Psychology Department
Wondering whether a master’s degree in pyschology might be right for you? Contact our office to ask questions or set up a conversation with one of our faculty.
Phone: 530-898-5147
Email: psy@csuchico.edu
- Home
- Academics
- Majors and Programs
- Psychology MA
Psychology MA
Program Type Graduate
Delivery Type On Campus
Whether pursuing the option in psychological science or in applied (school) psychology, a graduate degree in psychology from Chico State provides students with a deeper understanding of the field, including research methodologies, and statistical analysis techniques, as well as the theoretical underpinnings of psychology.
The program is designed to empower current and future professionals in the social services fields to strengthen communities using knowledge, tools, and skills from psychological and neuroscience research.
Psychological Science Curriculum
You won't just read about psychology—you'll actively participate in groundbreaking research. Through research assistantships and crafting your own thesis, you'll dive deep into the world of inquiry. This hands-on approach will not only enrich your understanding of psychology but also equip you with invaluable skills for your future career.
Specializations and Options
Psychological Science Option
The Master of Arts in Psychology program is where students learn about how people think, learn, and grow. They study different parts of psychology, like how our brains work, how we learn new things, and how we change as we grow up. They also learn about doing research, which means they figure out new things by asking questions and doing experiments.
Applied/School Psychology
The option in school psychology is for students looking to become child advocates and schools better places for students. Students will work with children and the adults in their lives to help children succeed academically, behaviorally, and emotionally.
Career Paths
Psychological Sciences
A master's in psychology prepares you for various careers, from working in schools and organizations to providing counseling services. If your goal is to practice as a psychologist, a masters degree is the first step to a doctoral degree. However, a master's degree offers versatile and rewarding opportunities not available to bachelor's degree holders.
Applied/School Psychologist
A masters in applied/school psychology prepares you to serve as a school psychologist and provide consultation services to parents and school staff, crisis management services to schools, and collaborate with institution-linked health services.
Hands-On Research with Faculty
In our program, students work closely with their professors to learn how to do research and how to teach others about psychology. They even help their professors with their own research projects and learn how to teach psychology by helping out in classrooms.
“
The MA in Psychological Science program has been invaluable to my career. After earning my degree, I started my career as a Lecturer at Chico State.
Ready to Continue Their Careers
Psychological sciences graduates often continue their academic journey by pursuing doctoral education at prestigious research institutions such as UCLA, UNLV, Utah State University, and UC Riverside. Many choose to remain at Chico State, contributing to our community as lecturer faculty in the Psychology Department.
Diverse Learning Environments
Our students have access to a non-human neuroscience laboratory, observational classrooms for studying child development, and online survey capabilities for studying at-risk or hard-to-reach populations.
Intervention and Assessment Library
Access our curated collection of evidence-based interventions for children and youth that address social-emotional, behavioral, and academic skill. The library also includes current editions of psychometric assessment tools commonly used with children and youth.
Small Cohorts
Psychological Sciences cohorts are typically less than 10 students and have 2:1 student-to-faculty ratio.
Diverse Student Population
Over the past five years, more than half of our school psychology graduates have been members of diverse communities.
Build Your Community
The program offers opportunities for students to attend and present school-based research at state conventions, such as those organized by the California Association of School Psychologists (CASP), and national conventions, like those held by the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP).
Discover Stories and More
Chico State Today
Chico State Psychology Students Honored as CSU Pre-Doctoral Scholars
A pair of Chico State graduate students have been recognized with the CSU’s prestigious awards for their doctoral aspirations.
Can Psychedelic Drugs Treat Mental Illness? One Grad Student’s Quest to Find Out
Chico State graduate student Ty Weber is collecting data to research whether psychedelic drugs may be helpful in treating mental health disorders.
/
-
Chico State Psychology Students Honored as CSU Pre-Doctoral Scholars
A pair of Chico State graduate students have been recognized with the CSU’s prestigious awards for their doctoral aspirations.
-
Can Psychedelic Drugs Treat Mental Illness? One Grad Student’s Quest to Find Out
Chico State graduate student Ty Weber is collecting data to research whether psychedelic drugs may be helpful in treating mental health disorders.
Additional Information
Interested in learning more about the MA in Psychology program? Here are answers to common questions about how to get started.
All prospective students must first apply for graduate admissions through Cal State Apply. Supplementary materials will either be collected electronically via Cal State Apply or sent directly to the program department.
Application Deadlines
Fall admission only
- Psychological Science: January 19 (December 19 for international applicants)
- Applied / School Psychology: February 15 (January 15 for international applicants)
Spring: No spring admission
Supplemental Materials
- Three letters of recommendation
- Written interview questions
- Acceptance of ethics codes (applied/school psychology)
- Recognition that background check is required for placement in K-12 schools to complete program requirements. (applied/school psychology)
Graduate students can qualify for traditional financial aid by filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or California Dream Act Application (CADAA).
Scholarship Opportunities
California State University, Chico, provides merit and scholarship awards to deserving students for graduate studies, and many go unfilled. Scholarships are provided based on a variety of criteria, including academic merit, financial need, participation in clubs and activities, volunteer and community involvement, major and career goals, etc.
You can still pursue this degree if your undergraduate degree was in a different field. You will be required to take some prerequisites to bring you up to speed. Talk to your graduate coordinator for details.
The length of time it takes depends on the option the applicant chooses. The MA in psychology—psychological science option is a 30-unit program that can be completed in two years.
Some students pursue the MA in psychology—option in applied psychology pupil personnel services (PPS) program which requires 68–71 units because it includes the PPS credential. In this case, the program can be completed in three years.
Related Programs
Psychology Department
Wondering whether a master’s degree in pyschology might be right for you? Contact our office to ask questions or set up a conversation with one of our faculty.
Phone: 530-898-5147
Email: psy@csuchico.edu