The Concordia University Chicago advanced degree in psychology prepares graduates to develop foundational knowledge in field of psychology. This degree focuses on the study of human activities, behavior, and the principles of research. The master’s in psychology is not a degree for licensure1, but rather provides a strong theoretical background (not clinical) in traditional areas of psychology.
Local, national, and international students will find that this degree can provide solid insight and knowledge into human behavior as they develop their critical thinking, writing and research skills to further analyze general psychological principles and apply them to personal, social and organizational issues. The program is designed for a variety of professionals within the fields of education, human services, and allied health to advance their psychological knowledge and use of psychological applications in their respective field. In addition, the curriculum is designed to facilitate the development of basic interpersonal skills, engender sensitivity to cultural and individual differences, and knowledge and skills that enable students for professional work in increasingly diverse social agencies, school and community settings. The psychology master's program is also an appropriate program for students intending to seek an advanced doctoral degree in psychology.
This program will enable students to:
- Acquire knowledge about the theoretical and practical aspects of the science of psychology
- Demonstrate an understanding of the many contributions of psychology to human existence
- Develop competence in research
- Prepare for more advanced study in the science of psychology
| 1 | Graduate students who earn this degree will not meet the educational requirements for certification or licensure in the state of Illinois and should not expect to provide psychological services as an independent practitioner. Rather, this degree demonstrates master's-level achievement and enhances employment opportunities. |
General Graduate Admission Requirements
All applicants must meet the general admission requirements for Concordia University Chicago graduate programs as published in the Concordia University Chicago academic catalog.
New students are accepted into graduate degree-seeking, certificate, endorsement and/or post-graduate programs for online and on-campus study in the fall, spring, or summer semesters. Previously admitted students seeking to change programs may do so at the beginning of a semester (only) by submitting a Change-of-Program quick app. Applicants must be in good academic standing according to Concordia University Chicago’s satisfactory academic progress standards at the time of requesting a program change.
Program Specific Admission Requirements
- Application to and acceptance into the Master of Arts in Psychology Program
- Documented evidence of 12 semester hours of prior coursework in sociology or psychology with a grade of “C” or higher.
Degree Requirements
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Core Research Courses | ||
| PSY-6030 | Research in Psychology | 3 |
| PSY-6800 | Advanced Research in Psychology | 3 |
| Foundation Courses - General Psychology | ||
| CED-6035 | Counseling and Human Development | 3 |
| CED-6055 | Multicultural Counseling | 3 |
| PSY-6025 | Assessment Techniques | 3 |
| PSY-6040 | Applied Psychopathology & Diagnosis | 3 |
| PSY-6065 | Personality Theories | 3 |
| PSY-6070 | Physiological Psychology | 3 |
| PSY-6080 | Cognitive Psychology | 3 |
| Ethics | ||
| PSY-6075 | Ethical Issues in Research and Psychology | 3 |
| Capstone | ||
| PSY-6990 | Master’s Thesis 1 | 3 |
| Total Hours | 33 | |
| 1 | The PSY-6990 Master’s Thesis Master’s Thesis course satisfies the Capstone Experience requirement. |
Capstone Experience
A master’s capstone is required for all Master of Arts candidates. This culminating project highlights the candidate’s mastery of content throughout his or her studies. Capstones are traditionally a summary of work demonstrating overall growth and specific understandings of the professional standards. The capstone serves as a performance-based evaluation and promotes reflective practice. It also demonstrates the professional’s proficiency in integrating technology and his or her ability to interpret theory into practice.
Graduation Requirements
- Have on file an application as a degree-seeking graduate student.
- Have on file one official transcript from EACH college/university attended of all previous coursework taken.
- Complete, for the degree being sought:
- the credit hours and levels as designated,
- within the specified time limit,
- with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0.
- Students completing multiple advanced programs or degrees at CUC must have a 3.0 GPA in each academic program in addition to a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0.
- If transfer credit is approved to be applied: have on file an approved “Graduate Transfer Credit Approval” form(s) or evaluation(s).
- Have on file the Intent to Graduate/Complete form with the Office of the Registrar by the published deadline.
- Have on file, if applicable, necessary copies of a project, thesis or dissertation.
- Take and pass the final examination or terminal requirements in the program during or after the final course.
- Approval of the faculty.
- Payments of all tuition and fees due to Concordia University Chicago. All holds must be removed to receive transcripts and diploma.
Every attempt has been made to include information to aid the student with information about his/her program, degree and graduation/completion requirements. It is, however, the student’s responsibility to complete all steps and meet all deadlines relevant to graduation requirements.