PSYCHOLOGY
College of Social Sciences and Interdisciplinary Studies
- COMPLETE COURSE LISTING
- BACHELOR OF ARTS
- MINOR
- CERTIFICATE
- MASTER OF ARTS
- CAREER POSSIBILITIES
- FACULTY
- CONTACT
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 major and minor in Psychology and an undergraduate certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis. In addition, there are graduate programs in Applied Behavior Analysis, 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 Applied Behavior Analysis, Clinical Psychology, Cognitive Psychology, Cultural Psychology, Developmental Psychology, Industrial/Organizational Psychology, Neuroscience, Quantitative Methods, Personality, and Social Psychology
Students have the opportunity to apply their knowledge and skills in the forms of faculty-supervised research projects and internship/fieldwork experiences.
The Psychology program at Sacramento State is highly sought after is now officially impacted. Students wishing to become Psychology majors must meet eligibility requirements before applying for admission to the program. It is highly recommended that interested students speak with a Psychology advisor as soon as possible.
Specializations
- Master of Arts: Applied Behavior Analysis / General Psychology / Industrial-Organizational Psychology
Special Features
- The Psychology Department is housed in Amador Hall, and contains extensive human and animal research facilities.
- The Psychological Services Center provides excellent learning opportunities for students in Applied Behavior Analysis. The six-room suite is equipped for audio and video recording of research sessions and a kitchenette for studies with children diagnosed with feeding difficulties.
- Available facilities support operant and neuroscience research with animals, including a rodent colony as well as equipment for behavioral procedures, histological techniques, and neurophysiological recordings.
- Computer labs are available for data collection, analysis, and for teaching.
- The Psychology Department maintains close ties with the Sacramento community. Each year students conduct research projects or fieldwork in various community organizations and state agencies.
- Students are able to take independent study courses in Behavior Analysis, Clinical Psychology, Cognition Cultural Psychology, Developmental Psychology, Industrial/Organizational Psychology, Neuroscience, Perception, Quantitative Methods, and Social Psychology.
- The Prospects Peer Mentoring and Advising Program allows students to give and receive information and support regarding academic and career planning.
- Our Annual Psychology Department Research Conference showcases student and faculty research projects for the campus community, providing professional development opportunities for students.
- Several student organizations are involved in extracurricular activities: Psi Chi, Psychology Society, and the Student Association for Applied Behavior Analysis.
UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMS
With a Bachelor of Arts 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 in educational settings and health and human service agencies.
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) |
Introductory Psychology |
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(1) |
Navigating Psychology: The Major and Careers (PSYC 2) |
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(3) |
Methods of Psychology (Corequisite: PSYC 2) |
B. Required Upper Division Courses (33-37 units)
(3) |
Cross-Cultural Psychology (PSYC 2 , PSYC majors only; Corequisite: PSYC 8 | |
(3) |
Statistics for Psychology (Passing score on ELM; PSYC 2, PSYC 4, PSYC 8, PSYC majors only) |
Select one of the following methods courses (3-4 units):
Psychological Testing (PSYC 101) |
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Methods and Statistics in Psychological Research (PSYC 101; Psychology majors only) |
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| PSYC 122 | Qualitative Research in Psychology (PSYC
101; Psychology and Gerontology majors only) |
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Experimental Analysis of Behavior (PSYC 101, PSYC 171; Psychology majors only) |
Select one of the following biological processes courses (3-4 units):
Introduction to Biological Psychology (PSYC 2, PSYC 8, PSYC 101 recommended) |
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Animal Behavior (PSYC 2 background in biological sciences recommended) |
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Drugs and Behavior |
Select two of the following cognitive and learning processes courses (6-7 units):
Applied Behavior Analysis (PSYC 2) |
Select one of the following developmental processes courses (3 units):
Child Psychology (PSYC 2) |
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Psychology of Adolescence (PSYC 2) |
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Psychological Aspects of Aging (PSYC 2) |
Select two of the following individual and social processes courses (6 units):
Organizational Psychology |
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Personality Theories (PSYC 2) |
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Social Psychology (PSYC 2) |
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Abnormal Psychology (PSYC 2) |
Select one of the following human diversity courses (3 units):
Psychology of Multicultural Groups |
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Psychology of Women (PSYC 2 or instructor permission) |
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Homosexuality |
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Psychology of Exceptional Children (PSYC 2) |
Select one of the following capstone courses (3-4 units):
Advanced Methods and Statistics in Psychological Research (PSYC 121; Psychology majors only) |
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Controversial Issues in Psychology (PSYC 101; Psychology majors only) |
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History and Systems of Psychology (PSYC 101; Psychology majors only) |
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*Select PSYC 102 if planning to enter a graduate program in Psychology. |
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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) |
Introductory Psychology |
|
(3) |
Methods of Psychology (Corequisite: PSYC 2) |
Select two of the following (6-7 units):
Introduction to Biological Psychology (PSYC 2, PSYC 8, PSYC 101 recommended) |
||
Animal Behavior (PSYC 2, background in biological sciences recommended) |
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Drugs and Behavior |
Select two of the following (6 units):
Cross-Cultural Psychology (PSYC 2 , PSYC majors only; Corequisite: PSYC 8 | ||
Organizational Psychology |
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Personality Theories (PSYC 2) |
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Social Psychology (PSYC 2) |
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Child Psychology (PSYC 2) |
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Psychology of Adolescence (PSYC 2) |
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Psychological Aspects of Aging (PSYC 2) |
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Abnormal Psychology (PSYC 2) |
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(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.
(3) |
Applied Behavior Analysis (PSYC 2) |
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(4) |
Experimental Analysis of Behavior (PSYC 101, PSYC 171; Psychology majors only) |
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(4) |
Clinical Issues in Applied Behavior Analysis (PSYC 2, PSYC 171; Psychology major or ABA Certificate Student) |
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(3) |
Psychology of Exceptional Children (PSYC 2) |
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(3) |
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. 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 structure 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.
- 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.
- General Psychology: In the General Psychology 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 ''B'' or better
Minimum required GPA: 3.0
Courses in parentheses are prerequisites.
Requirements - Master of Arts Degree - Doctoral Preparation Option
A. Required Core Courses (6 units)
(3) |
Methods in Empirical Psychology (PSYC 8, PSYC 101, PSYC 102) |
|
(3) |
Survey of Contemporary Statistical Methods in Psychological Research (Graduate Standing and PSYC 102 or its equivalent) |
B. Group 1 Seminars (3 units)
Select one from the following:
(3) |
Seminar in Systems Psychology |
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(3) |
Theories of Personality (PSYC 102 or equivalent; PSYC 102 may be taken concurrently) |
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(3) |
Seminar in Social Psychology (Graduate standing) |
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(3) |
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(3) |
Advanced Psychopathology |
C. Group 2 Seminars (3 units)
Select one from the following:
(3) |
Seminar in Behavioral Neuroscience (Graduate Standing) |
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(3) |
Seminar in Cognitive Psychology (Graduate Standing) |
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(3) |
Seminar in Learning and Behavior (Graduate Standing) |
D. Methods (3 units)
(3) Select one from the following:
(3) |
Advanced Topics in Statistical Methods for Psychological Research (PSYC 202) |
(3) |
Measurement Methods for Psychological Research and Practice (PSYC 202) |
(3) |
Tests and Measurement (Graduate Standing and PSYC 102 or its equivalent) |
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(3) |
Research Methods in Behavior Analysis (PSYC 171 or PSYC 181) |
E. Track Courses (11 units)
(3) |
Teaching of Psychology |
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(6) |
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Two other PSYC courses (in any combination) from Groups B, C, or D |
(2) |
Cooperative Research OR |
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Special Problems (Note: a maximum of 2 units will count towards this requirement) |
F. Culminating Experience (4-6 units)
(4) |
Culminating Experience (Advanced to candidacy and permission of the graduate coordinator) |
|
(2) |
Culminating Experience (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 OpportunitiesOur 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.
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 (6 units)
(3) |
Methods in Empirical Psychology (PSYC 8, PSYC 101, PSYC 102) |
|
(3) |
Survey of Contemporary Statistical Methods in Psychological Research (Graduate standing and PSYC 102 or its equivalent) |
B. Required Area Courses (18 units)
(4) |
Advanced Applied Behavior Analysis (Graduate status and instructor permission) |
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(3) |
Research Methods in Behavior Analysis (PSYC 171 or PSYC 181) |
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(3) |
Theoretical Foundations of Behavior Analysis (PSYC 171 or PSYC 181 or equivalent) |
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(4) |
Advanced Experimental Analysis of Behavior (PSYC 271) |
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(4) |
Assessment and Treatment of Behavior Problems (Graduate status and instructor permission) |
C. Required Fieldwork (3 units)
(3) |
Practicum in Applied Behavior Analysis (PSYC 271) |
D. Electives (3 units)
(3) Select one from the following:
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Seminar in Systems Psychology |
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Theories of Personality (PSYC 102 or equivalent; PSYC 102 may be taken concurrently) |
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Current Literature in Personnel and Organizational Psychology (Coursework in personnel and organizational psychology; PSYC 102 or its equivalent) |
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Seminar in Social Psychology (Graduate standing) |
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Advanced Psychopathology |
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Special Problems |
E. Culminating Experience (4-6 units)
(4) |
Culminating Experience (Advanced to candidacy and permission of the graduate coordinator) |
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(2) |
Culminating Experience (PSYC 500A) |
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 (6 units)
(3) |
Methods in Empirical Psychology (PSYC 8, PSYC 101, PSYC 102) |
|
(3) |
Survey of Contemporary Statistical Methods in Psychological Research (Graduate standing and PSYC 102 or its equivalent) |
B. Required Courses (18 units)
(3) |
Advanced Topics in Statistical Methods for Psychological Research (PSYC 202) OR |
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Measurement Methods for Psychological Research and Practice (PSYC 202) |
(3) |
Tests and Measurement (Graduate standing and PSYC 102 or its equivalent) |
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(3) |
Seminar in Systems Psychology |
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(3) |
Current Literature in Personnel and Organizational Psychology (Coursework in personnel and organizational psychology; PSYC 102 or its equivalent) OR |
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Seminar in Social Psychology (Graduate Standing) |
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(3) |
Theoretical Foundations of Industrial Psychology (PSYC 102 and PSYC 160 or their equivalents) |
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(3) |
Theoretical Foundations of Organizational Psychology (PSYC 108 or equivalent) |
C. Required Supervisory Courses (6 units minimum)
(1-6) |
Cooperative Research |
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(1-6) |
Special Problems |
D. Culminating Requirement (4-6 units)
(4) |
Culminating Experience (Advanced to candidacy and permission of graduate coordinator) |
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(2) |
Culminating Experience (PSYC 500A) |
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*Students must enroll in PSYC 500B if thesis/project is not satisfactorily completed while enrolled in PYSC 500A. |
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Career Possibilities
Individuals with a Bachelor of Arts: Administrative Service Manager · Admissions Counselor · Behavior Specialist · Community Service Manager · Employee Assistance Program Associate · Health Educator · Human Factors Specialist · Management Analyst · Market Research Analyst · Mental Health Worker · Public Relations Specialist · Sales Manager · Sales Representative · Victim Advocate.
Individuals with a Master of Arts: Autism Specialist · Behavior Analyst · Behavioral Consultant · Case Manager · Career Counselor · Community College Instructor · Human Resource Specialist · Mental Health Counselor · Personnel Analyst · Private Sector Consultant · Program Director· Psychometric Specialist · Personnel Selection Consultant · Research Analyst · Research Program Manager · Research Technician · School Consultant · Test Validation Specialist · Training and Development Specialist
Tenured/Tenure-Track Faculty
Phillip Akutsu, Rachel August, Lee Berrigan, Lisa Bohon, Jeffrey Calton, Rebecca Cameron, Marya Endriga, Sharon Furtak-Nguyen, Lisa Harrison, Megan Heinicke, Gregory Hurtz, Gregory Kim-Ju, Casey Knifsend, 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