2022-2023 Cal Poly Humboldt Catalog 
    
    Mar 29, 2024  
2022-2023 Cal Poly Humboldt Catalog [ARCHIVED 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.

Program Coordinator
Amber Gaffney, Ph.D.
707-826-4313

Program Admission Requirements

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 three letters of recommendation demonstrating academic and professional potential. At least one from faculty, the others can come from employers or professionals.
  • 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.

Prerequisite Coursework


Completion of 24 units of undergraduate coursework in psychology including the following courses (or equivalent): PSYC 104 PSYC 109  and PSYC 342 . 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 PSYC 104 PSYC 109  and PSYC 342  (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.

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.

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 is the study of human development from both normal and atypical development. The Developmental Emphasis prepares students to work with a wide variety of children and their families or pursue Ph.D. study.

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.

5th Year (Blended) Pathway


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 their desired thesis chair.

5th Year Prerequisites and Program Admission Requirements

  • 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.

5th Year Requirements for Degree

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.

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