College of Science and Health (CSH)
Master of Psychological Science , MA
Using science to understand the human experience
DePaul’s Psychological Science MA/PhD program is a highly competitive program that trains students in the theories and methodologies that define the core scientific pillars of psychology: social, developmental, cognitive and neuroscience.
With an emphasis on critical and integrative thinking, our students will understand the psychological foundations of human thought, emotions, motivation and behavior while conducting innovative research on diverse topics within psychology. You will have the opportunity to develop research and statistical skills both inside the laboratory and out in the world developing scientific solutions to real-world problems. Our program will equip you with the skills and knowledge necessary for a career as a researcher, educator, and/or consultant in a variety of fields.
Psychology encompasses the scientific study of mind and behavior across the entire range of the human experience and contexts.
you’ll learn psychological theories and research methodologies, as well as gain an understanding of both scientific and applied psychology. As you work towards your Master’s degree in Psychology, you’ll design and conduct psychological research studies and learn how to read and analyze scientific data.
Your coursework will focus on theories, experimental and statistical work, and laboratory and fieldwork, allowing you to gain hands-on research experience. You’ll have the opportunity to work with faculty members on research projects, as well as develop and conduct your own research projects through our independent study program.
Core degree course requirements for the Master’s
Research Methods in Social Science
Studies in Theories of Counseling
Studies in Group Counseling
Studies of Foundation of Counseling Psychology
Psychometrics
Multivariate Statistics and structural equation modeling
Qualitative Research
Quantitative research design
Multivariate statistical analysis
Studies in Counseling Techniques
Studies in Career Guidance ＆ Counseling
Studies in Occupational Health Psychology
Studies in Adult and Business Employee Counseling
Studies in Employee Training and Development
Studies of Special Cases of Children and Adolescents
Internship in Counseling
Master’s thesis
Students are required to complete a thesis on a topic approved by the program. Research experience is considered an integral part of training. Students should begin directed research in their first year under the supervision of an advisor. In the second year, students are expected to conduct research and complete a master’s thesis.
Master’s thesis examination
An oral defense of the completed research must be passed and the written document must be approved.
PhD in Psychology
PhD Course Requirements
The PhD portion of the combined degree program requires a minimum of 28 quarter hours beyond the completion of the master’s degree, including four quarter hours of dissertation research. The following requirements must be completed to confer the PhD.
Cognitive Seminar Courses
| Course | Title | Quarter Hours |
| Select two of the following (not taken towards MA) | 8 | |
| PSY 404 | PERCEPTION AND COGNITION | |
| PSY 426 | LANGUAGE AND COGNITION | |
| PSY 473 | THE PSYCHOLOGY OF JUDGMENT AND DECISION-MAKING | |
Developmental Seminar Courses
| Course | Title | Quarter Hours |
| Select two of the following (not taken towards the MA): | 8 | |
| PSY 439 | COGNITIVE DEVELOPMENT | |
| PSY 554 | EMOTIONAL DEVELOPMENT | |
| PSY 555 | SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT | |
Social Seminar Courses
| Course | Title | Quarter Hours |
| Select two of the following (not taken towards the MA): | 8 | |
| PSY 430 | SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY OF THE SELF | |
| PSY 435 | SPECIAL SEMINAR IN PSYCHOLOGICAL SCIENCE | |
| PSY 556 | PREJUDICE AND INTERGROUP RELATIONS | |
| PSY 560 | SOCIAL COGNITION | |
Research Course
| Course | Title | Quarter Hours |
| PSY 599 | DOCTORAL DISSERTATION RESEARCH | 1-4 |
Doctoral Candidacy Project
This requirement is completed after the student has defended the master’s thesis and before progression to the dissertation research. To fulfill the requirement for admission to doctoral candidacy, the student will write and defend a dissertation proposal.
Admission to Doctoral Candidacy
Formally given to the student with satisfactory coursework performance who has successfully completed the master’s thesis and passed the Doctoral Candidacy Project. The candidate has no more than five years from the date of admission to doctoral candidacy to complete the PhD requirements or dismissal from the program will ensue.
Students denied candidacy will be required to withdraw from the program or withdraw after completion of the MA.
Doctoral Teaching
Students are required to demonstrate competency in the teaching of psychology through teaching one undergraduate course during the doctoral portion of their degree.
Dissertation
Departmental committee approval and acceptance of topic and outline of dissertation is given only after admission to doctoral candidacy. Research for the dissertation should normally be completed during the student’s fourth year in the program.
Oral Examination
For both the proposal and the completed project, an oral defense of the research must be passed and the written document must be approved. Students are expected to defend their dissertation and demonstrate competence in psychological science and their area of specialization.
Time Limitations
- No more than four years between admission to the MA/PhD program and admission to doctoral candidacy.
- No less than eight months and no more than five years between admission to doctoral candidacy and the final doctoral oral examination; or dismissal from the program will ensue.