Mar 28, 2024  
Undergraduate/Graduate Catalog 2018-2019 
    
Undergraduate/Graduate Catalog 2018-2019 [ARCHIVED CATALOG] See drop-down menu above to access other catalogs.

Psychology, MA


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Department: Psychology 

The Department of Psychology offers a graduate program leading to the Master of Arts in psychology. This program, which prepares the student to sit for the examination for licensure as a mental health counselor in Massachusetts, equips students to help individuals who may have a variety of behavioral, cognitive and emotional challenges. It may also serve as a steppingstone to further graduate training (PhD or PsyD).

The Master of Arts degree in psychology is a clinical program with a curriculum designed to provide a firm foundation in the understanding of human behavior and clinical disorders, as well as specific skills in psychotherapy and psychological assessment. Research methods and statistics are emphasized as essential tools for clinical professionals – e.g., in performing clinical outcome studies and program evaluations, and in staying current with the empirical literature. Students are exposed to a range of empirically supported therapeutic methods. Experiential learning is an essential component of the program, with 15 credits of practica and internships required.

Admission Requirements


  • GRE General test scores
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Official transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate course work
  • Applicants must possess an undergraduate degree in either psychology or a closely related field
  • *A minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0, above-average GRE scores and some experience in the field
  • Final candidates will also receive a personal interview from the Admissions Committee

*Bridgewater State University, College of Graduate Studies Current Student and Recent Alumni GRE-GMAT Waiver: Applicants are eligible for the GRE/GMAT waiver if they are a current BSU undergraduate senior majoring in Psychology, or recent BSU alumni (three years or fewer) who graduated with their Psychology degree from BSU and have a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher. If both of these criteria are met, the GRE/GMAT requirement will be waived as an admissions requirement for the individual.

Grade Requirement


Students in the MA in Psychology must achieve a grade of “B-” or better in any courses taken which will be credited toward the degree. Students may repeat only one graduate course for which they have received a grade of “C+” or below.

Program of Study


Students may pursue their degree on a full-time or part-time basis. Full-time graduate study consists of three courses or nine credits per semester. Part-time graduate study consists of less than nine credits per semester. Students MUST consult with their advisor upon admission and create a program that is suitable for their needs. All students must complete 60 credits in the course work outlined below.

Electives (9 credits)


Complete nine credits of electives, selected from the following list. Any elective course outside the department must be approved by an advisor prior to enrollment.

Fieldwork requirements (15 credits)


Exit requirement


Successful completion of the Counselor Preparation Comprehensive Examination (CPCE) is required. Please see the Graduate Academic Policies and Procedures  section of this catalog for additional information.

Total minimum credits: 60


Sample Full-Time Program


Sample Part-Time Program


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