Psychology - Degrees

You are in the official 2008-2009 General Catalog
for California State University, Fresno.

Department of Psychology

Bachelor of Arts Degree Requirements
Psychology Major

Major requirements (44-53 units)

A. Core Courses (all required): PSYCH 10, 42, 144 (12 units)
B. Basic Knowledge and Skills (select 2): PSYCH 36, 60T, 145, 166 (4-8 units)
C. Basic Applications (select 1): PSYCH 136, 162, 169, 173, 175, 176 (3-4 units)
D. Advanced Applications (select 1): PSYCH 143, 149, 172, 177, 179 (4 units)
E. Advanced Content (select 2): PSYCH 154, 155, 156 (8 units)
F. Advanced Processes (select 2): PSYCH 121, 122, 124, 125, 128 (8 units)
G. Integration: PSYCH 182 (4 units)
H. Advanced Topics (select 1): PSYCH 120T, 123, 140T, 150T, 160T, 170T, 180T (1-5 units)
I. Psychology Electives (see Advising Note 5)

General Education requirements (51 units)

Electives and remaining degree requirements (19-28 units)*
(See Degree Requirements); may be used toward a double major or minor.

Total (120 units)

___________

* This total indicates that 3 units of PSYCH 10 in G.E. Breadth D3 also may be applied to the psychology major. In addition. G.E. certified courses that are equivalent to PSYCH 10 and PSYCH 42 taken at another CSU campus or a public California community or junior college may be applied to the major. Consult the department advising office for additional details.

Advising Notes

Students desiring to major in psychology must do the following before being permitted to enroll in restricted, 100-level psychology courses (courses with prerequisites):
a. formally apply to the major, at which time they will be placed in a pre-psychology major category, and
b. complete PSYCH 10, 42, and 144 (or their equivalents) with grades of C or better and have earned a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.0.
Students may apply for upper-division psychology major status in the Psychology Department Office during the semester in which they expect to successfully complete the core course requirements. Approval will be contingent upon satisfactory fulfillment of these requirements.
All students, including transfer students and students changing to the psychology major, must request the Psychology Department to screen their transcripts (to be provided by the student) for successful completion of the requirements before enrollment in restricted, 100-level psychology courses will be permitted. Currently enrolled students who wish to change to the psychology major must first obtain the change-of-major form in the north lobby, Joyal Administration Building.
Psychology majors may not receive General Education credit for G.E. Integration courses offered by the Department of Psychology.
CR/NC grading is not permitted in the psychology major.
General Education and elective units may be used toward a double major or minor (see double major or departmental minor). Consult the appropriate department chair, program coordinator, or faculty adviser for further information.
Students who complete all courses required in the major may be cleared with a minimum of 44 units for the psychology major or 64 units for the pre-M.B.A. option. Although not required, psychology electives may be applied toward the major and may be used to meet the required minimum total of 44 units for the psychology major or 64 units for the pre-M.B.A. option.

Pre-M.B.A. Option

The pre-M.B.A. psychology major option is intended for students who wish to combine comprehensive training in the field of psychology with coursework preparing them for jobs in business and/or future graduate training in business administration. The option is aimed at two groups of students:

Students who wish to complete a major in psychology, while at the same time prepare for jobs in business, industry, and government that emphasize both psychology and business skills upon completion of their B.A..
Psychology majors who wish to enter an M.B.A. or other business-related graduate program upon completion of their B.A.. The option is designed to allow students to complete many or all of the prerequisite courses required by typical M.B.A. programs, and all of those in the Craig program at Fresno State.

The option is especially designed for psychology majors who wish to apply for the Craig M.B.A. program at California State University, Fresno. By completing the requirements of the pre-M.B.A. option, students will generally be allowed to waive all of the Group 1 coursework usually required for the M.B.A. at Fresno State. Furthermore, students who maintain a GPA of 3.4 or more in their last 60 units and in the major, and who receive a suitable score on the GMAT, are reasonably assured of admission to the Craig M.B.A. program. Students not meeting these requirements will, however, also be considered and are encouraged to apply.

Pre-MBA Major

Major option requirements (64-72 units)

A. Core Courses (all required): PSYCH 10, 42, 144 (12 units)
B. Basic Knowledge and Skills (select 1): PSYCH 145 or IS 52 and 52L and (select 1): PSYCH 36, 60T, or 166 (5-8 units)
C/D. Applications: MKTG 100S and MGT 104; or MGT 110 (6-7 units)
E. Advanced Content (select 2): PSYCH 154, 155, 156 (8 units)
F. Advanced Processes (select 2): PSYCH 121, 122, 124, 125, 128 (8 units)
G. Integration: PSYCH 182 (4 units)
H. Advanced Topics (select 1): PSYCH 120T, 123, 140T, 150T, 160T, 170T, 180T (1-5 units)
I. Psychology Electives (see Advising Note 5)
J. Additional pre-business requirements): ECON 40, 50*, ACCT 4A, FIN 120, BA 174, MGT 124 (20 units)

General Education requirements (51 units)

Electives and remaining degree requirements (0-8 units)

Total (120 units)

___________

* See footnote to the psychology major.

Preprofessional Preparation

A psychology major is often used as preparation for other professions. For preprofessional programs in law, dentistry, medicine, and the ministry, see the Preprofessional Preparation units section and consult an adviser in the psychology department.

Credential Programs

The Department of Psychology offers the Ed.D. Degree requirements coincide with those of the Pupil Personnel Services Credential with an Advanced Specialization in School Psychology.

Application forms and advising are available through the coordinator of the School Psychology Program within the Psychology Department.

Applied Behavior Analysis Training

Our Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) program meets the academic content required for certification by the Behavior Analysis Certification Board. Behavior analysts and specialists design and implement behavior change programs in a variety of settings including schools, homes, group homes, care facilities, and hospitals. Our training gives students necessary coursework in theoretical foundations, basic research, and applications for applied behavior analysis. Courses can be applied to both the psychology major and to the ABA training. The following classes comprise the training program:

Core Courses in Psychology: PSYCH 10, 42, 144 (12 units)
ABA Content PSYCH 136, 170T, 172 (10 units)
Enhancement Content (choose one) PSYCH 155 or 156 (4 units)
Additional ABA Elective (choose one) PSYCH 177 or 179 (4 units)

For additional information or advising, contact the Department of Psychology.

The Department's Honors Program

The Department of Psychology Honors Program has two major components that are completed over the course of one year. Students participate in a seminar (PSYCH 183A and 183B - Honors Seminar) designed to provide an advanced survey of research and theory in several major substantive areas of psychology. In addition, over the course of the year, honors students conduct their own honors project under the supervision of a faculty mentor. The program provides the opportunity for highly qualified, advanced psychology students to sharpen their analytical abilities, refine their writing skills, and expand their knowledge of psychology. The honors project itself is an opportunity for students to apply the knowledge and skills they have acquired as psychology majors to a particular question. Minimum criteria for application to the program include at least 18 units in psychology courses completed, GPA of at least 3.5 in psychology and 3.5 for overall in last two years of coursework, and a letter of recommendation from the faculty mentor. Applications are accepted in the spring semester for the following academic year. See also the Smittcamp Family Honors College section of the catalog for further information about honors programs available at the university.

Psychology Minor

A Psychology Minor must have prior approval of the psychology department. The minor consists of 22 units of psychology courses, 15 of which must be upper division. The specific courses may be selected to satisfy the needs of individual students but must be worked out in advance with an adviser from the department and be approved by the department.

Note: The Psychology Minor also requires a 2.0 GPA and 6 upper-division units in residence.

Graduate Programs

The Master of Arts and Educational Specialist degrees in Psychology are designed to provide students with a broad background in psychology while allowing them opportunities to pursue areas of special interest. Completion of the requirements for either master's degree prepares students for positions in community mental health service agencies, school settings, community college teaching, research, or entry into Ph.D. or Psy.D. programs in Psychology.

Admission to the Master of Arts and Ed.S. programs in Psychology is based upon the satisfactory completion of prerequisite courses selected from the core courses required for the California State University, Fresno undergraduate major in psychology, or their equivalent. Potential graduate students should submit transcripts of all academic work and three letters of recommendation. In addition, students must submit scores from the GRE general test to be considered for admission. School Psychology program applicants must submit scores from the CBEST as well and complete other prerequisites as outlined in the department's application. All students must submit applications to both the Division of Graduate Admissions and the Department of Psychology.

Admission to the graduate program in psychology is based on the evaluation of a student's capacity to successfully complete master's level work. The graduate committee uses multiple criteria to assess an applicant's qualifications including coursework completed, grades, test scores, essays, and letters of recommendation. In addition, an applicant's professional interests and goals are evaluated in terms of the interests of the faculty and the resources of the Department of Psychology. Separate evaluations of applicants are made for the M.A. general/experimental program and the Ed.S. School Psychology program. Although many applicants meet our minimum admission requirements, we are limited in the number of positions available and many qualified applicants cannot be offered admission.

Admission to classified graduate standing requires a minimum undergraduate grade point average of 3.0, as well as a minimum grade point average of 3.0 in undergraduate psychology courses. A combined score of 1,000 or higher on the Verbal and Quantitative sections of the GRE General Test is preferred. Applicants lacking minimum scores in one area with compensating strengths in other areas may apply. The Department of Psychology does not typically admit unclassified students into the graduate program.

In order to apply for advancement to candidacy, students in psychology graduate programs must earn grades of A or B in PSYCH 231 and PSYCH 244 and pass the Psychology Department Graduate Writing Requirement.

The graduate writing requirement can be fulfilled by PSYCH 244. Further information can be found in the course syllabus and graduate handbook.

(See also Admission to Graduate Standing, Advancement to Candidacy, Program Requirements, and Criteria for Thesis and Project.)

Under the direction of a graduate adviser, a coherent program is prepared and submitted, directed toward the achievement of the student's goal in graduate study.

Master of Arts Degree Requirements

The Applied Behavior Analysis Option in the Master of Arts degree program in psychology is a two-year, full-time graduate program option that meets the degree, coursework, and experience requirements needed in preparation for national certification as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). Students are required to take 43 hours of coursework, including 3 thesis hours and 4 hours of practicum. A minimum of 1,000 contact hours of practicum are required over the two years of the program. Students must apply for admission to the ABA Option of the M.A. program during the graduate application process.

This program option emphasizes behavior analytic applications with typically developing and developmentally disabled children.

Course Requirements
for the Applied Behavior Analysis Option

Core
PSYCH 231 (3 units)
PSYCH 244 (4 units)
PSYCH 220T* (3 units)
PSYCH 205 (4 units)
PSYCH 299 (Thesis) (3 units)
Total (17 units)

__________

* Must take section entitled "Conditioning and Learning."

Additional requirements
PSYCH 288 (4 units)
PSYCH 245 (4 units)
PSYCH 289 (4 units)
PSYCH 270T* (3 units)
SPED 120 (3 units)
PSYCH 268 (Practicum) (4 units)
Total (22 units)

__________

* Students must take section entitled "Community Intervention and System Supports."

Electives*

Choose one: PSYCH 278, 282, or 286 (4 units)

________

* Substitutions may be made if approved by the program adviser.

Total (43 units)

Master of Arts

The Master of Arts degree program in psychology may be arranged to include interest areas such as general experimental, developmental, and social psychology, as well as special master of arts programs for individuals. This 30-unit degree program is intended primarily to prepare graduates for entry into doctoral programs in general experimental, developmental, social, or clinical psychology, and may serve as preparation for community college teaching or professional employment requiring a master's degree.

Minimum Course Requirements for the M.A.

Core
PSYCH 231 (3 units)
PSYCH 244 (4 units)
PSYCH 205 or 250T or 255T (one course) (3 units)
PSYCH 220T or 225T (one course) (3 units)
PSYCH 299 (Thesis) (3 units)
Total (16 units)

Electives
Must include two additional courses in psychology or a related field; maximum of 6 units independent study. Program must be approved by graduate adviser (14 units)

Total (30 units)

Educational Specialist Degree Requirements

The Educational Specialist in School Psychology is a three-year, full-time graduate program and requires a minimum of 82 units. Practicum experience is required during the first two years of coursework. The internship experience, completed during the third year of the program, requires a minimum of 1,200 hours with at least half of these hours completed in a school setting.

Students who wish to become eligible for the Pupil Personnel Credential with a specialization in School Psychology as granted by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing should contact the department for application materials and additional information.

Minimum Course Requirements for the Ed.S.

PSYCH 205 (4 units)
PSYCH 225T (3 units)
PSYCH 231 (3 units)
PSYCH 244 (4 units)
PSYCH 255T (3 units)
PSYCH 267 (12 units)
PSYCH 270T (6 units)
PSYCH 277 (3 units)
PSYCH 278 (4 units)
PSYCH 279 (4 units)
PSYCH 282 (4 units)
PSYCH 284 (4 units)
PSYCH 285 (4 units)
PSYCH 286 (4 units)
PSYCH 287 (4 units)
PSYCH 288 (4 units)
PSYCH 299 (Thesis) (3 units)
COUN 200 (3 units)
COUN 201 (3 units)
COUN 240 (3 units)
Total (82 units)