Nov 02, 2024  
2022/2023 University Catalog 
    
2022/2023 University Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Psychology, M.S.


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(Major Code: 20011) (SIMS Code: 778302)

In addition to meeting the basic requirements for the master’s degree as described in Requirements for Master’s Degrees , the student must complete a graduate program of at least 30 units (36-38 units for the Master of Science degree). Only classified graduate students are permitted to enroll in any 600-numbered (or higher) courses in psychology. The departmental graduate adviser must approve all programs of study except the Master of Science in clinical psychology. For the Master of Science in clinical psychology, departmental approval is provided by the program director of the joint doctoral program.

PSY 670A -PSY 670B  or PSY 770A -PSY 770B  are required in all master’s degree programs in the Department of Psychology. In addition, for all degrees other than the Master of Science in clinical psychology, PSY 600 - Research Orientation , PSY 799A - Thesis , and an oral examination on the thesis are also required.

Advancement to Candidacy


The student must satisfy the general requirements for advancement to candidacy as stated in Requirements for Master’s Degrees . Having obtained three grades of C or lower in graduate courses automatically precludes advancement to candidacy.

In addition, students must have an approved thesis proposal prior to advancement to candidacy.

Specific Requirements


The Master of Science degree may be obtained with the following concentrations:

The Applied Psychology Program


The Applied Psychology program (SIMS Code: 778311) has two specializations:

Quantitative Methods Specialization


The specialization in quantitative methods prepares students to properly implement and interpret the results of data analyses common to psychology. The program prepares students to enter into a doctorate program in quantitative psychology or secure non-academic industry positions specializing in analysis of behavioral data.

Of the nine units of graduate electives required, at least six must be selected from psychology; three units of graduate electives should be from other departments with prior approval of the master’s program adviser.

Specific requirements for students selecting the Quantitative Methods specialization (SIMS Code: 778314) are: A minimum of 38 units, 32 of which must be completed in psychology, to include

Industrial and Organizational Specialization


The specialization in industrial and organizational psychology prepares students to apply psychological knowledge to make decisions and solve problems in organizations. This specialization involves training in theory, research, and practice in industrial and organizational psychology. Although some graduates with a specialization in industrial and organizational psychology continue their studies in a Ph.D. program, most graduates work for corporations or consulting firms in positions involving the development, delivery, and evaluation of human resources interventions.

Three units of graduate electives may be selected from psychology or from other departments with prior approval of the master’s program adviser.

Specific requirements for students selecting the Industrial and Organizational specialization (SIMS Code: 778304) are: A minimum of 38 units, 35 of which must be completed in psychology, to include

Clinical Psychology


(included within the Ph.D. program; not available separately).

(Major Code: 20031) (SIMS Code: 778309)

UCSD Clinical Psychology 227B (Mind, Brain, and Behavior II) and PSY 897  are optional. Completion of the second year project and approval by a committee consisting of a minimum of three faculty members representing both SDSU and UCSD. For this degree only, all approvals and advancement to candidacy will be completed by the program director of the joint doctoral program.

A minimum of 36 units in psychology to include

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