Master of Science (MS) in Psychology Degree Program
The Master of Science (MS) in Psychology degree program offers a wide range of academic and professionally-oriented psychology courses. This degree is best suited to those interested in pursuing a strong theoretical and research foundation in psychology, which can be applied to related fields such as advanced addiction studies, pastoral counseling, sport psychology, and consultation in business and industry.
This program places an emphasis on scientific research and the application of psychology principles to non-clinical settings. The MS in Psychology degree offers an alternative to the Master of Arts (MA) in Psychology degree. The MS in Psychology is designed to be generally applicable to related fields, but does not lead to clinical licensure (for that professional goal, please see the MA in Psychology program). The program also provides a firm foundation in the field of psychology upon which to build doctoral level study at California Southern University.
CalSouthern’s MS in Psychology with a Concentration in Advanced Addiction Studies (AAS) may provide eligibility for alcohol and drug/addiction counselor credential in some jurisdictions.
California Southern University is approved by the California Consortium of Addiction Programs and Professionals (CCAPP). The AAS concentration is approved by CCAPP. This concentration provides 360 hours of Substance Use Disorder (SUD) specific education, fulfilling the SUD specific educational requirement for the California Licensed Advanced Alcohol Drug Counselor (LAADC) as required by CCAPP. For addiction professionals who are seeking to become nationally certified, this program is also approved by the Association for Addiction Professionals (NAADAC). More information about Substance Use Disorder (SUD) specific education requirements, certification requirements, and career steps is available at www.ccapp.us, www.naadac.org, and in the Licensure Disclosure section below. A minimum grade of “B” is required in all AAS Concentration courses.
Given that license eligibility varies by jurisdiction and is subject to change, learners are advised to contact state licensing agencies directly for details regarding all requirements.
Advanced Addiction Studies Concentration Only
United States: CalSouthern has made a determination that this curriculum meets the state educational requirements for licensure or certification in the field of addiction treatment in the following states: AZ, CA, MD, NV, UT. Some states may have additional requirements that are not part of the curriculum, but which may be satisfied at CalSouthern.
CalSouthern has made a determination that this curriculum does not meet the state educational requirements for licensure or certification in the field of addiction treatment in the following states: AK, AL, AR, AZ, CO, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, HI, IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, ME, MI, MN, MS, MO, MT, NC, ND, NE, NH, NJ, NM, NY, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, VA, VT, WA, WI, WV, WY. This program does not accept applications from prospective learners who reside in these states.
Other Jurisdictions: This program does not accept applications from prospective learners who reside outside of the jurisdictions listed above.
Last update: 7/1/2024
Given that license eligibility varies by jurisdiction and is subject to change, learners are advised to contact state licensing agencies directly for details regarding all requirements.
- Credits Required: 42
- Cost Per Credit: $645
- Program Length: 2-3 years (full-time status)1
- Max Transfer Credits: 6 credits2
1Many factors can impact your time to completion such as course loads, course extensions or repetitions, transfer or proficiency credits, and approved leaves of absence. The program length provided does not include these adjustments. The program length will vary depending on the concentration selected.
2ransfer credit is evaluated on an individual basis. Not all credits are eligible for transfer. See the University Catalog for transfer credit policies.
Program Outcomes
Demonstrate effective written and oral communication skills in research, practice, negotiations and conflict, and academia.
Demonstrate scientific inquiry, analytical and critical thinking skills in research, practice and academia and within diverse formats and contexts.
Demonstrate respect and integration of culture and diversity, in understanding societal inequalities, and its impact on communities, self or others.
Demonstrate scientific inquiry and critical thinking in the evaluation, interpretation and presentation of data, concepts, theories and within research.
Demonstrate the understanding and application of ethical and legal principles as it relates to research, academia and practice.
Demonstrate effective research skills, including the analysis and interpretation of data to draw non-biased conclusions.
Potential career paths may be found in the following industries:
Consultation in Business
Advancement in Careers such as Conflict Resolution or Healthcare Administration
Addiction Counseling
CalSouthern cannot guarantee employment, salary, or career advancement.
Master of Science in Psychology Degree Requirements
| Degree Requirements | Credits |
|---|---|
| Required Core Courses | 15 |
| Required Elective Courses | 15 |
| Applied Concepts is required for all learners except those who select the Advanced Addiction Studies (AAS) Concentration. For AAS learners, Supervised Practicum in Advanced Addiction Studies is required, and this course will replace Applied Concepts. | 6 |
| Master’s Thesis | 6 |
| TOTAL REQUIRED FOR THE MS IN PSYCHOLOGY | 42 |
Courses + Credits
Below you will find the required core courses and elective options within CalSouthern’s Master of Science in Psychology degree program. By completing five specific three-credit psychology elective courses within an identified concentration, you may earn your MS with one of the following concentrations: advanced addiction studies, industrial/organizational psychology, pastoral counseling, or sport psychology; or you may select your courses based upon your areas of interest to develop your own customized areas of study.
- PSY 6502Counseling Theories and Strategies – 3 credits
- PSY 6801Therapeutic Boundaries – 3 credits
or
- PSY 6309Advanced Ethical and Professional Issues in Addiction Counseling (for
those enrolled in the Advanced Addiction Studies Concentration) – 3
credits - PSY 6506Psychopathology – 3 credits
- PSY 6512Group Counseling – 3 credits
- PSY 6516Social Psychology – 3 credits
Customized Concentration
Choose any five (5) 3-credit graduate-level psychology elective courses (excludes practicums, internships, and doctoral project courses) — 15 credits
Advanced Addiction Studies Concentration
- PSY 6511Substance Use and Related Disorders – 3 credits
- PSY 7534Dual Diagnosis – 3 credits
- PSY 7307Advanced Physiology and Pharmacology of Addiction – 3 credits
- PSY 7007Advanced Case Management: Assessment, Treatment and Planning, Relapse Prevention and Aftercare – 3 credits
- PSY 7316Advanced Personal & Professional Wellness for the Substance Abuse Counselor – 3 credits
Industrial/Organizational Psychology Concentration
- PSY 7521Industrial/Organizational Psychology – 3 credits
- PSY 6508Culture and Diversity in Counseling – 3 credits
- PSY 7522Consulting in Business, Education and Mental Health – 3 credits
- PSY 7529Myers-Briggs Type Indicator – 3 credits
- PSY 7761Interpersonal Conflict in the Workplace – 3 credits
Pastoral Counseling Concentration
- PSY 7541Psychology of Religion – 3 credits
- PSY 6509Systems of Family Therapy – 3 credits
- PSY 7507Advanced Human Sexuality – 3 credits
- PSY 7517Psychology of Aging – 3 credits
- PSY 7533Psychology of Death and Dying – 3 credits
Sport Psychology Concentration
- PSY 7100Applied Sport Psychology I – 3 credits
- PSY 7101Applied Sport Psychology II – 3 credits
- PSY 7711Current Issues in Sport Psychology– 3 credits
- PSY 7715Psychology of Coaching – 3 credits
- PSY 7720Enhancing Performance: Preparation/Motivation – 3 credits
- PSY 6802Applied Concepts – 6 credits
or
- PSY 7508Supervised Practicum in Advanced Addiction Studies – 6 credits. (This course will replace PSY 6802 for AAS learners)
- PSY 6899Master’s Thesis – 6 credits
View the University Catalog for full course descriptions, prerequisite information, and program details.
View CatalogWhich Psychology Program Works For You?
CalSouthern’s MS & MA Psychology programs at a glance
| Details | Master of Science (MS) in General Psychology | Master of Science (MS) in Psychology | Master of Arts (MA) in Psychology with an Emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Credits Required | 30 | 42 | 60 |
| Cost per credit | $645 | $645 | $645 |
| Program length | 1.5 years (full-time status)1 | 2-3 years (full-time status)1 | 4 years (full-time status)1 |
| Max transfer credits | 6 credits2 | 6 credits2 | 12 credits2 |
| Graduates of this program may choose to pursue the following3 |
Doctoral level study at CalSouthern (PsyD) Potential career paths in industries such as:
|
Doctoral level study at CalSouthern (PsyD) Potential career paths in industries such as:
Advancement in career paths such as:
A concentration in:
|
Doctoral level study at CalSouthern (PsyD) Potential career paths in industries such as:
|
1 The program length varies depending on the concentration selected. Many factors can impact your time to completion such as course loads, transfer or proficiency credits, and approved leaves of absence. The program length provided does not include these adjustments. Program completion time also depends on an individual learner’s time needed to complete required practicum courses.
2Transfer credit is evaluated on an individual basis. Not all credits are eligible for transfer. See the University Catalog for transfer credit policies
3CalSouthern cannot guarantee employment, licensure, salary, or career advancement.
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Frequently Asked Questions
The Master of Science (MS) in Psychology degree program is designed to equip candidates with information, and concepts in psychology applicable to a vast array of fields. Available concentrations include addiction studies, pastoral counseling, sport psychology, and industrial/organizational psychology. Through acquisition of research skills and psychology knowledge base from a non-clinical perspective, this program is designed to be an asset for individuals looking to progress in their chosen profession.
In the Master of Science (MS) in Psychology, you will work to develop a firm foundation in psychology theories and research, emphasizing effective communication, analytical and critical thinking, and scientific inquiry. You will be introduced to ethical and legal principles in research and academia. You will study with a culturally sensitive perspective and will choose which areas you would like to explore further through your elective and concentration choices.
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.
The CalSouthern Master of Science (MS) in Psychology program requires a total of 42 semester credit hours. The average time to completion is approximately two-three 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.*
The Master of Science (MS) in Psychology degree at CalSouthern may be the program for you if you would like to further your education beyond your bachelor’s degree, if you are interested in applying an understanding of psychology principles to a vast array of other fields, if you want to learn more about advanced addiction studies, pastoral counseling, sport psychology, industrial/organizational psychology, or many other subjects within the field of psychology. Degree candidates can pursue this degree online, allowing the flexibility to study on their own terms and schedules within the course start and end dates. This degree does not lead to licensure, but earning the Master of Science in Psychology can fulfill eligibility for doctoral-level study at CalSouthern if desired. Contact an Admissions Advisor today!
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Accreditation & Approvals
California Southern University is a member of the American InterContinental University System. The System is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org), an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
The Certificate in Advanced Addiction Studies provides 270 hours of Substance Use Disorder (SUD) specific education. Optional practicum course experience may be required for some levels of certification. This program is approved by the California Consortium of Addiction Programs and Professionals (CCAPP) and the Association for Addiction Professionals (NAADAC). For more information on how to become California and/or nationally certified/licensed, contact ccapp.us and/or www.naadac.org directly. A minimum grade of “B” is required in all courses to earn the graduate Certificate in Advanced Addiction Studies.
Please visit the Accreditation & Licensure page to learn more.
CalSouthern cannot guarantee employment, salary, or career advancement. Not all programs are available to residents of all jurisdictions. CalSouthern does not accept applications from residents of Massachusetts, New York, and certain foreign countries.
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