Master of Arts in Psychology (MA)
[Program Overview] [Program Outcomes] [Curriculum] [Admission Criteria] [Application Requirements] [Faculty] [Contact Information]
Program Overview
The Master of Arts in Psychology degree provides access to high quality graduate education in psychology to students who are interested in the application of psychology to a variety of community and organizational-related issues. The program's theoretical orientation requires students to examine the complex relationships among individual, family and community well-being and the impact of the wider environment in which we live and work.
The program emphasizes community-based interventions rather than individualistic therapies. (This is not a clinical or counseling psychology program.) There are two concentrations from which to choose: Community/Health Psychology and Applied Social Psychology.
Community/Health Psychology Concentration
The program's concentration in community/health psychology trains people to work with communities and organizations to help them develop, implement and evaluate innovative solutions to social problems. Prevention (rather than treatment) is a primary focus in this program along with empowerment, health promotion, community organizing and community development. Emphasis is placed on interventions that are designed around the needs and strengths of the community, and rooted in the wisdom and work of community members. See community psychology and possible careers fields for additional information.
Applied Social Psychology Concentration
The program's concentration in applied social psychology educates students in the systematic application of social psychological theories, research and intervention methods to understand, prevent and ameliorate social problems. The social problems and issues that can be addressed may include: interpersonal conflict, toxic environments, political participation leadership, bullying, safety, and other relevant topics.
Program Outcomes
The goal of the psychology master's program is to provide students with an opportunity for both breadth and depth in an area of particular relevance to them. Students graduating from this program will have attained the following:
- advanced understanding of the science and practice of psychology;
- understanding of the intersection of race, class and gender issues and psychological theory;
- ability to apply psychological principles to issues of concern in communities and organizations;
- skills and knowledge to assist in their work with communities and groups to create and sustain healthy settings;
- ability to assess the impact of interventions;
- ability to be critical consumers of the existing social science and psychological literature;
- ability to pursue an in-depth study of the topic and community of most interest to the student; and
- ability to independently conduct relevant applied research.
Curriculum (36 credits)
- PSYC 601 Psychology in the Public and Community Interest I (4 credits)
- PSYC 610 Applied Research Methods (4 credits)
- Required Concentration Course (4 credits)
- Community Health: PSYC 602 Prevention Theories and Strategies OR
- Applied Social: PSYC 604 Attitudes and Social Influence
- Thesis or Project (4 credits)
- 12 credits of approved concentration courses:
- Community/Health: Program Design and Community Intervention, Program Evaluation, Grants in Community Based Practice, Community Engagement Strategies, Health Psychology, Health Promotion and Health Policy, Group Dynamics and Processes, Political Psychology, Cross-Cultural Psychology, Environmental Psychology, Peace Psychology
- Applied Social: Peace Psychology, Political Psychology, Cross-Cultural Psychology, Environmental Psychology, Positive Psychology, Health Psychology, Qualitative Research Methods, Group Dynamics and Processes
- 8 elective credits which could include a practicum, additional Psychology courses, courses in other Departments, and/or other approved learning experiences (including graduate transfer credits).
Admission Criteria
Generally, new students are accepted for the fall and spring semesters only. To be considered for admission to the MA in Psychology program, you must:
- hold a baccalaureate degree (or equivalent) from an accredited college or university at the time you start the program with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher;
- have a psychology major or major in a related field;
- have completed prerequisite courses:
- general psychology (e.g., PSYC 100),
- social or community psychology (e.g., PSYC 336 or PSYC 363),
- a social science or psychology research methods course (e.g., PSYC 312, PSYC 317, or SSCI 311), and
- statistics (e.g., STAT 201 or PSYC 307).
International students should note the additional university requirements described under Admission Information earlier in this catalog.
Application Requirements
- Graduate Application
- Non-refundable application fee (waived for graduates of Metropolitan State University)
- Official transcripts
- Letter of intent
- Current resume
- Three letters of reference
See Applying to the Program for application packets and details on the requirements and deadline.
Faculty
Resident Faculty: Heidi Frankard, Kelly Hazel, August Hoffman, Kerry Kleyman, Cailtlin Mahoney, Susan Rydell, Glen Spielmans, Gary Starr, Mark Stasson; Community Faculty: Rebecca Ericson, Dave Mathews, Alexandra Pierce, Barb Schillo.
Contact Information
Psychology Department
Master of Arts in Psychology Program
Metropolitan State University
1450 Energy Park Drive
Saint Paul, MN 55108-5218
