Program Overview
A Lipscomb M.S. in psychology will allow you to build your identity as a psychological researcher while giving you the clinical knowledge needed to be successful at the next level. A range of electives & an individualized thesis project allow you to tailor this program to your specific clinical & research interests. Because of this, most of our graduates receive acceptances into prestigious Ph.D. programs across the country. Others apply what they've learned to advance in their field or land their dream job in areas like human resources, public relations and law enforcement.
Through this program you will mature both as a person and as a psychological scientist by crafting a thesis project based on your own interests. Our faculty have diverse research backgrounds and can help you design a thesis project that deepens your knowledge and feeds your passions. You will work 1-on-1 with your faculty thesis advisor throughout the process to make sure you have a successful thesis experience.
Through your classes you will have the opportunity to grow in a community of like-minded students. Small classes allow you to receive personalized attention from faculty while opportunities for competitive internships & research assistantships will help boost your career.
Are you a current Lipscomb undergraduate psychology major interested in pursuing your M.S.? Learn how you can get ahead with our bridge program.
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Admissions Requirements
Please submit:
- Lipscomb University's online application
- A two-page (500-750 words) essay detailing your goals and why you are applying to Lipscomb
- Three letters of recommendation
- Official transcripts from all schools in which a degree was conferred
- GRE scores*
- GRE scores are waived if you already hold a master's degree or if your undergraduate GPA is 3.0 or above
- GRE scores are required if your GPA is below a 3.0
- Interview
Deadline to apply for Fall 2024 will be June 1, 2024.
All Interviews are on a rolling basis.
Courses
The 39-hour M.S. in psychology is for degree-seeking students who will not seek licensure as a counselor. If attending full-time, this degree could be completed in four semesters. The courses are listed below.
Core Courses (30 Hours, 3 hours each)
- PSG 5103 - Theories of Counseling and Personality
- PSG 5203 - Introduction to Psychopathology and Adaptive Behavior
- PSG 5303 - Lifespan Development
- PSG 5603 - Research Methods and Statistics
- PSG 5803 - Integration of Psychology and Christianity Seminar
- PSG 6713 - Biological Psychology
- PSG 6613 - Statistics I
- PSG 6623 - Statistics II
- PSG 6933 - Thesis I
- PSG 6943 - Thesis II
Elective Courses (select 9 Hours)
- COUN 5903 - Introduction to Counseling Skills
- COUN 6003 - Grief and Crisis Counseling
- COUN 6053 - Multicultural Issues in Counseling
- COUN 6253 - Career Counseling
- PSG 6403 - Psychopharmacology
- PSG 6603 - Advanced Psychopathology
- PSG 6653 - Assessment Techniques
- PSG 6503 - Human Sexuality
- PSG 675V - Psychological /Counseling Topics
- PSG 685V - Research Practicum
- COUN 6303 - Substance Abuse Counseling
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Other courses, as approved by the Psychology program director
Suggested course sequence for Full-time M.S. in Psychology (39-hour program) students entering in Fall:
Note: Some of the classes listed below are only offered once per year. If a student deviates from this plan, it may delay graduation. Students should consult with their advisor about any deviation from this course sequence.
Fall 1:
1Theories of Counseling & Personality (Tuesday)
1Research Methods and Statistics (Monday)
2Biological Psychology (Thursday)
Spring:
1Introduction to Psychopathology and Adaptive Behavior (Tuesday)
Lifespan Development (Thursday)
1Thesis I (independent)
Summer:
Spiritual Competencies (Monday)
1,2Statistics I (Wednesday)
Elective 1 (TBA)
Fall 2:
2Statistics II (Wednesday)
Thesis II (independent)
Elective 2 (TBA)
Elective 3 (TBA)
1 Prerequisite for later classes. (Theories of Counseling and Intro to Psychopathology are needed before many electives in our department; Research Methods before Thesis I; Statistics I before Statistics II; Thesis I before Thesis II)
2Only available once per year, during the semester listed
Tuition & Aid
Program tuition is currently $962* per credit hour.
*Note: The graduate tuition rates may increase annually, effective each summer semester.