Academics » M.S. in General Psychology

Master of Science (M.S.) in General Psychology

Students seeking to enroll in this program should be aware that they will be expected to demonstrate an ability to understand and express complex theological, philosophical, and psychological ideas. Students should also be aware that career opportunities in the field of psychology for individuals with a master’s degree may be limited and may require a doctoral level degree for specific jobs.


Please click here for a PDF document of the Degree Requirements and Program Curriculum.

 

Master of Science (M.S.) in General Psychology

The faculty of the Institute has endeavored to systematically develop a program of studies for the Master of Science (M.S.) in General Psychology that reflects a thorough education and training in the science of psychology, and reflects how a Catholic understanding of the person, marriage, and family life provides a foundation for, and can be integrated with, psychological studies.  Students are provided graduate education in the basic science of psychology through courses on the history and systems of psychology, personality theories, psychopathology, statistics and research design, developmental psychology, social psychology, biological bases of behavior, and cognitive psychology.

 

Students are provided graduate level education in the theological and philosophical underpinnings of psychology from the perspective of a Catholic anthropology of the person. This is accomplished in two ways. First, many of the psychology content courses include commentary and/or critiques regarding how the area is best understood from a Catholic view of the human person. Second, the curriculum includes an Integrative Studies component which focuses more heavily on a theological and philosophical understanding, while still being directed towards the application of this knowledge by psychological professionals. The Integrative Studies sequence includes courses covering theological and philosophical anthropology, moral theology, theology of marriage and family, and examinations of major philosophical worldviews and religions.  

Program Objectives

The objectives of the Master of Science in General Psychology degree program are to help students: 

  • Obtain a rigorous knowledge of and appreciation for the methods and theoretical perspectives of  the science of psychology and the contributions of these perspectives to our understanding of the human person;
  • Develop a sophisticated understanding of Catholic Christian anthropology of the person and its implications for the science and practice of psychology;
  • Acquire knowledge of major basic psychological science content areas existing within the field of psychology
  • Acquire the knowledge and experience necessary to pursue careers in psychology-related fields or to continue their doctoral studies in psychology.