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. 

Neuroscience Emphasis

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.  

• PSYC 487 (3) Evolutionary Psychology
• PSYC 511 (3) Advanced Social Neuroscience
• PSYC 625 (3) Advanced Psychobiology
• PSYC 672 (3) Psychopharmacology

Elective Courses

• PSYC 336 (3)Social Influence and Persuasion
• 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 (0.5-3)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.
• PSYC 695 (1-3) Graduate Research Practicum
• Only a combined 3 units of 683, 684, 480/680, and/or 695 count as elective untits in the 30 required units for the masters degree

Elective Courses from Other Departments

These electives represent courses suggested by the biological emphasis area. The student's thesis advisor and the program coordinator must approve all elective selections. Many of these courses have prerequisites, please consult the Cal Poly Humboldt Catalog before adding these courses to your contract.

• ANTH 305 Human Evolutionary Health
• BIO 305 Social Behavior and Biology
• BIO 340 Genetics or BIO 345 Genetics with a Population Emphasis BIO 410 Cell Biology
• CHEM 328 Organic Chemistry 
• CHEM 438 Introductory Biochemistry
• ZOO 310 Animal Physiology
• ZOO 374 Introduction to Human Anatomy 

Social/Cognitive Psychology Emphasis

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: Dr. Carrie Aigner, Dr. Amber Gaffney, Dr. Gregg Gold, Dr. Ben Graham, Dr. Amanda Hahn, and Dr. Mari Sanchez.

Required Courses (3 Units)

• PSYC 622 Advanced Learning and Behavior Analysis
• OR
• PSYC 635 Advanced Social Psychology

Elective Courses

• PSYC 336 (3) Social Influence & Persuasion
• PSYC 345L (3) Psychological Tests and Measurement
• PSYC 411 (3) Social Neuroscience
  
• PSYC 487 (3) Evolutionary Psychology
• PSYC 578 (4) Analysis of Variance, OR
  
• PSYC 588 (4) Regression/Multivariate Topics
• PSYC 622 Advanced Learning and Behavior Analysis (if not taken for requirement above)
• PSYC 635 (3) Advanced Social Psychology (if not taken for requirement above)
• PSYC 683 (1-3) Graduate Teaching Assistantship
• PSYC 684 (1-3) Graduate Teaching Internship
• PSYC 480/680 (.05-3) or other courses relevant to the concentration as approved by advisor and AR coordinator.
• PSYC 695 (1-3) Research Practicum
• Students may count 578/588 toward one elective if they complete both courses

 Elective Courses from Other Departments

In addition, students in the Social/Cognitive emphasis area may take electives outside of the Psychology Department. The student's thesis advisor and the program coordinator must approve all elective selections. Many courses outside of the department have prerequisites, please consult the Cal Poly Humboldt Catalog before adding these courses to your contract.

Developmental Emphasis

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: Dr. Tasha Howe, Dr. Maria Iturbide, and Dr. Brandilynn Villarreal. 

Required Courses (6 units)

• PSYC 518 (3) Advanced Developmental Psychopathology
• PSYC 632 (3) Advanced Developmental Psychology

Elective Courses

• PSYC 345 L (3) Psychological Tests and Measurements
• PSYC 414 (3) Psychology of Adolescence & Young Adulthood
• PSYC 415 (3) Psychology of Aging and Older Adults
• PSYC 419 (3) Family Violence
• PSYC 484 (3) Culture and Diversity
• PSYC 578 (4) Analysis of Variance, OR
  
• PSYC 588 (4) Regression/Multivariate Topics
• PSYC 638 (3) Diagnosis of Mental Disorders
• PSYC 683 (1-3) Graduate Teaching Assistantship
• PSYC 684 (1-3) Graduate Teaching Internship
• PSYC 480/680 (.05-3) or other courses relevant to the concentration as approved by advisor and AR coordinator.
• PSYC 695 (1-3) Research Practicum
• Students may count 578/588 toward one elective if they complete both courses

Elective Courses from Other Departments

These electives represent courses suggested by the developmental emphasis area. The student's thesis advisor and the program coordinator must approve all elective selections. Many of these courses have prerequisites, please consult the Cal Poly Humboldt Catalog.

• EDUC 318 (3) LGBTQIA+ Issues in Schools 
• EDUC 377 (2) Educ of Excptnl Individuals
• CD 352 (3) Parent-Child Relationships
• CD 366 (3) Exceptional Children and Their Families
• CD 467 (3) Working with Culturally Diverse Families 
• CD 479 (3) Policy Analysis and Advocacy
• SOC 306 (3) The Changing Family
• SOC 330 (4) Social Deviance
• SOC 584 (4) Qualitative Research Methods
• SW 530 (3) Social Policy and Services
• SW 550 (3) Human Development, Diversity, and Resources