Psychology, MA - Psychological Science

The Psychological Science track of the Master of Arts in Psychology provides the student with a solid foundation in psychological research. The program includes coursework in Psychological Science design, research methodology, and statistics. The student will also develop an area of specialization that will serve as a basis for elective coursework and the Master's thesis.

The program is primarily designed to prepare students for doctoral degrees in psychology or related fields. Consistent with this goal, a majority of our Master's students have been subsequently accepted into Ph.D. programs. The program is also relevant to non-traditional students who do not plan to pursue a doctoral degree but wish to become more knowledgeable about psychology and its applications to their particular interests.

• Coursework in research and the scientific method
• Coursework in the knowledge base of psychology: the core courses series
• Research thesis

Required Credit Hours: 36

M.A. Psychological Science students also have the option to gain experience within a specialized sub-field, formally called a "sub-plan." These more narrowly-focused programs specify required courses within the M.A. program, completion of a research thesis under the direction of a faculty mentor with expertise in that particular sub-discipline of psychology. Students who enroll in an optional sub-plan glean the benefits of a more concentrated focus of study that is reflected in their transcripts.

• Sub-Plan in Biopsychology
• Sub-Plan in Cognition
• Sub-Plan in Developmental Psychology
• Sub-Plan in Geropsychology
• Sub-Plan in Social Psychology
• Sub-Plan in Trauma Psychology  

SAMPLE:

YEAR 1
Fall:
Research Statistics and Methodology I (PSY 5810), Contemporary Issues in Psychology (PSY 6430), a Core Content/Elective Course
Spring:
Research Statistics and Methodology II (5820), Contemporary Issues in Psychology (PSY 6430), a Core Content/Elective Course

YEAR 2
Fall:
Applied Multivariate Techniques I (PSY 5830), Contemporary Issues in Psychology (PSY 6430), a Core Content/Elective Course, Master’s Thesis (PSY 7000)
Spring:
Contemporary Issues in Psychology (PSY 6430), a Core Content Course/ Elective Course, Master’s Thesis (PSY 7000)

The Research Practicum course is taken in the fall or spring semester of Year 2, depending on your mentor’s teaching load. 

Social Psychology
Joseph Wagoner, PhD., Assistant Professor

Behavioral Genetics, Personality Disorders & Paleopsychology
Frederick L. Coolidge, Ph.D., Professor

Evolutionary Psychology
Laith Al-Shawaf, Ph.D., Associate Professor

Developmental Psychology
Diana Selmeczy, Ph.D., Assistant Professor

Cognition
Lori E. James, Ph.D., Professor

Neuroscience
Michael A. Kisley, Ph.D., Professor

Quantitative Psychology
Andrew Lac, Ph.D., Associate Professor
Kristen L. Rudd, Ph.D., Assistant Professor

2021 - UCCS Graduate School programs in latest U.S. News & World Report Rankings #148 in the nation for best graduate Psychology program

How to Apply

Graduate students are those who have already completed a Bachelor's Degree and are pursuing a Master's, Doctoral, Graduate Certificate, or Graduate Non-Degree program.

We also accept applications for non-degree seeking graduate students who wish to take courses but aren't planning on completing a degree or certificate program at UCCS. International students interested in UCCS Graduate School programs should also use this application.

Graduate study has been a part of the UCCS Psychology Department since 1977.  You'll learn from our faculty in an environment designed for learning, research and student success – smaller class sizes than our peer institutions and the ability to connect one-on-one with your professors and supervisors.