Master of Arts
MA in Psychology
Gain a holistic understanding of human motivation.
Prepare to be an effective and holistic professional that leverages deep situational contexts to help others in a non-clinical setting. Our Master of Arts in Psychology places a strong emphasis on the theories of human development throughout the lifespan and within social context, so you can provide guidance, through any of life’s challenging dilemmas. As a trained professional with abundant educational experience, you will be in a position to help others with factually based recommendations, advice and assistance. This degree is offered by AU Santa Barbara.
Program Overview
The Masters in Psychology degree provides foundational practical and theoretical knowledge for a sustainable and successful career in the field of psychology. Students completing this course of study do not meet criteria for licensure but are qualified for consideration in a variety of fields of psychology or for entry into doctoral programs. The core of this degree includes:
- Strong emphasis on theories of human development throughout the lifespan and within the social context,
- Evidence based research
- Counseling approaches outside of psychotherapy
Degree Requirements
Program Length:
This program can be completed in 5 quarters.
Requirements:
A 60-credit program that includes a Practicum/Special Project sequence of 11 credits
Course Sequence
Winter 1:
- Theories of Psychotherapy in Context
- Human Development and Diversity
- Multicultural Awareness: Self, Culture, and Context
- Crisis, Disaster, and Emergency Response
Spring 1:
- Law & Ethics
- Substance-Related Disorders and Other Addictive Behaviors
- Contemporary Theories of Psychotherapy
- Group Theories
- Loss and Bereavement
- Lifespan Human Development: The Older Adult
Summer 1:
- Psychopathology
- Community Mental Health
- Healthy Development Throughout the Aging Process
- Practicum / Special Project
Fall 1:
- Human Sexuality and Counseling
- Dual Diagnosis: Substance-Related and Co-Occurring Disorders
- Domestic Violence: Spousal, Elder, and Child Abuse
- Practicum / Special Project
Winter 2:
- The Process of Group Psychotherapy
- Research Methods
- Career and Lifestyle Planning
- Practicum / Special Project
Career Outlook
An MA in Psychology degree may lead to careers in areas such as nonprofit management or mental health services in:
- Drugs
- Alcohol
- Residential
- Case Management
- Victim and Child Advocacy
- Elder Care/Health Care
- Business Management/Consultation
- Human Resources
- Employee Training
- Research
- Career Counseling
- Student Services
- Gerontology
- Community
- Consumer Media
- Organizational
- Rehabilitation
- Sports Psychology
Admissions / Cost / Aid
Admissions
Application Deadline
| Term | Priority Deadline | Final Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Fall | February 1 | July 15 |
| Spring | August 1 | January 15 |
| Please review the Academic Calendar for additional details. | ||
How to Apply
- Complete the online admissions application.
- Official transcript indicating Bachelor’s degree from a regionally-accredited college or university
- Two letters of recommendation
- Admission essays
Admission Review Process
Phase One
An application will be reviewed once the following are received by the Office of Admissions:
- Online admission application (including application fee or fee waiver)
- Unofficial or official transcript indicating Bachelor’s degree conferral from a regionally accredited college or university
- All admission essays
- At least one letter of recommendation
Phase Two
Upon recommendation from the Admissions Committee an applicant is scheduled for a group interview. The group interview lasts approximately 1 1/2 hours, and includes members of the Admissions Committee and between 3 and 6 applicants. As part of the process, at the time of the group interview each applicant is also asked to respond in writing to a brief essay question. An individual interview is offered to applicants that reside out of state.
Phase Three
Upon successful completion of the interview and recommendation from the Admissions Committee, the applicant is notified via email (only) of an offer of admission. The program does not require that applicants submit G.R.E. scores Antioch University Santa Barbara particularly seeks qualified candidates who will contribute to building a student population diverse in gender, ethnicity, age, class, physical abilities, learning styles, sexual orientation, professional backgrounds, and community experiences.
Cost
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tuition Per Quarter Credit | $776 |
| Quarterly International Student Fee | $200 |
| All Students-General Fee, (technology, electronic library, student activity) | $100 |
| Program Materials fee (first quarter only) | $30 |
| Tevera® Clinical Training Software Signup Fee | $220 |
| MACP Program: Quarterly Liability Insurance Fee | $15 |
| Late Registration Fee | $100 |
| Transcript/Transcript & Assessments Fee | $10/$15 |
| Late Payment Fee | $50 |
| Return Check Fee | $50 |
| View the Cost of Attendance Components | |
Financial Aid
A majority of AUSB students finance their education through some form of financial aid. You may not be sure which federal, state, public and private aid packages – such as loans, scholarships, and grants—are right for you. Our staff is here to help you, so you can focus on what’s most important: beginning your academic program at AUSB. LEARN MORE