Master of Arts with a Major in Psychology
The unique and vibrant Masters in Psychology program at West Georgia honors our department's roots in humanistic psychology. Our curriculum supports students in developing finer conceptual understanding of the field of psychology in general, and of human science psychologies in particular. Our approach is integrative, emphasizing historical and theoretical foundations as well as experiential dimensions and applications of psychology, and integrating phenomenological, critical, depth, and community psychology perspectives. We engage one another in a process of conceptually-informed self-reflection and personal growth in a close community of diverse students and faculty.
View our Psychology Program website
For more information, please see the Academic Catalog.
Career Opportunities
Link to Additional Career Information:
https://www.buzzfile.com/Major/Psychology
External Resource
Program Location
Carrollton Campus
Method of Delivery
Courses are primarily taught face to face. Some courses may be available partly or fully online, however, this is not an online program.
Accreditation
The University of West Georgia is accredited by The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
Credit and transfer
Total semester hours required: 36
Graduate students may be able to reduce their cost through prior learning, previous degrees earned at UWG, or transfer credits. We have created a tool to help students estimate their tuition costs.
This program may be earned entirely face-to-face. However, depending on the courses chosen, a student may choose to take some partially or fully online courses.
Save money
UWG is often ranked as one of the most affordable accredited universities of its kind, regardless of the method of delivery chosen.
Details
- Total tuition costs and fees may vary, depending on the instructional method of the courses in which the student chooses to enroll.
- The more courses a student takes in a single term, the more they will typically save in fees and total cost.
- Face-to-face or partially online courses are charged at the general tuition rate and all mandatory campus fees, based on the student's residency (non-residents are charged at a higher rate).
- Fully or entirely online course tuition rates and fees my vary depending on the program. Students enrolled in exclusively online courses do not pay non-Resident rates.
- Together this means that GA residents pay about the same if they take all face-to-face or partially online courses as they do if they take only fully online courses exclusively; while non-residents save money by taking fully online courses.
- One word of caution: If a student takes a combination of face-to-face and online courses in a single term, he/she will pay both all mandatory campus fees and the higher eTuition rate.
- For cost information, as well as payment deadlines, see the Student Accounts and Billing Services website
There are a variety of financial assistance options for students, including scholarships and work study programs. Visit the Office of Financial Aid's website for more information.
Coursework
There are two required courses: PSYC 6000 - Foundations of Humanistic Psychology, and PSYC 6021 - Psychology as Human Science. All other courses are elective, giving students the freedom and responsibility to develop their own plans of study. Ideally, a student's individualized plan is developed in collaboration with a faculty mentor. We assign incoming students to a program faculty mentor at admission based on apparent compatibility of interests and approach, and we also encourage students to invite faculty members to serve in that capacity.
There are two options to complete requirements toward graduation:
- Under Option I, students must complete a minimum of 33 hours of course work plus an acceptable original thesis. Thesis will result in a minimum of 3 additional hours for a total of at least 36 credit hours. Up to 6 hours of course work can be taken in graduate courses in departments other than psychology without special permission.
- Under Option II, students must complete a total of 36 hours of course work. Up to 6 hours can be taken in graduate courses in departments other than psychology without special permission.
- Under both options, students may accumulate six hours of credit for Independent Study, available in areas for which there is no existing coursework.
- Under both options, students must pass an oral comprehensive exam based on course work and individual research or projects developed over the student's course of study.
- This requirement is fulfilled under Option I through the student's oral defense of their thesis.
- Under Option II, students must submit a written document as directed by their committee.
General
An intensive exploration of the major theoretical themes in psychology in historical and contemporary contexts.
An exploration of the content analysis of dreams as a vehicle for personal growth. Classical theories (e.g., Freudian, Jungian, Gestalt) will be covered, as well as contemporary physiological, phenomenological and cognitive theories. Emphasis will be placed on personal
A study of myths and symbols in human expression.
A special series of topical seminars meant to explore subjects at the leading edge of contemporary psychology, which are special interest to students and faculty. May be repeated for credit.
An introduction to factors affecting the formation, evolution and development of groups and group process. Examines factors affecting groups and group process in a variety of settings. Includes discussion of leadership styles and their impact on group functioning and group process.
Introduction to spiritual experience and its understanding in Hinduism, Buddhism, and transpersonal psychologies.
Gender-related perspectives on human psychology. Emphasis on helping men and women to re-examine their self-images in the light of contemporary gender-based movements.
An exploration of the dynamics involved in building an intimate relationship that is fulfilling to all parties. By way of definition the important aspects of a love relation are discussed.
An examination of the ways scientists and psychologists investigate unusual experiences such as telepathy, precognition, psychokinesis, remote viewing and clairvoyance. Parapsychology's impact on consciousness studies, research design, and medicine and healing is discussed.
A study of the foundations, method and applications of phenomenology in psychology with special attention to the nature of the self and the scientific attitude.
A psychological study of the pre-adult world, emphasizing psychological growth from the prenatal period through adolescence. Developmental issues will be examined from psychoanalytic, psychosocial, phenomenological, and transpersonal perspectives.
A psychological study of the adult world, emphasizing psychological growth from the end of adolescence through old age. Developmental issues will be examined from psycho-analytic. psychosocial, phenomenological and transpersonal perspectives.
An experiential exploration into the nature of creativeness. Relevant research will be related to students' attempts to discover their own creative potential.
An in-depth examination of a topic within abnormal psychology. Subject matter will change from semester to semester.
A study of the human need to structure living around sets of meanings and values and a consideration of the spiritual nature and implications of this need.
An examination of the paradigm of psychology as a specifically humanistic discipline. Its focus is on the historical origins and philosophical foundations of the approach. Required for M.A. students.
Self-disciplinary inquiry to facilitate greater awareness of where one is coming from so as to attain greater freedom in relation to where one is going. Required for M.A. students.
An introduction to research methodology and development of research projects. Potential benefits and limitations of quantitative approaches and ethical considerations will provide a ground for theoretical and applied exploration of research methods particular to the human sciences.
In-depth study of a specific theory of psychotherapy/intervention with individuals, groups, or families, with focus on explanation, prevention, and treatment of struggle. The specific theoretical focus will vary by semester, and will be indicated following the colon in the course title and on the student transcript. May be repeated for credit.
Techniques for understanding individual personality and behavior such as observation, interviewing, and tests of ability, achievement, interest, motivation, and social characteristics. Same as CEPD 6151.
An overview of various counseling theories, the counselor as a person and skill building through the use of video tape feedback in developing personal strengths in counseling.
Emphasizes the mastery of attending, responding, action and termination strategies necessary to assist client's progress through the stages of counseling. Focuses on the counseling skills which facilitate client self-understanding, client goal-setting and client actions. Same as CEPD 6161.
A comprehensive approach to the basic paradigms of the major systems of individual psychotherapy. The emphasis will be upon bringing light to the cardinal issues that are always at stake in any form of therapeutic praxis. The explanatory standpoint that emphasizes techniques and skills will yield to a foundational approach aimed at understanding the art/science of therapy.
A practical introduction to the methods of initiation, facilitation, and termination of the psychotherapeutic process. Therapeutic frame and contract, transference and counter transference issues are explored through lectures and role-playing exercises with volunteer clients.
The history, philosophy, principles, and practice of group counseling and theory. Includes pertinent research in the dynamics of group interaction in group counseling settings. Same as CEPD 6160.
An exploration of principles, basic concepts, theoretical assumptions and a variety of therapeutic techniques in the field of family therapy from both historical and contemporary perspectives. Major approaches such as intergenerational, structural, strategic, and constructionist are highlighted.
This course combines lecture, demonstration, and supervised practice to develop skills in clinical hypnosis. Topics include: phenomena of hypnosis, methods, and techniques of induction, self-hypnosis, application to clinical practice along with professional and ethical issues. Students will be given the opportunity to practice in small group settings.
A gateway course to our offerings in clinical psychology. Introduces the student to a phenomenologically-based approach and method toward gathering and writing up descriptive data derived from initial intake interviews. Also serves as a foundation for approaching psychological assessment in psychot
This course is for students completing degree requirements who will be using staff time or University facilities and for whom no regular course is appropriate.
A seminar designed to explore theoretical and practical issues of psychological difficulty and well-being.
Structured supervised experience in counseling and psycho-therapy in agency settings. May be repeated for credit. Students will enroll concurrently in 1-credit hour tutorial-clinical supervision.
An introduction to those milder forms of psychological disorders - including anxiety reactions, phobias, depression, dissociative and conversion hysteria, obsessive-compulsive disorders, and paranoid reactions. Nature, etiology, and dynamics explored through traditional and phenomenological approaches.
An intensive exploration of the effects of culture on psychological life that works with recent ideas on the interrelationship of history, culture, and the psychological. The course draws upon theory and research approaches derived from feminism, qualitative research paradigms&co
An introduction to the clinical field of Lacanian Psychoanalysis involving understanding the theoretical background and clinical foundations of the approach to the subject of the unconscious found in the work of French psychoanalyst Jacques Lacan. Course covers the implications of his reading of F
A special series of topical seminars meant to explore subjects at the leading edge of contemporary psychology which are of special interest to students and faculty.
Examines the effects of psychological experiences on bio- physiological processes. Topics discussed include: psychoneuroimmunology, state-dependent learning, mind/body therapies (e.g., bio-feedback, meditation, hypnosis, guided imagery, etc.), and mi
Preparation of an independent project under the direction of the professor. May be repeated for credit.
Concentrated readings and review of research studies and literature relative to areas of significance in psychology. May be repeated for credit.
Individually-designed program of supervised experience in the field of human services aimed at providing opportunities for field-related practice and development of sensitivity, awareness and skills relevant to provision of human services. May be repeated for credit.
Independent study and investigation exploring a definite topic related to the field of psychology. Required for completion of M.A. degree under the thesis option. May be repeated for credit.
Provides a systematic, precise, and rational perspective based on probability theory. Learning involve descriptive and inferential statistics and computer application of statistics and computer application of statistical packages.
An overview of the farther reaches of human development, including consideration of consciousness studies, altered states, spiritual growth, and ways of knowing.
Examines selected topics in consciousness studies, such as the history of consciousness, the phenomenology of consciousness and society, etc. May be repeated for credit.
Study of human growth and development from birth through aging and death. The course focuses on areas of physical, cognitive, social, personality, and emotional development as a series of progressive changes resulting from the biological being interacting with the environment. It will study factors affecting these changes within historical, multicultural, and special needs contexts of development.
Addresses fundamental concepts in psychoanalysis through a rerun to Freud's texts and exploration of the basic schools psychoanalysis after Freud. The emphasis is on clinical practice and the relationship between psychoanalysis and psychology. Course will require clinical and/or research app
An analysis of the processes for organizational development and renewal with emphasis on individual and organizational health. Special attention will be given to effective processes for change agent in the organizational context.
An exploration of the phenomenology of intersubjectivity as a horizon of human existence.
An inquiry into the influences of selected existential themes-such as anxiety, being-in-the-world, being-for-others-with an emphasis on their appearance in psychology.
Survey of theories of personality and motivational factors from a sampling of psychological, spiritual, and philosophical traditions.
An introduction to the teachings and psychospiritual methods of the major schools of Buddhism.
An inquiry into the relationship between sound and the mind, including music and therapy.
This course is offered over three consecutive weekends, 4.25 hours each weekend. Subject matter varies each semester. Variable Credit-may be repeated up to twelve times.
Invited lectures by a visiting professor. Subject matter varies each semester. Variable Credit-may be repeated up to twelve times.
Marie-Cécile Bertau, Ph.D.
Professor of Psychology
Cassandra Bolar, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Psychology
James Dillon, Ph.D.
Professor of Psychology
Jacob Glazier, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Psychology & Head of Psychology B.S. Undergraduate Studies Program
Nisha Gupta, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Psychology
Tobin R. Hart, Ph.D.
Professor of Psychology
James Christopher Head, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Psychology
Neill Korobov, Ph.D.
Professor of Psychology
Richard La Fleur, Ph.D
Assistant Professor
Lisa Osbeck, Ph.D.
Professor & Program Coordinator of Psychology
Jeffrey Reber, Ph.D.
Faculty Executive Assistant & Professor
John L. Roberts, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Psychology
Christine Simmonds-Moore, Ph.D.
Professor of Psychology
Kathleen Skott-Myhre, Psy.D.
Chair of the Department of Anthropology, Psychology, and Sociology & Professor of Psychology
Rosa Traversa, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Psychology
Talia Weiner, LPC, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of PsychologyGuidelines for Admittance
- All graduate applicants must complete the online Graduate Application. A one-time application fee of $40 is required.
- Applicants should also review the Graduate Studies Website for individual program specific requirements and tasks that must be completed prior to admission. See Graduate Studies Application Process.
- International applicants are subject to additional requirements and application deadlines. See Procedures for International Students.
- Official transcripts all post-secondary schools attended are required and should be sent directly to the UWG Graduate Admissions Office.
Program Specific Admittance Guidelines
The most important aspect of deciding to apply to this MA program is acquainting yourself thoroughly with these materials. We have tried to compile a comprehensive and accurate program description and hope that you find it helpful in assessing if this program is right for you.
- Official transcripts from all schools attended
- GPA of 2.7 on undergraduate degree
- 3 letters of recommendation:
- The Psychology program requires that at least two of the three letters of recommendation be submitted by college-level faculty familiar with the applicant's academic abilities. The third letter may be submitted by an employer and/or supervisor. Exceptions may be made in special cases with permission from the Director of the Psychology Program.
- Electronic Recommendation Request forms will be available after your application has been submitted online.
- Personal narrative statement:
- A semi-autobiographical essay setting forth a self-aware and psychological perspective on "where you are in your life and how you got there", Be sure to discuss your interests in psychology and related areas, as well as why the University of West Georgia's Master's program in Humanistic Psychology is of special interest to you. Average length: 4 pages.
Application Deadlines
Specific Graduate Admissions Deadlines are available via the Graduate School
Posted deadline includes Application, app fee, and all supplemental items/documents.
See The Scoop for more specific deadlines.
Admission Process Checklist
One exception: If you will not ever be traveling to a UWG campus or site, you may apply for an Immunization Exemption. Contact the Immunization Clerk with your request.
Contact
Graduate Admissions
678-839-1394
graduate@westga.edu
Nisha Gupta
Director of MA Program in Psychology
678-839-0698
ngupta@westga.edu
Specific dates for Admissions (Undergraduate Only), Financial Aid, Fee Payment, Registration, Start/End of Term Dates, Final Exams, etc. are available in THE SCOOP.
Specific Graduate Admissions Deadlines are available via the Graduate School
- Understand Personal Growth and Transformation as it relates to self and others
- Understand humanistic/transpersonal approaches to psychology and their application to subdisciplines in psychology
- Understand and apply human science research methodologies
- Understand Humanistic Psychology's relationship to the helping professions