Program Overview
| AP Coordinator | Elizabeth Hirshorn, (845) 257-2372, hirshore@newpaltz.edu |
| Program ID | BA Psychology AP (539A), MS Psychological Science (210A) |
| Credits | 121 UG + 23 GR |
| Program Length | The MS can be completed in one additional year of study if enrolled full-time, but students must complete the degree within 5 years. |
| Modality | In-person |
| Full-time/Part-time | Full-time or Part-Time |
| Transfer Credits | Graduate courses taken as an undergraduate will transfer into the MS. |
| MS Capstone | Thesis |
Program Description
Our accelerated pathway program offers BA Psychology students a fast track into the MS in Psychological Science program. Designed with the same courses and number of credits students on the traditional track take but in half the time.
Join a select group
The AP program is designed to draw together a community of students who are passionate about learning, prepared for an advanced curriculum, and seeking to work alongside peers who are similarly engaged. Students must maintain a 3.3 (3.5 preferred) GPA in undergraduate Psychology courses to qualify.
Get ahead & save
Students enrolled in the AP program complete 16 graduate-level credits in Psychology during their senior year. The majority of these credits are offered at the undergraduate tuition rate and fulfill both undergraduate and graduate program requirements.
How does it work?
Get started as an undergraduate by declaring the Psychology AP major (539A):
- Meet with AP advisor, Elizabeth Hirshorn, to declare the Psychology AP major.
- Complete Psychological Statistics and Research Methods with a grade of B or better in addition to two additional Psychology courses.
- Work with your AP advisor to select and enroll in 16 credits of graduate coursework during your senior year.
- Apply for the MS Psychological Science AP program in your senior year.
- Transfer 16 credits of graduate courses taken as an undergraduate into your graduate program.
Graduate Admission Requirements
Graduate admission requires submission of:
- Graduate application - select major 210A.
- Statement of professional goals.
- One set of official transcripts for all undergraduate and graduate course work indicating a 3.3 (preferably 3.5) GPA in Psychology coursework and overall.
- Contact information for three references, at least two of which must be from a New Paltz Psychology faculty member.
Admission Deadlines
| March 15 | Fall Admission |
Curriculum Requirements
BA Psychology AP (539A)
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses (29 Credits) | ||
| PSY101 | Introduction to Psychology | 3 |
| PSY201 | Psychological Statistics | 4 |
| or MAT241 | Introduction to Statistics | |
| or SOC307 | Social Statistics | |
| or BUS309 | Statistics for Business and Economics I | |
| PSY301 | Psychology Research Methods | 3 |
| PSY311 | Research Methods Lab | 1 |
| Working with an advisor, select two classes from the list below or an equivalent: | 6 | |
| Cognitive Psychology | ||
| Perception | ||
| Psycholinguistics | ||
| Learning | ||
| Health Psychology | ||
| Behavioral Neuroscience | ||
| Cognitive Neuroscience | ||
| Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience | ||
| Working with an advisor, select two classes from the list below or an equivalent: | 6 | |
| Social Psychology | ||
| Lifespan Development | ||
| Motivation | ||
| History & Systems of Psychology | ||
| Psychology of Women | ||
| Infancy and Childhood | ||
| Adolescence and Adulthood | ||
| Working with an advisor, select one class from the list below or an equivalent: | 3 | |
| Psychopathology and Mental Distress | ||
| Personality | ||
| Mental Health Professions | ||
| Working with an advisor, select one class from the list below or an equivalent: | 3 | |
| Organizational Psychology | ||
| Industrial Psychology | ||
| Psychological Testing | ||
| Disaster Psychology | ||
| Graduate Courses (16 Credits) | ||
| PSY558 | Seminar in Contemporary Research | 3 |
| Select two Graduate Content Core Courses | 6 | |
| Developmental Psychology | ||
| Applied Psychology | ||
| Social/Personality Psychology | ||
| Cognitive Processes | ||
| Select one Graduate Statistics Course | 3 | |
| Analysis of Variance | ||
| Correlation & Multiple Regress | ||
| Select one Graduate Methods Course | 3 | |
| Research Methods I | ||
| Research Methods II | ||
| PSY093 | SONA Participation Requirement | 0 |
| PSY500 | Research Practicum | 1 |
| Total Credits | 45 | |
MS Psychological Science AP (210A)
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Transfer Credits GR courses taken as an UG | 16 | |
| Content Core Courses 1 | 6 | |
| Developmental Psychology | ||
| Applied Psychology | ||
| Social/Personality Psychology | ||
| Cognitive Processes | ||
| Statistical and Methodology Courses 1 | 6 | |
| Analysis of Variance | ||
| Correlation & Multiple Regress | ||
| Research Methods I | ||
| Research Methods II | ||
| Research Specialization Courses (11 Credits) | ||
| PSY558 | Seminar in Contemporary Research | 3 |
| PSY500 | Research Practicum Taken twice | 2 |
| PSY590 | Thesis in Psychology (3-6) | 6 |
| Total Credits | 39 | |
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The course selection lists for Content Core, Statistics, and Research Methods remain the same from the UG major plan. Students should work with their advisor to complete remaining coursework.
Academic Standing Requirements for Bachelor's/Master's Students
A cumulative GPA of less than 3.0 in graduate-level courses taken in the undergraduate portion of an accelerated pathway program precludes the student’s good standing. Students with a cumulative GPA between 2.75 to 2.99 are strongly advised to reconsider continuing into the graduate program. Students with a cumulative GPA below 2.75 may not continue and will be de-matriculated from GR program.
Graduate Checklist
All MS degree requirements must be completed within five years after admission. Candidates must receive the recommendation for the degree from the Director of the Psychology Graduate Program, Department Chair, and Thesis Committee.
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Apply for graduation via my.newpaltz.edu under “Graduation” tab according to the schedule in the academic calendar.
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Resolve any pending admission conditions (outlined in your acceptance letter) and/or missing documents if applicable.
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Review your progress report via my.newpaltz.edu to ensure that you have completed all program requirements.
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Remember that only two grades below a B- may be applied to your plan of study
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Contact your advisor if you need to amend your plan or process transfer credit.
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Ensure that you are in good academic standing with a GPA (Grade Point Average) of 3.0 or higher.
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Pass your capstone or culminating assessment.
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Complete your degree within the specified time limit outlined in the Program Overview.
Undergraduate Program Learning Outcomes
BA Psychology
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Research Methodology (GE Information literacy): Read and understand empirical and theoretical work published in scholarly journals and books; evaluate the quality of research and the appropriateness of conclusions drawn from research; effectively and creatively design a research methodology to answer a research question; analyze data in a way that is appropriate to the research question and the nature of the data; accurately interpret results of data analysis; understand the principles of ethical treatment of research participants (human or non-human); use literature databases (e.g., PsycINFO) to effectively and efficiently identify suitable and relevant sources of research and theory; gain proficiency with the following software: word processing (e.g., Word, WordPerfect) spreadsheet (e.g., Excel) 2 database (e.g., Access) data analysis (e.g., SPSS, Jamovi, JASP) other type of software (specify); be able to create, interpret, and explain tables and figures; cite and use sources responsibly; use the Internet judiciously to identify sources; appropriate use of electronic resources.
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Scientific Reasoning/Critical Thinking (GE Critical thinking and reasoning): Approach claims and hypotheses with open-minded skepticism; articulate problems and research questions; understand the reciprocal relationship between theory and empirical data; generate hypotheses through integration of knowledge from relevant areas within and outside of psychology; apply logical reasoning to own and others’ arguments.
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Applications: Understand and apply psychological principles to practical issues; understand and apply ethical principles in the practice of psychology; be exposed to the practice of psychology in the areas of Mental Health Professions, Industrial/Organizational Psychology, and Health Psychology.
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Values: Balance skepticism with curiosity; seek and evaluate evidence for own and others’ claims; respect human diversity; tolerate ambiguity in data or literature.
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Communication Skills: Communicate ideas and information effectively through the following modalities: written reports, assignments, and examinations; oral presentations, class discussion, poster presentations. Write scientific research reports in APA format; adapt communication medium and content effectively to fit the audience. use visual aids when appropriate to facilitate communication of complex material.
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Sociocultural Awareness and Diversity: Recognize cultural contexts and consider how they affect human behavior; appreciate individual differences; be aware of the presence of privilege, power, and prejudicial attitudes in self and others.
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Leadership and Teamwork: Communicate effectively in interpersonal situations; use technology to enhance the group’s ability to communicate and work efficiently; work collaboratively to achieve a goal or solve a problem; guide and motivate others to accomplish a shared goal.
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Personal Development: Reflect on the meaning and value of own experiences; seek out and capitalize on opportunities to further own skills and experiences; apply psychology to own life; maintain a high level of personal integrity; feel and appear confident in own ability to handle new or unfamiliar situations.
Graduate Program Learning Outcomes
MS Psychological Science
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Students will demonstrate advanced knowledge of major theoretical perspectives across areas of psychology (developmental, social, cognitive, and applied, etc.).
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Students will demonstrate advanced knowledge of statistical and research methods used in psychology research.
- Graduates will demonstrate in-depth knowledge and competence in conducting research.
- Students completing the MS in Psychological Science Program will achieve career enhancement through meaningful use of skills developed from our program leading to a post-graduation placement (e.g., doctoral program and/or training, or acceptance of a position requiring relevant experience in the public or private sector).
