Psychology (MA)

Program Description

The Master of Arts degree in psychology is offered to students wishing to advance their status in a psychology-related occupation or to strengthen their knowledge and research skills in the field in preparation for later pursuit of the PhD degree. It should be emphasized that the M.A. program offers a terminal degree. All students who wish to obtain a PhD degree must apply directly to their program of choice during the PhD application period (see under Doctor of Philosophy). Applicants seeking admission to a Master of Arts program in psychology should have graduated from college with an average of B or better. An undergraduate psychology major is not required. However, all applicants must have completed courses in introductory psychology and in introductory statistics with grades of B or better to be eligible for admission.

Admissions

All applicants to the Graduate School of Arts and Science (GSAS) are required to submit the general application requirements, which include:

• Academic Transcripts
• Test Scores (if required)
• Applicant Statements
• Résumé or Curriculum Vitae
• Letters of Recommendation, and
• A non-refundable application fee.

See Psychology for admission requirements and instructions specific to this program.

Program Requirements

The program requires the completion of 36 credits (at least 24 in residence at New York University). and either a written comprehensive examination or a master’s thesis. All students must pass PSYCH-GA 2016 Masters Statistics, or the equivalent. Students must pass core courses with a grade of B or better and must maintain an overall B average. Satisfactory completion of four core courses chosen from three core groups, as follows is required:

¹

Can be taken to meet a core requirement. If both are taken, one will count as an elective.

Note: The program may be completed on a part-time or full-time basis, providing that all course work and either a comprehensive exam or thesis are completed within a five-year period.

Additional Program Requirements

Master's Thesis/Written Comprehensive Exam

Student must complete either a written comprehensive examination or a master’s thesis.

Sample Plan of Study

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the program, graduates will have:

1. A knowledge base in psychological science, which includes the major theories concepts, principles, perspectives, and historical trends of the discipline. Moreover, students are expected to become well versed in the language of psychology and the methods by which additional psychological knowledge is acquired. 
2. Information literacy, such that students can easily locate relevant information stored in both text-based and electronic sources; and the ability to evaluate the credibility of such sources. 
3. The capacity to evaluate claims and evidence, which includes being able to assess the strengths and weaknesses of different sources of knowledge, while recognizing the context in which the knowledge is generated; plus an awareness of common thinking fallacies and techniques to avoid them, and a facility for summarizing and synthesizing the psychological literature.
4. A deep understanding of scientific method and its key concepts (e.g., reliability, validity, causal inference) as applied to the field of psychology. More specifically, students are expected to become proficient in the use of various research methods in order to be able to design and conduct studies using appropriate methodologies, and to be able to use and interpret the results of descriptive and inferential statistical procedures as applied to psychological data.
5. The ability to communicate clearly and professionally in various forms (e.g., formal writing, oral presentations, research posters), and, more specifically, to be able to communicate research findings in words, numbers, and symbols, according to the recommended style of the American Psychological Association. 

Policies

NYU Policies

University-wide policies can be found on the New York University Policy pages.

Graduate School of Arts and Science Policies

Academic Policies for the Graduate School of Arts and Science can be found on the Academic Policies page.