Academic Programs Catalog

Students are accepted for graduate study in psychology only if judged by a departmental committee to be qualified to complete a doctoral degree, and programs of study are planned with this goal in mind; the master's sequence is generally developed as an integral part of the doctoral program with special attention given to the plans and needs of each student. Additional details are given under the doctoral program as outlined below. There is no terminal master's degree in the Psychology program.

In addition to meeting the requirements of the university and of the College of Social Science, students must meet the requirements specified below.

Admission

Admissions decisions are made by a holistic evaluation of candidate applications , with the goal of determining if the candidates are qualified to complete a doctoral degree in Psychology, as the MA sequence is an integral part of the doctoral degree.

Factors given major consideration for admission to the graduate program at the first–year level include (1) an approved bachelor's degree recognized by MSU as comparable to a 4-year degree from an accredited institution, college or university, (2) a junior–senior undergraduate grade–point average of 3.20 or better in academic studies, (3) undergraduate courses in relevant psychology content and statistics, (4) favorable evaluations of the applicant by three referees, preferably instructors or research advisors in the applicants undergraduate major; and (5) approval by faculty in the area of interest and the Graduate Program Director that an applicant has achieved the above is not sufficient for admission. The number of applicants with superior qualifications exceeds the number of students that can be accommodated. 

The department is especially interested in quality students and generally considers applicants regardless of their undergraduate majors if they have adequate background for graduate study in psychology. 

Completed applications must be received by December 1 for consideration for the subsequent fall semester.

Requirements for the Master of Arts Degree in Psychology

To meet individual needs, every student has a guidance committee with the student's advisor as chairperson. The committee develops a program of studies in consultation with the student. The program is available only under Plan A (with thesis). The student must complete a total of 30 credits as follows:

Requirements for Both Plan A 

1. Complete 4 credits of PSY 899 Master's Thesis Research.
2. Preparation of an approved thesis proposal and successful oral defense of the proposal.
3. Successful oral defense of the thesis.
4. Complete Responsible Conduct of Research requirements.

Academic Standards

Students must maintain a grade-point average of 3.0 with not more than two courses with a grade of 3.0 or lower.

Students are accepted for graduate study in psychology only if judged by a departmental committee to be qualified to complete a doctoral degree, and programs of study are planned with this goal in mind; the master's sequence is generally developed as an integral part of the doctoral program with special attention given to the plans and needs of each student. Additional details are given under the doctoral program as outlined below. 

In addition to meeting the requirements of the university and of the College of Social Science, students must meet the requirements specified below.

Admission

Admissions decisions are made by a holistic evaluation of candidate applications. Factors given major consideration for admission to the graduate program at the first -year level include (1) an approved bachelor's degree from a college or university recognized by MSU as comparable to a 4-year bachelor's degree from an accredited institution, (2) a junior -senior undergraduate grade -point average of 3.20 or better in academic studies, (3) undergraduate courses in relevant psychology content and statistics, (4) favorable evaluations of the applicant by three referees, preferably instructors or research advisors  in the applicants undergraduate major; and (5) approval by faculty in the area of interest and the Graduate Program Director that an applicant has achieved the above is not sufficient for admission. The number of applicants with superior qualifications exceeds the number of students that can be accommodated.

The department is especially interested in quality students and generally considers applicants regardless of their undergraduate majors if they have adequate background for graduate study in psychology.

Completed applications must be received by December 1 for consideration for the subsequent fall semester. 

Requirements for Doctor of Philosophy Degree in Psychology

To meet individual needs, every student has a guidance committee with the student's advisor as chairperson. The committee develops a program of studies in consultation with the student. Students who are accepted into the doctoral program will fulfill the following program requirements for the degree:

1. Successful completion of all components of the comprehensive examination.
2. Completion of 24 to 36 credits of PSY 999 Doctoral Dissertation Research.
3. Develop a written dissertation proposal and a successfully complete the oral defense of the proposal.
4. Successful completion and defense of a dissertation.
5. Complete Responsible Conduct of Research requirements.

Academic Standards 

Students must maintain a grade-point average of 3.0 with not more than two courses with a grade of 3.0 or lower.

For Law College students who have been admitted to the dual J.D. - M.A. program with Michigan State University - College of Law, a maximum of 9 credits from Michigan State University - College of Law may be transferred to the M.A. program with a major in psychology. A grade of 2.0 in a Law course will transfer to MSU as a passing grade. Students will be assessed at the Law College tuition rate with a graduate assistantship covering only the MSU cost of in-state tuition.

 

The Master of Arts degree in Program Evaluation prepares students for evaluation careers in diverse settings including government, education, social services, and evaluation consulting firms. It emphasizes professional development in history, theory, and standards of evaluation practice; evaluation methods; effective interpersonal and communication skills; and management of evaluation activities. Students will obtain direct practice experience under the supervision of program faculty.

In addition to meeting the requirements of the university and the College of Social Science, students must meet the requirements specified below.

Admission

To be admitted to the Master of Arts degree in Program Evaluation, applicants must have:

1. a bachelor’s degree from a recognized educational institution.
2. an academic record equivalent to at least 3.00 (B) in undergraduate course work in their junior and senior year.
3. submitted three letters of recommendation and a personal statement about their academic and professional goals and experience.
4. submitted Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) scores if they are an international student.

Admission to the program is selective and meeting the minimum standards does not guarantee admission. The applicant’s overall record is considered, including the student’s personal statement, recommendations, academic transcripts, and other documentation as required.

Requirements for the Master of Arts Degree in Program Evaluation

The Master of Arts degree in Program Evaluation is available only online and only under Plan B (non-thesis). A total of 37 credits are required for the degree.

1.	Students must complete 37 credits from the following courses:
	PSY	880	Foundations of Evaluation Practice				3
	PSY	881	Evaluation Design				3
	PSY	882	Evaluation Data Collection Methods				3
	PSY	883	Statistics for Evaluators I				3
	PSY	884	Qualitative and Mixed Method Evaluation Methods				3
	PSY	885	Communicating and Reporting				3
	PSY	886	Evaluation Practicum Preparation				1
	PSY	887	Statistics for Evaluators II				3
	PSY	888	Evaluation Management				3
	PSY	889	Evaluation Practicum				12
2.	Completion of a final oral examination or evaluation.

The Graduate Certificate in Program Evaluation prepares students for evaluation careers in diverse settings including government, education, social services, and evaluation consulting firms. It emphasizes professional development in history, theory, and standards of evaluation practice, evaluation methods, and evaluation practice skills.

Admission

To be admitted to the Graduate Certificate in Program Evaluation, applicants must have:

1. a bachelor's degree from a recognized educational institution.
2. an academic record equivalent to at least 3.00 (B) in undergraduate course work in their junior and senior year. This requirement is waived for students currently pursuing a master’s or doctoral degree program at MSU.
3. submitted three letters of recommendation and a personal statement about their academic and professional goals and experience.
4. submitted Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) scores if they are an international applicant.

Admission to the program is selective and meeting the minimum standards does not guarantee admission. The applicant’s overall record is considered, including the student’s personal statement, recommendations, academic transcripts, and other documentation as required.

Students currently pursuing a graduate degree at MSU should submit a letter from their program advisor or chairperson indicating that the student is in good standing and they agree the certificate is an appropriate adjunct training opportunity. It is recommended that applicants have earned at least 12 undergraduate credits in a social science such as anthropology, sociology, or psychology.

Requirements for the Graduate Certificate in Program Evaluation

The Graduate Certificate in Program Evaluation is available only online. A total of 12 credits are required for the certificate.

1.	The following course (3 credits):
	PSY	880	Foundations of Evaluation Practice						3
2.	One of the following courses (3 credits):
	PSY	881	Evaluation Design						3
	PSY	884	Qualitative and Mixed Method Evaluation Methods						3
3.	Two of the following courses (6 credits):
	PSY	881	Evaluation Design						3
	PSY	882	Evaluation Data Collection Methods						3
	PSY	883	Statistics for Evaluators I						3
	PSY	884	Qualitative and Mixed Method Evaluation Methods						3
	PSY	885	Communicating and Reporting						3
	PSY	887	Statistics for Evaluators II						3
	PSY	888	Evaluation Management						3
	Courses used to fulfill requirement 1. above may not be used to fulfill this requirement.

 

Students pursuing the Master of Science Degree in Work and Organizational Psychology will develop knowledge and skills in organizational theory, methods, and practice relevant to the role and responsibilities of positions in organizational psychology that meet professional practice standards. Graduates will be prepared to work as master’s-level positions in a variety of professional settings.

In addition to meeting the requirements of the university and of the College of Social Science, students must meet the requirements specified below.
 
Admission
 
To be considered for the Master of Science Degree in Work and Organizational Psychology, an applicant must:

1. have a bachelor’s degree from a recognized educational institution;
2. have an academic record equivalent to at least a 3.00 in the last two years of undergraduate work;
3. possess attributes such as intellectual curiosity, analytical thinking, and perseverance to have a high degree of potential for completion of the program and advancement to the roles and duties of individuals in an Organizational Psychology position.
4. submit three letters of recommendation and a personal statement regarding their academic and professional goals and experience.
5. if an international student, submit TOEFL scores.

Requirements for the Master of Science Degree in Work and Organizational Psychology

Students must complete 30 credits under Plan B (without thesis). The program is available only online.

1.	All of the following courses (18 credits):
	PSY	806	Consulting Roles and Professional Development						2
	PSY	807	Quantitative Analysis I						2
	PSY	808	Quantitative Analysis II						2
	PSY	816	Current Topics in Work and Organizational Psychology						2
	PSY	819	Testing and Measurement Development						2
	PSY	821	Staffing Organizations						2
	PSY	822	Performance Management						2
	PSY	823	Workplace Learning and Development						2
	PSY	824	Employee Attitudes and Engagement						2
2.	All of the following practicum courses (8 credits):
	PSY	856	Practicum I: Making the Business Case						2
	PSY	857	Practicum II: Applied Skills in Data Analysis and Interpretation						2
	PSY	858	Practicum III: Developing a Training and Onboarding Program						2
	PSY	859	Practicum IV: Attitude Survey Development and Analysis						2
3.	Complete two special topics seminars (4 credits):
	PSY	830	Special Topics						2
	This requirement is completed through two enrollments of PSY 830.