Mar 28, 2024  
Graduate Catalog 2014 - 2015 
    
Graduate Catalog 2014 - 2015 [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Psychology, MA


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Department of Psychology

Chester Building 158
(216) 687-2544
http://www.csuohio.edu/sciences/dept/psychology/graduate/index.html

Kathleen McNamara, Chair
Amir Poreh, Clinical Program Director
Chieh-Chen Bowen, Consumer Industrial Research Program Director
Lisa Gaynier, Diversity Management Program Director
Andrew Slifkin, Experimental Research Program Director
Colleen McMahon, School Psychology Program Director

Areas of Study (Specializations of the M.A.)

Clinical Psychology
Consumer-Industrial Research
Diversity Management
Experimental Research
School Psychology (M.A. Phase)

 

The Specializations

The Master of Arts (MA) in Psychology program is comprised of specializations in Clinical Psychology, Experimental Research, Consumer-Industrial Research, Diversity Management and School Psychology. The program in Clinical Psychology is designed primarily for students interested in the field of psychological service, broadly conceived to embrace community, clinical, and educational settings. The Experimental Research program emphasizes basic and applied research skills, to be developed through an individually tailored program of study that includes both core (required) and elective courses and culminates in the successful completion of a thesis. Graduates obtain positions in various research settings as research coordinators or data analysts and managers, or pursue advanced educational programs. The program in Consumer-Industrial Research prepares students to apply psychological research techniques and concepts in business and institutional settings. Graduates are qualified for positions in public opinion polling, market research, program evaluation, personnel, human resources, and other applied research and data analysis contexts. The program in Diversity Management provides students with a solid foundation in psychological theory, research, and applied skills necessary for effective understanding and management of human diversity in organizations. The MA in Psychology serves as the first phase of the School Psychology program, which is described in the Psychology Specialist, School Psychology Program section of this catalog.

 

Financial Assistance

Partial tuition grants are available to M.A. students during the Spring semester of their first year of enrollment, and the Fall semester of their second  year of enrollment.  Students may apply for grants requiring service to the Department in the form of either or both teaching- and research-related duties.  Eligibility for tuition grants is based on regulations of the College of Graduate Studies, as well as departmental requirements.  Other forms of aid, such as scholarships and graduate assistantships in other units on campus, also may be available.

 

For More Information

For further information, contact the Psychology Department at (216) 687-2544 to arrange an appointment with a graduate advisor. The Psychology Department is located in the Chester Building, Room 158.

Clinical Psychology Specialization


Introduction

The Clinical specialization at Cleveland State is a terminal master’s degree program because the department does not currently offer a doctoral degree program in Clinical Psychology. Upon receipt of the Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology, graduates often apply to doctoral programs at other institutions. Graduates may also elect to work as a psychology assistant under the supervision of a doctoral-level, licensed psychologist. Psychology assistants work in hospital, forensic, or clinical settings and engage in assessment, treatment and research activities.

The Clinical specialization offers two tracks of study to accommodate the interests of students:

  1. Doctoral preparation track, which requires the completion of a research (typically, data based) thesis; and
  2. Practitioner track, which allows students more flexibility in elective coursework.

Each track requires the student to complete a 50 credit hour program of coursework and clinical field experiences. The program requires full-time study for two academic years. No courses are offered during the summer, though students in the doctoral preparation track frequently work on their theses during the summer between the first and second years of the program.

Both tracks emphasize core content and basic skills in the first year, and practical experience and professional skills in the second year. The curriculum emphasizes human development and its deviations, as well as the methods and techniques of assessing and influencing this development in clinical contexts.

Faculty Research and Publications

The faculty members of the Clinical Psychology specialization have diverse interests, which are reflected in the course content of the classes they teach and in articles written for national and international publications. These interests include child, adolescent and adult psychopathology; legal and ethical issues in psychology; multicultural issues; cognitive behavior therapy; abnormal psychology; gerontology (normal and pathological aging, health psychology); personality tests and assessment; and neuropsychological assessment.

Current faculty information can be located on the Cleveland State University Faculty Profile page.

 

Career Information

Graduates of the Clinical Psychology specialization typically are employed as psychology assistants in such work settings as hospitals, mental health centers or clinics, private practice, human service agencies, industrial settings, and geriatric facilities. Primary functions include assessment, consultation, and administration. Approximately half of the graduates of this specialization continue on to pursue doctoral degrees in clinical psychology (Ph.D. or Psy.D.), counseling psychology, or related fields.

Admission Information

The Clinical specialization requires of all applicants:

  1. Satisfactory Verbal and Quantitative scores on the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) General Test (preference given to scores at the 50th percentile or better);
  2. A strong undergraduate record (minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA) with a firm foundation in the basic principles of psychology (those without a major in psychology must provide evidence of successful completion of the following coursework: Introductory Psychology, Personality or Theories of Personality, Abnormal Psychology, Memory and Cognition, Basic Statistics, and Psychology Laboratory and/or Research Design);
  3. A personal statement that describes the applicant’s reasons for pursuing a graduate degree in clinical psychology and this program in particular;
  4. Official transcripts for all colleges and universities attended;
  5. Two letters of recommendation;
  6. A curiculum vitae (CV) and;
  7. An interview, by invitation, with faculty members of the Clinical Psychology specialization committee.

Preparation beyond the minimum suggested above (including research and clinically-relevant experience) will likely strengthen applications.  The application deadline is February 1st of each year.

Apply Now: http://www.csuohio.edu/gradcollege/admissions/apply.html

Degree Requirements


(Clinical Psychology Specialization)


Fieldwork Placement


All students in the Clinical Psychology specialization who perform satisfactorily during the first year are assigned half-time (15 hours per week) field placements in their second year (PSY 690  and PSY 691 ). Four hours of academic credit are earned each semester for satisfactory completion of fieldwork; grades of S (Satisfactory) or U (Unsatisfactory) are given upon completion of each semester over the full year’s experience. Fieldwork supervisors make periodic, comprehensive evaluations of the students’ work. Students may, on occasion, be required to continue their fieldwork placements into the summer, if necessary, to demonstrate satisfactory performance.

Exit Requirements


A  thesis is required of students in the doctoral preparation track.  For students in the practioner track, graduation is based on the successful completion of the required courses and fieldwork experience.

The Consumer-Industrial Research Program


Introduction

The Consumer-Industrial Research specialization prepares students to conduct applied research in business and organizational settings. Students acquire conceptual tools, knowledge of research methods, and skill in data analysis to understand recruiting, person-job fit, employee selection, job analysis, performance management and related processes.

A second emphasis of the Consumer-Industrial Research specialization is the application of research methods and data analysis skills within an organization. Students are trained to design, administer, and interpret job satisfaction surveys, organizational climate surveys, and other important measures. Students are also taught how to conduct program evaluations and complete job analysis projects.

Competence in applied research is based on the ability to design applied research, gather and analyze data, and determine the meaning and significance of results.  Therefore,coursework emphasizes statistical analysis techniques and research methods.  Content courses in consumer and industrial-organizational psychology build on these courses in terms of specific applications of research methods and statistical analysis.  Electives may be used to augment both research skills and content areas.

This specialization is designed to be completed in one and one-half to two yeas and culminates with a thesis or research project.  While it is expected that all students will have the opportunity to participate in the solution of actual problems under the guidance of faculty, selected students also have the opportunity for field placements in business settings.

The first year of the Consumer-Industrial Research specialization typically consists of the program core, quantitative methods, research design, field research methods, and substantive courses in industrial-organizational psychology and consumer behavior. During the second year, the student typically enrolls in elective courses while working on the thesis or research project.

Faculty Research and Publications

Faculty members have published books, book chapters, journal articles, technical reports, and convention papers.  Faculty also serve as reviewers for over a dozen professional journals. Illustrative studies focus on occupational stress, personality aspects of occupational choices, development of performance appraisal systems, job applicant attitudes and behavior, team training, team coordination, work motivation, workforce diversity and cross-cultural issues in the workplace.

Current faculty information can be located on the Cleveland State University Faculty Profile page.

Career Information

The program prepares students to work in organizations that need “people” information, whether it concerns consumers or organizational members. Students completing this program are capable of designing and executing research to answer questions in a manner that will contribute to the functioning of the organization. They are prepared for employee surveys, training-effectiveness evaluation, job analysis, developing selection systems, and related research.

Admission Information

Applicants for admission to the Consumer/Industrial Research specialization must submit the following by February 15th of each year:

  1. An application for graduate admission;
  2. Scores on the General Aptitude test of the Graduate Record Exam (GRE);
  3. A personal statement;
  4. Official transcripts for all colleges and universities attended; and
  5. Two letters of recommendation.

Applications are reviewed as they are submitted, until the cohort is filled. Among the criteria used by the committee for selection are the standard indicators of academic promise–prior grades, test scores, and letters of recommendation– plus indications of particular promise based on skills, personal characteristics, and experiences relevant to work in the Consumer/Industrial Research specialization. Additionally, the committee expects candidates to have completed at least six credit hours of coursework in psychology and to have a command of basic statistical analysis. Preferred candidates will have a strong statistical background, prior experience, and a record of high achievement.

Apply Now: http://www.csuohio.edu/gradcollege/admissions/apply.html

Degree Requirements


(Consumer/Industrial Research Specialization)


The program requires satisfactory completion of a 43-credit-hour sequence.

Core A Core Content Requirements (16 credits)

Core B Methodological Requirements (12 credits)

Note(s):

Other courses in Marketing, Operations Management and Business Statistics, Management and Labor Relations, Communication, and Psychology may be taken for elective credit, subject to approval by the CIRP Specialization Committee.

Exit Requirements


Students may have two options in completing Consumer-Industrial Research Specialization requirements:  (1) thesis option, or (2) non-thesis option.

Students who choose the thesis option, submit a thesis proposal to a committee of faculty selected by the student and faculty advisor.  With committee approval, the student carries out his or her research and completes the thesis under the direction of the advisor.

Students who choose the non-thesis option, complete a research project while enrolled in either PSY 590 or PSY 596, under the direction of the course instructor.

Diversity Management Specialization


The Diversity Management specialization provides mid-career adults the opportunity to develop the change leadership skills and cultural competence necessary to work effectively in today’s organizations. Graduates of this distinctive Master’s in Psychology increase their ability to foster organizational excellence by learning how to lead diverse people in a complex global environment.

Program Description:

The Diversity Management specialization is a uniquely designed executive MBA-style format. Classes meet for three intensive days a month for 21 months, allowing for the more effective accommodation of work schedules. Program fee includes books, materials and meals while on-site. Class cohorts begin their studies annually in August.

Especially geared to the needs of mid-career adult learners, this program includes both classroom instruction and practical application. Using a systems approach, participants will:

  • learn how organizations function,
  • learn how to accomplish planned change,
  • develop critical cultural competence skills,
  • learn how to be effective leaders of organizational change,
  • learn how to manage a diverse workforce.

Graduates will be able to leverage their skills to influence people and achieve organizational goals. Both line managers and people in staff functions as diverse as purchasing and human resources will benefit from the skills they develop in this program.

Admission Information

This program is geared to mid-career adults interested in enhancing their leadership skills. In addition to all materials required for an application to the College of Graduate Studies (i.e., application form, transcripts from all institutions attended), an application to the Diversity Management Program in Psychology must include:

  1. Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores for the General Aptitude Test
  2. A personal statement (see department/specialization website for full instructions);
  3. Two letters of recommendation, preferably from individuals familiar with the applicant’s professional abilities
  4. A professional resume
  5. A one-page professional biography which includes the applicant’s goals for the program.

See the website below for complete instructions, program schedule and a link to the Admissions Office. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis for admission into each August (Fall) cohort.

Apply Now: http://www.csuohio.edu/sciences/dept/psychology/graduate/diversity/introduction.html

Degree Requirements


Students earn 40 credit hours in specially designed courses delivered in a cohort-based learning community. Exit requirements include a field practicum, and one of three exit options (comprehensive exam, action research project or thesis). Program participants also receive leadership coaching in the first year of the program.

(Diversity Management Specialization)


Total: 8 Credits

Total: 10 Credits

Total: 4 Credits

Total: 10 Credits

Total: 8 Credits

Note(s):


* Students fulfill one of these three exit options

The Diversity Management Program can also be taken as a certificate program earning continuing education credits (CEUs) in a variety of disciplines.

Total credits: 40


Research


Although this is a practitioner-focused program, full-time faculty conduct research in culture and diversity issues. The specialization’s diverse faculty hold doctoral and MA degrees and have extensive experience in the field as consultants and diversity practitioners. Their areas of expertise include organizational behavior, strategic management, diversity management, diversity and inclusion education, interpersonal relations, leadership, change leadership, collaborative conflict management, human resource management, cultural competence and group dynamics. They have professional experience conducting training, performing organizational assessments and engaging in the full range of diversity interventions, in addition to having management backgrounds.

Experimental Research Program


Introduction

The goal of the Experimental Research specialization in Psychology is for students to develop skills in research design and analysis, broad knowledge of substantive areas of psychological research, and expertise in one research area. The program consists of both required and elective courses and an individual research experience that culminates in completing a master’s thesis.

Every student is expected to become involved in research when he or she begins the program and to continue this involvement during his or her course of study. Ideally, each student participates in a faculty member’s research program; after developing appropriate knowledge and skills about this domain, the student demonstrates expertise by completing a thesis (with the advice and supervision of that faculty member).

Faculty Research and Publications

Areas of faculty expertise include memory processes, decision-making, perception (including speech, vision, and haptic perception),language processes, human performances, motor control, and research methodology. 

Current faculty information can be located on the Cleveland State University Faculty Profile page.

Research Facilities

Research facilities include testing rooms equipped with microcomputers and software for experimental data collection. The University holds licenses for major statistical software packages; these are available in University computer laboratories, as well as in the Psychology Department’s computer laboratory. Most scholarly materials, if not available in the University Library, are readily accessible through Ohio Link, a statewide consortium of libraries that subscribes electronically to many journals, or through inter-library loan.

 

Career Information

Graduates of the Experimental Research program often pursue further graduate work in psychology or seek employment in research-related occupations. The skills and knowledge acquired in the Experimental Research specialization may provide a beneficial foundation for further graduate study in other professional fields (e.g., clinical psychology, law, business).

Admission Information

In addition to all materials required for an application to the Graduate College (i.e., application form, transcripts), an application to the Experimental Research specialization in Psychology must include:

  1. Official Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores for the General Aptitude Test.
  2. A personal statement; and
  3. Two letters of recommendation, preferably from individuals familiar with the applicant’s academic abilities.

An applicant should have some academic preparation in psychology. A prospective applicant without such preparation is encouraged to consult with the program director about his or her preparation for the program.

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, but the deadline for consideration of admission for the Fall semester is February 15.

Apply Now: http://www.csuohio.edu/gradcollege/admissions/apply.html

Degree Requirements


(Experimental Research Specialization)


Thirty-eight (38) credit hours are required for graduation with the MA in Psychology, Experimental Research specialization. The course requirements are listed below. A student is expected to involve his or her mentor/advisor and/or the program director in the course selection process so that course work is well suited to the student’s objectives. The Experimental Research specialization committee must approve departures from the specified curriculum, as well as acceptance of transfer credit.

Electives (9 credits)

Any graduate courses (including non-psychology courses) approved by a faculty advisor.

Exit Requirements


To be awarded the MA degree in Psychology, a student in the Experimental Research specialization must complete 38 credit hours of course work and a thesis. Courses should be selected in consultation with a faculty advisor, and the program of study must be approved by the Experimental Research specialization committee. For the thesis project, it is the student’s responsibility to identify a suitable advisor; students are encouraged to consult with the specialization director for assistance. In consultation with the advisor, the student identifies two other faculty members to serve on the thesis committee. After the committee approves a thesis prospectus, the project may be carried out. To complete the thesis project requires both that the written thesis be accepted by the committee and that the student orally present his or her findings. Students should consult policies and requirements of the College of Graduate Studies  regarding theses (appearing elsewhere in this Catalog).

School Psychology Program


The School Psychology Program consists of two degree phases: the Master of Arts (MA) in Psychology (School Psychology specialization), followed by the Psychology Specialist (PsyS). Program features and admission requirements for both phases are described in this catalog under the heading, Psychology Specialist  , School Psychology Program

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