Psychology 5-Year Bachelors to Masters (BA to MAP)
The Accelerated MAP offers the same critical examination of the field of psychology as the standard undergraduate track, but also provides the student the opportunity to begin working toward a Masters of Arts in Psychology during their senior year. Students who are accepted into this degree plan will complete two graduate level courses during their final semester as an undergraduate.
This degree plan allows students to complete both a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology as well as a Master of Arts in Psychology in a five-year period. This program provides students with an excellent opportunity to start a terminal degree in psychology a full year sooner than the traditional track. Students cannot choose this program as Freshman, but can apply once they reach Sophomore status.
Students will apply during their Junior year (minimum 60 credit hours) for admission into the program for their Senior year. Only students who meet the following requirements will be considered:
- 3.5 GPA or above
- Letter of recommendation from a professor
- Proposed thesis topic
- Successful interview with admission committee
Deadlines for application are as follows:
- October 1 for Spring admission
- Feb 1 for Fall admission
5-year MAP Application
Psychology Careers and Opportunities
Graduates with a bachelors and masters in psychology have the foundational methodology and experience for many different career fields. The accelerated psychology masters prepares graduates for immediate employment in a range of professional environments including community college teaching, law enforcement agencies, and private industry.
Obtaining and bachelors and masters in psychology does not provide training that leads to licensure, which is required for independent practice. Psychology students seeking to be licensed as a professional psychologist or counselor should enroll in one of our graduate degrees which meets the state requirements for licensure:
Degree Plan: Accelerated Master of Psychology (BA to MAP)
Psychology Major Requirements: Accelerated MAP track (Undergraduate)
Psychology Major Requirements: Accelerated MAP track (Graduate)
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What is the 5-Year MAP Program?
Well-suited students will take 2 graduate level courses during their Senior year that will count as 6 credits for their undergraduate degree as well as the first 6 credits towards their Masters of Arts in Psychology. The two courses selected cover similar content areas, albeit in greater depth at the graduate level. This Fast Track eliminates some of the overlap between the two programs. Thus, allowing these students to complete both degrees in a 5-year period.
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How do students apply?
Students must have completed 60 credit hours (12 credits must be in Psychology) and must have met the eligibility requirements. Then complete the 5-year MAP Application
Applicants will submit a letter of recommendation (in PDF format) from one of their professors as part of their application. There will also be a brief interview prior to acceptance. Students must include a proposed thesis topic as part of their application.
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Can transfer students apply?
Yes! Transfer students who have completed 60 credit hours (12 credits must be in Psychology) and have completed at least one semester of coursework at HCU may apply for the 5-year MAP as described above.
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Is the program available for online students?
No. The program is not available online. However, some courses may be available online.
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What if a student is not accepted into the 5-year MAP program?
This is a highly competitive program for advanced students who are prepared for graduate level work. Students who are not admitted into the 5-year MAP program may apply one additional time in the following semester. If the student is still not admitted into the program, the student will be dropped from the 5-year MAP degree program and automatically switched into the regular BA Psychology program. Coursework will continue towards graduation with the BA degree.
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Which courses apply to both the BA and MAP?
Admitted students will select 2 of the four courses listed below to take as Seniors. The four courses are major requirements for both the BA and MA in Psychology. Please see the 5-Year MAP Degree Plan for more information. The courses include:
- PSYC 5330 – Psychology of Learning
- PSYC 5332 – Social Psychology
- PSYC 5353 – Physiological Psychology (16-weeks online)
- PSYC 6301 – Principles of Human Development
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What is the projected timeline?
Students will enter the program in their Senior year and graduate with their BA in Psychology after completing the required 120 hours. Students will then complete 3 additional semesters (including Summer) and complete their MA in Psychology one calendar year later. Below is an example of the credit hours required if a student enters the program in the Fall of their Senior year. The timeline would be adjusted depending on when the student enters the program.
|
Credit Hours |
|
|
Senior Year |
Year 2 |
| Fall |
3 |
12 |
| Spring |
3* |
10** |
| Summer |
9 |
– |
* Graduation with BA in Psychology
** Graduation with MA in Psychology
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What are future opportunities (academic and/or occupational) with the MAP degree?
The MAP prepares graduates for immediate employment in professional environments including community college teaching, law enforcement agencies, and private industry.
An MAP can also provide student with the background necessary to submit a competitive application to a doctoral program, such as Clinical Psychology. HCU also offers a doctoral program in Executive Leadership in Mental Health and Human Services which aims to produce graduates with the knowledge and skills to be hired and retained as high-quality administrators in mental health and human service agencies or to start business of their own.