Information about graduate programs may be obtained by examining the Department’s web site. Go to karl.papubs.csulb.edu/cla/psychology, select “Graduate Program.”
The Department of Psychology offers three options for graduate study leading to the Master’s degree. One leads to the Master of Arts degree in Psychological Research. The other two options lead to the Master of Science degree, one in Human Factors, and one in Industrial/Organizational Psychology. In each option a basic core of courses, including a thesis, is required; however, there is the opportunity for additional work in areas of special interest.
The Master of Arts – Psychological Research program prepares students for doctoral study, provides a general background in Psychology, and offers electives in clinical, physiological, and other traditional areas of psychology. The Master of Science in Industrial/Organizational Psychology prepares students primarily for professional work in business setting, although some students proceed to advanced study. The Master of Science in Human Factors program prepares students for careers in applied experimental psychology, with emphases on aviation psychology and computer usability.
Admission to Graduate Programs
An application for admission may be obtained on the Psychology Department web site (go to karl.papubs.csulb.edu/cla/psychology, select “Graduate Program”). Acceptance by the department is contingent upon (a) GPA based on last 60 semester units available at time of application; (b) Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores on the verbal and quantitative sections; and (c) three letters of recommendation. For entry in the fall semester, all application materials, including complete transcripts, GRE scores and letters of recommendation, must be received by the department Graduate Advisor by February 14 for the Master of Science – Industrial/Organizational option, February 21 for the Master of Arts – Psychological Research option, and March 1 for the Master of Science – Human Factors option.
Financial Support
Students accepted into the graduate programs may apply for graduate assistantships (which provide monthly stipends) in Psychology or related departments on campus. Federal Work Study assignments are available in the Department, but must be applied for through the University Financial Aid Office one or two semesters prior to obtaining the assignment; other aid available includes the Graduate Research Fellowship (GRF). One student from the Master of Arts – Psychological Research and the Master of Science – Industrial/Organizational Psychology programs’ entering class may be awarded a J. Robert Newman Scholarship. A Boeing University Relations Human Factors Graduate Scholarship is offered through the Master of Science – Human Factors program.
This 30-unit degree program provides graduate psychology training for further study leading toward a doctorate and careers requiring masters level training. Core courses include quantitative and research methods and courses in the basic content areas of Psychology. Students from our program who later enter doctoral programs consistently inform us that they find themselves very well prepared for doctoral study as compared to other students.
Prerequisites
All students fulfill the requirements in Item #1 and choose either Item #2 or Item #3.
Advancement to Candidacy
Advancement to Candidacy is the next step after achieving classified status and confers catalog rights to graduate students. Advancement to Candidacy also signifies approval of a plan of study by the graduate student’s major, department, and college. The requirements to advancement are:
Requirements
The Option in Human Factors under the MS in Psychology is designed to prepare students to apply knowledge of psychology to the design of jobs, information systems, consumer products, workplaces and equipment in order to improve user performance, safety and comfort. Students in the program acquire a background in experimental psychology and research methods. They are trained in the application of the material through courses in human factors, computer applications and interface design. Special topics seminars, in areas such as large-scale simulation and usability testing, complement the core program of study. Finally, students complete a thesis in their chosen area of human factors.
This option is designed as a terminal degree, but also provides excellent preparation for advanced graduate work.
Prerequisites
Recommended: CECS 174 or any course in computer programming; One of the following psychology courses or their equivalents: PSY 340, 341, 342.
Advancement to Candidacy
Satisfy the general requirements of the university for advancement to candidacy.
Requirements
Students admitted to this 36-unit program prepare for business and industrial positions including personnel selection and organizational development, employee training, applicant and employee testing, etc. Graduates usually go directly into business and industry, though some enter Ph.D. programs.
Prerequisites
Advancement to Candidacy
Advancement to Candidacy is the next step after achieving classified status and confers catalog rights to graduate students. Advancement to Candidacy also signifies approval of a plan of study by the graduate student’s major, department, and college. The prerequisite to advancement are:
Requirements
