee and the graduate committee may grant exceptions to this.
4. At the discretion of the academic program, a maximum of 30 percent of the units counted toward the degree requirements may be special session credit earned in non-matriculated status combined with all transfer coursework. This applies to special session credit earned through Open University, or in courses offered for academic credit through Regional and Continuing Education. (Correspondence courses and UC Extension coursework are not acceptable for transfer.)
5. Not more than 15 units taken before admission to classified status.
6. Not more than a total of 10 units of School Psychology: Comprehensive Exam II (696B), Independent Study (697), and Master's Thesis (699T) combined; not more than 3 units of School Psychology: Comprehensive Exam II (696B) or 6 units of Master's Thesis (699T). (Enrollment in 696B, 697R, or 699T is restricted to students who have been advanced to candidacy; students may not enroll in 699T for more than three semesters.) Not more than 4 units of supervised college teaching (PSYC 628B, PSYC 629B).
7. With the exception of School Psychology: Comprehensive Exam II (696B) and Master's Thesis (699T), all course work included in the approved program must be taken for a letter grade.

2. Completion and final approval of a thesis, comprehensive examination, or analytical review as specified by the student's graduate advisory committee.

3. Satisfactory completion of an oral examination for the thesis option or a written examination for the analytical review.

4. Approval by the departmental graduate committee and the Graduate Coordinators Committee on behalf of the faculty of the University.

School Psychology Credential/Pupil Personnel Services: 67 units

Work leading to the School Psychology Credential is offered in conjunction with the MA in Psychology with an Option in Applied Psychology. This is a 67 unit program (including the 30 units for the MA). This program meets the State of California's requirements for the School Psychology Credential, and is accredited by the National Association of School Psychologists. Application for this program is made one year after the student has been admitted to the MA program and taken the required first-year course work to prepare for the program. Further information on recommended course sequences and application procedures for this program are available from the School Psychology/PPS Program Coordinator.

Foundation Courses (First Year)

Fall 1 Semester

Spring 1 Semester

Practicum Courses (Second Year)

Fall 2 Semester

Spring 2 Semester

Internship Courses (Third Year)

Fall 3 Semester

OR (the following course may be substituted for the above)

Spring 3 Semester

OR (the following course may be substituted for the above)

Note: PSYC 699T should be taken for 3 units twice for a total of 6 units.

School Psychology Credentialing Exam

The School Psychology Program requires satisfactory completion of the national school psychology credentialing exam.

Graduate Requirement in Writing Proficiency:

Writing proficiency is a graduation requirement.

Psychology MA students will demonstrate their writing competence through an essay examination offered once a semester by the Department of Psychology's graduate committee. This requirement must be completed prior to advancement to candidacy.

Graduate Grading Requirements:

All courses in the major (with the exceptions of Research Assistantship - 694, Seminar in Research Problems - 695, School Psychology: Comprehensive Exam II - 696B, Empirical Research Manuscript - 697P, and Master's Thesis - 699T) must be taken for a letter grade, except those courses specified by the department as ABC/No Credit (400/500-level courses), AB/No Credit (600-level courses), or Credit/No Credit grading only. A maximum of 10 units combined of ABC/No Credit, AB/No Credit, and Credit/No Credit grades may be used on the approved program (including 694, 695, 696B, 697P, 699T, and courses outside the major).

All courses on the student's program, with the exception of Research Assistantship (694), Seminar in Research Problems (695), School Psychology: Comprehensive Exam II (696B), Empirical Research Manuscript (697P), and Master's Thesis (699T) must be taken for a letter grade.

Students must maintain a minimum 3.0 grade point average in each of the following three categories: all course work taken at any accredited institution subsequent to admission to the master's program; all course work taken at CSU, Chico subsequent to admission to the program; and all courses on the approved master's degree program. Students admitted to the School Psychology Credential Program must maintain a 3.4 grade point average in required courses.

Graduate Advising Requirement:

MA Psychological Science students should consult the Psychological Science Coordinator in planning their program.

MA School Psychology students should consult the School Psychology Credential/Pupil Personnel Services Coordinator in planning their program.

Research with Human Participants or Animals:

All research projects which involve human participants must be reviewed for adherence to ethical guidelines as outlined in departmental and University policies (EM 84-03). No project may proceed without prior approval by the department's Ethical Treatment in Human Investigations Committee. All research with animals must adhere to the guidelines outlined in the University Animal Welfare Policy.