Introduction to the MA in Psychology Program

The Master's Program in psychology is built on a strong core curriculum in general psychology and provides professionals with a broad perspective of the discipline of psychology, research skills, and professional ethics. Advanced courses encourage students to consider current trends and challenges in fields that provide psychological services.

Program Overview

The MA in Psychology program prepares graduates to work in a variety of mental health or human service settings, including mental health care facilities, child welfare and family counseling agencies, institutions for the aged, and other social and community organizations. Graduates are also prepared for admission to programs of advanced study in psychology, such as the Ph.D. and Psy.D. programs.

Admission to the MA Program

Applicants to the MA program must have completed at least 12 undergraduate credits of psychology, including statistics, with a grade point average of at least 2.75. In addition, they must submit letters of recommendation from two professors. Admission to the MA program in no way implies acceptance into the Ph.D. program.

MA Degree Requirements and Time Limits

The MA program is ordinarily completed in one and one half to two years of intensive study. The time limit for the MA degree is five years. Candidates must have completed 33 credits, which includes an acceptable thesis, or 36 credits and pass a written comprehensive examination.

Curriculum for MA Degree

The typical curriculum for the MA degree consists of 600-level courses designated by the letter M.

• Core Course Requirements:
  • Twelve (12) credits required
  • PSY 603M | Contemporary Psychological Theories | 3.00
  • PSY 616M | Statistical and Research Methodology I | 3.00
  • PSY 617M | Statistical and Research Methodology II | 3.00
  • PSY 665M | Professional Issues and Ethics in Psychology | 3.00
• Psychology Course Requirements:
  • At least twenty-seven (27) credits from psychology masters courses
• MA in Psychology Non-Thesis Option:
  • Thirty-six (36) total credits required
  • Six (6) additional credits in psychology
  • Written comprehensive examination
• MA in Psychology Thesis Option:
  • Thirty-three (33) total credits required
  • Three (3) credits from psychology 709M

Academic Programs in the School of Health Professions

The School of Health Professions offers various academic programs, including:

• BA Psychology
• BS Exercise Science & Wellness
• BS Health Science
• BS Respiratory Care
• BS Social Work
• BS/MS Occupational Therapy
• Master of Social Work
• MA Psychology
• MS Exercise Science
• MS Marriage and Family Therapy
• MS Mental Health Counseling
• MS Physician Assistant
• MS Speech-Language Pathology
• MS ED School Psychology
• PhD Clinical Psychology
• Doctor of Physical Therapy
• Doctorate of Social Work
• Advanced Certificate in Marriage and Family Therapy
• Advanced Certificate in Mental Health Counseling

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Overview:

• Founded in 1926 as the Brooklyn Law School
• Expanded to become Long Island University in 1954
• Currently has 6 campuses across New York State
• Enrolls over 20,000 students
• Notable achievements:
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  • Recognized for its strong programs in business, education, and health sciences
  • Home to the Arnold & Marie Schwartz College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, one of the largest pharmacy schools in the country

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Student Life:

Extracurricular Activities:

Over 200 student clubs and organizations, including academic, cultural, social, and recreational groups

Clubs:

Examples include the Student Government Association, the Black Student Union, and the International Student Association

Sports Teams:

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• Student Support Services:

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• Campus Facilities:

  • Modern academic buildings
  • State-of-the-art athletic facilities
  • Student centers with dining, recreation, and study spaces
  • On-campus housing available at most campuses

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Academics:

• Academic Resources:

  • Over 100 undergraduate and graduate programs
  • Faculty of over 1,000 full-time and part-time professors
  • Research centers and institutes in various fields

• Teaching Methodologies:

  • Traditional lectures
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  • Hands-on learning experiences
  • Online and hybrid courses

• Academic Support Services:

  • Tutoring
  • Writing Center
  • Math Lab

• Unique Academic Programs or Initiatives:

  • Honors College
  • Global Studies Program
  • Experiential Learning Program

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Top Reasons to Study Here:

Reputation:

Ranked among the top 200 universities in the U.S. by U.S. News & World Report

Specialized Facilities:

State-of-the-art facilities for health sciences, business, and education

Industry Connections:

Partnerships with leading companies and organizations

Notable Alumni:

Includes politicians, business leaders, and entertainers, such as former New York City Mayor David Dinkins and actor Alec Baldwin

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Services:

Counseling:

Counseling and Psychological Services provides individual and group counseling, as well as crisis intervention

Health:

Health and Wellness Center offers medical care, vaccinations, and health education

Housing:

On-campus housing available at most campuses, including traditional dorms, apartments, and townhouses

Library Resources:

Over 1 million volumes in the university libraries, as well as access to online databases and research tools

Technology Support:

IT Help Desk provides technical assistance and support for students

Career Development:

Career Services offers resume writing, interview preparation, and job search assistance