Program of Study for the Master of Arts in Psychology

Admission Requirements: Baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university; complete application to the Graduate School ; official general GRE exam scores; completion of approved courses (or demonstrated competence in the subject matter) in General Psychology and Research Methods (including statistics); statement not exceeding two pages describing the applicant’s academic and professional goals. Applicants should describe their research interests and identify a potential mentor from the Psychology faculty.

To be considered for admission, applicants must meet the criteria for admission to the Graduate School . Meeting these criteria does not guarantee admission.

Location: On campus

Additional Admission Information

Accelerated Admission Option: This program offers an accelerated admission option for undergraduate students currently enrolled at Appalachian State University.

Course Requirements for the Master of Arts in Psychology

Concentration Requirements (16 Hours)

• PSY 5015 - Research Seminar (1) Repeated 4 times for 4 hours total
• PSY 5310 - Cognitive Processes (3)
• PSY 5530-5549 - Selected Topics (1-4) 3 hours required
• PSY 6320 - Biological Bases of Behavior (3)
• PSY 6340 - Seminar in Social Psychology (3)

Other Requirements for the MA in Psychology

• Thesis: Required
• Proficiency: Statistics proficiency met by completion of PSY 5020  
• Candidacy: Required for both concentrations. For Experimental Concentration, candidacy is granted upon approval of thesis committee and prospectus. For Clinical Concentration, candidacy is granted upon approval of thesis committee and defense of prospectus, successful completion of PSY 5904 , and approval of program faculty.
• Comprehensive: Experimental Concentration students will satisfactorily complete a concentration-specific examination by scoring at or above the 70th percentile on the Area Concentration Achievement Test (ACAT). Not required for Clinical Concentration.
• Product of Learning: Not required