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.
The program places an emphasis on scientific research and in obtaining practical experience in a non-clinical setting. 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 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.
Quick Facts:
- Credits required: 42
- Cost per credit: $545
- Program length: 2-3 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.
What you’ll learn
Articulate in writing increasingly complex psychological ideas with the capacity to organize and develop concepts with professional-level scientific support.
Employ appropriate oral communication skills to successfully interact with people from a variety of experiences and backgrounds in presentations, discussions, negotiations, and conflict management situations.
Analyze evidence from the science of psychological theory and research, and interpret this information employing graduate-level applications of validity, reliability, and logical argumentation.
Apply and differentiate the critical impact that cultural and social institutions have on personal ethical systems, values, and worldview assumptions, including proficiencies in theories and issues in diversity: multiethnic, multicultural, gender, development, sexual orientation, and disability.
Synthesize increasingly complex principles and scientific findings from within psychology, and apply them to personal experiences so that the information is meaningful and organically applied to humanistic scientific endeavors.
Evaluate statistically based reasoning processes and apply to increasingly complex psychological research findings and emergent questions.
Formulate a system of inquiry that is dependent on empirical evidence, as well as demonstrate the ability to reason by advanced principles of deduction, induction, and analogy in psychology.
Compare theories in assessing an individual from multiple perspectives and discriminate between psychological issues that may arise within various non-clinical settings.
Career Outcomes
Social Services / Manager
Human Resources / Manager
Pursue Licensure as an Advanced Alcohol & Drug Counselor
LAADC (Advanced Addition Studies concentration)
Faith-Based Social Services & Support
(Pastoral Counseling concentration)
Athletic Coach / Trainer
(Sport psychology concentration)
Business / Advertising Consultant
(Industrial and Organizational Psychology concentration)
Master of Science in Psychology Degree Requirements
| Degree Requirements | Credits |
|---|---|
| Required Core Courses | 15 |
| Required Elective Courses | 15 |
| Applied Concepts or Advanced Supervised Practicum & Fieldwork in Addiction Studies (may replace Applied Concepts within the Advanced Addiction Studies Concentration) | 6 |
| Master’s Thesis | 6 |
| TOTAL REQUIRED FOR THE MS IN PSYCHOLOGY |
42 |
Courses + Credits
Below, please find the required core psychology courses in CalSouthern’s Master of Science in Psychology degree program. By taking five three-credit psychology elective courses in a variety of concentrations, you can earn your MS with an emphasis in advanced addiction studies, industrial/organizational psychology, pastoral counseling, sport psychology, or develop your own customized concentration.
Required Core Courses
- PSY 6502 Counseling Theories and Strategies – 3 credits
- PSY 6801 Advanced Therapeutic Boundaries – 3 credits
or
- PSY 6309 Advanced Ethical and Professional Issues in Addiction Counseling (for
those enrolled in the Advanced Addiction Studies Concentration) – 3
credits - PSY 6506A Psychopathology – 3 credits
- PSY 6512A Group Counseling – 3 credits
- PSY 6516 Social Psychology – 3 credits
Elective/Concentration Courses
Customized Concentration
Choose any five (5) graduate-level psychology elective courses (excludes practicums and internships) — 15 credits
Advanced Addiction Studies Concentration
- PSY 6511 Substance Use and Related Disorders – 3 credits
- PSY 7534 Dual Diagnosis – 3 credits
- PSY 7307 Advanced Physiology and Pharmacology of Addiction – 3 credits
- PSY 7007 Advanced Case Management: Assessment, Treatment and Planning, Relapse Prevention and Aftercare – 3 credits
- PSY 7316 Advanced Personal & Professional Wellness for Substance Abuse
Counselors – 3 credits
Industrial and Organizational Psychology Concentration
- PSY 7521 Industrial/Organizational Psychology – 3 credits
- PSY 6508 Culture and Diversity in Counseling – 3 credits
- PSY 7522 Consulting in Business, Education and Mental Health – 3 credits
- PSY 7529 Myers-Briggs Type Indicator – 3 credits
- PSY 7761 Interpersonal Conflict in the Workplace – 3 credits
Pastoral Counseling Concentration
- PSY 7541 Psychology of Religion – 3 credits
- PSY 6509 Systems of Family Therapy – 3 credits
- PSY 7507 Advanced Human Sexuality – 3 credits
- PSY 7517 Psychology of Aging – 3 credits
- PSY 7533 Psychology of Death and Dying – 3 credits
Sport Psychology Concentration
- PSY 7700 Applied Sport Psychology I – 3 credits
- PSY 7701 Applied Sport Psychology II – 3 credits
- PSY 7711 Current Issues in Sport Psychology– 3 credits
- PSY 7715 Psychology of Coaching – 3 credits
- PSY 7720 Enhancing Performance: Preparation/Motivation – 3 credits
Applied Courses
- PSY6802 Applied Concepts – 6 credits
or
- PSY 7508 Supervised Practicum in Advanced Addiction Studies (for those enrolled in Advanced Addiction Studies Concentration) – 6 credits
Master’s Thesis
- PSY 6899 Master’s Thesis – 6 credits
Download the University Catalog for full course descriptions, prerequisite information, and program details.
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
Ready to get back to your dreams? We can help!
Contact us to learn more about our online MS in Psychology degree program.
Call us at: 1.800.477.2254 | Email: admissions@calsouthern.edu
Accreditation & Approvals
California Southern University is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), which is one of six institutional accrediting bodies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). Institutional accreditation is the most highly respected and recognized form of accreditation in the United States, and it provides students with a number of important benefits and opportunities. www.wscuc.org
Please visit the Accreditation & Licensure page to learn more.