Nov 22, 2024  
NCU Catalog - November 2019 
    
NCU Catalog - November 2019 [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Psychology, General Psychology Specialization, MA


Master of Arts in Psychology


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.

Click here for potential career opportunities within the MA in Psychology.

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 12 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 5 years to complete all Master’s programs of 36 credits or less.

The median time to completion for this program is 23 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 and finance advisors will work with you to develop a program schedule that works best for your needs.

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 16 months.

Course Sequence


The Master of Arts in Psychology program can be completed in 30 credits. 

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.

General Psychology Specialization


The General Psychology specialization allows students to select courses from a broad range of specialization courses to fit their personal and professional goals.

Students must complete a minimum of 18 credit hours for the specialization in General Psychology (9 credit hours are from elective courses and 9 credits hours are from required courses). Students may take psychology courses at the 5000, 6000, 7000, or 8000 level including up to two courses from other fields (MFT, Business, Technology and/or Education) to fulfill their specialization requirements. Courses from other disciplines may be considered to fill this requirement, with Dean approval.

 

Note


*Courses listed are examples and upon acceptance to the program the initial degree plan will include these courses. Students are encouraged to choose their specialization courses based on personal and professional goals and to work with their Academic Advisor to revise their degree plan. Additionally, courses from the Department of Psychology Master of Science Programs cannot be used for specialization courses.