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-unit program that includes a Practicum/Special Project sequence of 11 units

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-Occuring 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 non-profit 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

TermPriority DeadlineFinal Deadline
FallFebruary 1July 15
SpringAugust 1January 15
Please review the Academic Calendar for additional details.
AUSB practices rolling admission. Complete applications are reviewed on an on-going basis and admission decisions are provided promptly.  The Early Action Deadline guarantees priority consideration for specific financial aid programs and scholarships, as well as the earliest decision notification. International applicants are encouraged to apply by the Early Action Deadline.

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

ItemCost
Tuition Per Quarter Unit$760
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
Please note: Additional fees for all AUSB programs may include (but are not necessarily limited to) charges for materials, late registration, enrollment maintenance, parking, graduation, transcripts, tuition payment plan, late payments, late registration, and returned checks.

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

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