Health Psychology, MS

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Master of Science in Health Psychology

Description of Program

This 30 credit Master of Science (MS) in Health Psychology program enables students to pursue advanced study in health psychology that can lead to careers in the helping professions, industry, government, and nonprofit organizations for which clinical training is not necessary. The health psychology master’s degree program also provides students with the foundational knowledge and skills necessary for doctoral-level study.

This educational program offers students, at the culmination of the degree, the choice between a Capstone project and a non-clinical internship. During the internship, students complete approximately 100 hours of working in the field. The internship allows students to demonstrate a wide range of professional competencies and communication skills that reflect the knowledge, critical thinking, sensitivity to ethics and diversity, and appreciation of research that has been acquired throughout the program.

Learning Outcomes

Synthesize theories and principles applicable to the field of health psychology through written communication
Appraise research methods and data analysis applicable in the framework of health psychology
Investigate empirically supported interventions for research, administration or practice of health psychology
Employ ethical principles of psychology in academic and professional matters of health psychology
Examine diversity issues in the context of health psychology

Basis for Admission

Admission to an NCU master’s program requires a conferred bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited academic institution or an international institution that is determined to be equivalent through an approved evaluation service.

Degree Requirements

The Master of Science degree in Health Psychology requires a total of 30 credits for completion.

The University may accept a maximum of 6 semester credits in transfer toward the Master’s degree for graduate course work completed at an accredited college or university with a grade average of “B” or better. See the Transfer Credit policy for additional information.

PSY-5303 must be completed at NCU

Graduation requirements for the Master’s Degree in Psychology vary according to specialization selected.

All NCU master’s degree programs have the following graduation requirements:

A minimum of 24 credit hours of graduate instruction must be completed through the University
Completion of subject area competency requirements for the graduate program
Elective courses must be relevant to the department’s graduate program
Cumulative grade point average of 3.0 (letter grade of “B”) or higher
Official documents on file for basis of admission: a conferred bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited academic institution
Official transcripts on file for all transfer credit hours accepted by the University
All financial obligations to the University paid in full

Time to Completion

NCU allows five years to complete master’s programs requiring 36 credit hours or less.

Time to completion varies depending upon the pace in which a student completes courses and the number of transfer credits accepted. As most NCU students are working adults balancing educational, professional, and personal commitments, our academic advisors will work with you to develop a program schedule that works best for your needs.

The normal time disclosed above reflects the experience of students who may have entered under different program requirements. In the quest for continuous improvement, academic leadership has revised the program to optimize curriculum and pace, facilitate student learning, and improve chances for success. Therefore, the program is now designed for students enrolling today to take advantage of these revised course structures, lengths, and schedules. New students following the preferred schedule designed by the Dean for this program, and applying no transfer credits, can expect to finish in as little as 20 months.

Course Sequence

All Master of Science of Health Psychology programs require the foundation courses to be completed prior to enrolling in specialization courses. The program capstone will be completed as the last course in the degree program.

List of Electives

Note

At this time, internships are not permitted in North Carolina for the Master of Science in Psychology degrees.