M.A. in Psychology (General)
Students can use this degree to prepare for a doctoral program in psychology, a career in psychometry, or advancement in a career that requires a master's degree in a human services field. The flexibility of this degree allows students to have a wide variety of career futures and the course sequence can be based on each student's career goals.
Program Details
Program Overview
The Master of Arts (M.A.) in Psychology (General) is designed for students who are seeking a master's degree in psychology but do not required license eligibility in the state of Wisconsin. This includes those interested in pursuing a Ph.D. or Psy.D., students who plan to enter a career in psychometry and those who may be interested in clinical work in a jurisdiction that does not require a degree that conforms to the 60-credit CACREP 2016 guidelines. The program’s foundation is built upon an understanding of empirical research and theory, training in critical thinking and ethical decision making and an appreciation for diversity.
Program Coursework
- Forensic Issues
- Therapy Topics
- Research Methods and Statistics
- Ethics, Professional Standards and Legal Issues
- Psychopathology
- Theories of Psychological Treatment
- Foundations of Psychology
- Assessment I
- Theories and Techniques of Individual Psychotherapy and Counseling
- Assessment II
- Substance Related Disorders
- Multicultural Issues in Clinical Psychology
- Internship
- Lifespan Development
- Theories and Techniques of Group Psychotherapy and Counseling
- Biological Bases of Behavior
- Career Development
- Couples and Family Counseling
- Crisis and Trauma Counseling
- Health Psychology
- Practicum
- Supervised Research
The specific degree requirements on the website are for illustrative purposes and may change at any time. Please contact the Registrar's Office, Academic Advising or refer to the course catalog for detailed program requirements.
Concentration Options
Clinical Psychology
This concentration is intended for students who wish to pursue a career as a licensed master’s level mental health provider in a jurisdiction outside Wisconsin. The curriculum requirements for the clinical psychology concentration are based upon the CACREP 2009 Clinical Mental Health Counseling standards. Students who graduate with this concentration will be license eligible in many states and countries.Graduation with the clinical psychology concentration will require 42 credits, including the following:
PSY 533 Research Methods and Statistics
PSY 536 Ethics, Legal Standards, & Professional Issues
PSY 541 Psychopathology
PSY 545 Assessment I
PSY 551 Multicultural Issues in Clinical Psychology
PSY 542 Theories of Psychological Intervention
PSY 547 Individual Psychotherapy
PSY 555 Group Psychotherapy
6-12 credits from PSY 580 Practicum and/or PSY 553 Internship (400+ hours of clinical experiences)
Recommended but not required:
PSY550 Substance-Related Disorders,
PSY570 Career Development,
PSY572 Crisis Intervention and Trauma Treatment
Psychometry Concentration
This concentration is intended for students who wish to pursue a career in psychological test administration in neuropsychology, educational settings, or research. Graduation with the psychometry concentration will require 30 credits, including the following in addition to the classes required for the general degree:
- PSY 545 Assessment I
- 6-12 credits from PSY580 Practicum and/or PSY553 Internship (400+ hours of clinical experiences)
Additional areas of interest
This program is intended for those interested in pursuing a Ph.D. or Psy.D., students who plan to enter a career in psychometry, and those who may be interested in clinical work in a jurisdiction that does not require a degree that conforms to the 60-credit CACREP 2016 guidelines.
For a 60-credit program that conforms to those guidelines, please see the Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology program.
The Value of a Master’s Degree
Advanced degree holders earn about 70% more over the course of their careers than professionals with only a bachelor's degree.
Learn more about how valuable a degree can be for your career path and the average salaries that come with holding an advanced degree.
Master's degrees are advanced graduate degrees that can advance earning potential and professional advancement for students and working professionals.
Advanced degree holders earn about 70% more over the course of their careers than professionals with only a bachelor's degree.
The combination of further education and experience is the single best way to ensure that your career continues to flourish.
Professionals with advanced degrees consistently demonstrate a higher job satisfaction than those with only a bachelor's degree.
A master's degree in psychology can prepare you for more advanced careers within your field, as well as a higher salary.
According to BLS, as of 2021 the national average annual pay for a Master's in Psychology is $63.989 a year.
Career Opportunities
Earning a master's degree from Stritch is a good investment - in YOU! This opens the door to a variety of job opportunities that can include the following...
- Psychometrist
- Psychology Technician