Requirements for the Degree (Derived from the Humboldt Catalog)

(All Specialization Areas)

• At least 30 units in Psychology or supporting courses as defined by Specializations or approved by graduate committee. At least half of these must be at the graduate (500-600) level.
• PSYC 641 (Fall semester of first year)
• PSYC 642 (Spring semester of first year)
• PSYC 647 (Fall semester of first year)
• PSYC 578 or PSYC 588
• Continuous enrollment in PSYC 690 or PSYC 692
  • ​First year students should enroll in 1 unit per semester of their first year, and 2 units per semester in their second year.
• Completion of either a Thesis or Project as a culminating experience. 
• Completion of additional courses outlined in one of the following specializations. 

Biological Psychology Specialization

Biological psychology is the study of the physiological bases of behavior, particularly how the brain affects behavior. The Biological Psychology Specialization provides an extensive background in biological bases of behavior and numerous research opportunities. Our program prepares students for application to Ph.D. programs in the field of biological psychology and neuroscience. Students with degrees in biology (or closely related fields) may apply for conditional admission to the Biological option without 24 units of Psychology if they have completed PSYC 104, PSYC 241, and PSYC 242 (or equivalents). These students would complete prerequisite psychology courses (in addition to the required coursework) after admission to the program to bring them to a total of 24 units overall.

• PSYC 625 Advanced Psychobiology
• PSYC 672 Psychopharmacology

Elective Courses (9-19 units)

• PSYC 487 Evolutionary Psychology
• PSYC 578 Analysis of Variance or
• PSYC 588 Regression/Multivariate Topics
• PSYC 683 Graduate Teaching Assistantship
• PSYC 684 Graduate Teaching Internship
• PSYC 480/680 or other courses relevant to the concentration as approved by advisor and AR coordinator. Students may count 578/588 toward one elective if they complete both courses.

Social and Environmental Psychology Specialization

Social and environmental psychology isconcerned both with psychological effects of the physical environment, both natural and human made, and with effects of human action on the environment. The Social and Environmental Psychology specialization provides students with the academic background in psychology necessary to both understand and positively affect others on issues related to the environment. Coursework exposes students to a variety of perspectives and views on the environment and methodological skills necessary to conduct research in this area. On completion students will be prepared to seek employment in organizations concerned with the environment, or to pursue Ph.D. study.

Current faculty: Amber Gaffney, Gregg Gold

Required Courses (7 units)

• PSYC 345 (4) Psychological Tests &Measurement
• PSYC 405 (3) Environmental Psychology

Elective Courses (8-19 units)

• PSYC 336 (3) Social Influence & Persuasion
• PSYC 487 (3) Evolutionary Psychology
• PSYC 578 (4) Analysis of Variance, or
• PSYC 588 (4) Regression/Multivariate Topics
• PSYC 635 (3) Advanced Social Psychology
• PSYC 683 (1-3) Graduate Teaching Assistantship
• PSYC 684 (1-3) Graduate Teaching Internship
• PSYC 480/680 or other courses relevant to the concentration as approved by advisor and AR coordinator.
• Students may count 578/588 toward one elective if they complete both courses

Developmental Psychopathology Specialization

Developmental psychopathology is the study of psychological problems in the context of human development. The Developmental Psychopathology Specialization provides students with a background in understanding both normal and atypical development. Emphasis on normal developmental milestones in conjunction with a focus on emotional and behavioral challenges prepares students to work with a wide variety of children and their families or pursue Ph.D. study.

Current faculty: Tasha Howe

Required Courses (13 units)

• PSYC 345 (4) Psychological Tests & Measurement
• PSYC 419 (3) Family Violence
• PSYC 518 (3) Advanced Developmental Psychopathology
• PSYC 638 (3) Advanced Psychopathology: Diagnosis of Mental Disorder

Elective Courses (2-19 units)

• PSYC 303 (3) Family Relations in Contemporary Society
• PSYC 414 (3) Psychology of Adolescence & Young Adulthood
• PSYC 578 (4) Analysis of Variance, or
• PSYC 588 (4) Regression/Multivariate Topics
• PSYC 632 (3) Advanced Developmental Psychology
• PSYC 683 (1-3) Graduate Teaching Assistantship
• PSYC 684 (1-3) Graduate Teaching Internship
• PSYC 480/680 or other courses relevant to the concentration as approved by advisor and AR coordinator.
• Students may count 578/588 toward one elective if they complete both courses