Psychology (MA & MS)

Is the MA in Psychology for you?

Do any of the following describe you?

• Interested in how we think and learn.
• Passionate about scientific research.
• Fascinated with human development.
• Want to know more about personality and social relationships.
• Curious about the biology of the brain.
• Want to work with children in a school setting. • Want to lay down a solid foundation for doctoral studies.

Do these jobs sound interesting to you?

Our alumni are:

• Professors
• School psychologists
• Attending PhD programs

Other possibilities are:

• College advisor
• Behavioral health consultant
• Psychologist
• College and university instructor 

Is this the kind of salary you are seeking?

Data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics(opens in new window), shows the following outlook for Psychologists:

Median Pay
$81,040 per year
$38.96 per hour

Job Outlook
6% (As fast as average)

Environment
Some psychologists work independently, conducting research, consulting with clients, or working with patients. Others work as part of a healthcare team, collaborating with physicians(opens in new window) and social workers(opens in new window), or in school settings, working with students, teachers(opens in new window), parents, and other educators. Those in private practice often work evenings and weekends to accommodate clients.

What if my bachelor’s isn’t in Psychology?

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.

How long will it take?

• 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.

Research Experience

• Research experience with ongoing faculty research activities.
• Supervised teaching experience as a teaching assistant.

Research and Teaching Opportunities

• Students conduct and write up their own empirical research study with faculty consultation, assistance, and supervision.
• Research and teaching opportunities strengthen student understanding of psychology and ability to teach it to others. 

Internship Experience

• School psychology students gain two years of supervised practicum and internship experience in local schools.

Opportunities Waiting for You

Cory Tondreau was asked to serve as lab coordinator for the Learning Cognition and Instruction Research Laboratory, and was granted a prestigious research fellowship at Technische Universität Dresden, Germany. Her graduate research looks at knowledge and attitude change, and she plans to pursue her PhD in educational psychology so she can continue to mentor and advocate for students.

Support to Purse Your PhD

Robert Lester was selected a Chancellor’s Doctoral Incentive Program (CDIP) recipient and is currently pursuing the Counselor Education and Supervision PhD at North Dakota State University. The CDIP offers loans and CSU faculty mentorships in an effort to increase the number of doctoral students applying for future CSU instructional faculty positions. The loans are forgivable for those returning to teach at any CSU.