Psychology, General Psychology Specialization, MA

Description of Program

The Master of Arts (MA) program enables students to pursue advanced study in psychology that can lead to careers in the helping professions, industry, government, and nonprofit organizations. The program also provides students with the foundational knowledge and skills necessary for doctoral-level study.

Learning Outcomes

• Analyze theories and principles in psychology to inform professional contexts
• Examine research methods and data analysis in psychology
• Apply psychological principles and research in personal, social, and organizational issues
• Relate ethical principles of psychology in academic and professional issues
• Examine diversity issues in professional contexts
• Model clear and effective communication for fellow professionals and the public

Basis for Admissions

Admission to the Master of Arts program requires a conferred bachelor’s and/or a conferred master’s or doctoral degree from a regionally or nationally accredited academic institution.

Degree Requirements

The Master of Arts degree requires a total of 30 credit hours at the graduate level. The University may accept a maximum of 6 semester credit hours in transfer toward the Master of Arts in Psychology for graduate course work completed at an external accredited college or university with a grade of “B” or better. See the Transfer Credit Policy  for additional information.

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

• A minimum of 24 credit hours of graduate instruction must be completed through NCU
• Grade Point Average of 3.0 (letter grade of “B”) or higher
• Official documents on file for basis of admission
• 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 30 credit hours or less.

Students who are unable to complete a degree program within the stated time limit are dismissed. Students who believe they have extenuating circumstances may document the circumstances in a request for special consideration to their respective School Dean or designee. Exceptions to this policy are determined on a case-by-case basis and are granted only once.

Normal time to completion for this program is 44 months.

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 18 months.

Course Sequence

Students who complete at least 15 semester credit hours in a single area of specialization at NCU (not counting foundational courses) may elect to have the specialization recorded on their transcript and diploma.

All MAPSY 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. 

In some cases, specialization courses listed on the initial degree plan can be changed at the student’s request. Please contact your Academic and Finance Advisor for more information.

• PSY-5101 - Foundations for Graduate Study in Psychology
• PSY-5103 - Professional Ethics, Law, and Psychology
• PSY-5104 - Theories of Human Development and Functioning
• PSY-5107 - Research Design
• Specialization Course 1
• Specialization Course 2
• Specialization Course 3
• Specialization Course 4
• Specialization Course 5
• Capstone Course