Academics » M.S. in General Psychology
The IPS Master of Science (M.S.) in General Psychology reflects a thorough education and training in the science of psychology, including how a Catholic understanding of the person, marriage, and family life provides a foundation for, and can be integrated with, psychological studies.
The program requires forty-eight (48) credit hours of course work, a non-credit course in library information use and research, and one elective. Students must also complete a thesis prior to graduation. A typical schedule for full-time students who plan to complete the program in two years is:
ACADEMIC YEAR 1
LIB 500 Library and Information Use & Research
PHT 502 Philosophical & Theological Anthropology
PHT 614 Practical Reasoning and Moral Character
PSY 500 Psychology: History and Systems
PSY 535 Integration of Psychology and Spirituality
PSY 504 Psychological Measurement
PSY 507 Psychopathology
PSY 512 Law, Ethics and Psychology
ELECTIVE (choose one):
PSY 721 Cognitive Psychology
PSY 822 Biological Bases of Behavior
ACADEMIC YEAR 2
PHT 633 Major World Philosophies and Religions
PHT 635 Theology of Marriage and Family
PSY 503 Personality Theories
PSY 718 Research Design for the Psychological Sciences
PSY 605 Developmental Psychology
PSY 825 Social Psychology
PSY 690 Thesis Research (6cr)
THESIS
A thesis research project is required for the Master of Science in General Psychology. The thesis requires a minimum of six (6) credit hours of coursework (PSY 690 Thesis Research) during which time the student develops a thesis proposal for approval by a thesis committee, conducts the thesis research, and submits a written report for approval by a thesis committee. The thesis topic must be defined in close consultation with the student’s advisor. Each student must have their thesis approved by the committee prior to submitting the written report. The thesis research may take the form of a critical review and analysis of a topic or area in the field of psychology, or it may take the form of original research which can be either theoretical or empirical.
PROGRAM OBJECTIVES
The objectives of the Master of Science in General Psychology degree program are to help students:
- Obtain a rigorous knowledge of and appreciation for the methods and theoretical perspectives of the science of psychology and the contributions of these perspectives to our understanding of the human person;
- Develop a sophisticated understanding of Catholic Christian anthropology of the person and its implications for the science and practice of psychology;
- Acquire knowledge of major basic psychological science content areas existing within the field of psychology
- Acquire the knowledge and experience necessary to pursue careers in psychology-related fields or to continue their doctoral studies in psychology.
Students should also be aware that career opportunities in the field of psychology for individuals with a master’s degree may be limited and may require a doctoral level degree for specific jobs.
Please click here for a PDF document of the Degree Requirements and respective Program Curriculum.