Psychology, MA - Psychological Science

Psychology, MA

Psychological Science Track

Program Delivery

On Campus

Total Credits

36 Credits

About the Program

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.


Focus of Study

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

Program Requirements

Required Credit Hours: 36


MA Sub-Plans Options for Psychological Science Students

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  

Program Coursework

Program Coursework
SAMPLE:

Year 1

Fall:
Research Statistics and Methodology I
Contemporary Issues in Psychology
a Core Content Course
Spring:
Research Statistics and Methodology II
a Core Content Course
Contemporary Issues in Psychology
a Required Elective Course (possibly).

Year 2

Fall:

Applied Multivariate Techniques I
Contemporary Issues in Psychology
Research Practicum or a Core Content Course/Required Elective Course

Spring:

Methods and Design for Analyzing Change or Research Practicum
Master’s Thesis
Contemporary Issues in Psychology
a Core Content Course/Required Elective Course

Total Credit Hours: 36


Faculty

Social Psychology
Thomas A. Pyszczynski, Ph.D., Distinguished Professor, Social Psychology

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
Kelli Klebe, Ph.D., Professor
Andrew Lac, Ph.D., Associate Professor
Kristen L. Rudd, Ph.D., Assistant Professor


Accreditation & Awards

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


Admissions Details

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.


Program FAQs

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.