Master of Science in Applied Psychology
Goals and Objectives
The Master of Science in Applied Psychology (MSAP) program provides students with the knowledge and skills to apply the science of human behavior to solve practical real-world problems. The program is built on a scientist-practitioner model in which students gain a solid foundation in the science of psychology and learn to apply this knowledge and skill set to practical real-world problems. With its strong foundation in research methods and quantitative reasoning and its numerous connections with community agencies, schools, and corporations, the program provides excellent preparation for a wide variety of careers in today’s data-driven economy. Students are particularly well prepared for a variety of leadership positions in governmental, community, and corporate settings. The program offers a unique delivery system of 8-week courses that allows students to complete their degrees in one calendar year by taking courses in our on-campus program. One may also choose to take a more moderate pace by participating in the online aspect of the program. A minimum of 38 credits are required to graduate from the program. Students must complete a 20-credit core curriculum (and may be required to complete an additional 4 credits of prerequisite coursework) and 6 credits of capstone/thesis work. The remaining 12 credits are fulfilled with the completion of four elective courses. Students may choose to complete those 12 credits by participating in one of two concentrations (industrial-organizational psychology or community psychology) or they may choose to take a combination of the two concentrations to graduate with a general degree. In addition, students may choose to begin by completing a certificate in either industrial-organizational psychology or community psychology.
Admission Requirements
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. A Bachelor of Arts or Science with a minimum GPA of 3.0 from a four-year accredited institution and official transcripts from all undergraduate institutions attended are required. If the applicant’s undergraduate degree is not in psychology, then the completion of a prerequisite psychology course is required. Two letters of recommendations and a statement of professional goals are also required. GRE scores are preferred.
Program Requirements
Prerequisite Requirements
The following prerequisite course will be required for those who wish to pursue the MSAP program. The course must be completed with a grade of B or better. If a candidate has completed sufficient past coursework, this prerequisite requirement may be waived by the director.
| PS 450 | Foundations of Applied Psychology | 4 |
Required Courses (20 credits)
| PS 500 | Foundations of Applied Psychology | 4 |
| PS 520 | Developmental Issues Across the Lifespan | 3 |
| PS 525 | Identifying & Managing Psychopathology in Community Settings | 3 |
| PS 550 | Applied Research Methods & Statistics | 4 |
| PS 551 | Individual Psychological Assessment & Appraisal | 3 |
| PS 552 | Program Development & Evaluation | 3 |
Required Capstone/THesis Courses (6 Credits)
Option 1:
Option 2:
Option 3:
Concentration in Industrial Organizational Psychology (12 credits)
| PS 530 | Personnel Psychology | 3 |
| PS 531 | Organizational Behavior | 3 |
| PS 532 | Job Analysis, Competency Modeling, & Criterion Development | 3 |
| PS 533 | Employee Training & Development | 3 |
PS 533: or appropriate BU course
Concentration in Community Psychology (12 credits)
| PS 540 | Foundations of Community Psychology | 3 |
| PS 541 | Theories of Counseling & Personality | 3 |
| PS 542 | Counseling Methods & Techniques | 3 |
| PS 543 | Community Health Psychology | 3 |
General Track (12 Credits)
In consultation with an academic advisor, students choose four electives from the above concentrations, PS 599, or other appropriate graduate courses.