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MS in Psychology, General Psychology, FlexPath option

School of Social and Behavioral Sciences

The General Psychology specialization provides master’s learners with solid foundational knowledge of psychology principles. It is designed for professionals interested in pursuing careers in research, teaching, or program administration in human services organizations. 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.

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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-FPX5120
Social Psychology

This course provides an overview of how behavior is shaped and influenced within a social context. Within this framework, learners analyze interpersonal relationships, social cognition, social inference, emotion, and personality. Learners review and demonstrate their knowledge of the social psychology of decision making, attitude formation, and social attribution as they relate to contemporary issues. Learners also apply social psychological theory and research to various clinical, educational, and organizational settings.

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-FPX6110
Learning Theories in Psychology

Learners investigate the concepts and principles of learning theory and its sub-processes, especially those associated with cognition. Learners evaluate and articulate major learning theories, practice applying these learning theories and their associated processes to teaching, and analyze the effects of various behavioral and cognitive sub-processes on learning.

2.5 program points
PSY-FPX7421
Cognitive/Affective Psychology

Learners in this course apply their knowledge of theoretical foundations and the basic principles and models of cognitive/affective psychology to mental processes, such as how individuals acquire, process, and store information; how they think, perceive, remember, and learn; and how they experience feelings, moods, and emotions. Learners also demonstrate the ways in which the integration of cognition and affect influence an individual’s behavior.

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 24 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.