糖心视频

Master of Science in Psychology

Why Choose Saint Mary?

USM鈥檚 expert faculty will help further your understanding of research and its methodology and real-world application. Grounded in ethical practice, critical thinking, and applied skills, the program emphasizes professional development, research proficiency, psychological assessment, and multicultural awareness.

The goals of the program are to provide opportunities for individuals with the appropriate educational background to:

• Enhance their professional and personal lives through an enhanced understanding of psychological principles and their applications
• Prepare for further study in the field at the doctoral level
• Provide the necessary educational background and practicum experience for those individuals wishing to practice in the mental health field as master鈥檚 level psychologists

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Concentrations

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Admissions Requirements

You must meet the following requirements to be considered for full (regular) admission to the Master of Science in Psychology program at the 糖心视频.

• A bachelor's degree from an accredited institution, with a minimum undergraduate grade point average of 2.75 (on a 4.00 scale)
• Completion of undergraduate courses in general or introductory psychology; developmental psychology; psychological disorders; one course in social psychology or personality psychology; and an introductory statistics course, all completed with a minimum of a "B" (3.00) average (exceptions may be made if the student can demonstrate the ability needed to be successful in a graduate psychology program through other application materials)
• Official transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate work and degree conferral
• Completed application form and fee.
• Three professional recommendations addressing academic performance and specific dispositions (form provided)
• Personal statement discussing future vocational goals, reasons for wishing to be in the program, and relevant characteristics and/or experiences that support being effective in their future profession
• An interview (in person or virtual) with the Graduate Psychology program director and/or faculty

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Program Outcomes

The 糖心视频 Master of Science in Psychology seeks to educate students in the following learning outcome areas: Professional Development, Research and Critical Thinking, Application of Psychological Knowledge, Helping, and Assessment Skills. Success in each of these areas is defined in terms of the objectives indicated below.

1. Professional Development: The student will demonstrate a capacity for self-reflection and will develop an identity as a professional in the field of counseling psychology. By the completion of the program, the student will:
   1. Demonstrate an ability to apply psychological principles to enhance understanding of oneself and interpersonal relationships,
   2. Identify short- and long-term career goals and provide reasonable strategies to achieve these goals which take into account the student鈥檚 self-identified strengths and weaknesses,
   3. Articulate an understanding of common ethical issues in the helping professions, and demonstrate an adherence to ethical practice during a practicum placement, and
   4. Articulate an awareness of how credentialing, collegial relationships, and continuing education impact ongoing professional development.
2. Research and Critical Thinking: The student will demonstrate an understanding of research in the field of psychology where the student is able to think critically and effectively communicate these thoughts orally and in writing. By the completion of the program, the student will:
   1. Articulate an understanding of basic concepts used in behavioral research, statistics, and assessment,
   2. Evaluate empirical research in psychology,
   3. Conduct effective literature reviews,
   4. Be able to design a research proposal in psychology,
   5. Communicate ideas successfully in writing adhering to APA style, and
   6. Communicate ideas orally in an effective manner.
3. Application of Psychological Knowledge: The student will demonstrate knowledge of a range of psychological concepts and their applications. By the completion of the program, the student will:
   1. Demonstrate an understanding of how the history of psychology shapes the identity of professionals and impacts the conceptualization of current issues,
   2. Demonstrate an understanding of major counseling approaches,
   3. Articulate an understanding of group, social, and/or cultural influences on behavior and demonstrate knowledge of group process and group leadership skills,
   4. Articulate an understanding of the etiology, recommended treatments and diagnostic indicators for major disorders listed in the most current Diagnostic Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, and
   5. Articulate an understanding of cognitive, developmental, and/or biological factors influencing behavior.
4. Helping and Assessment Skills (Licensure Concentration Only): The student will demonstrate an ability to perform a range of practice skills needed as a mental health practitioner. By the completion of the program, the student will:
   1. Demonstrate the ability to perform basic helping skills including, but not limited to: displaying warmth and caring, attending, reflecting affect, reflecting content, affirming strengths, questioning, sustaining, refocusing, and confronting,
   2. Integrate information from a variety of sources and accurately assess the client鈥檚 needs and/or diagnosis and intervene accordingly,
   3. Demonstrate the ability to set goals, develop treatment plans, assess progress, evaluate the counseling process, and appropriately end therapy,
   4. Apply concepts from various counseling theories and related research findings to enhance the understanding of clients and guide interventions,
   5. Demonstrate the ability to work as part of an interdisciplinary team and appropriately refer and seek consultation when needed,
   6. Understand the relationship between psychotherapy and psychotropic medication and the ways in which medication may impact client functioning,
   7. Articulate an understanding of multicultural counseling approaches and how world views can impact the counseling relationship and assessment process,
   8. Select, administer, and interpret various psychological assessments appropriately within the context of supervision, and
   9. Communicate in writing the results of clinical assessments and document counseling or psychotherapy sessions in a manner that is concise, accurate, relevant to the referral question, understandable to the target audience, and respectful of the client.

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Program Dispositions

The 糖心视频 candidate will demonstrate readiness for a career in the profession of counseling and psychological service through a commitment to:

1. professionalism, professional development, and collaboration;
2. critical reflective practice, professional ethics and standards of care;
3. professional identity and expectations;
4. interpersonal communication and skills efficacy.

Dispositions will be assessed throughout the candidates' education experience in the program.

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Faculty

Brian Weber, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor and Program Director of Graduate Psychology
Brian.Weber@stmary.edu
913-319-3001
USM-Johnson County



 

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Robert Kircher, Ed.D., LCPC-S, NCC, NCSC

Associate Professor and Coordinator of School Counseling Programs
Robert.Kircher@stmary.edu
913-319-3005
USM-Johnson County



 

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Jessica Ross, PhD

Assistant Professor
Jessica.Ross@stmary.edu
913-345-8288
USM-Johnson County



 

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