The Master of Science in General Psychology program focuses on the theoretical and research aspects of psychology for those seeking opportunities in various fields that require a master’s degree, which may include consulting or research. Program graduates may also pursue positions as undergraduate psychology instructors, which typically require an advanced degree in the field. For those who hold a graduate degree in areas other than psychology, this program is designed to provide a firm foundation in psychology necessary to pursue doctoral level study at CalSouthern (PsyD). [This program differs from the CalSouthern Master of Science in Psychology degree, which is designed for learners who have earned a bachelor’s degree and who desire to include a specialization as part of their degree].
This program is not designed to meet the educational requirements for a specific professional license or certification required for employment in an occupation. As such, CalSouthern has made no determination regarding prerequisites for licensure or certification in any state or jurisdiction.
While California Southern University, as a member of the AIU System, is part of a Title IV eligible institution offering Title IV eligible programs, CalSouthern has elected and designated this program as not participating in Title IV federal financial aid programs. This means students enrolling in this program may not use Federal Student Aid to help pay for this program. Instead, it offers a variety of zero interest payment options for students.
Quick Facts:
- Credits required: 30
- Cost per credit: $545
- Program length: 1.5 years (full-time status)
- Max transfer credits: 6 credits
Time to degree completion can be shortened by accelerating completion of courses and through credits accepted in transfer.
Transfer credit is evaluated on an individual basis. Not all credits are eligible for transfer. See the University Catalog for transfer credit policies.
Program Outcomes
Articulate a broad knowledge of psychology’s core foundation content domains (affective, biological, cognitive, developmental, and social aspects of behavior) and research methods.
Utilize scientific reasoning, processes, and/or methods to synthesize psychological research in a manner that informs counseling and therapy practice.
Apply ethical behavior, standards and decision-making in accordance with the ethical standards of the discipline.
Apply cultural humility and understanding to interactions with diverse individuals and groups.
Integrates psychological research and theory to lay the foundation for successful doctoral study.
Communicate competently in multiple formats (written, oral, and interpersonal) appropriate to various audiences, cultures, and contexts.
Potential career paths may be found in the following industries:
Education
(Undergraduate level)
Non-clinical
Administration
Social Science
Research
CalSouthern cannot guarantee employment, salary, or career advancement.
Master of Science in General Psychology Requirements
| Course Code and Name | Credits |
|---|---|
| PSY 6502 Counseling Theories and Strategies | 3 |
| PSY 6801 Therapeutic Boundaries | 3 |
| PSY 6508 Culture and Diversity in Counseling | 3 |
| PSY 6505 Lifespan Development | 3 |
| PSY 6506 Psychopathology | 3 |
| PSY 6511 Substance Use and Related Disorders | 3 |
| PSY 8503 History and Systems of Psychology | 3 |
| PSY 8724 Cognition, Emotion and Motivation | 3 |
| PSY 7701 Physiological Psychology | 3 |
| PSY 7769 Applications in Psychology: Integrative Research Project | 3 |
| TOTAL CREDITS REQUIRED FOR COMPLETION | 30 |
Courses + Credits
The Master of Science in General Psychology degree is designed for those individuals who would like to explore the field of psychology but hold a graduate degree in other areas of study. This degree program is designed to help learners create a foundation in psychology subjects, research, and ethics. Completion of this degree will create a pathway to eligibility to apply to the CalSouthern Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) program. Four courses within the MS General Psychology degree plan are eligible for transferrable credit into the PsyD; three core courses and one optional elective course.
Applied Courses
- PSY 6502 Counseling Theories and Strategies – 3 credits
This course focuses on the historical and current evidence-based theories and models of counseling. Emphasis is on the application of these techniques to a variety of clinical situations to improve, restore, or maintain healthy individual, couple and family relationships. It provides an opportunity to analyze case studies through a theoretical lens. Special consideration is given to the development of personal qualities intimately related to the counseling situation including integrity, sensitivity, flexibility, insight, compassion, and personal presence. - PSY 6505 Lifespan Development – 3 credits
The purpose of this course is to analyze the nature of human growth and development across the life span. The major theories of development, essential concepts, and issues related to each developmental stage, and implications for wellness and resiliency are addressed. Normal and abnormal development are explored in the context of socio-economic factors, race, ethnicity, culture, gender, and a variety of challenges and traumas. - PSY 6506 Psychopathology – 3 credits
This course provides an integrated approach to the diagnosis, assessment, and treatment of mental disorders. The emphasis is on building clinical skills in problem formulation and crisis intervention consistent with the DSM-5. This course also covers psychopathology from a neuroscientific, biological, and sociocultural perspective. Evidence-based interventions will be explored from psychodynamic, cognitive, behavioral, humanistic, and other current modalities. - PSY 6508 Culture and Diversity in Counseling – 3 credits
This course explores diversity and social justice advocacy issues with marginalized and special populations. The focus of study is to foster awareness, compassion and understanding for effective counseling practice. Populations considered include African Americans, Latinos, Asian/Pacific Islanders, Native Americans, and LGBTQI individuals. This course guides learners to explore their own values, beliefs and cultural identities and connect how these personal aspects influence the therapeutic alliance. - PSY 6511 Substance Use and Related Disorders – 3 credits
This course focuses on the etiology, assessment, diagnosis and treatment of substance use and co-occurring disorders. Evidence-based counseling approaches that facilitate ethical intervention and treatment are explored. Special consideration is given to culture, diversity, stigmatization, and special populations as related to substance use recovery. Consultation, community outreach, referral and preventative interventions are addressed. - PSY 6801 Therapeutic Boundaries – 3 credits
This course offers a framework for understanding professional ethical values and standards and a model for engaging in ethical decision-making. Complicated ethics cases and challenging dilemmas are addressed with regards to consent, confidentiality, multiple relationships, electronic communication, and bullying. Consideration is given to the relationship between culturally competent practice, social justice, and the ethics of advocacy. Ethics related to cultural and diversity issues including clients with disabilities, international clients, and older adults are explored. - PSY 7701 Physiological Psychology – 3 credits
This course explains how the human organism behaves from a physiological perspective, including neural functions, the effects of drugs, sensory motor systems, biological rhythms, attention, and motivation. - PSY 8503 History and Systems of Psychology – 3 credits
This comprehensive course provides in-depth coverage of intellectual trends with an emphasis on the major systems of thought and key developments in basic and applied psychology. Examples of psychological thought encountered in ancient Greek and Roman periods as well as in Chinese, Indian, Babylonian, Persian, Egyptian Arab, Spanish and Hebraic cultures are explored. Consideration is given to the contribution of women, people of color, and scholars from outside the United States on the emergence of psychology. Current trends toward globalization and multiculturalism are addressed through a recognition of intersectionality in the psychology of prejudice and privilege. - PSY 8724 Cognition, Emotion and Motivation – 3 credits
This course focuses on the motivation, needs, cognitions, and emotions that underlie thought and behavior. It explores theories representative of biological, behavioral, cognitive, psychological, and sociocultural perspectives. The course also examines the historical backgrounds of motivation and emotion research, as well as other current applied motivational approaches. - PSY 7769 Applications in Psychology: Integrative Research Project – 3 credits
Prerequisites: all other courses in program must be completed prior to taking this capstone course. This course focuses on the development of an integrative research project on a topic within the field of psychology. Through comprehensive analysis and synthesis of current research, learners will have the opportunity to apply psychological principles within the area identified.
Download the University Catalog for full course descriptions, prerequisite information, and program details.
Ready to pursue your educational goals? We can help!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Master of Science (MS) in General Psychology?
The Master of Science in General Psychology program focuses on the theoretical and research aspects of psychology for those seeking opportunities in various fields that require a master’s degree, including consulting or research. Program graduates may also pursue positions as undergraduate psychology instructors, which typically require an advanced degree in the field. For those who hold a graduate degree in areas other than psychology, this program is designed to provide a firm foundation in psychology necessary to pursue doctoral-level study at CalSouthern (PsyD). [This program differs from the CalSouthern Master of Science in Psychology degree, which is designed for learners who have earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology or related field and who desire to include a specialization as part of their degree].
What will I study in the Master of Science (MS) in General Psychology program?
In the Master of Science (MS) in General Psychology, you will work to gain knowledge in subjects, such as counseling theories and strategies; lifespan development; psychopathology; culture and diversity considerations; substance use and related disorders; ethics; physiological aspects of psychology; the history and systems of the field; cognition, emotion, and motivation; and will integrate these within the field of psychology.
When can I begin my Master of Science (MS) in General Psychology degree?
Classes begin monthly. Connect with a CalSouthern Admissions Advisor by phone (1-800-477-2254, ext. 47822), by email through Admissions@calsouthern.edu, or request information online at How to Apply – California Southern University (calsouthern.edu). Begin your education at CalSouthern today.
How many credits are required to graduate with a Master of Science (MS) in General Psychology degree?
The CalSouthern Master of Science (MS) in General Psychology program requires a total of 30 semester credit hours. The average time to completion is approximately 1.5 years for full-time students. Eligible transfer credit can reduce the completion time. CalSouthern will consider up to 6 semester credit hours of qualifying coursework in transfer with official transcripts.**
**Transfer credit is evaluated on an individual basis. Not all credits are eligible to transfer. See the University Catalog for transfer credit policies.
Why should I pursue a Master of Science (MS) in General Psychology degree?
The Master of Science (MS) in General Psychology degree program at CalSouthern may be the program for you if you would like to further your education beyond your bachelor’s degree and if you are interested in applying an understanding of psychology principles to a vast array of other fields. Completion of this degree will also create a pathway to eligibility to apply to the CalSouthern Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) program. Four courses within the MS General Psychology degree plan will be eligible for transferrable credit into the PsyD at CalSouthern.
This degree does not lead to licensure, but earning the Master of Science in General Psychology can fulfill eligibility for doctoral-level study at CalSouthern if desired. Contact an Admissions Advisor today!
CalSouthern is helping me achieve my professional/career goals while accommodating my work/family commitments. I am very happy with my studies and grateful for this program’s flexibility!
– Michelle G., School of Behavioral Sciences, 2020
*All fields are required