MS in Psychology, Child and Adolescent Development, FlexPath option
School of Social and Behavioral Sciences
The master’s Child and Adolescent Development specialization provides
learners with the knowledge, theory, and best practices needed to
promote and support the growth and development of children and
adolescents. Specialization topics include prenatal, child, and
adolescent development; physical and mental health; and social and
educational issues related to child and adolescent development. Upon
successful completion of this specialization, learners are prepared to
pursue careers in education, human services, health care, social
services, or other settings in which knowledge of child and adolescent
development would be an asset or job prerequisite. Learners who pursue
this specialization through the FlexPath option earn an MS in
Psychology through self-paced demonstrations of competencies. These
specialization requirements are not designed or intended to meet
professional licensure requirements for the counseling or psychology
professions.
Core courses:
PSY-FPX5002 |
Foundations of Theory and Practice for Master’s Psychology Learners
In this course, learners acquire the ability to navigate the Capella
courseroom and use the resources that support academic success,
including the library and writing center. Learners identify and
practice the academic requirements (including APA style and
formatting) necessary to successfully complete the master’s degree
program in their chosen specialization; review their specialization’s
requirements, associated professional roles and organizations, and
ethics and professional standards; and articulate a professional
identity based on master’s-level psychology training.
For MS in Psychology learners only. Must be taken during the
learner’s first quarter. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.
| 2.5 program points |
---|---|---|
PSY-FPX7610 |
Tests and Measurements
This course is an introduction to the subject of mental measurement
in psychology. Course topics include techniques for correctly
interpreting test scores such as percentiles, standard errors of
measurement, standard scores, and validity and reliability. Learners
acquire and demonstrate knowledge of measuring devices used in the
fields of intelligence, interests, personality, and special aptitudes,
and identify professional standards of test development and use. The
course also includes analysis of the psychometric procedures used to
develop and validate educational and psychological instruments and
requires learners to present appropriate applications for each type of
methodology. | 2.5 program points |
PSY-FPX7860 |
Survey of Research Methods
Learners in this course critically evaluate research in order to gain
an understanding of the scientific methods of inquiry and the ethical
considerations of research. Learners develop and apply skills needed
to become educated consumers and creators of research. Learners also
use their research design skills to analyze and apply research
methodologies, validity, reliability and other components of
scientific research related to their field of interest.
Learners may only earn credit for PSY-FPX7860 or RSCH-FPX7860.
| 2 program points |
PSY-FPX7864 |
Quantitative Design and Analysis
In this course, learners investigate the fundamental concepts needed
to conduct quantitative research. Learners examine and apply
quantitative research techniques; appropriate applications of
quantitative research; research design, measurement, and analysis, and
their associated interdependencies; variable types and levels of
measurement; sampling; descriptive and inferential statistics; and
hypothesis testing. Learners define the strengths and limitations of
descriptive statistics, analyze the quantitative scales of
measurement, review the logic of probability and null hypothesis
testing, and leverage technology when applicable. Learners also
determine the steps necessary to ensure human subjects protection, and
consider methodological adaptations when conducting research with
vulnerable and diverse populations.
Learners may only earn credit for PSY-FPX7864 or RSCH-FPX7864.
| 2 program points |
Specialization courses:
PSY-FPX5110 |
Ethics and Multicultural Issues in Psychology
In this course, learners analyze multicultural perspectives and
factors such as ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and gender, and their
influences on the ethical behavior of psychology professionals.
Learners evaluate and articulate multicultural issues within the
context of different settings and practice applying ethical reasoning
principles and standards within their profession. | 2.5 program points |
---|---|---|
PSY-FPX6010 |
Human Prenatal Development
Learners in this course gain an overview of prenatal and postnatal development through the first three months of life. Learners analyze genetic and reproductive technology and articulate its impact on families and society. Throughout the course, learners demonstrate their knowledge of the stages of prenatal development (embryonic and fetal). Learners investigate various prenatal illnesses and physical problems while considering the impact of prenatal health disparities. In addition, learners engage with research, theory, and culturally relevant best practices related to promoting healthy newborn and infant development. | 2.5 program points |
PSY-FPX6015 |
Lifespan Development
In this course, learners gain and apply knowledge of lifespan development from infancy through adulthood, including human development processes and milestones while considering individual and cultural differences. Learners evaluate theories and approaches for examining human development and analyze human development processes related to their specialization. | 2.5 program points |
PSY-FPX6020 * |
Advocacy in Child and Adolescent Development
Learners in this course critically evaluate and apply theory and
research to child and adolescent development issues and current
topics. Learners analyze the impact of policy and legislation in areas
such as education, health, mental health, the military, media, and the
economy on child and adolescent developmental outcomes and advocate
for issues related to policy and legislation that improve the lives of
children and adolescents.
Prerequisite(s): PSY-FPX6010; PSY-FPX6025 or PSY-FPX6030.
| 2.5 program points |
PSY-FPX6025 |
Child Psychology
In this course, learners gain and apply knowledge of the
developmental stages of children from the prenatal period to
adolescence. Learners examine how children develop physically,
emotionally, socially, and cognitively, and evaluate and articulate
the influences of family, society, and culture on child and adolescent
development. Learners also assess children’s evolving needs and apply
theory and research to recommend appropriate responses to those
needs. | 2.5 program points |
PSY-FPX6030 |
Adolescent Psychology
In this course, learners gain and apply knowledge of the
developmental stages from early adolescence to emerging adulthood.
Learners evaluate and articulate the physical, psychosocial,
emotional, sexual, moral, and cognitive changes associated with
adolescent development and examine the ways in which adolescent
development is influenced by family, society, and culture. Learners
also assess the evolving needs of adolescents and apply theory and
research in order to recommend appropriate responses to those
needs. | 2.5 program points |
Taken during the learner’s final quarter:
PSY-FPX5201 * |
Integrative Project for Master’s Degree in Psychology
In this course, learners demonstrate knowledge, scholarship, and
research proficiency in their chosen psychology specialization by
developing a research proposal. As they engage with a faculty mentor
in the preparation of a five-chapter integrative project, learners
develop and demonstrate academic and professional competency in
proposing new and original research, writing and applying for grants,
adhering to ethical standards, addressing diversity and individual
variation in psychology, and explaining psychology concepts.
For MS in Psychology learners only. Must be taken during the
learner’s final quarter. Prerequisite(s): All required and
elective coursework. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.
| 2.5 program points |
---|
Total
At least 26.5 program points
* Denotes courses that have prerequisite(s). Refer to the descriptions for further details.
Learners who do not complete all program requirements within quarter credit/program point minimums will be required to accrue such additional quarter credits/program points as are associated with any additional or repeat coursework necessary for successful completion of program requirements.
GuidedPath courses and FlexPath
courses fulfill the program requirements and prerequisites for each
delivery model.