Accelerate your psychology education with a fast track from your bachelor’s to your master’s.

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.

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Degree Overview and Program Requirements

The Accelerated Master of Psychology program offers a rigorous and intensive educational pathway for ambitious students seeking to expedite their advanced credentials in psychological theory, research, and practice. This streamlined program allows qualified candidates to complete both undergraduate prerequisites and graduate-level coursework in a condensed timeframe Students engage with comprehensive core curriculum covering clinical assessment, therapeutic interventions, developmental psychology, and research methodologies, while also pursuing specialized tracks aligned with their career aspirations.

Faculty mentorship, supervised hands-on experiences, and research projects ensure graduates develop both theoretical understanding and practical competencies. This accelerated format is ideal for focused individuals committed to entering professional psychology practice or doctoral studies with enhanced credentials and minimal delay, positioning them for competitive advantages in clinical settings, research institutions or continued academic advancement.

BA to MAP Entrance Requirements

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

After completing the HCU Graduate Application, interest students must complete the 5-year MAP Application.

 

Degree Plan: Accelerated Master of Psychology

Review undergraduate degree plan
Review graduate degree plan

 

5-year MAP Program FAQs

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.

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.

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.

No. The program is not available online. However, some courses may be available online.

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.

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

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

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.

Student Outcomes

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:

What Can I Do with a Master of Arts in Psychology Degree?

With an Accelerated Master’s in Psychology degree, you can pursue various rewarding career paths while entering the workforce sooner than through traditional programs. Your advanced credential can opens doors to:

  • Mental health counseling positions
  • Human resources and talent development specialists
  • Organizational behavior consultants
  • Research coordinators in academic or clinical settings
  • Case managers for healthcare or social service agencies
  • Behavioral intervention specialists in educational environments
  • Program coordinators for community mental health initiatives
  • Rehabilitation counselors or specialists
  • Family services coordinators
  • Market research analysts applying psychological principles

This accelerated path allows you to gain specialized expertise and advanced credentials in less time, positioning you for professional advancement or further academic pursuits.

Admissions and Aid

If you’re ready for a fulfilling journey in psychology, Houston Christian University welcomes you to apply. Get started today:

Accelerate your psychology degree with a BA to MAP at Houston Christian University

For more information about this program or its courses, please contact your program coordinator.
Traci Whittenberg, PhD
Traci Whittenberg, PhD
Assistant Professor of Psychology
Program Coordinator, Psychology (MA), SSP