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 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 seeking admission to the Master of Arts program in Psychology must submit the following documents to the Office of Graduate Admissions:

1. Graduate Application: The Graduate Application is an institutional application required by SHSU. Students must provide biographical and educational information and information relevant to determining State of Texas residency.
2. Application fee: An application fee is required for all applications to graduate programs at SHSU.
3. Transcripts documenting all prior degrees.*
4.  Applicants who do not possess a graduate degree from an accredited institution are expected to have earned a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 from the accredited institution granting the undergraduate degree.  Applicants who do not possess a graduate degree and have an undergraduate GPA below 3.0 are encouraged to provide an explanation for the applicant’s low GPA and why the GPA is not indicative of the applicant’s academic and professional potential in the Letter of Intent.
5. Letter of Intent: The Letter of Intent is your opportunity to discuss your fit with the program offered at Sam Houston State University. While you have a significant amount of freedom to discuss anything you would like in your letter of intent, you may want to address your short-term and long-term academic/professional goals, why you would like to attend our program, and why your interests fit with our program.
6. Three letters of recommendation that discuss the applicant’s suitability for graduate study.  The most useful letters of recommendation come from university faculty who are able to describe the applicant’s potential for success in graduate study.

*Applicants may submit unofficial transcripts for review by the admissions committee. However, under university policy, admission decisions are contingent upon receipt of official transcripts.

Students will be admitted for the Fall (no summer admissions). The application deadline for Fall enrollment is February 15.

Notes

Admission to the MA Program in Psychology is competitive and the number of available positions is limited.

Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.

In addition to the courses listed below, all students must complete a comprehensive 
examination near the end of their program. The details of the comprehensive 
examinations are set out in the Program Handbook.

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.