Contact Person:

Cathy Rawlings

Note. Beginning academic year 2012-2013, the Department of Psychology is no longer accepting new students into the Master of Arts in Psychology program. The information that follows is applicable to students accepted to the program prior to Fall 2012. Students enrolled in the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Psychology degree program are eligible for a Master of Arts in Psychology degree as part of the PhD in Psychology degree program. A detailed list of requirements for obtaining a Master of Arts in Psychology degree as part of the PhD in Psychology degree program can be found in the PhD program handbook.

Please visit the Department of Psychology website for information regarding this program.

The Master of Arts in Psychology Program prepares students for research careers in academic or community psychology settings. The program involves training in theory, research design and statistics, and the application of principles to real world situations. The program provides advanced training both for recent graduates and for individuals who have been in the work force for a number of years. Although some students subsequently enter doctoral programs and complete Ph.D.s, many immediately accept challenging jobs in the public, private or non-profit sector. Students may complete the program on a full- or part-time basis. However, to ensure the timeliness of training, all program requirements must be completed within five years from admission.

The program is research oriented and provides many opportunities to gain valuable experience in conducting research and includes experimental studies working with human participants in a variety of areas. See faculty interests and on-going projects on the Department of Psychology website.

Potential applicants should be aware that the Master of Arts in Psychology program is not designed to prepare students for professional practice as a psychologist. Further, completion of the Master of Arts in Psychology program is not adequate preparation for either the practice of psychology or use of the term “psychologist,” both of which are regulated by state statute. Students interested in the practice of psychology should consider the Clinical Psychology Ph.D. program described under the Department of Psychology listing.

Note. Beginning academic year 2012-2013, The Department of Psychology is no longer accepting new students into the Master of Arts in Psychology program.  The information that follows is applicable to students accepted to the program prior to Fall 2012. Students enrolled in the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Psychology degree program are eligible for a Master of Arts in Psychology degree as part of the PhD in Psychology degree program. A detailed list of requirements for obtaining a Master of Arts in Psychology degree as part of the PhD in Psychology degree program can be found in the PhD program handbook.

Potential applicants should be aware that the Master of Arts in Psychology program is not designed to prepare students for professional practice as a psychologist. Further, completion of the Master of Arts in Psychology program is not adequate preparation for either the practice of psychology or use of the term “psychologist,” both of which are regulated by state statute. Students interested in the practice of psychology should consider the Clinical Psychology Ph.D. program described under the Department of Psychology listing.

Master of Arts in Psychology Program Student Learning Outcomes

1. To provide students with knowledge and skills in the evaluation, conduct, and dissemination of psychological research.
2. To provide students with knowledge of ethical principles and to promote ethical conduct and high professional standards in research and applied situations.
3. To provide students with knowledge and skills working with diverse individuals in professional contexts.

Note. Beginning academic year 2012-2013, The Department of Psychology is no longer accepting new students into the Master of Arts in Psychology program.  The information that follows is applicable to students accepted to the program prior to Fall 2012. Students enrolled in the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Psychology degree program are eligible for a Master of Arts in Psychology degree as part of the PhD in Psychology degree program. A detailed list of requirements for obtaining a Master of Arts in Psychology degree as part of the PhD in Psychology degree program can be found in the PhD program handbook.

Potential applicants should be aware that the Master of Arts in Psychology program is not designed to prepare students for professional practice as a psychologist. Further, completion of the Master of Arts in Psychology program is not adequate preparation for either the practice of psychology or use of the term “psychologist,” both of which are regulated by state statute. Students interested in the practice of psychology should consider the Clinical Psychology Ph.D. program described under the Department of Psychology listing.

The program is designed for students who seek rigorous training in research design and statistical analysis. Acquiring skills in these areas will prepare students for additional graduate training as well as for immediate application in a work setting. Quantitatively skilled professionals are employed in a variety of settings including: university departments such as psychology, marketing, management, education, medical and biological research programs, personnel management programs, government, industry, market research firms, large-scale mental testing corporations, software development companies and consulting firms.

One key component of training is six credit hours of a capstone research project, either research and thesis or directed research program evaluation, in which students will, under the direct supervision of faculty, apply the skills they have learned in the classroom to real-world problems and research questions.

Total: 36 Hours

PSYCH 5516 Advanced Quantitative Methods 3

PSYCH 5517 Multiple Regression and Multivariate Analysis 3

PSYCH 5530: Addressing Health Disparities  through Community Based Participatory Research 3

PSYCH 5538 Development and Evaluation of Assessment Tools 3

PSYCH 5601 Experimental Methods in Design and Analysis I 3

PSYCH 5590 Directed Research OR PSYCH 5599 Research and Thesis  6

Psychology Elective* 3

Electives** 12

* Psychology electives must be 5500 level or above, unless prior written approval is obtained from your psychology adviser and the course instructor. Documentation of completion of additional work in undergraduate courses must be filed with the department in order to obtain graduate credit. Refer to the MA in Psychology handbook for elective options.

** Courses at the 5500 level or above from other UMKC departments may be used to fulfill these requirements; however, prior written approval from your psychology adviser is required.

Note. Beginning academic year 2012-2013, The Department of Psychology is no longer accepting new students into the Master of Arts in Psychology program.  The information that follows is applicable to students accepted to the program prior to Fall 2012. Students enrolled in the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Psychology degree program are eligible for a Master of Arts in Psychology degree as part of the PhD in Psychology degree program. A detailed list of requirements for obtaining a Master of Arts in Psychology degree as part of the PhD in Psychology degree program can be found in the PhD program handbook.

A detailed list of requirements for retention can be found in the Master of Arts Psychology Degree Program Handbook.