ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

 DEADLINE: JANUARY 15TH

*This deadline applies to both the CSU Apply and the departmental application*

 

All application materials must be submitted online through CSU Apply.

 

Required Materials:
  • University Application
  • Department ApplicationPDF File Opens in new window
    • Download the department application, fill it out, and then upload it in CSU Apply
  • Statement of Purpose (should be your response to the 3 essay prompts in the department application)
  • Letter of Recommendation Form click HEREPDF File Opens in new window : You need to complete the upper half of the first page and hand it to each of the three people who will write a letter for you.
  • Three (3) Letters of Recommendation: The person who writes the letter needs to complete the Letter of Recommendation Form (see above) and submit it with the letter.
  • Transcripts of ALL previous coursework
    • One set for the university and an additional set for the department
    • Submit unofficial transcripts with your department application
  • Baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution
  • Minimum GPA of 3.0 in psychology courses, 2.5 GPA in last 60 semester units, and overall GPA of 2.5.
  • Research experience 
  • Click herePDF File for a list of Required Prerequisite Coursework 

Master of Arts in Psychological Research

 

The Master of Arts program in Psychology at Cal State Fullerton offers advanced course work and research experience in several specialized areas of psychology including cognitive, developmental, evolutionary, social, personality, industrial/organizational, legal, clinical/community, quantitative, gerontology, perception, and biological/ physiological. Our program provides excellent preparation for Ph.D. work by offering advanced statistical and methodological courses and research experience. Our graduate education also prepares students for a variety of careers in industry and education. Students who are committed to the field of psychology, but are undecided on a specialty, have an opportunity to explore options. Those Students who are interested in a career in counseling or clinical psychology are encouraged to apply to the M.S. Clinical Psychology program in the Psychology department. 

Our faculty have active research programs across diverse subfields of Psychology and contribute to the discipline through publication of books and journal articles, serving on advisory and editorial boards, and receive substantial funding from granting agencies to support their work. The department supports several research centers, and faculty members sponsor and mentor several students as research assistants. Opportunities are available for students to work as graduate assistants for faculty in psychology and other departments.

 

MA Student Handbook 2024-2025PDF File

PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

The program requires 36 units of course work, as specified below. 

Core courses (18 units)

  • PSYC 467     Multivariate Statistics for Psychology (3)
  • PSYC 500     Issues and Perspectives in Psychological Research (3)
  • PSYC 510     Experimental Design (3)
  • PSYC 599     Independent Graduate Research (3)

(Note: Psych 500 must be completed in the first semester of the program. Psych 599 is recommended in the second semester.)Two seminars from Psych 520T Advanced Topics in Psychological Research (6; topics vary)

400- and 500- level Content Courses (12-15 units): (Three psychology courses must be completed from three of the following categories) 

University Catalog-Course DescriptionsOpens in new window

  • Applied Research
  • Cognitive
  • Social/Personality/Industrial
  • Clinical
  • Developmental
  • Quantitative
  • Sensory Processes/Physiological/Biological 

Thesis (3-6 units) 

MA Thesis OptionsPDF File

A Study Plan is developed in consultation with the M. A. graduate program coordinator and must be filed in the University Office of Academic Programs. Once students have met all university and department requirements for admission into the program, classified standing is granted. To be advanced to candidacy for the M. A. degree, students must file a graduation check and have received a grade of "B-" or better on all study-plan classes.

FACULTY MENTOR PROGRAM

The Department of Psychology Graduate Mentor Program facilitates students' early involvement in research, provides academic and career counseling, and helps students develop their thesis topic. New students, in consultation with the graduate Coordinator,select a faculty mentor prior to their second semester. The faculty mentor serves as adviser of the Independent Graduate Research Course (Psych 599). It is anticipated that students' mentors will serve as their thesis adviser in the second year. However, students are free to select a different person for their advisor.

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

Graduates of the program choose either to continue their studies in a doctoral program or begin their career in a wide variety of settings. Cal State Fullerton graduates have been accepted into several highly respected Ph.D. programs at universities across the country such as Auburn, Duke, Yale, Northwestern, Purdue, Tufts, Vanderbilt, University of Alberta, University of Illinois, University of Michigan, University of Texas, and others. Many graduates choose to continue their studies closer to home at Stanford, UC Berkeley, UCLA, UC Santa Barbara, UCR and USC. Those choosing to begin their careers following graduation attain positions in settings such as industry, mental health facilities, and education. Our graduates enjoy successful careers in consulting, program evaluation, research, human resources, education, community services, health, and teaching.

SCHOLARSHIPS AND AWARDS

Our students successfully compete for a variety of national, university, and departmental awards and grants, including APA, APS, and WPA Travel Grants, Psi Chi Honor Society Awards for Research Excellence, CSU Research Competition, DAC Research Awards, Department of Psychology Travel Awards and the Professor Ed Stearns Exemplary Statistics and Research Design Award. Each year, the Department recognizes one or more outstanding M. A. students from the graduating class to receive the Outstanding M. A. Graduate Award. This award is presented at the annual celebration in May.

For Additional Information Contact:

CSUF Psychology Department

E-mail: psychology@fullerton.edu  

Department of Psychology - Graduate Office
California State University, Fullerton
P.O. Box 6846
Fullerton, CA 92834-6846