The general psychology track is designed to prepare students for doctoral work by taking core courses in the area of psychological sciences, as well as specialized courses in the foundational skills of psychotherapy, ethics, and personality. Students will also have the opportunity to take elective classes in an area of interest, such as forensic or health psychology. Graduates of this track will be well prepared to apply to doctoral programs (either Ph.D. or Psy.D.) in psychology.
In addition to taking classes in the core areas of psychology, the program development and evaluation track will train students in project management and the process of developing programs. Students will also learn how to use systematic methods to collect, analyze, and evaluate existing projects, policies, and programs. Graduates of this track will be competitive for employment in social service agencies, government positions, non-profit organizations, and other business and commercial organizations.
In addition to taking courses in the core areas of psychological science, students in the research track will receive more extensive research training by being paired with a faculty mentor and completing a thesis. Students will also have the opportunity to gain research experience with other faculty members through our research practicum class. Our faculty are conducting a wide variety of research in the area of social, cognitive, developmental, health, and clinical psychology. The research track is designed to help students become more competitive for a PhD program in psychology.
All MS in Psychology students will take a series of classes that expose students to core knowledge in the science of psychology, including:
- Professional Development
- Statistics and Research Methods
- Applied Statistical Analyses
- Neuropsychology and Biological Bases of Behavior
- Cognitive Psychology
- Social Psychology
- Lifespan
- Advanced Psychopathology
Students will need to take additional courses pertaining to their track (18 credit hours). Each track includes 1-2 elective courses. Students are encouraged to select electives that complement their track and their educational or professional aspirations.
See a full list of courses required for the MS in Psychology
- Send results of any standardized examinations that are given in the country of origin (e.g., General Certification of Education (GCE), University of Cambridge Higher School Certification, Senior High School Leaving Certificate, etc.)
- Submit a course-by-course evaluation of foreign educational credentials from any recognized service, such as World Education Services, Inc., International Consultants of Delaware, Inc., or Education Credential Evaluators, Inc. Because universities around the world differ, we require this evaluation as an assurance that you have completed the US equivalent of a bachelor's degree and have taken all appropriate prerequisite courses. Photocopies are not acceptable.
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) minimum scores of at least 79 and 6.5 on the IELTS.
Completed application files are evaluated by the Graduate Psychology Admissions Committee. The committee evaluates applicants in a number of areas, including background preparation, breadth of coursework, academic awards and achievement, standardized test scores, applied professional experience, leadership and service, research experience, quality of personal statement and strength of recommendation letters. The committee offers admission to those applicants they feel have the greatest academic ability, dedication to excellence, emotional and social maturity and potential to become effective and contributing professionals in the field of psychology. Students being considered for the research track will be asked to complete an interview on campus or through phone/skype. The announcement of final admission decisions are made around mid-April. Applicants are admitted to begin only in the fall semester, although students may be admitted as non-degree seeking students to take selected graduate courses at any time during the year.
To protect the safety of patients with whom our students work, the School of Psychology asks applicants whether they have been convicted of a crime. An answer of "yes" does not necessarily disqualify you, but does require additional explanation, including date, place, judicial findings and final disposition of the case. Admission to the graduate program requires satisfactory completion of a background check. More specific information on this will be made available to those applicants who are offered admission.
Credits are reviewed and evaluated for transfer after students have been admitted to the MS in Psychology program.
Normally, a maximum of 9 graduate credit hours may be transferred from another institution. Credit can only be granted for coursework that is judged by the School of Psychology to be equivalent to courses offered in the graduate psychology program at UIndy. All transferred work must have been completed within the five years prior to application for admission. The courses and exact number of credit hours that will be accepted for transfer from another institution will be determined by the Department after examination of course syllabi and transcripts.
Students may take up to 9 credit hours of select courses as non-degree seeking students. See requirements for non-degree-seeking students