Master of Arts: Psychology
Program DescriptionEffective spring semester 2006, the M.A. program has suspended admissions indefinitely. Future updates about the program will be posted on our departmental home page at http://cas.umkc.edu/psyc.The master of arts in psychology program prepares students for careers that require the application of psychological principles to the workplace or community settings. The program involves training in theory, research design and statistics, and the application of principles to real world situations. The program provides advanced training both for recent graduates and for individuals who have been in the work force for a number of years. Although some students subsequently enter doctoral programs and complete Ph.D.s, many immediately accept challenging jobs in the public, private or non-profit sector. Students may complete the program on a full- or part-time basis, however to ensure the timeliness of training, all program requirements must be completed within five years from admission. There are two program concentrations reflecting the strengths of our faculty:
Potential applicants should be aware that the psychology M.A. is not designed to prepare students for professional practice as a psychologist. Further, completion of an M.A. in Health Psychology is not adequate preparation for either the practice of psychology or use of the term “psychologist,” both of which are regulated by state statute. Students interested in the practice of psychology should consider the Clinical Psychology Ph.D. program described under the Department of Psychology listing.
Thesis Option:Those students who hope to pursue additional graduate training (i.e., Ph.D.) are strongly encouraged to select the thesis option. Students who select this option work closely with their M.A. thesis adviser to develop an empirical project, which is evaluated and approved by a committee chosen by the student and his/her adviser. Students are expected to work independently during all aspects of the thesis, including design, data collection, analysis, and write-up. A final report is written by the student, approved by the thesis committee, and submitted to the Graduate School for credit towards the master's degree. The thesis must fulfill the requirements of the School of Graduate Studies, described in the Graduate Catalog. A minimum of 36 credit hours are required, including six hours of supervised research (Psych 5590).
Non-Thesis Option:Those students who seek to immediately apply their skills in work settings and do not plan to pursue additional graduate training (i.e., Ph.D.) are encouraged to select the non-thesis option. A minimum of 36 credit hours are required, including six hours of supervised research (Psych 5590) resulting in an independent project.
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