Master of Science in Psychology

The Master of Science degree requires a core of 15 (18 for thesis option) hours followed by additional courses to total a minimum of 33 hours. Beyond the core the student can, through advisement, direct studies for the Master of Science degree toward a terminal program in general psychology, toward community college teaching of psychology, toward a pre-doctoral program, or toward a pre-specialist program in school psychology. Those students planning to apply for the Specialist in Education in School Psychology should consult with their advisor in selecting elective courses.

Behavior Analysis

The Master of Science Degree Program in Psychology with an emphasis in Behavior Analysis is designed to the student who wishes to pursue advanced training in behavior analysis. Students pursing this degree will be eligible for certification as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). GRE scores required as on admission  requirements.

Students who complete BCBA certification can gain employment in school systems, community mental health centers, hospitals, others.

The Master of Science Degree Program in Psychology with an emphasis in Behavior Analysis is designed to the student who wishes to pursue advanced training in behavior analysis. Students pursing this degree will be eligible for certification as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). Students who complete BCBA certification can gain employment in school systems, community mental health centers, hospitals, others

Core Requirements

• PSYCH-830 Psychology of Learning (3 hours)
• PSYCH-834 Introduction to Human Neuropsychology (3 hours)
• PSYCH-841 Basic Behavior Analysis (3 hours)
• PSYCH-846 Research Designs in Behavior Analysis (3 hours)
• PSYCH-847 Behavior Observation and Assessment (3 hours)
• PSYCH-850 Ethical and Professional Conduct in Behavior Analysis (3 hours)
• PSYCH-852 Staff Training, Consultation, and Management in Behavior Analysis (3 hours)
• PSYCH-853 Applications of Behavior Analysis (3 hours)
• PSYCH-859 Advanced Developmental Psychology (3 hours)
• PSYCH-861 Internship in Behavior Analysis (3 hours)

Option I Requirement

• PSYCH-890 Research and Thesis (3-6 hours)
• PSYCH-892 Special Research Project (3 hours)

Option II Requirement

• PSYCH-892 Special Research Project (3 hours)

Clinical Psychology

The Master of Science degree with a major in psychology with a Clinical emphasis meets the educational requirements of the Kansas Behavioral Sciences Regulatory Board course work and fieldwork requirements for Licensed Master's Level Psychologists. Additional Field experience and the licensure examination qualifies graduates for licensure as clinical psychotherapists in Kansas. A minimum of 67 hours is required, including coursework in psychopathology, assessment, treatment, and research; and 750 clock hours of practicum and internship experiences. The program also meets educational requirements for Licensed Professional Counselor most states, but requirements vary by state. Additional post-degree supervision and national examination are required for licensure as a professional counselor and also varies by state.

Pre-requisites for entry into Clinical Psychology program include: PSYCH 389 Research Methods in Psychology I, PSYCH 392 Research Methods in Psychology II, and PSYCH 571 Abnormal Psychology.

Core Requirements

• PSYCH-722 Fundamentals of Tests and Measurement (3 hours)
• PSYCH-801 Ethical Issues in Clinical Psychology (3 hours)
• PSYCH-803 Intellectual Assessment (3 hours)
• PSYCH-808 Child Personality Assessment (3 hours)
• PSYCH-809 Personality Assessment (3 hours)
• PSYCH-811 Psychopathology and Diagnosis of Mental Disorders (3 hours)
• PSYCH-818 Theories of Counseling and Psychotherapy (3 hours)
• PSYCH-819 Techniques of Counseling and Psychotherapy (3 hours)
• PSYCH-823 Psychopharmacology (3 hours)
• PSYCH-832 Evidence-Based Interventions: Adults (3 hours)
• PSYCH-834 Introduction to Human Neuropsychology (3 hours)
• PSYCH-839 Group Interventions (3 hours)
• PSYCH-860 Clinical Psychology (1 hour)
• PSYCH-872 Practicum in Clinical Psychology (1-6 hours)
• PSYCH-890 Research and Thesis (3-6 hours)
• PSYCH-891 Methods of Research in Psychology and Counseling (3 hours)
• PSYCH-895 Internship in Clinical Psychology (1-9 hours)

Pre-requisites for entry into Clinical Psychology program include: PSYCH 389 Research Methods in Psychology I, PSYCH 392 Research Methods in Psychology II, and PSYCH 571 Abnormal Psychology.

General Option Electives (9 hours)

• PSYCH-711 Addictions I (3 hours)
• PSYCH-720 Multicultural Issues in Psychology and Counseling (3 hours)
• PSYCH-736 Psychology of Family Development (3 hours)
• PSYCH-817 Theories and Techniques of Family Counseling and Therapy (3 hours)
• PSYCH-833 Evidence-Based Interventions: Children (3 hours)
• PSYCH-844 Diversity Issues in Counseling (3 hours)
• PSYCH-845 Practice in Family Counseling (1-3 hours)

Child and Family Option Electives (9 hours)

• PSYCH-736 Psychology of Family Development (3 hours)
• PSYCH-817 Theories and Techniques of Family Counseling and Therapy (3 hours)
• PSYCH-833 Evidence-Based Interventions: Children (3 hours)
• PSYCH-844 Diversity Issues in Counseling (3 hours)
• PSYCH-845 Practice in Family Counseling (1-3 hours)
• PSYCH-859 Advanced Developmental Psychology (3 hours)

Intellectual Disabilities/Developmental Disabilities (ID/DD) Electives (9 hours)

• PSYCH-741 Introduction to Behavior Analysis (3 hours)
• PSYCH-781 Psychology of Exceptional Children (3 hours)
• PSYCH-805 Psychoeducational Assessment (3 hours)
• PSYCH-830 Psychology of Learning (3 hours)

Addictions Option Electives (9 hours)

• PSYCH-711 Addictions I (3 hours)
• PSYCH-720 Multicultural Issues in Psychology and Counseling (3 hours)
• PSYCH-774 Family and Addictions (3 hours)
• PSYCH-776 Addiction Services Coordination (3 hours)

12 credits required for students seeking LPCCheck with your advisor as requirements vary by state.

• PSYCH-745 Introduction to Counseling and Psychotherapy (3 hours)
• PSYCH-844 Diversity Issues in Counseling (3 hours)
• PSYCH-848 Career Development (3 hours)
• PSYCH-859 Advanced Developmental Psychology (3 hours)

Total hours for Master of Science Degree with an Emphasis in Clinical Psychology (67 hours)

General Psychology

Completion of the Master of Science degree with a major in psychology (general) does not qualify an individual to be a mental health service provider. The program is not designed to train practitioners and thus students seeking the general Master of Science are not eligible to enroll in a practicum or internship in the department.

Completion of the Master of Science degree with a major in psychology (general) does not qualify an individual to be a mental health service provider. The program is not designed to train practitioners and thus students seeking the general Master of Science are not eligible to enroll in a practicum or internship in the department.

• PSYCH-722 Fundamentals of Tests and Measurement (3 hours)
• PSYCH-741 Introduction to Behavior Analysis (3 hours)
• PSYCH-830 Psychology of Learning (3 hours)
• PSYCH-834 Introduction to Human Neuropsychology (3 hours)
• PSYCH-859 Advanced Developmental Psychology (3 hours)
• PSYCH-891 Methods of Research in Psychology and Counseling (3 hours)

Plus a minimum of 15 hours (to total a minimum of 33 hours) chosen in consultation with the student's advisor. (Must include PSYCH 890 Research and Thesis for students electing Thesis Option I). 

Total hours for Emphasis in General Psychology (33 hours)

https://www.pittstate.edu/registrar/catalog/archive/2023-2024/college-of-education/psychology-and-counseling/ms-psychology.html