Program Overview

MA in Psychology Program Overview

The Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences at Boston University offers a one-year, eight-course program of study leading to the Master of Arts in Psychology. This program provides the flexibility to explore various areas in psychology, building on a common foundation of scientific methodologies. Particular strengths of the program include cognition, neuroscience, developmental science, and clinical psychology.

Program Structure and Requirements

• The program satisfies the interests of those who wish to undertake a rigorous course of study that leads to the master’s degree.
• It is appropriate for students with a limited background in psychology and those who hold an undergraduate degree in the field.
• Some students use the program as a means to clarify their interest in professional psychology; others use it as a first step toward a doctoral program.
• Many graduates have applied their advanced training in psychology to work in government and industry as researchers, mental health workers, administrators, and managers.
• Others have continued with doctoral studies in psychology or related fields.
• The program is not intended to qualify students for the independent practice of professional psychology.

Admission Criteria

• Although an undergraduate major in psychology is not required, applicants are required to have taken some coursework in psychology.
• Recommended courses include:
  • An introductory course
  • A course in research methods in psychology
  • A course in statistics
  • At least two content courses

Learning Outcomes

Students graduating with an MA in Psychology are expected to:

• Demonstrate proficiency in a minimum of two of three programmatic knowledge areas: Brain, Behavior & Cognition, Clinical, and Developmental Science.
• Demonstrate an understanding of statistics and research design and the ability to evaluate the quality and implications of scientific research.
• Write an empirical research report in APA (American Psychological Association) or Index Medicus style by completing a research project (supervised by a faculty member).
• Demonstrate competence in oral communication and understanding of scholarly research by giving a conference-style presentation.

Course Requirements

• Candidates for the MA in Psychology must complete eight 4-unit courses (32 units) in psychology.
• Required courses are as follows:
  • CAS PS 704 Contemporary Trends in Psychology
  • CAS PS 711 Statistics in Psychology I
  • CAS PS 901/902 Directed Study in Psychology
  • A minimum of one course from two of the three fundamental programmatic knowledge areas in psychology

Language Requirement

There is no foreign language requirement for this degree.

Directed Study

The MA program does not require a formal thesis, but does require a directed study, a research apprenticeship in which students work with a faculty member on a research project.

Accreditation

Boston University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE).