Psychology, MS

Mission

The mission of the Master of Science in Psychology program is to further student understanding of how psychological principles and concepts affect issues in their chosen specialization, including the importance of research investigation, data collection, and interpreting conclusions to find a resolution to professional issues. The Master of Science in Psychology degree is designed to provide a continuation of the student’s knowledge of how biological, environmental, and societal influences affect one’s well-being and the functionality of communities and organizations. Students will further expand on the critical thinking skills needed to evaluate and assess research methods and apply theories and methodologies to relevant social and organizational issues, all while maintaining the highest ethical standards. Throughout the program, curriculum content is be geared towards real-world application to better facilitate students’ understanding of how psychological standards can directly impact various professional organizations. 

Program Overview

The Master of Science in Psychology program is designed for those qualified individuals who wish to further their academic education in the field of psychology.  The program requires completion of 12 courses (55.5 total quarter credit hours), which can be completed (full-time in consecutive quarters) over a period of 18 months.

Learning Outcomes

Graduates completing the Master of Science in Psychology program will accomplish the following outcomes:

1. Display advanced knowledge of how psychological principles and concepts affect issues such as motivation, behavior, learning, and emotion. 
2. Examine how theoretical and research findings can be applied to professional and academic activities. 
3. Evaluate psychological literature in terms of reliability, credibility, ethics, and value. 
4. Design and conduct psychological research investigation(s) while examining and analyzing empirical data. 
5. Demonstrate an understanding and appropriate application of the APA Code of Ethics in research investigations as well as academic and professional activities. 
6. Effectively communicate in a scholarly and professional manner that aligns American Psychological Association (APA) style guidelines 

Admission Requirements

To be considered for admission to the Master of Science in Psychology program, the prospective student must meet individually, either in person or via electronic method, with an admissions officer to discuss the program and all requirements. Applicants must provide a completed South College application for admission and application to the program. Those selected for admission will provide the following:

1. Evidence completion of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution of higher education in psychology or closely related discipline approved by the faculty.
2. Evidence of a cumulative 3.0 undergraduate grade point average.

For applicants who are unable to meet the aforementioned requirements of admission, conditional admission is an option. Students who are admitted conditionally may take graduate Psychology courses and, if they attain a GPA of 3.0 or higher in their first three (3) graduate courses, will be admitted to the program. Any courses successfully completed by a conditionally admitted student satisfy the course requirements for graduation, as if the student was initially admitted in good standing. The faculty reserves the right to evaluate each application for conditional admission on a case-by-case basis. The Admissions Committee takes many factors into consideration, including but not limited to:

• Grade point average in the courses constituting the core of the applicant’s undergraduate major;
• Amount of time that has transpired between the applicant’s undergraduate degree completion and application to South College;
• Applicant’s work experience and accomplishments in their profession;
• Grade point average in graduate work at other accredited academic institutions.

Transfer of Credit

No more than three (3) graduate level courses will be accepted for transfer credit towards the MS in Psychology program. In order to be considered for transfer credit, a course syllabus, an unofficial transcript with the course grade, and a written request must be submitted to the Dean of General Education. Official credit will be awarded for those approved once the official transcript is received by the Registrar’s office.

Academic Standards, Student Progress, and Grading

Upon entering the Master of Science in Psychology program, students are required to confer with the Program Director to map out their course curriculum and requirements for degree completion. Students are also required to meet each quarter with assigned advisor for an academic progress review and registration approval for the next quarter. If a student voluntarily withdraws from the program, a formal application for reentry is required, and program requirements in effect at that time must be met. The student will be required to meet with the Program Director for approval to reenter the program. Students will only be allowed to be readmitted to the program once unless in the case of mitigating circumstances.

The Program Director will review each student’s scholastic achievement record at the end of each quarter. The academic standards that must be met by each student are outlined in the Academic Participation section. If a student fails to meet academic standards, the Program Director will meet with the student in question. Depending on the nature of the academic deficiency, the Program Director will determine the status of the student’s academic standing, which may include probation or dismissal from the program. The Categories of Academic Standing are:

• Good Standing: Status of a student who has met course requirements in a satisfactory manner and has demonstrated good professional behavior.
• Probation: Status of a student whose performance in the program has fallen below the minimum stated standards, or who has exhibited unacceptable professional behavior.
• Dismissal: Action whereby a student will be dismissed from the program due to failure to adhere to academic standards. Dismissal will occur after review of the student’s academic or professional deficiency by the Program Director.

Professional Behavior: For the purposes of this policy, unacceptable professional behavior shall be defined as inappropriate interpersonal communications (either written or verbal) directed towards South College faculty, staff, or fellow students, or actions and demeanor deemed inappropriate by the Program Director.

The causes of and consequences for receiving Probation or Dismissal are:

Probation

A student will be placed on probation if his/her cumulative GPA falls below a 3.00 on a 4.00 scale.

Students with a cumulative GPA below 3.00.
A student with a cumulative GPA below 3.00 at the end of any quarter will receive notification from the Program Director that he/she is on Probation. If the student fails to raise his/her cumulative GPA to a 3.00 at the end of the next quarter, he/she will be dismissed from the program. If the student raises his/her cumulative GPA to a 3.00 or higher at the end of the next quarter, he/she will be removed from Probation. If a student’s cumulative GPA falls below a 3.00 a second time, he/she will be dismissed from the program.

Dismissal

Action whereby a student will be dismissed from the Master of Science in Psychology program due to failure to adhere to academic and program requirements.

1. A student has a cumulative GPA of less than 3.00 at the end of any quarter and then fails to raise his/her cumulative GPA to a 3.00 or higher at the end of the next quarter;
2. A student’s cumulative GPA falls below 3.00 for a second time;
3. A student’s professional conduct violates the performance standards set forth in the South College Academic Honor Code, the South College Standards of Student Conduct, or for unprofessional behavior or criminal activity.

South College reserves the right to dismiss at any time a student who, in its judgment, is undesirable and whose continued enrollment is detrimental to him/herself or his/her fellow students or whose presence is disruptive to the learning environment, or the orderly operation of the College.

Following dismissal, a student may appeal the dismissal by providing the Program Director a written letter of appeal. The appeal will be considered by the Program Director. If the appeal is approved, the student will be allowed to return to the program for the designed period in a probationary status. All stipulations of the approved appeal must be met in order for the student to be returned to Good Standing. Failure to meet appeal stipulations will result in program dismissal.

Graduation Requirements

In order for a student to graduate from the MS in Psychology program, the student must be in a good academic and professional standing, have had satisfactory progress in all quarters of the academic program, and satisfactorily complete the following:

1. Successfully complete the required quarter credit hours of academic course work.
2. Evidence a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.00 or above for the required coursework.
3. Achieve a letter grade of “C” or better in all academic courses.
4. Complete all required South College and Program documents in preparation for graduation.
5. Honor all professional and financial obligations to South College.

South College reserves the right, and the student, by the act of matriculation, concedes to give South College the right to require withdrawal at any time the college deems it necessary to safeguard the standards of scholarship, conduct, and compliance with regulations, or for such other reasons deemed appropriate by South College as set forth in the South College Student Handbook and/or the South College Catalog.

The Master of Science in Psychology program is currently offered Online.