The Master of Science (MS) in Psychology degree program offers a wide range of academic and professionally oriented psychology courses. This degree is offered in response to a demand from learners and industry leaders for a degree designed for those interested in pursuing a strong theoretical and research foundation in psychology, which can be applied to fields such as advanced addiction studies, pastoral counseling, sport psychology, and consultation in business and industry.
The program places an emphasis on scientific research as applied to non-clinical settings. The MS in Psychology degree offers an alternative to the Master of Arts (MA) in Psychology degree. The MS in Psychology does not lead to licensure as a marriage and family therapist nor as a licensed professional clinical counselor (for those professional goals, please see the MA in Psychology program). The MS degree program also provides a firm foundation in the field of psychology upon which to build doctoral-level study (Doctor of Psychology) at CalSouthern.
Program Learning Outcomes
- Foundational Knowledge in Psychology
Articulate a broad knowledge of psychology’s core foundation content domains (affective, biological, cognitive, developmental, and social aspects of behavior) and research methods.
- Scientific Literacy & Research
Utilize scientific reasoning, processes, and/or methods to synthesize psychological research in a manner that advances interdisciplinary application of psychological principles.
- Ethics & Professional Standards
Apply ethical behavior, standards and decision-making in accordance with the ethical standards of the discipline.
- Cultural Diversity, Awareness & Humility
Apply cultural humility and understanding to interactions with diverse individual and groups.
- Psychological & Professional Literacy
Applies psychological research and theory to intentionally impact individuals, groups, organizations, and/or communities.
- Communication & Interpersonal Skills
Communicate competently in multiple formats (written, oral, and interpersonal) appropriate to various audiences, cultures, and contexts.
- Professional Values & Development
Apply knowledge, skills, and feedback to enhance potential for success in chosen profession.
Licensure and Certification
(Advanced Addiction Studies Concentration only)
California Southern University's MS in Psychology with a Concentration in Advanced Addiction Studies (AAS) may provide eligibility for alcohol and drug/addiction counselor credential in some jurisdictions.
California Southern University is approved by the California Consortium of Addictions Programs and Professionals (CCAPP). The AAS concentration provides 360 hours of Substance Use Disorder (SUD) specific education, fulfilling the SUD specific educational requirement for the California Licensed Advanced Alcohol Drug Counselor (LAADC) as required by CCAPP. For addiction professionals who are seeking to become nationally certified, this program is also approved by the Association for Addiction Professionals (NAADAC). More information about SUD specific education requirements, certification requirements, and career steps is available at www.ccapp.us and www.naadac.org and in the paragraphs below. A minimum grade of "B" is required in all AAS concentration courses.
United States: CalSouthern has made a determination that this curriculum meets the state educational requirements for licensure or certification in the field of addiction treatment in the following states: AZ, CA, MD, NV, UT. Some states may have additional requirements that are not part of the curriculum, but which can be satisfied at CalSouthern.
CalSouthern has made a determination that this curriculum does not meet the state educational requirements for licensure or certification in the field of addiction treatment in the following states: AK, AL, AR, CO, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, HI, ID, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, ME, MI, MN, MS, MO, MT, NC, ND, NE, NH, NJ, NM, NY, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, VA, VT, WA, WI, WV, WY. This concentration does not accept applications from prospective learners who reside in these states.
Other Jurisdictions: This concentration does not accept applications from prospective learners who reside outside of the jurisdictions listed above.
Degree Requirements
| DEGREE REQUIREMENTS |
CREDITS |
| Core Courses |
15 |
| Concentration & Elective Courses |
15 |
Applied Concepts
(learners enrolled in the Advanced Addiction Studies Concentration are required to complete Advanced Supervised Practicum & Fieldwork in Addiction Studies instead) |
6 |
| Master’s Thesis |
6 |
| TOTAL CREDITS REQUIRED FOR COMPLETION |
42 |
Required Courses
Core Courses (15 Credits Required)
Note: Learners who are enrolling in the Advanced Addiction Studies Concentration must take PSY 6309, Advanced Ethical and Professional Issues in Addiction Counseling instead of PSY 6801, Therapeutic Boundaries.
Concentration and Elective Courses (15 Credits Required)
Completion of core courses serve as pre-requisites for elective courses. Elective Areas of Concentration options include: Customized, Advanced Addiction Studies, Industrial/Organizational Psychology, Pastoral Counseling, and Sport Psychology.
Five elective courses are required to earn a concentration which will be recorded on the learner’s academic transcript. Learners who would prefer to select their own electives can create a customized concentration. Those interested in earning a certificate to identify the concentration earned, may contact registrar@calsouthern.edu for more information.
Customized Concentration (15 Credits Required)
Choose any five (5) Graduate Psychology Elective Courses (excludes practicums, internships, core PsyD courses, or doctoral project courses).
Advanced Addiction Studies Concentration
| PSY 6511 | Substance Use and Related Disorders | 3 |
| PSY 7534 | Dual Diagnosis | 3 |
| PSY 7307 | Advanced Physiology and Pharmacology of Addiction | 3 |
| PSY 7007 | Advanced Case Management: Assessment, Treatment Planning, Relapse Prevention And Aftercare | 3 |
| PSY 7316 | Advanced Personal and Professional Wellness for the Substance Abuse Counselor | 3 |
Industrial/Organizational Psychology Concentration
| PSY 7521 | Industrial/Organizational Psychology | 3 |
| PSY 6508 | Culture and Diversity in Counseling | 3 |
| PSY 7522 | Consulting in Business, Education & Mental Health | 3 |
| PSY 7529 | Myers-Briggs Type Indicator | 3 |
| PSY 7761 | Interpersonal Conflict in the Workplace | 3 |
Pastoral Counseling Concentration
Sport Psychology Concentration
| PSY 7100 | Applied Sport Psychology I | 3 |
| PSY 7101 | Applied Sport Psychology II | 3 |
| PSY 7711 | Current Issues in Sport Psychology | 3 |
| PSY 7715 | Psychology of Coaching | 3 |
| PSY 7720 | Enhancing Performance: Preparation/Motivation | 3 |
Applied Concepts (6 Credits Required)
| PSY 6802 | Applied Concepts | 6 |
| Or | |
| PSY 7508 | Supervised Practicum in Advanced Addiction Studies | 6 |
Note: Learners enrolled in the Advanced Addiction Studies Concentration must complete PSY 7508, Supervised Practicum in Advanced Addiction Studies.
Master’s Thesis (6 Credits Required)
With the exception of the Advanced Addiction Studies concentration, this program is not designed to meet the educational requirements for a specific professional license or certification required for employment in an occupation. As such, CalSouthern has made no determination regarding prerequisites for licensure or certification in any state or jurisdiction.
While California Southern University, as a member of the AIU System, is part of a Title IV eligible institution offering Title IV eligible programs, CalSouthern has elected and designated this program as not participating in Title IV federal financial aid programs. This means students enrolling in this program may not use Federal Student Aid to help pay for this program. Instead, it offers a variety of zero interest payment options for students.