Master of Arts in Psychology

The MA in Psychology concentrates on the scientific sub-disciplines of psychology. It does not provide training in the delivery of psychological services, but it does allow more flexibility than do our other programs. Thus, students are provided the opportunity to pursue their personal academic and research interests, and concentrations in other fields such as Criminal Justice and Business are possible. Both thesis and non-thesis options are available. In addition, in order to graduate with an MA degree in this program, students will take a comprehensive examination which assesses their knowledge of the areas to which they have been exposed.

Students applying for admission to the Master of Arts in Psychology should submit the following materials to the Office of Graduate Admissions:

1. Graduate Application
2. Application fee
3. Official transcript from the baccalaureate degree-granting institution
4. Personal statement
5. Three letters of recommendation
6. Official GRE scores
7. Official score report of the Advanced Psychology Test of the GRE (Recommended but not required)

Students should have a minimum of 18 hours of undergraduate psychology courses, including courses in psychology Research Methods and Psychology Statistics, and a minimum GPA of 3.0. Ordinarily, the most useful letters of recommendation come from university faculty who are able to describe the applicant’s potential for success in graduate study. The Department does not use a recommendation form but rather asks referees to send letters on their own letterhead. Please submit all documents to:

Office of Graduate Admissions
Box 2478 SHSU
Huntsville, TX  77341-2478

Students admitted to the SHSU psychology master's programs have average undergraduate GPAs in excess of 3.6 and GRE percentile ranks in excess of the 55th percentile for both the verbal and quantitative sections. Those whose scores are not that high still may wish to apply. We recognize that students do not always demonstrate their potential for professional success through such traditional criteria. We seek promising students from all backgrounds who will enhance our program and, later, professional psychology. High test scores and grades do not guarantee acceptance, and students whose lower scores are offset by other exceptional qualifications may be admitted. In any case, all applications must be complete (with transcripts, GRE scores, letters, and a personal statement of interests and goals) before any admission decision is made.

Students are admitted each fall and are expected to begin their studies during the fall semester. The application deadline for admission is February 15. Complete applications are evaluated immediately after the deadline and offers of admission are made as quickly as possible. Please note that several of our admission requirements, policies, and deadlines differ from those of other programs at SHSU.

Inquiries about the Psychology Master’s programs may be directed to:

Dr. Marsha Harman
Coordinator of Psychology Master’s Study
Department of Psychology and Philosophy
Sam Houston State University
Box 2447
Huntsville, TX 77341-2447
Telephone: (936) 294-3614; (936) 294-4064
Email: Harman@shsu.edu

Information and materials are also available at Psychology Programs.

Plan 1 - MA in Psychology (Non-thesis)

Plan 2 - MA in Psychology (Thesis)

Students in all of our Master’s programs must pass a written Comprehensive Exam at the close of their training in order to obtain an M.A. degree. Students must be enrolled in the University during the semester or summer session in which the comprehensive exam is administered.