MS in Applied Psychology

Prerequisite courses
All applicants, regardless of specialization, should have completed at least:

• 2 introductory courses in psychology
• 1 course in statistics
• 1 course in research methods in psychology
• 1 course in developmental psychology
• 1 course in theories of personality
• 1 course in psychopathology

 

Those wishing to follow the graduate program in Applied Developmental Psychology should have also completed one additional course in Developmental Psychology

Curriculum
The program is based on the scientist/practitioner model. That model is grounded in the belief that a competent practitioner must have both a broad knowledge of the scientific and theoretical principles and the ability to apply that knowledge to specific situations with sensitivity to diversity issues.

Courses are designed so that they progress sequentially from knowledge base, to skill development, to application. Students are given the opportunity to explore the most current research in a chosen area of study, which provides excellent preparation for those wishing to continue their studies and pursue a doctoral degree. Additionally, the scientific emphasis of the program prepares students to critically examine the practice of psychology.

The curriculum is based on the standards for applied psychology master’s programs as outlined by the Council of Applied Master’s Programs in Psychology (CAMPP), and on the standards of the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP).  

The program consists of a set of core courses and two specializations in Applied Psychology: Counseling Psychology and Applied Developmental Psychology. Integrative in orientation, the MS in Applied Psychology provides a basic introduction to major theoretical approaches to counseling and psychotherapy. The counseling and applied developmental tracks allow a specialization in both adult and child populations, while the program offers freedom of choice with respect to the experience students gain through the different practica placements.

This is a two-year program that students must complete successfully with a minimum of 50 credits, which includes a research thesis and practicum.

Courses are offered in the afternoon hours and are supplemented by experiential workshops and a colloquia series.

All students are expected to complete 40 hours of personal therapy with a qualified professional, while enrolled in the MS in Applied Psychology program, regardless of previous personal therapy experience.

 

Core Courses (10 courses required):
AP 6010 Program Design and Evaluation (2 credits)
AP 6020 Biological Basis of Behavior (2 credits)
AP 6021 Professional and Ethical Issues in Applied Psychology (2 credits)
AP 6022 Diversity Issues in Counseling in Different Settings (3-dayworkshop, 2 credits)
AP 6023 Qualitative Methods in Applied Psychology (3 credits)
AP 6024 Interviewing Techniques (2 credits)
AP 6039 Principles of Counseling and Personal Development (4 credits)
AP 6041 Issues of Domestic Violence (3-day workshop, 2 credits)
AP 6043 Advanced Analysis and Interpretation of Behavioral Science Data (3 credits)
AP 6053 Psychological Testing and Assessment (4 credits)

Practicum Seminars (2 seminars required):
By successfully completing the Practicum (4 credits), students accumulate a total of at least 400 hours of supervised experience in a training field. Students are expected to devote at least 8 hours per week to field work while enrolled in AP 6001 Practicum I, and at least 24 hours per week while enrolled in AP6002 Practicum II. 

Practicum training sites are assessed and evaluated carefully and on a regular basis, to ensure that they provide the appropriate and necessary conditions to meet the program’s training goals. Grades (P/F) for the practica are based on the student’s evaluation by the site supervisor, the student’s performance in practica seminar groups at the College, and the completion of the requisite practicum hours.

Transfer credit for the practicum seminar is not accepted and the practicum requirements cannot be waived.

AP 6001 Practicum Seminar I (1 credit)
AP 6002 Practicum Seminar II (3 credits)

Thesis (1 required):

Theses are undertaken by students working individually and in consultation with a selected instructor who acts as their thesis advisor. Students are expected to develop their ideas and design a study based on their appreciation of the relevant literature. Students are required to present a research thesis proposal protocol to a three-member thesis committee and gain approval before registering for AP6091 Thesis. Research protocols involving the participation of human subject are also submitted to the Human Research Ethics Committee for approval.

Students work closely with their thesis advisor on the completion of the thesis, which is evaluated by three additional readers. An oral defense of the thesis is scheduled after its submission.

The thesis should demonstrate in-depth knowledge of the topic, evidenced by a thorough literature review and display of critical thinking skills, and by the demonstration of basic competencies in research design, data analysis, and interpretation.

AP 6091 Thesis (3 credits)

Areas of Specialization

The MS in Applied Psychology offers two specializations: Counseling Psychology and Applied Developmental Psychology. Those students wishing to pursue both specializations may be exempted from the following courses:
AP 6046 The Psychology of Addiction and
AP 6035 Applied Behavioral Analysis

Those students will graduate with a (minimum) total of 61 credits (33 credits from common core courses and 14 credits from each specialization).

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The MS in Applied Psychology offers two specializations: Counseling Psychology and Applied Developmental Psychology. Those students wishing to pursue both specializations may be exempted from the following courses:

AP 6046 The Psychology of Addiction and
AP 6035 Applied Behavioral Analysis

Those students will graduate with a (minimum) total of 61 credits (33 credits from common core courses and 14 credits from each specialization).

Counseling Psychology

Counseling psychology is a specialty focusing on the counseling process and its outcomes, prevention, personal and career development. It is oriented toward people experiencing and expressing a wide range of pathology and aims at helping them to alleviate distress and maladjustment, resolve crises, and increase their ability to function better in their lives. It encompasses all age groups, with sensitivity to cultural differences and an emphasis on the strengths and adaptive strategies of an individual across the life span.

An effective counselor must have a deep understanding of the theoretical and scientific bases of professional concepts and techniques. For this reason, the Counseling Psychology specialization integrates behavioral science theories with practitioner skills. Within this specialization, students explore counseling theories, counseling skills, methods of assessment, family dynamics, community and crisis intervention, and advanced quantitative and qualitative research methods.

Students receive training to assume professional responsibilities and provide counseling services in various settings.

Required courses:
In addition to common core courses:
AP 6025 Advanced Psychopathology and Diagnosis (3 credits)
AP 6031 Family Counseling (2 credits)
AP 6034 Group Counseling (3 credits)
AP 6042 Humanistic/Psychodynamic Approaches to Counseling (2 credits)
AP 6044 Counseling in Health Settings (2 credits)
AP 6046 The Psychology of Addiction (3 credits)
AP 6049 Cognitive – Behavioral Approaches to Counseling (2 credits)

Applied Developmental Psychology

Applied Developmental Psychology reflects the trend in psychology, which increasingly recognizes the importance of a developmental approach to understanding both normal and a typical human behavior. The program focuses on applications of knowledge and research regarding human development. Developmental theory and research are used to generate interventions that can enhance the functioning of, and promote positive developmental outcomes in, children, adolescents, families, and communities. The program cultivates the development of skills necessary for implementing and evaluating effective intervention programs for children, youth, and families. Emphasis is also placed on the importance of preventive intervention early in the developmental trajectory.

Course work includes the study of professional issues; approaches to assessment; psychodiagnosis and intervention; risk and protective factors that influence the progression of atypical development and response to treatment; counseling skills; and advanced quantitative and qualitative research methods. Students are trained to assume professional responsibilities and provide services in various educational and therapeutic settings, including, but not limited to, early childcare and education, early intervention, school settings and parenting groups.

Required courses:
In addition to common core courses:
AP 6026 Cognitive and Socioemotional Aspects of Development (4 credits)
AP 6035 Applied Behavioral Analysis (3credits)
AP 6040 Childhood and Adolescent Interventions (4 credits)
AP 6047 Developmental Disabilities (3credits)
AP 6052 Developmental Psychopathology (3 credits)

 

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The following are required of all Graduate School applicants:

1. Completed application form (including essays on separate sheets)
2. Passport size photograph
3. Two recommendation letters (at least one from an academic source and one from an employer, the latter highly recommended for MBA candidates)
4. Official college or university transcript of undergraduate degree studies from an accredited institution
5. Official college or university transcript of graduate degree studies from an accredited institution (if applicable)
6. Evidence of proficiency in English
7. A certified copy of an identification card for Greek citizens or of a valid passport for non-Greeks

 

Candidates are also required to attend an interview with the respective Graduate Program Coordinator. The Graduate Program Coordinators will review an application upon submission of all required documentation to the Office of Admissions.

There is no application fee.

Transfer applicants should refer to the section entitled “Transfer Students”. Non-degree applicants should refer to the section entitled “Degree and Non-Degree Students”.

Evidence of Proficiency in English
All candidates must provide evidence of proficiency in the English language by submitting one of the following:

1. TOEFL
2. Cambridge, Michigan Proficiency Certificate or Michigan State University Certificate
3. GCE
4. International Baccalaureate Certificate or Diploma
5. International English Language Testing System (IELTS)

Note: DEREE College graduates and graduates from other accredited English language institutions are not required to submit evidence of Proficiency in the English language.

Applicants presenting a TOEFL score should arrange to have the test results sent directly to the Office of Admissions by the Educational Testing Service (ETS). The College’s Institution Code Number is 0925. TOEFL scores are valid for two years.

Letters of Recommendation
Each applicant for admission must submit two letters of recommendation. At least one of the references must be from an academic source. One letter from an employer is highly recommended for MBA candidates. A letter from a family member or a friend is not admissible.

Conditional Admission
Applicants who do not meet the minimum criteria may be admitted to the program on conditional status if the Graduate Program Coordinators perceives other strengths in their application (e.g., strong research or relevant work experience, or other outstanding achievements during the applicant’s undergraduate experience). In such cases, applicants will be expected to complete the requirements of the conditional admission within a specified period of time. Failure to complete these requirements will result in notification of dismissal by the Dean of the Graduate School. Students who have potential but lack the necessary prerequisites may be offered conditional admission and will be required to successfully complete preparatory courses, prior to being fully admitted.

Interview

Once a complete application package has been submitted, the Office of Admissions will contact the applicant to arrange an on-campus interview with the respective Graduate Program Coordinator.

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