Master of Arts in Psychology
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This program is designed to provide students with a theoretical and practical understanding of the principles of psychology within the framework of a strong clinical emphasis. Courses present various aspects of the art and science of psychology as it is applied to the understanding of human behavior and to the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of mental and emotional problems. The program meets prerequisite requirements for application to the University's doctoral program, assuming that the student has taken a graduate course in developmental psychology (e.g., PSY 658). Completion of the M.A. in psychology does not guarantee admission to the doctoral program. Classes are offered on afternoons and weeknights at the West Los Angeles, Encino, and Irvine Graduate Campuses.
Psychology master's students who wish to transfer from one program to another are required to file a Change of Program Request form, which will be forwarded to the program director for evaluation, and pay a program change fee.
The M.A. in psychology program requires 36-44 units, depending upon previous course work. The student who has taken graduate courses judged to be equivalent to required courses may transfer in a maximum of six units. Depending on the student's academic background, the course work will consist of the courses listed under Foundation Courses, Level I, and Level II Courses, supplemented with elective courses in lieu of waived foundation courses, if needed to complete the total unit requirement. The maximum permissible course load is 10 units per term, although students who are employed full-time are urged to enroll in only six units. With the exception of courses that specify prerequisites, courses may be taken in any sequence within levels.
It is recognized that diverse disciplines contribute to the understanding of psychology, and that psychology permeates many academic fields. Therefore, a major in psychology as an undergraduate is not a prerequisite for admission; however, knowledge of certain fundamental areas in psychology is necessary as preparation for advanced courses. The student who has taken undergraduate or graduate level courses judged to be equivalent in content to foundation level courses may petition to waive such courses and, if successful, may earn the required 36 units through elective courses. Previously taken courses will qualify for waiver consideration if they were taken no earlier than seven years prior to admission and a grade of "B" or better was earned.
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