Master of Arts in Psychology (MAP)

Harness the power of the human mind while elevating your career and academic aspirations.

At Houston Christian University, the Master of Arts in Psychology (MAP) degree program beckons you into an exploration of human behavior and cognition. Professionals and those with a thirst for deeper academic pursuits can complete our handcrafted flexible program in a two-year span.

Delve into intimate class settings that promise personalized mentorship. Our curriculum offers specialized tracks in Thesis, Applied Teaching, and Applied Project, allowing you to refine your expertise in alignment with your distinct goals in research, education, and industry.

Whether you aim to pivot in your career, amplify your existing professional repertoire, or establish a robust foundation for future doctoral endeavors, our master’s in psychology program melds rigorous academics with practical flexibility grounded in a Christian environment, ensuring your aspirations translate into tangible success and fulfillment.

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Program Highlights

37 Credit Hours
Complete in Two Years
Small, Dynamic Classes
Convenient and Flexible – Work Full Time
Prepare for Doctoral Study
No Previous Psychology Course Credits Required
Program Does Not Lead to Licensure

Master’s in Psychology Degree Requirements

Houston Christian University’s MA in Psychology is a blend of academic rigor and real-world immersion. We allow you to tailor the program to your chosen track, be it Thesis, Applied Project, or Applied Teaching, ensuring that you engage deeply with relevant practicums, internships, or research projects.

Embark on a comprehensive curriculum that spans key aspects of psychology, from ethical frameworks to physiological insights and innovative research techniques. With courses like Career Information and Career Counseling, Clinical Psychopathology, and Cultural Psychology, you gain a thorough understanding of human behavior and thought processes.

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Delve deep into the world of psychological measurement techniques as part of our Thesis Track. This journey equips you with the skills to meticulously prepare and present your research findings. The culmination of your efforts is an oral defense, showcasing your mastery of the subject and your contribution to the field.

Embrace the art of pedagogy with our Applied Teaching Track, designed for those keen on imparting college-level psychology knowledge. Whether focusing on online modules or residential courses, gain invaluable field experience. Close collaboration with a faculty member complements a real-world teaching venture, ensuring a rich, hands-on teaching experience anchored in proven methods and a Godly worldview.

The Applied Project Track immerses you in the diverse theories of social psychology, counseling, and psychotherapy. Through residential micro-counseling experiences, you can witness these theories in action. At the heart of this track is a guided project in which you harness the expertise of our distinguished faculty to answer pressing questions, bridging academic learning with real-world applications.

Program Benefits and Outcomes

Small Class Sizes

Our small class sizes in the MA in Psychology program aren’t simply a feature; they’re a pledge to personal mentorship and guidance. This tailored approach ensures you’re not lost in the crowd but seen, valued, and mentored in-depth.

This close-knit academic environment extends beyond the classroom, offering abundant opportunities for hands-on internships and individualized research tracks. With HCU, you receive the dedicated attention crucial for advancing both your spiritual journey and professional aspirations in the realm of psychology.

Preparation for Careers and Further Study

Our flexible Master of Psychology program ensures a seamless transition into doctoral programs, specialized certifications, or a new or enhanced career trajectory. Our experienced faculty is just the beginning of our expansive professional network that can assist in finding your pathway in advanced education and research roles, private industry, government and law enforcement agencies, community organizations, teaching, and more.

Whether you seek to change or elevate your career, an MA in Psychology from HCU sets you on a divinely inspired path of success and fulfillment. Prepare for doctoral programs leading to licensure while deepening your experience and understanding of research and practice in the field.

Transform Your Gifts and Talents

Through internships, education, and publishing opportunities in your field, coupled with dedicated faculty advisors, the Master of Arts in Psychology degree program values, appreciates, and nurtures your unique connection to personalities, mental processes, and the mind. This program empowers you to actively influence the behavior and well-being of diverse communities.

Beyond academic support, career mentoring and resources are available to all graduate students.

Explore Career and Calling services.

Related School of Education and Behavioral Sciences Degrees

Discover the range of our Christian counseling and psychology offerings to determine the best fit for your passion for supporting others using faith-driven therapeutic methods.

Master of Arts in Christian Psychology: Fuse scriptural teachings with the science of psychology and set the stage for a distinctive role as a Licensed Psychological Associate (LPA).
Master of Arts in Christian Counseling: Chart a path toward becoming a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in a program anchored in faith-centered values.
Master of Arts in Christian Psychological Studies: Bridge advanced psychology with theological insights, paving the way for roles in faith-infused counseling, scholarly inquiry, and progression toward a PhD.
Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling: Equip yourself to uplift individuals and broader communities, honing skills in therapy, evaluation, and ethics and prepping for diverse roles, including LPC qualification.

Admissions and Aid

Take the next step in your academic and professional career within HCU’s tight-knit graduate community. Here are the application deadlines:

Spring: January 1 (priority by December 15)
Summer: May 1 (priority by April 15)
Fall: August 1 (priority by July 15)

Review complete admissions information and explore graduate costs and aid.

Application Requirements

In addition to completing the residential graduate application, application requirements for the Master of Arts in Psychology program include:

Official transcripts from all previous educational institutions
Contact information for two willing references
Previously completed coursework with a “B” or higher equivalent to PSYC
5300 General Psychology, PSYC 5301 Introduction to Statistics in Behavioral
Sciences, and PSYC 5302 Abnormal Psychology
Résumé/CV

If you have yet to complete the prerequisite coursework within the last seven years, you may apply and meet these prerequisites in your first semester if accepted.

Submit all materials via email at verification@HC.edu. For further details on admissions, email the Graduate Admissions Office.

Contact Program Coordinator

Contact gradadmissions@HC.edu.

For more information about the Master of Arts in Psychology (MAP) degree program, email Program Coordinator Dr. Julienne King.

Earn a Master’s in Psychology at Houston Christian University

Graduates from HCU’s MA in Psychology degree program stand out, combining in-depth psychological expertise with applied experiences and shaping the landscape of understanding and intervention in human behavior. Launch your journey into the intricate realms of the human mind, backed by HCU’s tradition of holistic education.

Are you ready to influence and innovate with a deep understanding of human behavior? Sign up for an information session, or start your application today.