Master of Arts in Psychology (MAP)
About the Degree
Graduates with a Master of Arts in Psychology have the foundational methodology and experience for many different career fields. This degree prepares students for immediate employment in a range of professional environments including community college teaching, law enforcement agencies, and private industry. This degree does not provide training that leads to licensure, which is required for independent practice.
The Master of Arts in Psychology serves three broad groups:
- students who wish to acquire knowledge in psychology to advance an already established career path
- students who have an interest in future doctoral-level training, but who need additional preparation to apply competitively for such a program
- students who have a general interest in learning more about psychology and human behavior
HCU has new MAP tracks in Applied Teaching, Thesis and Applied Project coming soon!
Master of Arts in Psychology students acquire the following student learning outcomes:
- Students will demonstrate proficient knowledge of the basic research skills in psychology.
- Students will demonstrate their ability to successfully propose and complete a master’s thesis.
Each student in the program will propose their own research project as a Thesis. Working through three courses, PSYC 6320, PSYC 6324, and PSYC 6199, with a committee, and under the guidance of a faculty advisor, students will propose, conduct, and present their research Thesis. This original piece of scholarship will not only allow students to focus on a psychology area of their own interest, but will also prepare them for a career in psychology or for additional degrees in higher education.
- Official Transcripts – Official transcripts should be sent directly to the Online Graduate School from the college or university that awarded the student’s bachelor’s degree. Transcripts from any additional coursework since that time should also be submitted.
- References – Applicants must provide contact information for two references on their application.
This degree program is 37 hours of graduate coursework. Students must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 and complete all courses with a grade of “C” or higher.
**Note: Those entering the program will be required to take PSYC 5300 General Psychology, PSYC 5301 Introduction to Statistics in Behavioral Sciences and PSYC 5302 Abnormal Psychology their first semester, if they have not acquired a “B” or higher in their undergraduate classes with credits less than seven years old.
The Master of Arts in Psychology does not provide training that leads to licensure and, therefore, does not lead to independent practice. To earn the Master of Arts in Psychology degree, a student must complete the coursework as outlined below, earning a “C” or better in all courses.
Master of Arts in Psychology (MAP)
| Course Name |
Hours |
| PSYC 5310: Ethical and Professional Issues in Psychology and Counseling |
3 |
| PSYC 5312: Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling Theories |
3 |
| PSYC 5330: Psychology of Learning |
3 |
| PSYC 5332: Social Psychology |
3 |
| PSYC 5353: Physiological Psychology |
3 |
| PSYC 6301: Principles of Human Development |
3 |
| PSYC 6302: Measurement and Appraisal |
3 |
| PSYC 6306: Career Information and Career Counseling |
3 |
| PSYC 6310: Clinical Psychopathology |
3 |
| PSYC 6320: Research Techniques and Procedures |
3 |
| PSYC 6324: Seminar in Research |
3 |
| PSYC 6199: Thesis |
1 |
| PSYC 5360: Cultural Psychology |
3 |
| Total Hours |
37 |
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Top Ten Reasons to get your Master of Psychology at HCU
- The Christian environment at Houston Christian University affirms all persons in and out of the classroom and facilitates high standards in one’s personal code of conduct
- The convenience and flexibility of course offerings make it possible for students to work full-time and still carry a full-time course load
- There is a low student/professor ratio which allows for students to receive individual attention and mentoring
- The wide range of coursework that students are required to take is conducive to students narrowing their focus within the field of psychology
- The courses are taught by doctoral-level professors and professionals in the field of psychology
- Students who are admitted to the program have an opportunity to conduct, present and publish original research
- The program prepares students for doctoral study in psychology
- HCU’s beautiful, serene campus is nestled within a flourishing international city
- The program prepares students for admittance to graduate programs leading to licensure
- The program is designed to value, appreciate and develop students’ unique gifts and talents
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What Can I Do With My Master of Arts Degree in Psychology?
The following examples represent professional settings in which graduates with a Master of Arts in Psychology may be hired:
The following examples represent career paths graduates with a Master of Arts in Psychology may pursue:
- Continued higher education, PhD or PsyD programs
- Academia
- Community College teaching
- Law Enforcement Agencies
- Private Industry
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Advantages and Opportunities: Careers in Psychology
Graduates with a Master of Arts in Psychology may obtain employment in a range of settings including community college teaching, law enforcement agencies and private industry. The Master of Arts in Psychology does not provide training that leads to licensure, and therefore, does not lead to independent practice.
Program Coordinator
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