Graduate programs
The Department of Psychology offers work leading to the degrees of Master of Arts and Master of Science. The department also offers a Ph.D. in Applied Psychology.
Graduate training in psychology at Portland State University provides a sound basis in traditional areas of psychology, while emphasizing applications of psychological theory and research to problems of contemporary society.
The program focus is on applied psychology with an emphasis on five areas: Applied Developmental, Industrial/ Organizational, Applied Social, Community, and Applied Quantitative Psychology. The aim is to prepare graduates for research and service roles in a variety of settings such as government agencies, businesses, educational systems, and hospitals. It should be noted that the graduate program in psychology does not offer graduate degrees in clinical or counseling psychology.
Psychology M.A./M.S.
Standard Track
Candidates for the standard track in the M.A./M.S. in Psychology must earn a minimum of 54 credits, including thesis, in approved graduate courses, forty of which must be earned in psychology. Students' individual programs are determined in consultation with their advisors.
The required coursework for the standard track is as follows:
Courses
| Psy 521 | Univariate Quantitative Methods | 5 |
| Psy 522 | Multiple Regression and Multivariate Quantitative Methods | 5 |
| Psy 514 | Advanced Applied Social Psychology | 4 |
| Psy 515 | Advanced Applied Developmental Psychology | 4 |
| Psy 516 | Advanced Organizational Psychology | 4 |
| | Electives | 24 |
| Psy 503 | Thesis | 8 |
Thesis
The student must submit and defend the thesis at an oral examination.
Total Credit Hours: 54
Industrial/Organizational Psychology Track
Candidates for the M.A./M.S. degree in I/O Psychology must earn a minimum of 45 credits and take part in an applied working/internship experience. Students’ individual programs are determined in consultation with their advisors.
The required coursework for the I/O Psychology track is as follows:
Required Courses
| Psy 516 | Advanced Organizational Psychology | 4 |
| Psy 517 | Advanced Industrial Psychology | 4 |
| Psy 545 | Employee Development | 4 |
| Psy 548 | Psychology of Work Motivation | 4 |
| Psy 578 | Leadership and Group Effectiveness | 4 |
| Psy 509 | Practicum in I/O Psychology (Internship) | 9 |
Electives
Select 4 courses from the following list to satisfy the elective requirement:
| Mgmt 512 | Organizational Management | 4 |
| Mgmt 541 | Introduction to HR Analytics | 4 |
| Psy 510 | Advanced Diversity in the Workplace | 4 |
| Psy 510 | Occupational Health and Safety | 4 |
| Psy 510 | Occupational Health Psychology | 4 |
Applied Experience
The student must engage in an applied work or internship experience related to I/O psychology. Students will consult with their advisor to identify opportunities and submit a final practicum paper that describes the experience.
Total Credit Hours: 45