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Graduate School » Professional Studies » Psychology (MS)

Master of Science in Psychology

The Master of Science in Psychology curriculum is designed to prepare you for successful admission into a doctoral-level psychology program or refine skills in your current work place. The University of Saint Francis curriculum aligns with the APA’s Commission on Education’s guidelines to facilitate transfer of credits, if you choose that path.

The program outline is designed so you will have the opportunity to shape your degree in a way that helps you develop skills and competencies in the areas that are consistent with your future goals. The convenience of an evening course schedule allows you the flexibility to continue working while you earn your graduate degree.

Program Outline (36 Credit Hours)

Curriculum Plan

All courses are three credit hours, unless stated otherwise.

Core Courses (24 Credit Hours)
All courses are three credit hours, unless stated otherwise.

  • PSYC 500 Research Methods and Statistics
    • Basic methods of research and evaluation in the behavioral sciences. An overview of research and evaluation designs, their strengths and limitations. Application of statistical methods and data-gathering techniques.
  • PSYC 501 Advanced Human Growth and Development
    • Physiological, social and psychological developmental processes from conception to maturation. Review of stages of development, patterns of behavior, and exploration of current social issues related to development.
  • PSYC 520 History and Systems of Psychology
    • Overview of the history of psychology with its roots in philosophy to present-day contemporary psychology is explored. Classical psychological theories are examined as well as an analysis of the foundations of contemporary psychology and their systems.
  • PSYC 528 Testing and Appraisal of Individuals
    • Introduction to the major concepts of psychological testing: reliability and validity; standardized tests; ethnic, cultural, sexual and age-related factors; ethical standards for development and usage; test construction; interpretation.
      Prerequisite: PSYC 500
  • PSYC 530 Personality/Counseling Theories
    • Introduction to counseling theories and psychological processes involved in individual counseling. Including but not limited to analytical, phenomenological, person-centered, existential, behavioral, and cognitive/behavioral. Students will refine their own theory of personality and counseling. Students will gain a deeper understanding of the counseling process by working with case study examples.
  • PSYC 535 Psychopathology
    • Overview of psychopathology, with emphasis on etiology, symptoms, sociocultural factors, system effects of disorders, and maladaptive patterns of behavior. Current diagnostic and classification systems and treatment approaches will be explored.
  • PSYC 541 Social Psychology
    • Overview of the dynamics of social and behavioral development of the individual and groups. Topics explored but not limited to the following: social attitude changes, prejudice and stereotypical behavior, changing roles of men and women, rural vs. urban societies, subcultures, ethnic diversity, measurement and research.
  • PSYC 567 Human Neuropsychology
    • This course provides an introduction to human brain-behavior relationships including neuroanatomy, neurophysiology, cognitive processes, sensory and motor processes, and their interactions with emotion and personality. Brain organization, neurodevelopment, individual differences, and clinical neuropsychological assessment will also be presented.

Elective Courses (12 Credit Hours)

Elective coursework is selected in advising with the Director of the Master of Science in Psychology program and/or the Department Chair.

Psychology Practicum (Optional)

You will have the option of doing 105 clock hours of practical field experience, individually tailored to meet your interests. This practicum gives you an opportunity to work “on-site” to integrate work and formal education under the guidance of professionals in the field.

Admissions Requirements

  • Hold a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution in the United States
  • Have an undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 point scale
  • Have taken at least one undergraduate course in each of the following areas: general psychology, abnormal psychology, and developmental psychology

Steps to Apply

  • Completed application form (plus $20 fee if submitting the paper application)
  • Official transcripts from all postsecondary institutions attended
    • Must be sent directly from Registrar of institution(s) attended
  • Submit a DD214 form (United States veterans only).
  • Submit a concise, typed, two-page statement of your professional goals, including why you wish to become a licensed counselor. You could also include specific training objectives and long-term career goals following graduation. Submit to gradschool@sf.edu.
  • Submit two letters of recommendation, preferably at least one professional and one academic reference. Must be submitted using our department form.
  • After the Office of Admissions has received the above-listed listed materials, you will be required to interview with the Psychology and Counseling Admissions Committee.

Contact Us

If you have questions about getting started in our Master of Science in Psychology program, please let us know. You are welcome to contact the Education program director or your personal graduate counselor.