Master of Arts - Psychology - Applied Psychology

The master's programs in psychology provide both an Master of Arts and an Master of Science which contain different emphases. The Master of Arts in Psychology includes options in Psychological Science and Applied Psychology. The Master of Arts Option in Psychological Sciences provides coursework for students planning to enter doctoral programs or to teach at community colleges. The Master of Arts Option in Applied Psychology includes coursework in preparation for the Pupil Personnel Services Credential for school psychologist authorization. The Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy meets the course content requirements for California Marriage and Family Therapists licensure eligibility.

School psychologists work with children from infancy through adolescence, and with their parents, teachers, and other professionals to enhance the quality of their educational experience and healthy development. In a typical day, a school psychologist might confer with teachers or parents about students, observe a student in a classroom, make a presentation in a classroom about social or study skills, meet with children individually for psychoeducational assessment or counseling, and handle a half dozen calls to parents and other professionals. School psychologists receive advanced education in child development, learning, mental health, and education. Professional skills include consultation, assessment, instruction, program development, counseling, and research.

Graduate-level work in Pupil Personnel Services (PPS) has a long and distinguished history at California State University, Chico. The program was founded by Dr. Hugh M. Bell and was the first graduate program offered by the Department of Psychology. Subsequent to that time, the department has been strengthened by the addition of graduate offerings in other areas of specialization.