Program Overview
Hone your research skills with a Lipscomb M.S. in psychology. Build your identity as a psychological researcher. Grow in a community where you'll receive personalized attention from faculty with diverse research backgrounds.
You'll have opportunities for competitive internships that will boost your career. Mature as a researcher while crafting a thesis project that deepens your knowledge and feeds your passions.
Most of our graduates receive acceptances into prestigious Ph.D. programs. Others apply what they've learned in the mental health field—or their dream jobs. Gain the foundation you want and need to advance in your field.
Are you a current Lipscomb undergraduate psychology major interested in pursuing your M.S.? Learn how you can get ahead with our bridge program.
Admissions Requirements
Please submit:
- Lipscomb University's online application
- A two-page essay of purpose
- Three letters of recommendation
- Official transcripts from all schools attended
- GRE scores (waived if you already hold a master's degree)
- Interview
Deadline to apply for Fall 2020 has been extended to July 20, 2020. Deadline to apply for Spring 2021 will be November 15, 2020. 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
-
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:
Biological Psychology
Research Methods & Statistics
Introduction to Psychopathology & Adaptive Behavior
Spring:
Theories of Counseling & Personality
Lifespan Development
Thesis I
Summer:
Statistics I
Elective 1
Integration of Psychology and Christianity Seminar
Fall 2:
Statistics II
Thesis II
Elective 2
Elective 3
Suggested course sequence for full-time M.S. in Psychology (39-hour program) students entering in Spring:
Spring 1:
Theories of Counseling & Personality
Introduction to Psychopathology and Adaptive Behavior
Research Methods and Statistics
Summer:
Statistics I
Thesis I
Integration of Psychology & Christianity Seminar
Fall:
Statistics II
Biological Psychology
Elective 1
Elective 2
Spring 2:
Thesis II
Elective 3
Lifespan Development
Suggested course sequence for ABA for students beginning in FALL:
46 hour, 4 semester program (M.S. in Psychology + 16 hour ABA certificate for BCaBA certification)
54 hour, 5 semester program (M.S. in Psychology + 24 hour ABA certificate for BCBA certification)
This is a HIGHLY compressed program, not suitable for students working full time.
Fall 1 (12 hours):
Research Methods and Statistics (3 hours)
Introduction to Psychopathology and Adaptive Behavior (3)
Foundations of Applied Behavior Analysis (3) in Term I
Program Design, Implementation, and Evaluation (3) in Term II
Spring 1 (12 hours):
Research Methods in Behavior Analysis (3)
Lifespan Development (3)
Theories of Counseling and Personality (3)
Thesis I (3)
Summer 1 (11 hours):
Statistics I (3)
Behavioral Field Supervision I (2)
Behavior Change Procedures (3) in Term II
Thesis II (3)
Fall 2 (11 hours):
*Will be eligible for graduation from M.S. program and for 16-hour certificate at the end of this semester
Integration of Psychology and Christianity Seminar (3)
Statistics II (3)
Biological Psychology (3)
Behavioral Field Supervision II (2)
Spring 2 (8 hours): *Additional classes for 24-hour certificate
Ethical and Professional Conduct (3) in Term I
Advanced Applied Behavior Analysis (3) in Term II
Behavioral Field Supervision III (2)
Tuition & Aid
Program tuition is currently $962 per credit hour.
