Psychology—M.A.
Department of Psychology
Melson 123 • 678-839-0613
www.westga.edu/psydept/
Professors:
C. Aanstoos, T. Hart, D. Helminiak, J. Jenkins, K. Malone, D. Rice (Chair)
Associate Professors:
J. Dillon, E. Dodson, M. Kunkel, L. Osbeck, A. Pope, L. Schor
Assistant Professor:
J. Carter, J. Diaz-Laplante, N. Korobov
The Master of Arts program in Psychology offered by West Georgia is accredited by the Council for Humanistic and Transpersonal Psychologies.
Applicants for graduate study in psychology are required to have an interview as part of the admission process. Considering the humanistic orientation of this program, the potential for self-awareness, exploratory research, and some knowledge of the humanistic tradition in psychology is given considerable weight in selection of applicants and program planning.
There are two required gateway courses in the Master's Program. All students are required to take PSYC 6000, Foundations of Humanistic Psychology, and PSYC 6010, Human Growth and Potential. The Foundations course will explore and examine the conceptual bases of contemporary humanistic psychology, while Human Growth and Potential will emphasize personal growth and awareness in an experiential context. Besides these two courses, students can choose classes consistent with their interests and plans. For example, some students may select courses to fulfill the basic requirements for becoming licensed as counselors, while others may be interested in further graduate study.
There are two options to complete requirements toward graduation. Under Option I, students must complete a minimum of 33 hours of course work plus an acceptable original thesis. Thesis will result in additional hours. Up to 9 hours of course work can be taken in graduate courses in departments other than psychology without special permission. Under Option II, students must complete a total of 45 hours of course work. Up to 12 hours can be taken in graduate courses in departments other than psychology without special permission.
Under both options, the student must demonstrate his or her ability to conduct exploratory research, design appropriate projects, and engage in creative reflection within the field of psychology. In addition, students must pass an oral comprehensive exam based on course work and individual research or projects developed over the student's course of study. The thesis fulfills this requirement under Option I because the student must defend his or her thesis orally. Under Option II, a student must submit a written document as directed by his or her committee. Also, a language requirement or cross-cultural experience acceptable to the department is required.
An emphasis in organizational development may also be obtained through the M.A. in Psychology program. The program is designed to equip the graduate with the skills needed to diagnose organizational problems of an interpersonal nature, counsel the affected individuals in an effort to resolve the problem(s), consult with management on systematic ways of resolving the problem(s), instruct the organization's leaders on how effectively to avoid similar problems in the future, give the organization's leaders the tools to manage this process on their own should the need arise again, and act as a source of wisdom within his or her organization. There is no thesis option for this emphasis.
Students desiring Professional Counselor Licensure should take the recommended courses in the following areas after consulting with an advisor:
Counseling Theory
PSYC 6200 (Theoretical Approaches to Counseling & Psychotherapy)
Counseling Practicum or Internship
PSYC 6287 (Clinical Practicum I)
PSYC 6387 (Clinical Practicum II)
Human Growth and Development
PSYC 7102 (Lifespan Development)
Social and Cultural Foundations
PSYC 6400 (Psychology, Culture, and Society)
The Helping Relationship
PSYC 6220 (The Counseling and Psychotherapy Process)
Group Dynamics, Processing, and Counseling
PSYC 6230 (Group Counseling and Psychotherapy)
Appraisal/Evaluation of Individuals
PSYC 6280 (Theory and Practice of Clinical Assessment)
Research and Evaluation
PSYC 6083 (Research Methods)
Professional Orientation
PSYC 5085 (Horizon Seminar: Professional Orientation)
