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:
- 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.
- Application fee: An application fee is required for all applications to graduate programs at SHSU.
- Transcripts documenting all prior degrees.* (18 hours of undergraduate psychology coursework required)
- 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.
- Letter of Intent/Personal Statement: The Letter of Intent - also referred to as a Personal Statement - 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.
- 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.
- Official GRE scores.
- Curriculum Vita (CV) with sections emphasizing education, research experience, volunteer experience, and any notable achievements, awards, or proficiencies.
*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)
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Master of Arts in Psychology (Non-thesis) | ||
| Specified Courses | ||
| PSYC 5331 | Grad Smnr General Psychology | 3 |
| or PSYC 5392 | History & Systems Of Psychlogy | |
| PSYC 5332 | Advanced Social Psychology | 3 |
| PSYC 5336 | Advanced Cognitive Psychology | 3 |
| PSYC 5360 | Adv Physiological Psychology | 3 |
| PSYC 5381 | Advanced Learning Theory | 3 |
| PSYC 5387 | Advanced Statistics | 3 |
| PSYC 5388 | Experimental Design | 3 |
| PSYC 5397 | Adv Developmental Psychology | 3 |
| Electives | ||
| Select four graduate courses in an approved field 1 | 12 | |
| Total Hours | 36 | |
| 1 | Selections should be made in consultation with the Graduate Advisor and cannot include PSYC 5395, PSYC 5396, nor any thesis courses. |
Plan 2 - MA in Psychology (Thesis)
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Master of Arts in Psychology (Thesis) | ||
| Specified Courses | ||
| PSYC 5332 | Advanced Social Psychology | 3 |
| PSYC 5336 | Advanced Cognitive Psychology | 3 |
| PSYC 5360 | Adv Physiological Psychology | 3 |
| PSYC 5381 | Advanced Learning Theory | 3 |
| PSYC 5387 | Advanced Statistics | 3 |
| PSYC 5388 | Experimental Design | 3 |
| PSYC 5397 | Adv Developmental Psychology | 3 |
| Electives | ||
| Select three graduate courses in an approved field 1 | 9 | |
| Thesis | ||
| PSYC 6098 | Thesis I | 3 |
| PSYC 6099 | Thesis II 2 | 3 |
| Total Hours | 36 | |
| 1 | Selections should be made in consultation with the Graduate Advisor and cannot include PSYC 5395, PSYC 5396, nor any thesis courses. |
| 2 | Once enrolled in PSYC 6099, students must enroll in this course in every semester until graduation. |
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.
The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) marketable skills initiative is part of the state’s 60x30TX plan and was designed to help students articulate their skills to employers. Marketable skills are those skills valued by employers and/or graduate programs that can be applied in a variety of work or education settings and may include interpersonal, cognitive, and applied skill areas.
The MA in Psychology is designed to provide graduates with the following marketable skills:
- Become knowledgeable in the scientific process, which is an important skill for work in research and development.
- Have a better understanding of physiological, cognitive, social, and emotional determinants of behavior.
- Learn how to write up and disseminate findings from research.
- Develop skills for critical analysis.
- Be qualified to teach at the Community College level.
