Master of Arts in Psychology

Earn a Master of Arts in Psychology (MAP) in Carlow’s new 35-credit graduate program. The program, housed in the Department of Psychology and Counseling, has a positive psychology core, a focus on the development of research skills, and three distinct coursework paths. You can choose a concentration in: Forensic Psychology, Educational Psychology, or Exploration Psychology. Finish in four semesters (including summer) as a full-time student. And with no GRE or GMAT required, you are one step closer to achieving your goals. 

For more information, please email Dr. Kathy Chrisman at kachrisman@carlow.edu. 

MA in Psychology Program Highlights

• No GRE or GMAT required
• Begin in the fall or the spring (no summer start dates)

MA in Psychology students at Carlow have undergraduate degrees in a wide array of disciplines. Many students have studied psychology, criminology/criminal justice, or a related subject. However, if you have a major outside these areas, you are still encouraged to apply.

Admission requirements include: 

1. Completion of online application form.

2. Two recommendation forms from professors or clinical/research supervisors (applicants should include names and emails of evaluators at time of application).

3. One 200-300 word essay that describes: (a) Your rationale for pursuing the MAP Program; (b) Your area of research interest for future thesis development; (c) Your summary of past relevant work and/or research experiences. This brief essay should be typed directly into the application.

4. An official undergraduate transcript showing a 3.0 GPA or higher. Transcripts should be emailed to gradstudies@carlow.edu or mailed to:

Graduate Admissions
Carlow University
3333 5th Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15213

An undergraduate GPA of a 3.0 is the benchmark standard for admission, but some students with slightly lower GPAs may apply if they have a relevant work history in the helping field, experience in research, and/or strong grades in upper-level psychology or criminology courses.  

We are on hand to talk about the program, your background, and how you can achieve your career goals here at Carlow. Contact Dr. Kathy Chrisman in admissions today! 

 

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MA in Psychology Curriculum

Degree: Master of Arts in Psychology
Locations: Main Oakland Campus

Notable Courses

PYM 700: Introduction to Positive Psychology

An introduction to the history, theory, and research of the positive psychology field with special emphasis placed on how it is similar and how it differs from other modern psychological theories. Students will consider contemporary ideas on well-being, supportive relationships, positive experiences, and individual strengths and values. Additionally, this course will explore how positive psychology impacts military, business, corrections, education, and of course, clinical systems. 3 credits

PYM 720: Foundations of Forensic Psychology

This course will examine the application of psychological knowledge and concepts as well as legal issues common to the American legal system. Areas discussed include: criminal and civil forensic psychology, the unique ethics inherent in these settings, and the multi-dimensional roles that psychology professionals play in this specialized field of study. Civil applications will include: civil commitment, custody, termination of parental rights, juvenile delinquency, and personal injury. Criminal applications include: competence to stand trial, dangerousness, mental state at time of offense, and mediating factors in sentencing. 3 credits

PYM 730: Foundations of Educational Psychology

This course will explore psychological principles applied to education, including: individual differences, learning and behavior theory, cognitive strategies for learning and remembering, critical thinking and problem-solving strategies, classroom management techniques, components of teacher effectiveness, measurement and student evaluation procedures, characteristics of exceptional children, mainstreaming in the classroom, and multicultural education. 3 credits

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For details about the courses and curriculum, please visit the course catalog section of our website, or request more information to talk to an admissions representative.