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University Catalog

PSYCHOLOGY

College of Social Sciences and Interdisciplinary Studies

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

Psychology is the scientific study of human and animal behavior, cognition, and emotion. It is a broad discipline that includes both basic research and the application of research findings to everyday life. The Sacramento State Psychology Department offers an undergraduate program in General Psychology and graduate programs in Counseling Psychology, General Psychology (with specific emphasis on Psychology Doctoral Preparation), and Industrial/Organizational Psychology. At both the undergraduate and graduate levels, students may choose coursework, fieldwork, and research experiences that allow them to emphasize such areas as Clinical/Counseling, Cognitive, Developmental, Industrial/Organizational, Social, Personality, and Applied Behavior Analysis.

The undergraduate program allows students to develop research skills and an understanding of the biological, cognitive, cultural, developmental, and social aspects of human behavior. Students have the opportunity to apply their knowledge and skills in the form of faculty-supervised research projects and internship/fieldwork experiences.

The Psychology program at Sacramento State is one of the most highly sought after programs in Northern California. Due to the large number of applications, the program is now officially impacted. Students wishing to become Psychology majors must complete a series of required lower division courses and then must apply for admission to the program. It is highly recommended that interested students speak with a Psychology advisor as soon as possible.

Specializations

  • MA: Applied Behavior Analysis / Counseling / Industrial-Organizational Psychology / Doctoral Preparation

Special Features

  • The Psychology Department is housed in Amador Hall, a building designed primarily to accommodate the Department. As such, it contains extensive human and animal research facilities.
  • A Psychological Services Center provides excellent learning opportunities for students in experimental and counseling psychology. The six-room counseling suite is equipped for audio and video recording of therapy sessions, providing counseling services for the community.
  • Special labs are available for research in perception, cognition, human development, behavior analysis, and neuroscience. A sound-deadened room is used for sleep research and computer-controlled systems are available for programming animal research studies.
  • Computers are available for data collection and analysis and for stimuli and survey development and presentation.
  • Since independent study and fieldwork experiences are an integral part of the psychology curriculum, the Psychology Department maintains close ties with the Sacramento community. Each year about 300 students do research projects or work in various organizations and community service agencies such as the Suicide Prevention Service, Planned Parenthood, and the California Youth Authority.
  • Other students do independent study courses on topics of special interest to them, including biofeedback, neuroscience, cognition, cognitive development, visual perception, social psychology, industrial/organizational psychology, and sleep.
  • The Psychology Society, a club open to all psychology students, and Psi Chi, the National Honor Society in Psychology, jointly sponsor guest speakers and engage in various social activities throughout the year.

UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMS

With a BA in Psychology, graduates can qualify for positions requiring an understanding of human behavior in public service, education, or business. The undergraduate Behavior Analysis Certificate qualifies students for positions requiring the application of behavior analysis to children with developmental disabilities.

Requirements - Bachelor of Arts Degree

Units required for Major: 46-50
Minimum total units required for BA: 120

Courses in parentheses are prerequisites.

Note: PSYC 2, PSYC 8, and PSYC 101 must each be completed with a minimum grade of "C-" or better.

A. Required Lower Division Courses (7 units)

(3)

PSYC 2

Introductory Psychology

(1)

PSYC 4

Navigating Psychology: The Major and Careers (PSYC 2)

(3)

PSYC 8

Methods of Psychology (Corequisite: PSYC 2)

B. Required Upper Division Courses (33-37 units)

(3)

PSYC 100

Cross-Cultural Psychology (PSYC 2; Corequisite: PSYC 8)

(3)

PSYC 101

Statistics for Psychology (Passing score on ELM; PSYC 2, PSYC 4, PSYC 8)

(3-4) Select one of the following methods courses:

PSYC 120

Psychological Testing (PSYC 101)

PSYC 121

Methods and Statistics in Psychological Research (PSYC 101)

  PSYC 122 Qualitative Research in Psychology (PSYC 101)

PSYC 181

Experimental Analysis of Behavior (PSYC 2, PSYC 171)

(3-4) Select one of the following biological processes courses:

PSYC 111

Introduction to Biological Psychology (PSYC 2, PSYC 8, PSYC 101 recommended)

PSYC 115/BIO 115

Introduction to Neuroscience (PSYC 2, PSYC 8, PSYC 101)

PSYC 116

Animal Behavior (PSYC 2 background in biological sciences recommended)

PSYC 117

Drugs and Behavior

(6-7) Select two of the following cognitive and learning processes courses:

PSYC 103

Perception (PSYC 2, PSYC 8, PSYC 101 recommended)

PSYC 104

Learning Theories (PSYC 2, PSYC 8, PSYC 101)

PSYC 106

Motivation (PSYC 2, PSYC 8, PSYC 101 recommended)

PSYC 110

Cognitive Psychology (PSYC 2, PSYC 8, PSYC 101 recommended)

PSYC 171

Applied Behavior Analysis (PSYC 2)

(3) Select one of the following developmental processes courses:

PSYC 148

Child Psychology (PSYC 2)

PSYC 149

Psychology of Adolescence (PSYC 2)

PSYC 150

Psychological Aspects of Aging (PSYC 2)

(6) Select two of the following individual and social processes courses:

PSYC 108

Organizational Psychology

PSYC 130

Personality Theories (PSYC 2)

PSYC 145

Social Psychology (PSYC 2)

PSYC 168

Abnormal Psychology (PSYC 2)

(3) Select one of the following human diversity courses:

PSYC 135

Psychology of Multicultural Groups

PSYC 157

Psychology of Women (PSYC 2 or instructor permission)

PSYC 160

Homosexuality

PSYC 185

Psychology of Exceptional Children (PSYC 2)

(3-4) Select one of the following capstone courses:

PSYC 102*

Advanced Methods and Statistics in Psychological Research (PSYC 2, PSYC 4, PSYC 8, PSYC 101 and PSYC 121 )

PSYC 107

Controversial Issues in Psychology (PSYC 8 and PSYC 101)

PSYC 190

History and Systems of Psychology (Senior [90+ units] or graduate status in Psychology)

PSYC 194

Cooperative Research (PSYC 2, PSYC 8, PSYC 101 recommended)

*Select PSYC 102 if planning to enter a graduate program in Psychology.

C. Electives (6 units)

Select two additional upper division Psychology courses numbered 100-199.

Note: Transfer students must take at least 15 units of Psychology courses in residence at Sacramento State; 12 of those units must be upper division.

Sequencing coursework for the Undergraduate Major

The Psychology Department strongly recommends that Psychology Majors sequence their courses in the following manner to provide them with an optimal learning experience:

Freshmen and Sophomores:

lower division GE requirements, PSYC 2, PSYC 4, PSYC 8 and electives

Juniors:

upper division GE requirements, PSYC 101 (and PSYC 102 for graduate school aspirants), any upper division Psychology courses and electives

Seniors:

upper division GE requirements, any upper division Psychology courses, Psychology capstone course and electives

It is important to choose courses in the sequence outlined above. Otherwise, there could be a delay in completion of the major and graduation. A brochure is available in the Psychology Department Office with specific course recommendations depending on the desired career path of the student.

Requirements - Minor

Units required for the Minor: 21, 15 of which must be upper division.

Note: PSYC 2 and PSYC 8 must each be completed with a grade of "C-" or better.

Courses in parentheses are prerequisites.

Specific course requirements are:

(3)

PSYC 2

Introductory Psychology

(3)

PSYC 8

Methods of Psychology (Corequisite: PSYC 2)

(6-7) Select two of the following:

PSYC 103

Perception (PSYC 2, PSYC 8, PSYC 101 recommended)

PSYC 104

Learning Theories (PSYC 2, PSYC 8, PSYC 101)

PSYC 106

Motivation (PSYC 2, PSYC 8, PSYC 101 recommended)

PSYC 110

Cognitive Psychology (PSYC 2, PSYC 8, PSYC 101 recommended)

PSYC 111

Introduction to Biological Psychology (PSYC 2, PSYC 8, PSYC 101 recommended)

PSYC/BIO 115

Introduction to Neuroscience (PSYC 2, PSYC 8, PSYC 101)

PSYC 116

Animal Behavior (PSYC 2, background in biological sciences recommended)

PSYC 117

Drugs and Behavior

(6) Select two of the following:

PSYC 100

Cross-Cultural Psychology (PSYC 2; Corequisite: PSYC 8)

PSYC 108

Organizational Psychology

PSYC 130

Personality Theories (PSYC 2)

PSYC 145

Social Psychology (PSYC 2)

PSYC 148

Child Psychology (PSYC 2)

PSYC 149

Psychology of Adolescence (PSYC 2)

PSYC 150

Psychological Aspects of Aging (PSYC 2)

PSYC 168

Abnormal Psychology (PSYC 2)

(3)

Elective

Select one additional upper division Psychology course numbered 100-199

Note: PSYC 2 may be applied to both the Minor and General Education requirements.

Requirements - Certificate - Behavior Analysis

Units required for the Certificate: 15 units of specialized coursework taken concurrently with established degree requirements. Courses for the Certificate program are applicable toward course requirements for the major.

Courses in parentheses are prerequisites.

(4)

PSYC 171

Applied Behavior Analysis (PSYC 2)

(4)

PSYC 181

Experimental Analysis of Behavior (PSYC 2, PSYC 171)

(4)

PSYC 184

Clinical Issues in Applied Behavior Analysis (PSYC 171)

(3)

PSYC 191

Undergraduate Practicum in Behavior Analysis (PSYC 171 or PSYC 181)

To receive the Sacramento State certification in Behavior Analysis, students must:

  • complete a baccalaureate degree program with a major in Psychology or a related field;
  • achieve a 3.5 GPA in the BA Certificate Program courses.

Additional certification information may be obtained from the Psychology Department Office.

GRADUATE PROGRAMS

The Master of Arts program in Psychology is designed to provide specialized education in the field of psychology. With a MA in Psychology, one can qualify for positions similar to those associated with a BA, though at a higher level of responsibility. Advisors play an active role in the planning process, and students are strongly encouraged to consult with faculty on a continual and intensive basis as soon as they begin their studies in the program. MA students can prepare for doctoral study in any area of Psychology or specialize in areas such as Counseling or Industrial/Organizational Psychology. Students who are interested in pursuing graduate work at Sacramento State in psychology must obtain a Graduate Brochure from the Psychology Department Office. This brochure is also available on the Sacramento State Web site. The Graduate Brochure contains the department application procedures, including GRE requirements and the departmental application form.

Although the program is based on a core set of requirements, the form of the program provides for flexibility. While much material is covered in regular course offerings, the Department recognizes that specialized study and the development of certain types of skills must take place on a one-to-one student-instructor basis. This includes research activities in the laboratory, field, or library; teaching activities; and volunteer work in community mental health agencies, government agencies, schools, and/or businesses. Academic credit under individualized study or fieldwork designations is available for these purposes.

Specializations

  • Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA): Applied behavior analysis (ABA) is the field of Psychology concerned with understanding the environmental variables that reliably influence human behavior, as well as developing procedures to modify socially significant behavior. The ABA program prepares students to work as behavior analysts in a variety of settings including schools and agencies providing services to individuals with disabilities. The ABA program coursework fulfills the requirements to sit for the national certification exam in Behavior Analysis (BCBA). Students should note that this degree option is also appropriate for those planning to enter doctoral programs in Applied Behavior Analysis, Experimental Analysis of Behavior, or Special Education.
  • Counseling Psychology: The specialized degree option in Counseling Psychology is designed for students desiring the Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) license. In addition to completing the core courses and the culminating requirement for the MA degree, students must select the Counseling Psychology option and complete all of the courses meeting the educational requirements for the MFT license as set forth by the licensing board. Students should note that this degree option is not appropriate for those planning to pursue doctoral study in Clinical Psychology; students committed to this latter goal should (a) complete a well-chosen set of other academic courses (including our quantitative and research courses), (b) obtain research experience, and (c) work very closely with faculty advisors.
  • Industrial/Organizational Psychology: This specialized degree option is designed for students who wish to develop marketable career skills that allow them to apply psychological principles and research methods to work-related issues. Hiring classifications of our graduates include Test Validation and Development Specialist, Research Analyst, and Personnel Analyst. In addition to completing the core courses and the culminating requirement for the MA degree, students must also select the Industrial/Organizational Psychology option.
  • Doctoral Preparation: In the Doctoral Preparation track, students can create individual programs in conjunction with the faculty to prepare for doctoral programs in a variety of specialized fields, such as Clinical, Cognitive, Developmental, Educational, Experimental, Industrial/Organizational, Neuroscience, Quantitative, and Social Psychology.

Admission Requirements

Admission to graduate study in Psychology is selective, requiring completion of upper division undergraduate psychology courses in statistics and research methods, with at least "C" grades in those courses, as well as a balanced and academically strong group of upper division courses covering at least five different core academic areas of psychology (e.g., biological, clinical, cognitive, developmental, social). The upper division psychological research methods/statistics requirement is met by Sacramento State PSYC 101 and PSYC 102 or their equivalents at other universities. Upper division research methods/statistics courses from other universities must be reviewed and approved for equivalency by the Department's Graduate Coordinator.

The acceptance model used by the Department equally weighs a composite grade point average (GPA), scores on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE), and letters of recommendation. Composite GPA involves both overall GPA and the GPA of the last 60 semester (90 quarter) units, the latter weighed twice that of the former. GRE scores from the two Aptitude and single Advanced Psychology exams are averaged. The three letters of recommendation are numerically scored on a scale from 1 (low) to 12 (high), and are averaged. Acceptance criteria are based upon applicant scores over the past several years, and will fluctuate somewhat from semester to semester as recent applicants are added to the pool.

An adjunct method of admission is available for applicants with complete files who are not selected via the above process: qualification through unclassified post baccalaureate status, providing the applicant meets university requirements for that status, takes specified coursework, and maintains a specified minimum GPA. Students are advised to seek further information from the Psychology Department concerning this admission alternative. This method can be used only by applicants who have applied under the Standard Admission Plan described below, have generated a complete application file with the Department, have satisfactorily completed all of the required preparatory coursework listed in the Graduate Brochure, and have fallen below the Department's admission criterion.

Admission Procedures

Applicants must obtain a Psychology Department Graduate Brochure containing the departmental application materials, and must complete both parts of the application process. Each prospective graduate student, including Sacramento State graduates, must file the following with the Office of Graduate Studies, River Front Center 206, (916) 278-6470:

  • an online application for admission; and
  • two sets of official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended, other than Sacramento State.

For more admissions information and application deadlines please visit http://www.csus.edu/gradstudies/.

At the same time, each applicant must send the following directly to the Psychology Department:

  • a completed application form from the Psychology Department Graduate Brochure;
  • one set of official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended, including Sacramento State transcripts;
  • official copies of the General and Psychology Graduate Record Examination* scores (be aware that it takes approximately six weeks from the test date for scores to be forwarded); and
  • three letters of recommendation from individuals who can evaluate the applicant's potential for successful graduate study.

*The General GRE (available now only as a computerized test) must have been taken by the application deadline. If you intend to take a Psychology GRE that is scheduled at a time that falls shortly after our deadline, please contact the Department to determine if we will accept results of that exam.

Advancement to Candidacy

Each student must file an application for Advancement to Candidacy, indicating a proposed program of graduate study. This procedure should begin as soon as the classified graduate student has:

  • removed any deficiencies in admission requirements;
  • completed at least 12 units of 200-level courses in the graduate program with a minimum 3.0 GPA;
  • selected a Thesis or Project committee;
  • obtained the committee's approval of a proposal for the thesis or project (as indicated by committee members' signatures on the Department's thesis/project approval form); and
  • taken the Writing Placement for Graduate Students (WPG) or taken a Graduate Writing Intensive (GWI) course in their discipline within the first two semesters of coursework at California State University, Sacramento or secured approval for a WPG waiver.

The student will complete the Advancement to Candidacy form after planning a degree program in consultation with a Psychology advisor and members of the student's thesis/project committee. The completed form is then returned to the Office of Graduate Studies for approval.

Requirements - Master of Arts Degree

Units required for the MA: 30, each with a grade of ''C'' or better
Minimum required GPA: 3.0

Courses in parentheses are prerequisites.

A. Required Core Courses (10 units)

(3)

PSYC 200

Methods in Empirical Psychology (PSYC 8, PSYC 101, PSYC 102)

(3)

PSYC 203

Experimental Design I (Graduate standing and PSYC 102 or its equivalent; Corequisite: PSYC 292)

(1)

PSYC 292

Laboratory

(3)

Program Track course (see below for guidelines, and consult an advisor in order to determine the appropriate course)

Guidelines for Program Track Course

Students in the Counseling Psychology option should take EDC 231 or PSYC 268.

Students in the Industrial/Organizational Psychology option should take PSYC 209.

Pre-doctoral and General Master's students should select one of the following:

PSYC 209

Seminar in Systems of Psychology

PSYC 210

Theories of Personality (PSYC 102 or equivalent; PSYC 102 may be taken concurrently)

PSYC 216

Current Literature in Personnel and Organizational Psychology (Coursework in Personnel and Organizational Psychology; PSYC 102 or its equivalent)

PSYC 217

Current Literature in Personality and Social Psychology (Coursework in Personnel and Organizational Psychology; PSYC 102 or its equivalent)

PSYC 251

Developmental Processes (PSYC 148 or PSYC 149)

B. Other Course Requirements (16 units)

(16) Select 16 units of approved Psychology elective courses; at least 9 units must be 200-level courses*

*With advisor approval, a maximum of 6 units in related fields may be applied to this requirement.

C. Culminating Requirement (4-6 units)

(4) PSYC 500A Culminating Experience (Advancement to candidacy and permission of graduate coordinator)

(2) PSYC 500B* Culminating Experience (PSYC 500A)

*Students must enroll in PSYC 500B if thesis/project is not satisfactorily completed while enrolled in PSYC 500A.

Requirements - Master of Arts Degree - Applied Behavior Analysis Option

Applied Behavior Analysis is a scientific approach aimed at 1) understanding environmental variables that reliably influence socially significant behavior and 2) developing behavior-change technologies based on this understanding.

Applied Behavior Analysis procedures have been used in many areas including developmental disabilities, education, rehabilitation, community psychology, self-management, child management, and sports psychology. The program at Sacramento State prepares students to practice as M.A. level board certified behavior analysts, as well as enter doctoral (Ph.D.) programs in Applied Behavior Analysis or Experimental Analysis of Behavior. Our graduates are extremely marketable in California and are typically employed by school districts, private schools, or agencies providing services to individuals with learning, emotional, or developmental disabilities.

Research and Clinical Opportunities

Our research facilities include human and animal (rats) operant laboratories and research rooms for data collection with children and adults. We have also established research partnerships with different schools and agencies in the region.

Clinical training is also an integral part of our program. There are numerous funded internships and job opportunities for behavior analysis students in Sacramento. Students may also obtain clinical experience working closely with behavior analysis professors in one of these projects:

  • UCP Autism Center for Excellence (A.C.E.) - This is an on-campus multidisciplinary program developed to promote community participation of children diagnosed with autism between ages 8-12.
  • ABA Clinic - This is an open-campus clinic for assessment and treatment of behavior problems such as feeding disorders, stereotypy, aggression, and self-injury.
  • Children's Hospital - UC Davis - This is an off-campus multidisciplinary program serving children with feeding disorders and their families. Children served have been diagnosed as failure to thrive and/or are G-tube dependent.
Certification

The ABA track coursework should fulfill the new requirements to sit for the national certification exam in Behavior Analysis. For more information visit www.bacb.com.

Courses in parentheses are prerequisites.

A. Required Core Courses (7 units)

(3)

PSYC 200

Methods in Empirical Psychology (PSYC 8, PSYC 101, PSYC 102)

(3)

PSYC 203

Experimental Design I (Graduate standing and PSYC 102 or its equivalent; Corequisite: PSYC 292)

(1)

PSYC 292

Laboratory

B. Required Area Courses (18 units)

(4)

PSYC 271

Advanced Applied Behavior Analysis (Graduate status and instructor permission)

(3)

PSYC 272

Research Methods in Behavior Analysis (PSYC 171 or PSYC 181)

(3)

PSYC 274

Theoretical Foundations of Behavior Analysis (PSYC 171 or PSYC 181 or equivalent)

(4)

PSYC 281

Advanced Experimental Analysis of Behavior (PSYC 271)

(4)

PSYC 284

Assessment and Treatment of Behavior Problems (Graduate status and instructor permission)

C. Required Fieldwork (3 units)

(3)

PSYC 291

Practicum in Applied Behavior Analysis (PSYC 271)

D. Electives (3 units)

(3) Select one from the following:

 

PSYC 209

Seminar in Systems Psychology

 

PSYC 210

Theories of Personality (PSYC 102 or equivalent; PSYC 102 may be taken concurrently)

 

PSYC 216

Current Literature in Personnel and Organizational Psychology (Coursework in personnel and organizational psychology; PSYC 102 or its equivalent)

 

PSYC 217

Current Literature and Personality and Social Psychology (Coursework in personality and social psychology; PSYC 102 or its equivalent)

 

PSYC 220

Psychopharmacology

 

PSYC 251

Developmental Processes (PSYC 148 or PSYC 149)

 

PSYC 253

Child Therapy

 

PSYC 268

Advanced Psychopathology

 

PSYC 299

Special Problems

E. Culminating Experience (4-6 units)

(4)

PSYC 500A

Culminating Experience (Advanced to candidacy and permission of the graduate coordinator)

(2)

PSYC 500B

Culminating Experience (PSYC 500A)

Requirements - Master of Arts Degree - Counseling Option

The Counseling Psychology option is designed specifically for those students pursuing a career as a Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT). The requirements for the program are specified by Section 4980.37 through Section 4980.41 of the Business and Professional Code of California, Chapter 13, Article 1, regulating the licensing of Marriage and Family Therapists by the State of California. Students must complete each of the courses listed below, or select appropriate courses where a choice is indicated. Further, students must designate the Counseling Psychology option when applying for Advancement to Candidacy.

Students are strongly advised to remain in communication with both the Psychology Department and the licensing board, since licensing requirements may change. Thus, the list of courses shown below for the Counseling Psychology program is subject to modification.

Note: Students should contact the Psychology Department for revisions in either courses or academic units.

Courses in parentheses are prerequisites.

A. Required Core Courses (10 units)

(3)

PSYC 200

Methods in Empirical Psychology (PSYC 8, PSYC 101, PSYC 102)

(3)

PSYC 203

Experimental Design I (Graduate standing and PSYC 102 or its equivalent; Corequisite: PSYC 292)

(3)

PSYC 268

Advanced Psychopathology OR

EDC 231

Diagnosis and Treatment Planning (EDC 216, EDC 218, EDC 280; classified student in the Counselor Education Program) OR

(1)

PSYC 292

Laboratory

B. Required Courses (33-35 units)

(3)

PSYC 201

Professional Issues and Child Abuse (Graduate student status)

(3)

PSYC 206

Tests and Measurement (Graduate standing and PSYC 102 or its equivalent)

(3)

PSYC 210

Theories of Personality (PSYC 102 or equivalent; PSYC 102 may be taken concurrently)

(3)

PSYC 220

Psychopharmacology

(3)

PSYC 223

Theories and Techniques of Counseling and Psychotherapy (Graduate standing; PSYC 102 and PSYC 168 or equivalent; PSYC 102 and PSYC 168 may be taken concurrently)

(3)

PSYC 225

Family Therapy (Graduate student status) OR

EDC 234*

Seminar: Marriage and Family Counseling (EDC 214, EDC 216, EDC 280; classified student in the Counselor Education Program; Corequisite: For MFCC Specialization: EDC 476)

(2)

PSYC 227

Pre-Practicum (PSYC 223)

(3)

PSYC 235

Counseling of Multicultural Groups

(3)

PSYC 236

Human Sexuality, Partner Abuse, and Couples Counseling (Graduate student status)

(1-3)

PSYC 250

Alcohol and Chemical Dependency: Detection and Treatment OR

 

EDC 233

Substance Abuse and Addiction (EDC 231)

(3)

PSYC 251

Developmental Processes (PSYC 148 or PSYC 149)

(3)

PSYC 253

Child Therapy

C. Practicum Requirement (13 units)

See department for official revisions.

(10)

PSYC 400**

Practicum in Counseling and Psychotherapy (PSYC 201, PSYC 223, PSYC 227, PSYC 268, and either PSYC 225, PSYC 235 or PSYC 253)

(3)

PSYC 410

Fieldwork in Clinical and Counseling Psychology (PSYC 201, PSYC 223, PSYC 227, PSYC 268, and either PSYC 225, PSYC 235, or PSYC 253)

D. Culminating Requirement (4 units)

(4) PSYC 500A Culminating Experience (Advancement to candidacy and permission of the graduate coordinator)

* Students are encouraged to meet with faculty advisor prior to registration. Not more than two EDC courses may be taken.

** Students enrolling in PSYC 400 must have professional liability insurance in force with minimum limits of $1 million per incident and $3 million per year; contact the Psychology Department Office or the Graduate Coordinator for more information about this requirement.

Requirements - Master of Arts Degree - Industrial/Organizational Psychology Option

The field of Industrial/Organizational Psychology (I/O Psychology) covers all aspects of psychology in the workplace, including such sub-topics as: organizational development, leadership, performance evaluation, personnel selection, test validation and development, work teams, training, and personality influences.

The Industrial/Organizational Psychology Concentration at Sacramento State is designed to give broad-based training in the relevant content areas as well as provide a strong methodological background. Students obtaining the Master's degree should be prepared for a career as a personnel manager, a testing specialist, a member of an I/O consulting group; they should also be prepared for further graduate work at the doctoral level. By meeting all of the requirements for the degree, students will have met the master's level educational competencies identified by the Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology.

Students are strongly advised to keep in contact with professors in the Psychology Department for academic advising.

Courses in parentheses are prerequisites.

A. Required Core Courses (10 units)

(3)

PSYC 200

Methods in Empirical Psychology (PSYC 8, PSYC 101, PSYC 102)

(3)

PSYC 203

Experimental Design I (Graduate standing and PSYC 102 or its equivalent; Corequisite: PSYC 292)

(3)

PSYC 209

Seminar in Systems of Psychology

(1)

PSYC 292

Laboratory

B. Required Courses (15 units)

(3)

PSYC 202

Research Methods in Psychology (Graduate standing and PSYC 102 or its equivalent; Corequisite: PSYC 292) OR

PSYC 204

Experimental Design II (PSYC 203)

(3)

PSYC 206

Tests and Measurement (Graduate standing and PSYC 102 or its equivalent)

(3)

PSYC 216

Current Literature in Personnel and Organizational Psychology (Coursework in personnel and organizational psychology; PSYC 102 or its equivalent) OR

PSYC 217

Current Literature in Personality and Social Psychology (Coursework in Personnel and Organizational Psychology; PSYC 102 or its equivalent)

(3)

PSYC 260

Theoretical Foundations of Industrial Psychology (PSYC 102 and PSYC 160 or their equivalents)

(3)

PSYC 262

Theoretical Foundations of Organizational Psychology (PSYC 108 or equivalent)

C. Required Supervisory Courses (6 units minimum)

(1-6)

PSYC 295C

Fieldwork in Personnel and Organizational Psychology AND/OR

(1-6)

PSYC 299

Special Problems

D. Culminating Requirement (4-6 units)

(4)

PSYC 500A

Culminating Experience (Advanced to candidacy and permission of graduate coordinator)

(2)

PSYC 500B*

Culminating Experience (PSYC 500A)

*Students must enroll in PSYC 500B if thesis/project is not satisfactorily completed while enrolled in PYSC 500A.

E. Recommended Courses (optional)

(3)

MBA 234

Industrial Relations

(3)

PSYC 205

Multivariate Methodology (PSYC 203; PSYC 204 recommended)

Career Possibilities

Community College Instructor · University Professor · Marriage and Family Therapist · Mental Health Worker · Drug Abuse Counselor · Career Counselor · Behavior Analyst · Personnel Analyst/Manager · Test Validation and Development Specialist · Training Specialist · Research Analyst · Research Technician

Faculty

Phillip Akutsu, Rachel August, Lee Berrigan, Lisa Bohon, Jeffrey Calton, Rebecca Cameron, Kelly Cotter, Marya Endriga, Lisa Harrison, Gregory Hurtz, Nancy Kalish, Gregory Kim-Ju, Lawrence Meyers, Caio Miguel, Becky Penrod, Jianjian Qin, Oriel Strickland, Emily Wickelgren

Contact Information

Marya Endriga, Department Chair
Pat Hughes, Administrative Support Coordinator
Amador Hall 350
(916) 278-6254
www.csus.edu/psyc



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