Psychology Master’s Programs

Clinical Psychology MA

Academic Degree Requirements

The basic clinical program is a three-year, 60 credit program. Matriculated students will be expected to take three courses per semester for the three years plus two summer courses. Licensing from the Massachusetts Board of Registration for Certified Mental Health Counselors requires the master’s degree to comprise 60 credits. 

Research Psychology MS

The Research Psychology option is a 36-credit MS program that requires two years of full-time (or 3 years of part-time) study and completion of a thesis.  The program combines coursework in basic areas of psychology with research skill objectives, such as critically analyzing research and conducting literature reviews. The coursework provides the basis for collaborative research with faculty members. The outstanding feature of this program is the opportunity for close interaction between faculty and students, both in the classroom and in the laboratory, because of the low student/faculty ratio.  Upon graduation, psychology researchers typically find jobs in such settings as university research labs, government agencies, marketing departments, and public or private research organizations.

Academic Policies for Research Psychology MS program  

1. Students must receive B minus or better in five (5) of the six (6) required statistics and topical seminar courses (PSY 502, PSY 506, PSY 551, PSY 561, PSY 571, PSY 581).  

2. Students must receive approval of their thesis proposal within two (2) years of being accepted into the program. In extenuating circumstances, a student may appeal to the department.  The department may then send a recommendation and justification for a waiver to the Office of Graduate Studies for approval. 

3. Students must complete all coursework and thesis requirements for the degree within six (6) years of being accepted into the program.  In extenuating circumstances, a student may appeal to the department.  The department may then send a recommendation and justification for a waiver to the Office of Graduate Studies for approval.

Objectives

• Train students in specific and applied research and problem-solving skills
• Provide students with advanced theoretical and empirical knowledge in basic areas of psychology (Cognitive, Social, Developmental, & Health)
• Expose students to a variety of research methodologies
• Prepare students for doctoral work in psychology and related fields, and for careers in research at the masters’ level

Note

*It is strongly recommended that at least one of these courses be PSY 595.