Department of Psychology

Psychology is the scientific study of human behavior that includes the critical analysis of data and the potential for the application of those analyses in our communities. The Department of Psychology includes the Bachelor of Science in Psychology and the Master of Science in Psychology degrees. All aspects of the psychology degree are guided by the curricula suggested by the American Psychological Association and have been developed by our faculty for optimum learning in classroom, laboratory and applied settings. Faculty expertise and course requirements within the program include biological bases of behavior, developmental psychology, learning and cognition, scientific methods and sociocultural psychology. The psychology of diverse peoples and experiences is included in these areas.

Graduate students who complete their degrees in psychology gain a specific orientation in psychology through critical analysis, application and the integration and synthesis of knowledge. Students also acquire research and practical experience through thesis, project or internship capstone options. Students graduating with the Master of Science in Psychology are prepared to work as human services and research managers, to teach at the community college level, or to pursue doctoral degrees. Students who wish to complete a concentration with the Master of Science program must complete a separate application to be admitted to that concentration.

The Women’s and Gender Studies program at UHCL offers a certificate at the graduate level. Women’s and Gender Studies is an interdisciplinary unit that is aligned with the Department of Psychology for administrative purposes. Students enrolled in Women’s and Gender Studies courses gain an understanding of multiple and alternative perspectives of lived experience related to race, ethnicity, class, sexual orientation, ability and additional identities. Women’s and Gender Studies students learn to value social action regarding the empowerment of women and girls. Such students go on to a variety of careers including social services in non-profit and governmental agencies, research, education, business and law as well as graduate programs.

Programs

Master of Science