The University of Northern Iowa Department of Psychology offers a Master of Arts degree in Psychology designed to provide advanced training in the major applied and basic areas of psychology. The program has a strong empirical orientation, emphasizes competence in research methodology, and requires that each graduate student satisfy a thesis requirement. The program reflects the views of department faculty that such an orientation is essential for the education of sophisticated consumers of psychological research at the master's level and for the preparation of students interested in the pursuit of a doctoral degree.

Students in the MA program may choose one of three emphases:

Students may also choose an individualized study option in which they choose a program of study in conjuction with a faculty advisor and the graduate coordinator. For more information on this option, contact the Graduate Coordinator and the graduate faculty member with whom you would be interested in working.

Clinical Science

Combining empirically supported, scientifically based clinical training with a solid foundation in clinical research methodology, this emphasis prepares students to pursue a doctoral degree or to pursue jobs at the Masters level operating under appropriate supervision. Clinical practicum and research opportunities allow students to work with child, adolescent and adult clinical populations in a variety of settings. Clinical faculty members are dedicated to research, and actively involve students in ongoing and new areas of study.

Industrial-Organizational

The Industrial-Organizational emphasis is designed for students who might be interested in later pursuing doctoral studies in industrial/organizational psychology or who may wish to pursue a career in human resources or consulting with their master's degree. Students gain practical experience through practicum experiences and internships as well as research experience through the thesis and other research projects.

Social

The Social emphasis is designed for students who are interested in social psychology and would like to complete a master's degree before seeking admission to Ph.D. programs in social psychology or pursuing employment as a research analyst, research associate, or community college teacher.Students in the social emphasis receive a broad education in psychology and especially social psychology. Students complete and present at least two research projects, their first year project and their thesis.