The Master of Science in Psychological Studies is a non-licensure graduate program designed for individuals seeking advanced knowledge of human behavior, psychological theory, and applied helping practices. Grounded in a commitment to cultural responsiveness and social awareness, the program prepares students to understand individuals, families, and communities within the context of an increasingly diverse and evolving society. Ideal for professionals working in human services, healthcare, education, community agencies, corporate settings, or those considering future doctoral study. Graduates leave equipped with enhanced analytical, interpersonal, and culturally responsive skills that can be applied across a wide range of professional and academic environments.

PLO 1: Foundational Psychological Knowledge
Graduates will demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of major theories, research, and concepts across the core domains of human development, personality, addictive behaviors, multicultural psychology, and career development.

PLO 2: Critical Thinking & Application of Theory
Graduates will apply psychological theories and evidence-based research to analyze human behavior, evaluate case examples, and develop informed solutions to personal, social, and organizational problems.

PLO 3: Cultural Humility & Multicultural Competence
Graduates will demonstrate cultural self-awareness and the ability to apply culturally responsive frameworks when working with diverse individuals and communities.

PLO 4: Ethical & Professional Practice
Graduates will identify ethical standards relevant to psychology and counseling-related professions and apply them to academic work, professional interactions, and case-based decision-making.

PLO 5: Developmental Analysis Across the Lifespan
Graduates will analyze developmental processes from childhood through adulthood and apply this knowledge to understanding behavioral, emotional, and cognitive functioning.

PLO 6: Understanding Substance Use & Addictive Disorders
Graduates will describe the biopsychosocial factors underlying substance use and addictive behaviors and evaluate major intervention models used in prevention and treatment.

PLO 7: Personality Theory & Individual Differences
Graduates will compare major personality theories and integrate knowledge of individual differences into applied psychological interpretation and reflective practice.

PLO 8: Career Development Knowledge & Application
Graduates will understand foundational career development theories and apply them to real-world decision-making, vocational assessment, and lifespan career exploration.

PLO 9: Research Literacy & Evidence-Informed Reasoning
Graduates will interpret psychological research, evaluate the quality of evidence, and use research findings to support academic analysis and applied decision-making.

PLO 10: Professional Communication Skills
Graduates will demonstrate effective written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills consistent with graduate-level expectations in psychological and human service settings.