[from left to right: Brenda Quijada, Jessica Mendoza, Lauren Hocker, Catarina Madruga, Ireri Bernal and Carlos Letonia]
The Master of Arts degree in psychology is a rigorous program designed to develop research and conceptual skills for students whose primary interest is in continuing their education in a doctoral program.
Mentoring
Students who are admitted to the graduate program will be assigned to a mentor for advisement and program planning. A key feature of the program is a close mentoring relationship with a faculty member who oversees the student's progress toward his or her individual research goals.
Identification of a Research Advisor: As part of your application to the program, you will be asked to rank order the top three Cal State LA Psychology faculty members with whom you would like to do research. You can look up our Faculty Research Labs and Areas of Interest for more detailed information about each faculty member's area of specialization.
Admission to the Masters Programs in Psychology
General Program Requirements
At least 50% of the required 31-32 units must be 5000-level. A minimum of 9 units must come from courses other than PSY 5950, 5970, 5980, and 5990.
Core Requirements (Total 13-14 units)
In the First Semester (3 units):
Within the First Year (7 units):
One Other 5000-level Quantitative Course (3-4 units):
Required Courses (3 units)
Electives in Psychology (12 units)
Select 12 units of electives coursework to complete the 31-32 units required for the degree. 4000-level courses cannot comprise more than 50% of the elective units.
Thesis (3 units)
- PSY 5990 - Thesis (1-3)
Current Students
- Department Graduate Student Handbook
- University Catalog
- Graduate Resource Center
- Travel Support for students attending conferences and RSCA Application to support students in research, scholarship & creative activities.
- Office of Graduate Studies
- Office of Research Development
Forms for Thesis
GPA Requirements
Students are required to have a grade point average (GPA) of 2.75 to be eligible for the Masters Degree program. Students with a GPA below 2.75 will not be considered.
Prerequisite Program for Non-Psychology Majors
Please note: coursework taken at a community college does not apply to upper division psychology requirements.