Master of Arts in Psychology - Academic Research (Behavior Analysis)

Our M.A. degree program in Academic Research allows undergraduate students to apply during their junior year and complete their M.A. degree in a 5th year (their B.A. plus one year). Students select an emphasis in Neuroscience, Social and Cognitive Psychology, Developmental Psychology, or Behavior Analysis. More information on the 5th year blended Master's program can be found on the department webpage.

The Psychology Club is open to all students who have an interest in psychology, and works closely with Psi Chi, the national honor society for psychology majors. We have a local chapter of Psi Chi. The department is known for friendly relations between faculty, staff and students. Each student is assigned a faculty advisor, and office hours and informal contacts with professors are readily available. The department staff includes an Administrative Support Coordinator, Graduate Coordinator, and Test Librarian. The department office is open year-round during regular business hours.

The Academic Research program offers a two year Master's degree program with a focus of study in one of four Options: Behavior Analysis, Developmental, Neuroscience, and Social/Cognitive.
Behavior Analysis develops students skills in conducting behavioral research and providing applied behavior analysis services for children and adults in areas including education, intellectual disabilities, major neurocognitive disorders, and autism spectrum disorders. This program is designed to provide the coursework that constitutes part of the requirements for becoming a Board Certified Behavior Analyst. Faculty affiliated with this research include Dr. Chris Walmsley.

A minimum GPA of 3.25 in psychology coursework is required.
All applicants must submit a 500-750 word statement of purpose addressing their background, research interests in psychology, preparation, career goals, and how they relate to the proposed area of study. Upload into the personal statement field in CalState Apply.
All applicants must identify a faculty member willing to serve as their research supervisor. Enter their name into your CalState Apply application, below your statement of purpose.
Two letters of recommendation, through CalState Apply
Academic Research Prerequisite Verification for the program you are applying to. Please enter this in CalState Apply.
Prerequisites required to be completed prior to admission include: Introduction to Psychology, Psychological Statistics, and Application of Research Methods in Psychology.
Behavior Analysis: Behavior Analysis and Learning & Motivation.
Developmental: Developmental Psychology, Abnormal Psychology, and Developmental Psychopathology.
Neuropsychology: Principles of Biology, Fundamentals of Chemistry, Introduction to Behavioral Neuroscience, and Advanced Behavioral Neuroscience.
Social/Cognitive: Cognitive Psychology and Social Psychology.
GPA of at least 2.5 in an acceptable earned bachelor's degree,

IELTS - 6.5. TOEFL - 80 IBT, 550 PBT, 213 CBT