Applied Psychology Graduate Degrees

M.S. in Applied Psychology

The M.S. in Applied Psychology program provides professional degrees in human factors and industrial/ organizational psychology for students wishing to pursue careers in these fields. Human factors is concerned with assuring the usability of products through design and testing. Industrial/organizational psychology looks at such issues as employee selection, compensation, leadership and job satisfaction.

The M.S. degree requires the completion of 35 semester hours with grades of "B" or better. The PSY 594 hours will require attending departmental colloquia and special presentations on research, applications and professional issues. Students have the option of completing a thesis or an applied project to develop and demonstrate professional knowledge and skills.

 

Thesis Option

Students who plan to go on to a doctoral program are encouraged to complete a thesis. Work on the thesis will continue for at least one calendar year under faculty supervision.

The first three semester hours are devoted to developing an idea and preparing a proposal for approval by a faculty committee. The next three semester hours allow for preparing the details of research design and data collection for the thesis (materials, computer programs, experimental text beds, questionnaires, etc.).  The final six semester hours are devoted to collecting and analyzing data and writing and revising the thesis under the direction of the advisor. Students will defend the thesis in an oral exam.

 

Applied Project Option

Under the guidance of an advisor,  students selecting the applied project option will allocate 12 semester hours to a combination of research, practicum, project activities, and report writing appropriate to the goals of the student and the program and the availability of practicum or internship opportunities.

In all cases, the project will culminate in a substantial written report followed by a comprehensive oral examination covering the project and other materials from required courses.

 

Courses Associated With This Degree

Click on each of these sample course names for more information. Visit the ASU Class Search for availability of courses.

PSY 530 Intermed Statistics

  • Description: One-way and factorial designs, contrasts, post-hoc tests, probing of interactions, mixed designs, power, computer applications.

PSY 531 Multiple Regression in Psychological Research

  • Description: Multiple regression and correlation, hierarchical regression, interactions, curvilinear relationships, categorical predictors, ANOVA in regression, regression diagnostics, regression graphics.

PSY 560 Advances in Theoretical Psychology

  • Description: Covers new empirical and theoretical work in psychology with emphasis on its applicability. May be repeated for credit up to 9 hours.

PSY 561 Methods in Applied Psychology

  • Description: Methods of particular value in applied settings, including usability testing, prototyping, and use of computers in data collection and analysis. May be repeated for credit up to 9 hours.

PSY 562 Advanced Human Factors

  • Description: In-depth study of the issues, methods, and findings in industrial and organizational psychology.

PSY 594 Conference & Workshop (2 semesters)

  • Description: Topical instruction, usually in compressed format, leading to academic credit. Often offered off campus to groups of professionals.

PSY 599 Thesis or PSY 593 Applied Project

 

Application Procedure

  1. The Graduate College admission form including the application fee, relevant transcripts and GRE scores must be sent directly to the Graduate College and/or submitted online.
    • Applicant Information Sheet and Statement of Purpose are submitted online.
    • Verbal and Quantitative GRE Scores are required. Other scores may be submitted.
    • TOEFL Scores are required for non-native speakers of English.
    • Forms and more information can be found at http://www.asu.edu/graduate/admissions/
    • A Graduate Catalog may be requested from the Graduate College at (480) 965-6113.
  2. Arrange to have three (3) letters of recommendation sent to Applied Psychology program either by your recommenders, or by you if each letter is in a sealed envelope with the recommender’s signature across closure. Please use the cover forms for recommendation letters (pdf format).
    Letters should be sent to:

    Admissions Secretary
    Applied Psychology Program
    7271 E. Sonoran Arroyo Mall
    Mesa, AZ 85212

  3. If you wish, you may include a stamped self-addressed post card in your materials sent to the Applied Psychology program. The post cards will be returned to you when your file is complete, which is when the Graduate College and the Applied Psychology program materials are combined to make an application packet.

 

Application Deadines

  • January 31 (Fall admission)
  • September 15 (Spring admission)