MA Sub Plans

M.A. Sub-Plans

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M.A. students also have the option to gain experience within a specialized sub-field, formally called a "sub-plan."
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The Psychology Department offers two tracks within its Master's program: Clinical and Psychological Science. Upon completing either of these programs, a student is conferred a general M.A. degree in Psychology. But M.A. students also have the option to gain experience within a specialized sub-field, formally called a "sub-plans," in the discipline. The sub-plans include biopsychology, geropsychology, trauma psychology, social psychology, cognition, and developmental psychology. 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, and for students in the Clinical track, a practicum at a setting in that domain. Students who enroll in an optional sub-plan glean the benefits of a more concentrated focus of study that is reflected in their transcripts.

Applicants to the Psychology M.A. program will be asked at the time of application whether they wish to pursue a sub-plan. The sub-plans are optional and the desire to pursue a sub-plan will not affect the likelihood of admission into our M.A. program.

Sub-Plan in Biopsychology (Psychological Science M.A.)

The primary objective of the Sub-Plan in Biopsychology is to prepare graduate students for further academic training at the doctoral level in Biopsychology. Students who complete these sub-plans would also be able to pursue careers at the MA level in research settings.

Biopsychology Sub-Plan Requirements

To complete the Biopsychology sub-plan, students must (a) successfully complete all requirements of the Psychological Science track of the Psychology MA program, (b) earn a passing grade (B- or better) in PSY 6120 – Neuroscience or in another graduate biopsychology-related course approved by the Coordinator of the sub-plan (who will first confer with all faculty affiliates of the sub-plan), and (c) successfully complete a masters thesis in this area and be supervised by a faculty member who belongs to the Biopsychology sub-plan faculty (listed below).

Biopsychology Sub-Plan Faculty

Mike Kisley Ph.D. (Sub-Plan Coordinator): Evolution and function of emotion and emotion regulation
Laith Al-Shawaf, Ph.D.: Evolutionary approaches to cognition, emotion, and personality
Fred Coolidge, Ph.D.: Cognitive Archaeology, Evolution of cognition & language
Mary Coussons-Read, Ph.D.: Psychoneuroimmunology

Sub-Plan in Cognition (Psychological Science M.A.)

A primary objective of the Sub-Plan in Cognition is to prepare graduate students for further academic training at the doctoral level in cognition. Students who complete the program will be competitive for application to doctoral programs in cognitive psychology, evolutionary psychology, psychological science, experimental psychology, experimental psychopathology, quantitative psychology, human development, neuropsychology, and others. Students who complete this sub-plan would also be able to pursue careers at the M.A. level in research settings.

Cognition Sub-Plan Requirements

Students in the Cognition Sub-plan must (a) complete all requirements of the Psychological Science track of the Psychology M.A. Program, (b) take the core content course in Cognition (PSY 6110), (c) complete a research thesis in this area and be supervised by a relevant faculty member, and (d) participate in sub-plan activities such as colloquia.

Cognition Sub-Plan Faculty

Fred Coolidge, Ph.D., (Sub-Plan Coordinator): Cognitive Archaeology, Evolution of Cognition and Language
Laith Al-Shawaf, Ph.D.:Emotions & Cognition, Evolutionary Cognitive Psychology, Error Management Theory & Cognitive Biases
Lori James, Ph.D.: Language, Memory, and Cognition
Mike Kisley, Ph.D.: Beliefs About Emotion, Meta-Emotional Knowledge
Diana Selmeczy, Ph.D.: Development, Memory, Decision-Making & Metacognition

Sub-Plan in Developmental Psychology (Psychological Science M.A.)

The primary objective of the Sub-Plan in Developmental Psychology is to prepare graduate students to work directly with or conduct research relevant to children and adolescents. This may include a focus on either normal or abnormal developmental processes. Many students will seek further academic training at the doctoral level in developmental psychology, as students who complete the program will be competitive for application to doctoral programs in developmental psychology, human development, and others. The program will also prepare students who wish to pursue careers in developmental psychology at the M.A.-level such as work in social service agencies, child care services, and other educational, health, or judicial settings.

Developmental Psychology Sub-Plan Components

Students in the Developmental Psychology Sub-plan must (a) complete all requirements of the Psychological Science track of the Psychology M.A. Program, (b) take the core content course in Developmental Psychology (PSY 6100), (c) complete a research thesis in this area and be supervised by a relevant faculty member, and (d) participate in sub-plan activities such as colloquia.

Developmental Psychology Sub-Plan Faculty

Fred Coolidge, Ph.D. (Sub-Plan Coordinator): Child and Adolescent Psychopathology and Personality Assessment, and Twin Studies
Beth Daniels, Ph.D.: Gender, Body Image, Media, Sports and Physical Activities, Adolescent Development, Positive Youth Development
Diana Selmeczy, Ph.D.: Development, Memory, Decision-Making & Metacognition

Sub-Plan in Geropsychology (Clinical & Psychological Science M.A.)

The primary objective of the Sub-Plan in Geropsychology is to prepare graduate students for further academic training at the doctoral level in the psychology of aging. Students who complete the program will be competitive for application to doctoral programs in geropsychology, gerontology, clinical psychology, neuropsychology, developmental psychology, and others. Students who complete this Sub-Plan would also be able to pursue careers at the M.A. level in research settings.

Although Colorado and other states allow for individuals with a Master’s degree to obtain a license to practice mental health services, our Clinical Psychology M.A. track is a Ph.D. preparatory track and does not provide all the required training opportunities for licensure at the M.A. level.

Nevertheless, some M.A. graduates choose to obtain these additional requirements to practice at the M.A. level. If these future professionals choose such a path, our Geropsychology Sub-Plan can at least ensure that these individuals have the essential training opportunities in geropsychology to effectively practice without a terminal degree.

Geropsychology Sub-Plan Requirements

Students in the Geropsychology Sub-Plan must (a) complete all the requirements of the Clinical or Psychological Science track of the Psychology M.A. Program, (b) take a core content courses in Psychology of Aging (PSY 5210 or 5220), and (c) complete a research thesis in this area and be supervised by a relevant faculty member. Students in the Psychological Science M.A. track must also participate in concentration activities such as colloquia. Students in the Clinical M.A. track must also complete a standard clinical practicum (450 hours) in a setting relevant to aging. Practicum opportunities are offered at numerous local institutions, such as the Department of Veterans Affairs, Peak View Behavioral Health, and the UCCS Aging Center, all of which may require a competitive application process for acceptance into the practicum. The UCCS Aging Center is an existing department-coordinated clinic, directed and partially staffed by UCCS faculty, that provides mental health care services to older adults. The Aging Center, the department’s clinical training clinic, provides an ideal practicum site and resource for students in the Geropsychology Sub-Plan. Appropriate placements will focus on clinical interventions for aging-related mental health concerns, providing support for caregivers of older adults, and assessment of psychological and cognitive changes that occur with aging. 

In addition, all students can choose to take additional courses related to Geropsychology within the department. Options include:

PSY 5840 Methods and Design for Analyzing Change
PSY 6610 Clinical Geropsychology I
PSY 6620 Clinical Geropsychology II
PSY 6870 Clinical Neuropsychology
PSY 6880 Clinical Neuropsychology Laboratory

Geropsychology Sub-Plan Faculty

Leilani Feliciano, Ph.D.:(Sub-Plan Coordinator): Mental Health and Aging, Behavioral Medicine, and Behavioral Gerontology
Lori James, Ph.D.: Cognitive Psychology of Language and Memory in Aging
Sara Qualls, Ph.D.: Mental Health and Aging; Family Caregiving; Integrated Healthcare; Senior Housing and Wellness; Technology and Aging
Dan Segal, Ph.D.: Diagnostic and Assessment in Geropsychology; Late-life Suicide Risk and Resilience; Late-life anxiety; Barriers to Mental Health Services; Personality Disorders Across the Lifespan
Rachel Thayer, Ph.D.: Neuropsychology, Aging, Alcohol and Cannabis Use
Rachel Weiskittle, Ph.D.: End-of-life Experiences, Adjustment to Loss, and Health Service Equity

Sub-Plan in Social Psychology (Psychological Science M.A.)

The primary objective of the Sub-Plan in Social Psychology is to prepare graduate students for further academic training at the doctoral level in Social Psychology. Students who complete these sub-plans would also be able to pursue careers at the MA level in research settings.

Social Psychology Sub-Plan Requirements

To complete the Social Psychology sub-plan, students must (a) successfully complete all requirements of the Psychological Science track of the Psychology MA program, (b) earn a passing grade (B- or better) in PSY 6130 – Social Psychology or in another graduate social psychology-related course approved by the coordinator of the sub-plan (who will first confer with all faculty affiliates of the sub-plan), and (c) successfully complete a masters thesis in this area and be supervised by a faculty member who belongs to the Social Psychology sub-plan faculty (listed below).

Social Psychology Sub-Plan Faculty

Mike Kisley, Ph.D.: (Sub-Plan Coordinator): Emotion beliefs, Social emotions, Close relationships
Laith Al-Shawaf, Ph.D.: Emotions, Social Cognition, Social Relationships, and Personality & Individual Differences as they relate to social behavior
Beth Daniels, Ph.D.: Gender, Body Image, Media, Sports and Physical Activities
Andrew Lac, Ph.D.: Social norms, close relationships, social cognition, personality, and emotions as relating to substance use, addictive behaviors, and psychometrics
Tom Pyszczynski, Ph.D.: Existential social psychology; terror management theory; the role of self and culture in social behavior; prejudice and intergroup conflict; political psychology; the interface between cognitive and emotional processes; clinical applications of social psychology

Sub-Plan in Trauma Psychology (Clinical & Psychological Science M.A.)

The primary objective of the Sub-Plan in Trauma Psychology is to prepare graduate students for further academic and/or clinical training at the doctoral level or for post-M.A. work in this field in settings such as hospitals, VA clinics, and emergency relief centers. Students who complete this program will also be able to pursue Ph.D. level work in the areas of clinical or experimental psychology focusing on trauma, homeland security, and public policy.

Trauma Psychology Sub-Plan Components

Students in the Trauma Sub-plan must (a) complete all the requirements of the Clinical or Psychological Science track of the Psychology MA Program, (b) take one of the core content courses in Trauma Psychology (PSY 6160 or 6170), and (c) complete a research thesis in this area and be supervised by a relevant faculty member (if not on the below list, thesis topic must be approved by sub-plan coordinator). Students in the Psychological Science MA track must also participate in sub-plan activities such as colloquia, and students in the Clinical MA track must complete their clinical practicum in a setting relevant to trauma psychology. Appropriate placements will focus on clinical interventions for trauma recovery as well as prevention programs for secondary trauma. Several additional courses outside of the Psychology Department are available.  Please discuss with the Sub-Plan Coordinator for more details if you have room in your curriculum plan for additional courses.

Trauma Psychology Sub-Plan Faculty

Steven Bistricky, Ph.D.(Sub-Plan Coordinator): Cognitive, Emotional, and Interpersonal Factors Associated with Trauma and other Significant Adversity; Understanding Vulnerability, Resilience, and Recovery Processes to Improve Mental Health
Chip Benight, Ph.D. : Social Cognitive Theory and Trauma Recovery
Heather Littleton, Ph.D.:  Social Cognitive Factors, and Trauma Recovery 
Colin Mahoney, Ph.D.: PTSD, Substance Use Disorders, Women’s Health, Military Veterans, Sexual Assault, Intimate Partner Violence, Community Violence, Combat Trauma, Behavioral Assessment, Digital Health Interventions
Tom Pyszczynski, Ph.D.: Terror Management Theory and Trauma

Sub-Plan in Psychology and Law (Clinical & Psychological Science M.A.)*

* This sub-plan is suspended indefinitely as of July 2020.

The primary objective of the Sub-Plan in Psychology and Law is to provide a rigorous academic background for students planning to enroll in a doctoral program in Psychology and Law and for those interested in post-M.A. work in settings such as law enforcement, courts, correctional facilities, treatment programs, social service agencies, and research institutes.

Psychology and Law Sub-Plan Requirements

Students in the Psychology and Law Sub-plan must (a) complete all requirements of the Clinical or Psychological Science track of the Psychology M.A. Program, (b) take the core content course in Psychology and Law (PSY 6150), and (c) complete a research thesis in this area and be supervised by a relevant faculty member. Students in the Psychological Science M.A. track must also participate in sub-plan activities such as colloquia, and students in the Clinical M.A. track must complete their clinical practicum in a setting relevant to psychology and law. Appropriate placements will focus on assessment or treatment of individuals involved in legal matters. In addition, all students can choose to take additional courses related to psychology and law from other departments. Options include:

Sociology

SOC 5520 Sociology of Corrections and Rehabilitation 
SOC 5940 Sociology of Law 
SOC 5950 Criminology

Criminal Justice

CJ 5420 Violence in Society 
CJ 5510 Contemporary Issues in Policing 
CJ 5520 Corrections
CJ 5552 Criminal Justice Ethics
CJ 5572 Race, Crime and Justice