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Core courses:
PSY5002 |
Foundations of Theory and Practice for Master’s Psychology Learners †
In this course, learners acquire the ability to navigate the Capella courseroom and use the resources that support academic success, including the library and writing center. Learners identify and practice the academic requirements (including APA style and formatting) necessary to successfully complete the Master’s degree program in their chosen specialization; review their specialization’s requirements, associated professional roles and organizations, and ethics and professional standards; and articulate a professional identity based on master’s-level psychology training. For MS in Psychology and MS in Clinical Psychology learners only. Must be taken during the learner’s first quarter. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. |
5 quarter credits |
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PSY7610 |
Tests and Measurements
Learners investigate essential concepts, principles, applications, and social and theoretical issues of psychological testing. Learners gain understanding in the construction of tests; analyze the development and use of tests in measuring aptitudes, achievement, attitudes, interests, and personality; and identify underlying theories of various tests. Learners analyze the characteristics desired in psychological and educational tests, with particular emphasis on reliability and validity, and evaluate best practices and professional standards for educational and psychological testing, including test bias and fairness. In addition, learners assess the role of technology in delivery, administration, scoring, and interpretation of tests. |
5 quarter credits |
PSY7860 |
Survey of Research Methods
Learners in this course critically evaluate research in order to gain an understanding of the scientific methods of inquiry and the ethical considerations of research. Learners develop and apply skills needed to become educated consumers and creators of research. Learners also use their research design skills to analyze and apply research methodologies, validity, reliability and other components of scientific research related to their field of interest. Learners may only earn credit for PSY7860 or RSCH7860. |
4 quarter credits |
PSY7864 |
Quantitative Design and Analysis
In this course, learners investigate the fundamental concepts needed to conduct quantitative research. Learners examine and apply quantitative research techniques; appropriate applications of quantitative research; research design, measurement, and analysis, and their associated interdependencies; variable types and levels of measurement; sampling; descriptive and inferential statistics; and hypothesis testing. Learners define the strengths and limitations of descriptive statistics, analyze the quantitative scales of measurement, review the logic of probability and null hypothesis testing, and leverage technology when applicable. Learners also determine the steps necessary to ensure human subjects protection, and consider methodological adaptations when conducting research with vulnerable and diverse populations. Learners may only earn credit for PSY7864 or RSCH7864. |
4 quarter credits |
Specialization courses:
PSY5110 * |
Ethics and Multicultural Issues in Psychology
In this course, learners analyze multicultural perspectives and factors such as ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and gender, and their influences on the ethical behavior of psychology professionals. Learners evaluate and articulate multicultural issues within the context of different settings and practice applying ethical reasoning principles and standards within their profession. Prerequisite(s): PSY5002 or PSY8002. |
5 quarter credits |
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PSY6110 |
Learning Theories in Psychology
Learners investigate the concepts and principles of learning theory and its sub-processes, especially those associated with cognition. Learners evaluate and articulate major learning theories, practice applying these learning theories and their associated processes to teaching, and analyze the effects of various behavioral and cognitive sub-processes on learning. |
5 quarter credits |
PSY6810 * |
Principles of Sport Psychology
Learners in this course apply psychological theories to explain and improve sport performance. Learners evaluate the implications of new research for professional practice in sport psychology and explore the ways in which they can meet the unique needs of diverse participants through customized coaching strategies. In particular, learners examine personality, attention, anxiety, arousal and arousal adjustment strategies, cognitive-behavioral intervention, causal attribution, motivation, and self confidence. Prerequisite(s): PSY6110. |
5 quarter credits |
PSY6820 * |
Performance Enhancement in Sports
Learners in this course examine the mechanisms athletes use to exceed their perceived physical and mental limitations. In addition, learners apply performance enhancement theories and techniques to help clients improve athletic performance. Topics include strategies such as visualization, meditation, hypnosis, autogenic training, biofeedback, and progressive relaxation. Prerequisite(s): PSY6810. |
5 quarter credits |
PSY6830 * |
Applied Sport Psychology
Learners in this course acquire and demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to apply fundamental sport psychology concepts to their chosen profession. Learners consider ethical issues, their personal approach to sport psychology practice, and ways to use research to inform their work. Learners also examine the significance of working with diverse populations and expanding their areas of expertise. Prerequisite(s): PSY6820. |
5 quarter credits |
PSY6840 * |
Current Issues in Sport Psychology
In this course, learners critically analyze the research, theories, and practices of sport psychology. Learners examine current issues in sports and determine ways to ethically and professionally apply sport psychology practices to educate sports participants and to improve the performance of athletes. Prerequisite(s): PSY6820. |
5 quarter credits |
PSY7310 |
Biological Basis of Behavior
This course is an introduction to physiological psychology and associated topics, including genetics, functional neuroanatomy, and physiology. Learners develop and demonstrate an understanding of brain functioning; sensory systems; attention, memory, perception, and language mechanisms; and the effects of neurotransmitters on human behavior. Learners also identify the relationship between brain functions and behavioral disorders and analyze current physiological psychology research, ethics, and the implications of culture and diversity on field-related issues. |
5 quarter credits |
Taken during the learner’s final quarter:
PSY5201 * |
Integrative Project for Master’s Degree in Psychology
In this course, learners demonstrate knowledge, scholarship, and research proficiency in their chosen psychology specialization by developing a research proposal. As they engage with a faculty mentor in the preparation of a five-chapter integrative project, learners develop and demonstrate academic and professional competency in proposing new and original research, writing and applying for grants, adhering to ethical standards, addressing diversity and individual variation in psychology, and explaining psychology concepts. For MS in Psychology learners only. Must be taken during the learner’s final quarter. Prerequisite(s): All required and elective coursework. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. |
5 quarter credits |
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Total
At least 58 quarter credits
* Denotes courses that have prerequisite(s). Refer to the descriptions for further details.
Learners who do not complete all program requirements within quarter credit/program point minimums will be required to accrue such additional quarter credits/program points as are associated with any additional or repeat coursework necessary for successful completion of program requirements.
GuidedPath courses and FlexPath courses fulfill the program requirements and prerequisites for each delivery model.
If you’re highly motivated, looking to save time and money, and crave the freedom and flexibility of setting your own pace, you may want to consider FlexPath. Rather than face weekly deadlines, you’ll work at your own pace to complete a series of assessments for each course.
There’s no limit to the number of courses you can complete per session — you’ll still pay the same flat tuition rate every 12 weeks.
Each unit consists of readings, discussions, and other activities you will be expected to complete throughout the week. Assignments are due on Sundays, though not every course requires an assignment each week.
In each course, you will receive a detailed scoring guide that describes expectations for every graded assignment.
Grades are based on your participation in weekly reading discussions and completion of assignments. You will also be assessed on your ability to demonstrate an understanding of expected outcomes for your program or specialization. These outcomes are based on the needs and performance standards of your field or discipline.
Learn more about online learning at Capella.
There are many ways to reduce tuition costs, including transferring credits which can help save time and money. You can transfer up to 15 credits into this specialization.
Whether you're completing additional credits for your own education, want to see if online learning is right for you, or are simply interested in a specific topic, you can enroll in many of Capella's online courses without committing to a degree program. We recommend speaking with an enrollment counselor to discuss your goals and ensure that the credits you earn now may be applicable to a Capella degree program.