Graduate Major
Psychology involves the scientific study of behavior and mental processes. The Psychological Sciences master’s program, along with graduate certificate programs in Data Analysis and Infant Family Mental Health, focuses on the study of biological, social, developmental and cognitive bases of health and human behavior, emphasizing competence in research methodology required to interpret and evaluate applied research data.
DEGREE OPTIONS
The College of Arts and Sciences offers a Master of Arts in Psychological Sciences on the St. Petersburg campus.
PSYCHOLOGical sciences AT USF ST. PETERSBURG
The master’s program is designed to advance a student’s study of psychology. Graduates
will demonstrate a conceptual understanding of advanced psychology and contribute
intellectually to the field.
USF’s St. Petersburg campus is home to the Family Study Center and a number of research labs, including: REACH Youth Center, Motivated Attention and Perception Lab, the iCARE Lab, the Parent-Adolescent Relationships Lab and the Social Judgment Lab. Motivated students are encouraged to participate in
research conducted in these labs.
For students in both thesis and non-thesis options, elective courses in the domains
of experimental and applied psychology, data analysis, infant-family mental health,
ethics and cultural competence, and other basic and applied areas round out coursework
requirements for the degree. Students on the thesis track also complete an empirical
master’s thesis.
The program also has a unique opportunity for students to train in Risk, Resilience, and Prevention (RRP) by completing coursework in the Infant Family Mental Health graduate certificate program. With the competencies promoted in this training, the program seeks to reinvigorate the workforce with professionals who are able to promote human capital and reduce risk of both untoward health outcomes and behavioral and community problems like school dropout rates, youth aggression and violence.
As a program graduate with a M.A. in Psychological Sciences, students will be:
- Positioned to assume research analytic, human service, and health research positions demanding advanced competencies in research methodology, data tracking, collection, and analysis, and grant writing.
- Eligible for teaching positions at high schools and colleges or universities at (1000/2000 level coursework).
- Competitive for admission to top doctoral programs because of exceptional, research-based education in a nationally-recognized program of faculty research.
Graduates obtain positions at nonprofits and governmental agencies such as the Juvenile Welfare Board and the Department of Health, at marketing and research corporations such as Fors Marsh Group, and continue on to Ph.D programs in Clinical, Experimental, Social, Cognitive, Developmental, and Health Psychology.
REQUIREMENTS FOR THE MASTERS IN PSYCHOLOGical SCIENCES
The M.A. in Psychological Sciences requires 36 hours of course work, including either a thesis for six (6) credit hours or a non-thesis research-based project for three (3) credit hours. All students are required to take a set of core courses during the first year of study and pass comprehensive examinations on core course material between the first and second years of study. Always refer to the Graduate Catalog for details about the degree requirements. Students are urged to consult with the Psychology advisor to create the most beneficial set of courses.
QUESTIONS?
Wendy Rote, Ph.D.
Graduate Program Director, M.A. in Psychological Sciences Program
Associate Professor of Psychology
wmrote@usf.edu
(727) 873-4957