College of Social and Behavioral Sciences2012-2013

Department of Psychology

Psychology, Master of Arts

  • Available Emphasis Areas:
  • Clinical Health Psychology - Emphasis (ending Summer 2015)
  • Pre-Doctoral training in Clinical Health Psychology - Emphasis (ending Summer 2015)
  • Pre-Doctoral training in General Psychology Research - Emphasis (ending Summer 2015)
  • Teaching of Psychology - Emphasis (ending Summer 2015)

This graduate psychology program has four outcome-specific emphases to choose from. Dependent on the emphasis chosen this program prepares students for: doctoral training in various subdisciplines of psychology, doctoral training in health psychology, to practice clinical health psychology at the master's level and provides breadth of knowledge. The emphasis in teaching will provide students with teaching experience in preparation for a teaching career at the community college level.

Careers

What Can I Do with a Master of Arts in Psychology?

If you find yourself fascinated with why we think, feel, and behave the way we do, consider pursuing a graduate degree in psychology. If you're hoping to build your qualifications for further training or want to keep your job options open, Northern Arizona University's MA in psychology can help. Our program places many graduates into doctoral programs, community college teaching positions, and positions in the field of health promotion and health education. We offer four different tracks geared to specific professional goals: predoctoral general psychology, predoctoral health psychology, clinical health psychology, or teaching of psychology. Please note that if you are interested in the MA in Psychology, you must apply and be accepted to the Department of Psychology's program in addition to being admitted to the university.

With further education, one of these paths is possible:
  • Counselor
  • Mental health professional
  • Social services professional
  • Community college instructor

University Requirements

  • To receive a master’s degree at Northern Arizona University, you must complete a planned group of courses from one or more subject areas, consisting of at least 30 units of graduate-level courses. (Many master’s degree programs require more than 30 units.)

    You must additionally complete:

    • All requirements for your specific academic plan(s). This may include a thesis.
    • All graduate work with a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0.
    • All work toward the master’s degree must be completed within six consecutive years. The six years begins with the semester and year of admission to the program.
    The full policy can be viewed here.

     

Overview

In addition to University Requirements:

  • Complete individual plan requirements.

Minimum Units for Completion 36 - 43
Additional Admission Requirements Admission requirements over and above admission to NAU are required.
Emphasis, Minor, Certificate

Emphasis, minor, and/or certificate are required.
Thesis Thesis may be required by chosen emphasis or offered as an option.
Oral Defense Oral Defense may be required by chosen emphasis or offered as an option.
Research Individualized research may be required by chosen emphasis or offered as an option.

Details
Additional Admission Requirements
  • Admission requirements over and above admission to NAU are required.
Master's Requirements
  • Take the following 36 - 43 units:

    Emphasis Requirements (Select One):
    • Pre-Doctoral training in General Psychology Research Emphasis (39 units)
      • Approved cognates from outside the department (1-3 units)
      • PSY 699, for the research, writing, and oral defense of an approved thesis. Please note that you can only count 6 units of thesis credit toward your degree. However, you may end up taking more units because you must enroll for it each term while you are working on your thesis. (6 units)
    • Pre-Doctoral training in Clinical Health Psychology Emphasis (43 units)
    • Teaching of Psychology Emphasis (Non-Thesis) (36 units)
      • Psychology electives: graduate courses offered by our department. (1-3 units)
      • PSY 665 (3 units)
      • PSY 608 (3 units)
  • Please note that many of our graduate courses have prerequisites and must follow a specified sequence.

    Please be aware that if you earn more than 6 units with a grade of "C" or lower, you will automatically be terminated from the program.

  • Be aware that some courses may have prerequisites that you must also take. For prerequisite information click on the course or see your advisor.
     

Campus Availability

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