2023-2024 Cal Poly Humboldt Catalog
Psychology, Academic Research Concentration, M.A.
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This Academic Research Program offers a master’s degree with a focus of study in one of four emphasis areas: Social/Cognitive, Neuroscience, Developmental, and Behavior Analysis. Each area provides a background in methodology and statistics that is paired with courses relevant to the area.
Contact Information
Program Coordinator
Amber M. Gaffney, Ph.D.
707-826-4313
Program Admission Requirements
Graduate
For general admission requirements, see “Admission Information ” in this catalog. To be considered for admission to the program as a classified graduate student, an applicant must:
- hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution or equivalent
- submit a statement of purpose
- submit two letters of recommendation demonstrating academic and professional potential. At least one letter must come from faculty, the other may come from an employer or other professional.
- select an emphasis and desired thesis advisor
- have a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.25 in psychology courses
Admission will also be based on a match between student and faculty interests and the willingness of a faculty member to supervise the student’s thesis or project research. We strongly recommend that students contact faculty in their area prior to application.
A student may be conditionally admitted to the program if the undergraduate degree lacks one or more prerequisite courses for their emphasis.
Bachelor’s + Master’s Degree Pathway (Undergraduate)
Students may apply while in undergraduate status to begin graduate coursework, allowing for the completion of the B.A. and M.A. in five years total. Interested Cal Poly Humboldt students, who satisfy the admission requirements below are strongly encouraged to apply for the program in their junior year. Applicants should discuss research interests with faculty.
All requirements listed in the section above titled Prerequisites and Program Admission Requirements, except completion of B.A. Completion of the departmental application (contact department office for form). Admission is also based on a match between student and faculty interests and the willingness of a faculty member to supervise the student’s thesis or project research.
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Prerequisite Coursework
Completion of 24 units of undergraduate coursework in psychology including the following courses (or equivalent): Introduction to Psychology, Introduction to Psychological Statistics, and Application of Research Methods in Psychology. Students with degrees in biology (or closely related fields) may apply for conditional admission to the neuroscience emphasis without 24 units of psychology courses, if they have completed Introduction to Psychology, Introduction to Psychological Statistics, and Application of Research Methods in Psychology (or equivalent courses). These students would complete prerequisite undergraduate courses, in addition to the required program coursework, after admission to the program to bring their total undergraduate psychology coursework to 24 units.
- For the Neuroscience Emphasis: Principles of Biology, Fundamentals of Chemistry, Introduction to Behavioral Neuroscience, and Advanced Behavioral Neuroscience
- For the Social/Cognitive Emphasis: Cognitive Psychology and Social Psychology
- For the Developmental Emphasis: Developmental Psychology, Abnormal Psychology, and Developmental Psychopathology
- For the Behavior Analysis Emphasis: Behavior Analysis and Learning and Motivation
Requirements for the Degree (30 Units)
For a description of degree requirements to be fulfilled in addition to those listed below, see “Master’s Degree Requirements ”.
Complete at least 30 units in psychology or supporting courses as defined in the core and emphasis requirements or as approved by the graduate committee. At least half of the units must be at the graduate level. Complete a thesis or project as a culminating experience.
Culminating Experience
Students must enroll in the following course each semester. Completion of a thesis is required.
Emphases (Select One)
Complete the additional courses outlined in one of the following emphases.
Neuroscience Emphasis
Neuroscience is the study of the physiological bases of behavior, particularly how the brain affects behavior. The Neuroscience Emphasis provides an extensive background in biological bases of behavior and numerous research opportunities. Our program prepares students for application to Ph.D. programs in the field of biological psychology and neuroscience.
Required Courses (12 Units)
Additional Elective Courses
In the event that PSYC 411 and/or PSYC 487 were counted toward the student’s undergraduate degree, a student may select from the following elective courses or other courses relevant to the concentration if approved by advisor and program coordinator. Selected topic courses, PSYC 480 and PSYC 680 require a topic relevant to the emphasis and approval from advisor and program coordinator.
Social/Cognitive Emphasis (12 Units)
The Social/Cognitive emphasis focuses on how thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are influenced by others and the mental processes underlying these influences. Our program prepares students for application to Ph.D. programs in either Social or Cognitive Psychology or careers in related research areas.
Required Courses (3 Units)
Complete one course.
Elective Courses (9 Units)
Complete 9 units selected in consultation with an advisor. Courses relevant to the emphasis offered by other departments if approved by advisor and graduate coordinator. Selected topic courses, PSYC 480 and PSYC 680 require a topic relevant to the emphasis and approval from advisor and program coordinator.
Developmental Emphasis (12 Units)
Developmental Psychology examines fundamental social, emotional, and cognitive developmental processes within social and cultural contexts and their reciprocal relationships with public policy and education. Our program prepares graduates to work directly with children, youth, adults, families, and communities in diverse settings and for Ph.D. programs.
Required Courses (6 Units)
Elective Courses (6 Units)
Complete 6 units. Other courses relevant to the emphasis offered by the departments of Child Development, Education, Sociology or Social Work as approved by advisor and the graduate program coordinator. Selected topics courses PSYC 480 and PSYC 680 require a topic relevant to the emphasis and approval from advisor and program coordinator.
Behavior Analysis Emphasis (13 Units)
Behavior analysis is the design, implementation, and evaluation of instructional and environmental modifications to produce improvements in human behavior through skill acquisition and the reduction of problematic behavior. The behavior analysis emphasis develops students’ skills in conducting behavioral research and providing applied behavioral intervention services for children and adults in areas including education, developmental disabilities, and behavioral consulting. This program is designed to provide the coursework that constitutes part of the requirements for becoming a board certified behavior analyst.
Elective Courses
Complete a minimum of 4 units.
Bachelor’s + Master’s Pathway
Complete requirements listed in the section above titled Requirements for Degree with the following deviations:
Program Learning Outcomes
Students who complete the Psychology, Academic Research Concentration, M.A. program will:
- demonstrate knowledge of the significant facts and theories within their area of specialization;
- demonstrate methodological and statistical knowledge related to psychology and apply these techniques to their own research;
- demonstrate knowledge of the ethical issues in psychology with a particular focus on special issues in their area of specialization;
- understand professional expectations for graduate students;
- demonstrate they can write effectively using APA style; and
- develop professional and technical skills relevant to their area of specialization.
Programs Leading to Licensure and Credentialing
Admission into programs leading to licensure and credentialing does not guarantee that students will obtain a license or credential. Licensure and credentialing requirements are set by agencies that are not controlled by or affiliated with the CSU and requirements can change at any time. For example, licensure or credentialing requirements can include evidence of the right to work in the United States (e.g., social security number or taxpayer identification number) or successfully passing a criminal background check. Students are responsible for determining whether they can meet licensure or credentialing requirements. The CSU will not refund tuition, fees or any associated costs to students who determine subsequent to admission that they cannot meet licensure or credentialing requirements. Information concerning licensure and credentialing requirements are available from the Office of Academic Affairs, Siemens Hall 216, 707-826-3722.
The California State University has not determined whether its programs meet other states’ educational or professional requirements for licensure and certification. Students enrolled in a California State University program who are planning to pursue licensure or certification in other states are responsible for determining whether they will meet their state’s requirements for licensure or certification. This disclosure is made pursuant to 34 CFR §668.43(a)(5)(v)(C).
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