Program Overview
| Program Coordinator | Elizabeth Hirshorn, (845) 257-2372, hirshore@newpaltz.edu |
| Program ID | 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 | 6 |
| Capstone | Thesis |
Program Description
Our five-year program offers a fast track to the BA in Psychology and MS in Psychological Science degrees. 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 five-year 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 five-year 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.
A range of applications
The curriculum covers four broad content areas – social, cognitive, developmental, and applied psychology – to provide a comprehensive launching pad for students who plan to advance to doctoral study or work in difference-making careers in government, education, community service, or the private sector.
A focus on research
The MS in Psychological Science is a skill-based degree with a strong emphasis on time spent in the lab and in the field. Its mission is to help students develop proficiency in quantitative and qualitative research methods, and provide the resources and mentorship needed to create meaningful new knowledge.
World-Class Facilities
The Psychological Science program operates in the newly-renovated Wooster Hall, featuring modern learning spaces and active labs equipped with powerful technological tools. The building also houses the Department of Psychology faculty offices, individual and group study areas filled with natural light, and Element 93, the most popular café on campus.
Admission Requirements
How does it work?
BEGIN by taking Introductory Psychology as a first-year student.
COMPLETE Psychological Statistics and Research Methods with a grade of B or better and complete two additional Psychology courses. (Note: Courses may be in progress for a conditional acceptance.)
APPLY for early admission to the graduate program as a junior majoring in Psychology:
- With a 3.3 (3.5 preferred) GPA in Psychology courses and overall
- Contact information for three references, at least two of which must be from a New Paltz Psychology faculty member.
- Successful completion of the Psychology course listed above.
- Personal statement explaining interest in the five-year program.
EARN your Bachelor of Arts degree in four years, while taking courses to prepare for your accelerated graduate program.
COMPLETE the Master of Science in Psychological Science program in just one final year
Apply your junior year to start taking graduate courses in your fourth (senior) year:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| 4th- Senior Year (28 Credits) | ||
| FALL | ||
| 1st Graduate Content Area Course | 3 | |
| 1st Graduate Statistics Course | 3 | |
| 1st Graduate Methods Course | 3 | |
| 1st Graduate Practicum | 1 | |
| UG Elective | 3 | |
| SPRING | ||
| 1st Graduate Contemporary Research | 3 | |
| 2nd Graduate Content Area Course | 3 | |
| Three UG Electives | 9 | |
| Graduate- 5th Year (23 Credits) | ||
| FALL | ||
| 3rd Psychology Content Course | 3 | |
| Graduate Statistics | 3 | |
| Graduate Methods | 3 | |
| 2nd Practicum | 1 | |
| Thesis | 3 | |
| SPRING | ||
| 4th Psychology Content Area | 3 | |
| 2nd Contemporary Research | 3 | |
| 3rd Practicum | 1 | |
| Thesis | 3 | |
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 a 4+1 program precludes the student’s good standing. Students with GPA of 2.75 to 2.99 strongly advised to reconsider continuing into GR program. Students below 2.75 may not continue and will be de-matriculated from GR program.
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).
