Master's in Psychology

Master of Arts in Psychology

Earn knowledge to advance your career, or pursue a doctoral degree

37 Credits. 2 Years.

The 花椒直播 Master of Arts in Psychology explores group, social, and cultural influences, as well as cognitive, and biological factors contributing to human behavior.

Highlights:

Streamlined Admissions: No entrance exams required
Flexible & Convenient: Accelerated evening courses. Transfer in up to 6 credits.
Enhance your professional performance: Courses with real-world application in a variety of fields
Affordable: USM's MA-Psych program tuition is $665 a credit hour

Classes start in January, May, and August. Courses are held in-person at USM-Johnson County.

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What Makes USM Different?

In the Master's in Psychology program, USM鈥檚 expert faculty will help further your understanding of research and its methodology and real-world application. Grounded in USM鈥檚 commitment to academic excellence, the 37-credit program offers a unique blend of flexibility, affordability, and individual attention.

Ideal for students looking to:

Enhance your professional or personal life through an enhanced understanding of psychological principles and their application
Prepare for further study in the field at the doctorate level
Earn their degree conveniently. Evening classes meet one night a week in Johnson County.

Requirements

You must meet the following requirements to be considered for full (regular) admission to the graduate psychology program at the 花椒直播.

A bachelor鈥檚 degree in psychology from a regionally accredited college consisting of college courses in: general or introductory psychology, developmental psychology, psychological disorders, one course in social psychology or personality psychology, and an introductory statistics course. Applicants with a bachelor鈥檚 degree in an area other than psychology must meet the same course requirements with a minimum of a B average in the required undergraduate psychology courses.
Minimum undergraduate grade point average of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale.

To apply, you'll submit:

A completed application and $25 application fee
Official transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate institutions
Three professional recommendations
A written essay, typed, between 300 and 600 words explaining why you want to be admitted to the graduate psychology program and what qualities (e.g. personality traits, skills, and talents) you possess that lead you to believe you will be successful in the program.

Admission is competitive, and openings are limited. Admission is based on credentials and the availability of openings in the programs. A student not selected for admission may update their application materials and reapply during a future admissions period.

Transferring Credits

You can request to transfer up to 6 credit hours of applicable coursework from another graduate program toward the USM Master of Arts in Psychology degree.

In the graduate psychology program, you鈥檒l learn:

Group, social and cultural influences, as well as cognitive, developmental, and biological influences on behavior
Recommended treatments and diagnostic indicators for major mental disorders
Basic concepts used in behavioral research and the ability to evaluate empirical research; design research proposals; and communicate ideas effectively
Common ethical issues in the mental health profession
Self-evaluation techniques that identify personal strengths and weaknesses that may impact your career development

The curriculum calls for 37 credit hours. See our course descriptions tab for more specific information on courses.

16-week semester with 1-night a week classes
Small faculty-to-student ratio encouraging greater professor-student interaction
See your entire program mapped out 鈥� down to the day of the week each course is offered
Rolling application deadline
Convenient Overland Park location 鈥� at 11221 Roe Ave.

Coursework

Required courses are offered once a year and follow a predictable rotation. Electives may include up to six credits from another division with program director approval.

PY 720 HISTORICAL FOUNDATIONS OF PSYCHOLOGY

Studies the founding and development of the discipline and profession of psychology through the exploration of philosophical and physiological roots and the contributions of major exemplars. Attention is paid to the importance of the scientific method and the influence of social and cultural factors in the progression of the discipline over time. The diversification of the field into counseling and clinical psychology as well as other specialty areas is also addressed.

PY 721 ADVANCED SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY

Investigates scientific explanations of human development, interaction and behavior. The following topics are addressed: attitudes, persuasion, group influence, prejudice, aggression, attraction, altruism and others.

PY 723 ADVANCED PSYCHOPATHOLOGY

Studies the range and variety of psychopathological disorders with reference to DSM 5. The etiology, symptoms, treatment, diagnosis and prognosis of major disorders are addressed.

PY 730 METHODS OF RESEARCH AND ASSESSMENT

Examines principles and approaches to research design in the behavioral sciences. Models and methods of hypothesis testing, research analysis, and assessment are reviewed. Students develop the skills to evaluate empirical research and design a research project.

PY 731 STATISTICAL ANALYSIS IN COUNSELING AND THERAPY

Statistical logic and procedures, properties of statistical analyses, and application to data collected in a psychological context are emphasized. Descriptive and inferential statistical tests constitute the major portion of statistical analyses and reasoning. Also stressed is the interplay between statistical questions and answers and research questions and answers.

PY 741 ISSUES IN ETHICS AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

This course introduces the fields of counseling and psychotherapy, and their unique contributions to the helping profession. Topics covered in this course include (a) orientation to the graduate psychology program, (b) a brief review of the history and philosophy of the professions, (c) professional roles, licensure, and professional organizations, (d) professional ethics and decision-making processes, and (e) relationships with other professionals, including the role of supervision and consultation.

PY 744 CAREER DEVELOPMENT AND COUNSELING

Theories of career development and various approaches to career counseling are studied. The use of career assessment instruments and career exploration resources is also a focus. Principles of career assessment are reviewed and students administer, score, interpret, and write reports communicating results. Lab fees may apply. In addition, issues affecting special populations and effective development are among the topics addressed.

PY 750 COUNSELING THEORIES

Explores theories and approaches (such as psychodynamic, behavioral, humanistic, cognitive, and systems theories) that examine how people develop and function at an optional level. The integration of various theoretical approaches and the application of theory to practice is a focus. In addition, outcome research as it applies to clinical practice is addressed.

PY 751 GROUP PROCESSES IN COUNSELING AND THERAPY

Addresses theories of group process. Group types, leadership styles and strategies, stages of group development, member behavior and other factors related to group functioning are explored. The course is didactic and experiential in nature. Ethical issues specific to the group process are also reviewed.

PY 780 SUMMARY PORTFOLIO (ONE CREDIT HOUR)

The summary portfolio serves as the culminating experience for students earning the Master of Arts in Psychology. Students are provided the opportunity to both demonstrate what they have learned and to reflect on how they have changed as a result of participating in the program. The portfolio is pursued during the last semester in the graduate program and it is graded pass/fail.

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