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WORDS FROM STUDENTS & FACULTY
View Video“We care about students. To some extent, we become something similar to an academic family. That's something you would not find at many larger institutions.”
–Les Hemphill
Psychology Advisor & Instructor
View Video“I really like the teachers. If you're not getting something, they'll really help you break it down to just the way you need it explained so that you can understand it and process it and move on to the next step in the material.”
–Matt Budreau
Graduate Psychology Student
Master of Arts in Psychology
Overview
Curriculum- Course
Descriptions - Admission
Requirements - Graduation
Requirements
Faculty
FAQ's
Overview
At the University of Saint Mary, we make getting your Master of Arts in Psychology affordable, convenient, and easy. You make it rewarding!
USM has assembled a very stable all-Ph.D. faculty with years of practical field experience. They’ll be there to provide one-on-one attention and give you an advanced education in the behavioral sciences.
The curriculum of our evening psychology master’s program is directly aligned with state licensure requirements for both Kansas and Missouri—something many larger universities in the Kansas City area are unable to claim.
Students in our Master of Arts in Psychology program learn:
- Group, social, and cultural influences, as well as cognitive, developmental, and biological influences on behavior
- Recommended treatments and diagnostic indicators for major mental disorders
- Common ethical issues in the mental health profession
- Self-evaluation techniques that can improve your career development
Is it for you?
USM’s graduate psychology program eliminates hurdles and bends the curve of achievement in your favor.
- Take accelerated classes at our conveniently-located Overland Park Campus
- Our small class sizes encourage greater professor-student interaction
- Your program advisor tells you, up front, exactly what courses you need to take and when, and they’re totally committed to your success
- A majority of our students qualify for financial aid
Flexible Scheduling
The Master of Arts in Psychology degree program at USM is designed to meet the needs of busy individuals balancing work and family commitments.
We offer:
- Flexible and individually-personalized programs
- Evening classes that meet one night a week
- 16-week semesters
We recommend that you submit your application materials at least three months prior to the start of the term.
Apply Now! Request More Information
Curriculum
The University of Saint Mary Master of Arts in Psychology program is designed to help you advance your professional development, improve your researching, assessment, and critical thinking skills, and hone your ability to apply psychological knowledge.
Classes are taught by faculty members who have expertise in a variety of mental health areas. Our instructors hold doctorate degrees in psychology or related fields, and the majority have practiced in mental health settings.
In the graduate psychology program, you’ll learn:
- Group, social and cultural influences, as well as cognitive, developmental and biological influences on behavior
- Recommended treatments and diagnostic indicators for major mental disorders
- Basic concepts used in behavioral research and the ability to evaluate empirical research; design research proposals; and communicate ideas effectively
- Common ethical issues in the mental health profession
- Self-evaluation techniques that identify personal strengths and weaknesses that may impact your career development
The curriculum calls for 28 credit hours of core psychology courses and nine credit hours of electives. See our course descriptions tab for more specific information on courses.
Core Courses
All core classes are three credit hours unless otherwise indicated, and are offered in a rotation.
- PY 720 Historical Foundations of Psychology
- PY 721 Advanced Social Psychology
- PY 723 Advanced Psychopathology
- PY 730 Methods of Research and Assessment
- PY 731 Statistical Analysis in Psychology
- PY 741 Issues in Ethics and Professional Development
- PY 744 Career Development and Counseling
- PY 750 Counseling Theories
- PY 751 Group Process
- PY 780 Summary Portfolio (one credit hour)
Electives
Your nine credit hours of electives may include up to six credit hours from another academic department with approval from the graduate psychology program director.
- PY 733 Developmental and Cognitive Assessment
- PY 734 Personality Assessment
- PY 745 Cognitive Processes
- PY 746 Psychopharmacology for Psychotherapists
- PY 748 Multicultural Counseling
- PY 749 Helping Relationship Skills
Course Descriptions
Required courses are offered once a year and follow a rotation. Nine classes are common across both the graduate psychology and counseling psychology programs.
You can request to transfer up to six credit hours of applicable coursework from another graduate program toward the USM Master of Arts degree.
All courses are three credit hours unless otherwise noted.
- PY 720 Historical Foundations of Psychology
- PY 721 Advanced Social Psychology
- PY 723 Advanced Psychopathology
- PY 724 Life Span Development
- PY 730 Methods of Research and Assessment
- PY 731 Statistical Analyses in Psychology
- PY 741 Issues in Ethics and Professional Development
- PY 744 Career Development and Counseling
- PY 750 Counseling Theories
- PY 751 Group Process
- PY 733 Developmental and Cognitive Assessment
- PY 734 Personality Assessment
- PY 745 Cognitive Processes
- PY 746 Psychopharmacology for Psychotherapists
- PY 748 Multicultural Counseling
- PY 749 Helping Relationship Skills
PY 761 Practicum - PY 780 Summary Portfolio
PY 720 Historical Foundations of Psychology
Studies the founding and development of the discipline and profession of psychology through the exploration of philosophical and physiological roots and the contributions of major exemplars. Attention is paid to the importance of the scientific method and the influence of social and cultural factors in the progression of the discipline over time. The diversification of the field into counseling and clinical psychology as well as other specialty areas is also addressed.
PY 721 Advanced Social Psychology
Investigates scientific explanation of human interaction and behavior. The following topics are addressed: attitudes, persuasion, group influence, prejudice, aggression, attraction, altruism, and others. Recommended: Previous coursework in research methods.
PY 723 Advanced Psychopathology
Studies the range and variety of psychopathological disorders with reference to DSM IV. The etiology, symptoms, treatment, and prognosis of major disorders are addressed.
PY 724 Life Span Development
This course is designed to examine major theories of human growth and development throughout the lifespan. Critical incidents of human development and implications for each theory will be discussed.
PY 730 Methods of Research and Assessment
Examines principles and approaches to research design in the behavioral sciences. Models and methods of hypothesis testing, research analysis and assessment will be reviewed. Students will develop the skills to evaluate empirical research and design a research proposal.
PY 731 Statistical Analyses in Psychology
Statistical logic and procedures, properties of statistical analyses, and application to data collected in a psychological context are emphasized. Descriptive and inferential statistical tests constitute the major portion of statistical analyses and reasoning. Also stressed is the interplay between statistical questions and answers and research questions and answers. Recommended: An undergraduate course in statistics.
PY 741 Issues in Ethics and Professional Development
Reviews ethical guidelines related to the practice of helping relationships with attention to abuse assessment and reporting, privileged communication, client rights, confidentiality, and legal issues. Professional development issues are also explored. PY 750 should be taken prior to or concurrently.
PY 744 Career Development and Counseling
Theories of career development and various approaches to career counseling are studied. The use of career assessment instruments and career exploration resources is also a focus. In addition, issues affecting special populations and effective adjustment in the workplace are topics explored. Lab fee may apply.
PY 750 Counseling Theories
Explores theories and approaches (such as psychodynamic, behavioral, humanistic, cognitive and systems) that examine how people develop and function at an optimal level. The integration of various theoretical approaches and the application of theory to practice is a focus. In addition, outcome research as it applies to clinical practice is addressed.
PY 751 Group Process
Addresses theories of group process. Group types, leadership styles and strategies, stages of group development, member behavior, and other factors related to group functioning are explored. The course is didactic and experiential in nature. Ethical issues specific to the group process are also reviewed.
PY 733 Developmental and Cognitive Assessment
Developmental and cognitive assessment instruments are surveyed with an emphasis on intellectual assessment. Principles of measurement are reviewed and students administer, score, interpret and write reports communicating results of selected instruments. Diagnostics, diversity, and ethical issues surrounding the measurement of intelligence are also addressed. Lab fee may apply. Limited enrollment. To enroll, students must be pursuing the Masters of Arts in Counseling Psychology Degree or have the approval of the graduate psychology program director.
PY 734 Personality Assessment
Major personality instruments are surveyed with both objective and projective approaches addressed. Test construction and principles of measurement are reviewed and students administer, score, interpret and write reports communicating results of selected instruments. Issues related to diagnosis and treatment planning are addressed, and cultural and ethical issues relevant to assessment are also explored. Lab fee may apply. To enroll, students must be pursuing the Masters of Arts in Counseling Psychology Degree or have the approval of the graduate psychology program director.
Prior completion of PY 723 is recommended and it is also recommended that PY 749 be taken prior to this course or concurrently.
PY 745 Cognitive Processes
Major theoretical approaches in the area of cognitive processes are explored and integrated with research findings. Perception, memory, problem solving, and language development are among the topics addressed.
PY 746 Psychopharmacology for Psychotherapists
Focuses on major groups of psychoactive drugs. Those typically prescribed in psychiatric medicine are emphasized and commonly abused drugs are reviewed. The pharmacology (including mechanisms of action, administration, and absorption as well as side effects) of these drugs is studied. Issues related to collaboration, referral, and the role of psychologist in the treatment of patients taking medication are discussed.
PY 748 Multicultural Counseling
Through a process of cultural self-assessment, this course seeks to increase the student’s understanding of the impact of cultural variables in individual identity development. Students also develop an understanding of general characteristics, which distinguish cultural groups primarily emphasizing ethnic groups within the U.S. This knowledge is applied to the development of multicultural competencies.
PY 749 Helping Relationship Skills
Explores the nature of the helping relationship. Attention is given to the potential impact of helper characteristics on the counseling interaction. The course is experiential. The following counseling skills are addressed: listening, reflection and clarification, interviewing, effective confrontation, goal setting, and implementing basic change strategies. Issues related to working with other professionals to meet client needs are also discussed.
PY 761 Practicum
Fieldwork that involves the supervised implementation of assessment and counseling skills in a placement approved by the department. Graded on a pass/fail basis. Fifty hours of participation is required for each credit hour. To enroll in practicum hours, the student must be in good academic standing and have completed at least 24 credit hours in the graduate psychology program including completion of PY 723, PY 733 or PY 734, PY 741, PY 749 (a grade of “B” or better is required in PY 749), PY 750 and PY 751. Other courses may be required for particular placements. Other screening procedures may apply and consent of the graduate psychology program director is required. Arrangements for the practicum experience must be made in advance of the semester in which the student wishes to enroll. Practicum credits vary. View a pop-up of students’ reflections about their practicum experience.
PY 780 Summary Portfolio (one credit hour)
The summary portfolio serves as the culminating experience for students in the Master of Arts in Psychology program (general track). Its purpose is for students to demonstrate both what they have learned and to reflect on how they have changed as a result of participating in the program. The portfolio is pursued during the last semester in the graduate program and it is graded pass/fail.
Admission Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in psychology from an accredited college, or completed college courses in general or introductory psychology, developmental psychology, psychological disorders, one additional course in psychology, and an introductory statistics course
- Completed application and $25 application fee.
- Official transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate work.
- Minimum grade point average of 2.75 (on a scale of 4.0).
- Three professional recommendations—please use this recommendation form and waiver.
- A written essay between 300 and 600 words typed in Microsoft Word explaining why you want to be admitted to the graduate psychology program and what qualities (e.g. personality traits, skills, and talents) you possess that lead you to believe you will be successful in the program.
Students are admitted to the graduate psychology program twice a year, at the start of the fall term and the beginning of the spring term. Admission to the Master of Arts in Psychology program is competitive and openings are limited. Admission is based on credentials and availability of openings in the programs. A student not selected for admission may update his or her application materials and re-apply during a future admission period.
Continuous Enrollment
Students admitted to the graduate psychology program must be continuously enrolled during the fall and spring semesters until they graduate. Students who fail to enroll for either the fall or the spring semester will be dismissed from the program unless they receive a leave of absence. Students desiring a leave of absence from the program will need to submit a request to the director of the graduate psychology program stating the reasons for their request. The leave of absence request will need to be approved by the psychology department.
Transferring Credits
You can request to transfer up to six credit hours of applicable coursework from another graduate program toward the USM Master of Arts in Psychology degree.
Mail all application materials to:
Graduate Admissions
University of Saint Mary Overland Park Campus
11413 Pflumm Road
Overland Park, KS 66215
Graduation Requirements
Successfully completing USM’s Master of Arts in Psychology degree program means completing 28 credit hours of core psychology courses and nine credit hours of electives. See our course descriptions tab for more specific information on courses.
Continuous Enrollment
Students admitted to the graduate psychology program must be continuously enrolled during the fall and spring semesters until they graduate. Students who fail to enroll for either the fall or the spring semester will be dismissed from the program unless they receive a leave of absence. Students desiring a leave of absence from the program will need to submit a request to the director of the graduate psychology program stating the reasons for their request. The leave of absence request will need to be approved by the psychology department.
Required Courses
All core classes are three credit hours unless otherwise indicated, and are offered in a rotation.
- PY 720 Historical Foundations of Psychology
- PY 721 Advanced Social Psychology
- PY 723 Advanced Psychopathology
- PY 730 Methods of Research and Assessment
- PY 731 Statistical Analysis in Psychology
- PY 741 Issues in Ethics and Professional Development
- PY 744 Career Development and Counseling
- PY 750 Counseling Theories
- PY 751 Group Process
- PY 780 Summary Portfolio (one credit hour)
Electives
Your nine credit hours of electives may include up to six credit hours from another academic department with approval from the graduate psychology program director.
- PY 733 Developmental and Cognitive Assessment
- PY 734 Personality Assessment
- PY 745 Cognitive Processes
- PY 746 Psychopharmacology for Psychotherapists
- PY 748 Multicultural Counseling
- PY 749 Helping Relationship Skills
Faculty
Program Advisor
Les Hemphill, Ph.D.
Director of Graduate Psychology Programs
M.A., University of Tulsa; Ph.D., Kansas State University
(913) 319-3015
hemphill48@stmary.edu
Dr. Hemphill has worked as a probation counselor with adolescents and as a prison psychologist. He has also conducted individual and group therapy and provided emergency services for Pawnee Mental Health Services in Concordia, Kan. He taught full-time at Haskell Indian Junior College and at Cloud County Community College, where he served as director of advisement and counseling for 10 years. He came to USM in 2008. He is particularly interested in developing programs and services that meet the needs of students with psychological and physical disabilities as well as non-traditional and first-generation students.
Psychology Department Chair
Nancy King, Ph.D., Professor
M.S.; Ph.D. University of Kansas
(913) 758-6103
kingn@stmary.edu
Dr. King received her B.S. in Education from Central Missouri State University, and her M.S. and Ph.D. in Psychology of Sport from the University of Kansas. She is a former K-12 physical education teacher and coach. She came to Saint Mary in 1991 as a counselor and drug education coordinator in Student Life. She became a member of USM’s psychology faculty in 1994. Since then, she received the Sullivan Award for Teaching Excellence in 1996, and was inducted into the USM Athletic Hall of Fame in 2007. She has also coached USM basketball, softball, and volleyball.
David Greene, Ph.D.
Professor
M.A., University of Northern Colorado; Ph.D., Colorado State University
(913) 758-6105
greened@stmary.edu
Dr. Greene spent over 15 years serving with a variety of public and private counseling agencies, most recently as director of adult out-patient and emergency services for Larimer County, Colo. He became a full-time faculty member at the University of Saint Mary in 1994. He is particularly interested in counseling psychology and social psychology, and has conducted research in the area of chronic illnesses, especially diabetes.
David Strohm, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Psychology
M.A., Chapman University; Ph.D., Kansas State University
(913) 319-3012
strohm57@stmary.edu
Dr. Strohm has worked as a mental health counselor and a high school counselor in Kansas and Nebraska. He taught in the graduate counseling programs at Emporia State University and directed the Counselor Education Clinic that provided mental health services to the region. He joined the faculty at the University of Saint Mary in 2009. His research interests encompass career counseling and development in adolescents and mid-life career changers, with emphasis on career decision making.
Leif Leaf, Adjunct Professor,
M.A., California State University; Ph.D., Indiana State University
Arthur Ross Jr., Adjunct Professor
M.A.; Ph.D., University of Missouri-Kansas City
Frequently Asked Questions
- Do I need to have a bachelor’s degree in psychology?
- What are the qualifications of the faculty?
- Does this program prepare students for licensure in the mental health field?
- What if I am not interested in pursuing licensure?
- How long does it take to complete the program?
- Is financial aid available?
Do I need to have a bachelor’s degree in psychology?
No. Applicants not majoring in psychology may be accepted if they have completed coursework in the following areas:
- general or introductory psychology
- social psychology or personality psychology
- developmental psychology
- psychological disorders
- statistics
Exceptions may be made. After reviewing your application materials, the program coordinator will determine if you have demonstrated the ability to be successful in a graduate psychology program.
What are the qualifications of the faculty?
Our classes are taught by a balanced combination of both full-time and adjunct faculty who have expertise in numerous areas of psychology. Faculty in the graduate psychology program hold doctorate degrees in psychology or related fields and most have practiced in the mental health field.
Does this program prepare students for licensure in the mental health field?
No. Students wishing to pursue licensure as a LPC in Missouri or as a LMLP in Kansas must complete the counseling track.
What if I am not interested in pursuing licensure?
The general Master of Arts in Psychology degree may help students to pursue continued study in psychology. It is recommended that students wishing to pursue doctoral degrees research the admission requirements of programs in their area of interest. Many students also pursue the Master of Arts in Psychology degree in order to advance in a related field.
How long does it take to complete the program?
The length of time needed to complete the program depends on your professional goals and whether or not you plan to take classes full or part-time. Courses are offered once a year and follow a rotation.
Is financial aid available?
Yes, contact the Financial Aid Office at the University of Saint Mary by calling1-800-752-7043 or visit our Financial Aid page for payment options or call 913-345-8288 for visit payment plans.