Program Overview

Introduction to the Psychological Sciences Program

The Psychological Sciences master’s program at the University of South Florida St. Petersburg focuses on the study of biological, social, developmental, and cognitive bases of health and human behavior. The program emphasizes competence in research methodology required to interpret and evaluate applied research data.

Degree Options

The College of Arts and Sciences offers a Master of Arts in Psychological Sciences on the St. Petersburg campus.

Program Overview

The master’s program is designed to advance a student’s study of psychology. Graduates will demonstrate a conceptual understanding of advanced psychology and contribute intellectually to the field. The program is home to the Family Study Center and a number of active research labs, providing motivated students with opportunities to review faculty pages for labs that match their academic, research, and career interests.

Coursework Requirements

For students in both thesis and non-thesis options, elective courses in the domains of experimental and applied psychology, data analysis, infant-family mental health, ethics and cultural competence, and other basic and applied areas round out coursework requirements for the degree. Students on the thesis track also complete an empirical master’s thesis.

Unique Opportunities

The program offers a unique opportunity for students to train in Risk, Resilience, and Prevention (RRP) by completing coursework in the Infant Family Mental Health graduate certificate program. With the competencies promoted in this training, the program seeks to reinvigorate the workforce with professionals who are able to promote human capital and reduce risk of both untoward health outcomes and behavioral and community problems.

Career Opportunities

As a program graduate with a M.A. in Psychological Sciences, students will be:

• Positioned to assume research analytic, human service, and health research positions demanding advanced competencies in research methodology, data tracking, collection, and analysis, and grant writing.
• Eligible for teaching positions at high schools and colleges or universities at the 1000/2000 level coursework.
• Competitive for admission to top doctoral programs because of exceptional, research-based education in a nationally-recognized program of faculty research.

Graduate Outcomes

Graduates obtain positions at nonprofits and governmental agencies, such as the Juvenile Welfare Board and the Department of Health, at marketing and research corporations, such as Fors Marsh Group, and continue on to Ph.D programs in Clinical, Experimental, Social, Cognitive, Developmental, and Health Psychology.

Requirements for the Master's in Psychological Sciences

The M.A. in Psychological Sciences requires 36 hours of coursework, including either a thesis for six (6) credit hours or a non-thesis research-based project for three (3) credit hours. All students are required to take a set of core courses during the first year of study and pass comprehensive examinations on core course material between the first and second years of study.

Accreditation

The University of South Florida is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate, baccalaureate, masters, educational specialist, and doctoral degrees. The University of South Florida also may offer credentials such as certificates and diplomas at approved degree levels. Questions about the accreditation of the University of South Florida may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.