Department of Psychology
Ed.S. in School Psychology;
M.A. in Psychology, Option: Applied Behavior Analysis, none (General/Experimental)Dr. Michael Botwin, Department Chair
Dr. Constance Jones, MA-General/Experimental (no option) Graduate Program Coordinator
Dr. Amanda Adams, MA-Applied Behavior Analysis option Graduate Program Coordinator
Dr. Marilyn Wilson, Ed.S. Graduate Program Coordinator
The Master of Arts Program | The Educational Specialist Program | The Students | Financial Support | Faculty | M.A. Quick Facts | Ed.S. Quick Facts
"Psychology is the Science of Mental Life, both of its phenomena and of their conditions. The phenomena are such things as we call feelings, desires, cognitions, reasonings, decisions, and the like." --William James, 1890
Since William James defined the field just over 100 years ago, psychologists have made tremendous progress in understanding "mental life," including its biological, cognitive, and social aspects. Today the field continues to pose new and exciting challenges. Consider, for example, the nature of intelligence, the role of culture, or the intertwined relationship between psychological and physical health. Consider also the vast potential of psychology to solve "real-world" programs in fields like education, medicine, and business. Clearly, the field of psychology has never been more vigorous.
California State University, Fresno offers two graduate-level degrees for students who wish to succeed in the field of psychology. The Master of Arts and Educational Specialist degrees provide students with a broad background in the field, while preparing them to obtain positions in research, mental health service agencies, community college teaching, or entry into Ph.D. or Psy.D. programs.
The Master of Arts Program
The Master of Arts degree in Psychology offers two emphasis options. The general/experimental emphasis is a 2-year 30-unit program intended primarily to prepare graduates for entry into doctoral programs. It may serve also as preparation for community college teaching or professional employment requiring a master's degree. General/experimental students complete 15-20 units in core requirement courses and a thesis. Core classes include developmental psychology, learning and related problems, psychobiological bases for behavior, research methods, ethics, personality, and social psychology.The remaining 10-15 units of the degree are electives in psychology or related fields. These units allow the student to pursue independent interests in depth and to develop research skills.
A second option allows a focus on Applied Behavior Analysis. This 2-year, full-time, 44-unit program is intended primarily to prepare students for certification and for jobs within the field of behavior analysis. Program option requirements also will prepare those students interested in doctoral studies for entry into behavior analysis Ph.D. programs. Applied Behavior Analysis students take part in practicum experiences and complete a thesis.
The Educational Specialist Program
The Educational Specialist degree in School Psychology is a 3-year, full-time, 83-unit program approved by the National Association of School Psychologists. This program provides future school psychologists with a solid professional and academic foundation reflecting depth and diversity in both psychology and education. The first two years of the program include practicum experience, where students learn assessment and intervention skills which lead to employment in schools and mental health settings. Students complete an internship during the third year of study, which requires 1200 hours, at least half of which take place in a school setting.
Ed.S. students complete core classes and a thesis. In addition, they attend seminars related to the practice of school psychology, counseling, and social psychology. In these seminars, the theoretical and the empirical bases of professional practice are emphasized. Upon successful completion of this program students are eligible for the California Department of Education PPS credential in School Psychology.
The Students
Many of our over 50 students have come to work with a particular faculty member in his or her specialized area of research. Master's degree work in the Psychology Department is conducted in such areas as anger control, judgment, cognitive processes, personality structure, clinical depression, physical attractiveness, early autism intervention, and school-based functional assessment. Graduates from our program have been accepted at such prestigious doctoral programs as the Universities of Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Oregon, Kansas, California, and Stanford.
Students in the School Psychology program have completed theses focused on such topics as social skills, early literacy, bullying, dropout intervention, and ethnic self-concept comparisons. Graduates have obtained positions as school psychologists in school systems throughout California and in several other states.
Financial Support
Both teaching assistantships and graduate assistantships are available to graduate students in psychology. Frequently, research assistantships are also available, made possible through grants to faculty. School Psychology students often are funded by paid internships during their internship year.