Master of Science in Psychology / Graduate Certificate in Disability Services

Picture Showing Psychology or Therapy Session

MASTER OF SCIENCE IN PSYCHOLOGY (GENERAL Track)
MASTER OF SCIENCE IN PSYCHOLOGY (DISABILITY SERVICES Tracks)
GRADUATE CERTIFICATE IN DISABILITY SERVICES

M.S. in Psychology (General Track) - 36 hours; 1 or 2 years

M.S. in Psychology (Disability Services Track) – 36 hours; 1 or 2 years

Graduate Certificate in Disability Services – 15 hours; less than 1 year

About

The Master of Science in Psychology program is an affordable, fully online, program with two degree options (General Psychology, and Disability Services), and a Graduate Certificate in Disability Services. The certificate is completed in less than one year, and the degrees can be completed in either one year (two courses at a time) or two years (one course at a time). Courses are taught by caring faculty with diverse experiences, who embody Faulkner University’s mission “where every student matters every day.”

The General Psychology Track is an excellent choice for students who want to continue their  education and skill set in psychology and other human services fields, or who want to begin their career in an area that emphasizes working with people. A Master in General Psychology can open doors to advanced careers in psychology, human services, law enforcement, public relations, business, military, ministry, social services, or many career fields requiring a Master degree. A degree in psychology helps you understand humans, and every career involves humans in some way.

The Disability Services Track, and the Certificate in Disability Services will prepare students to provide and coordinate services and accommodations for the disabled, disadvantaged, and other special needs populations. Nearly every business, organization, university, municipality, and venue requires support and accommodations for people with disabilities of all types. In many cases, these accommodations are legal requirements, but are also humanitarian in providing access to those who may not otherwise have such. The disability services courses will instill in students the knowledge related to providing disability services from the legal and organizational standpoint,  while emphasizing a compassion for those who utilize such services.

Tuition/Cost

The tuition for the Master in Psychology programs is “all-inclusive”, including all tuition, fees,
and textbooks/resources (electronic).
Students may purchase physical copies of textbooks at their option through the Faulkner
E-Campus bookstore.

All Inclusive Tuition (Tuition/Fees/Books):

  M.S. Psychology (General) M.S. Psychology (Disability Services) Certificate (Disability Services)
Per Hour $695 @ 36 hours $695 @ 36 hours $695 @ 15 hours
Fees Included Included Included
Textbooks Included Included Included
Total $25,020 $25,020 $10,425

Admissions Requirements

  • A completed graduate application
  • A bachelor’s degree with a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA from an accredited university.

    Applicants with a 3.0 GPA for the last 60 hours, and in the major will be considered.
    [Students may be admitted from any major, but preference will be given to those with a
    degree in Psychology, Social Work, or other Human Services related field].

  • Official transcripts from all institutions attended must be submitted. Hand-delivered
    copies, photocopies, and printouts of a grade report are not acceptable.
  • A short 500-600 word personal essay in APA professional format (with title page) briefly
    discussing the following:
    • Why do you want to pursue this degree? How will it fit with your personal or
      career goals?
    • How is a degree from a Christian university such as Faulkner a good fit for you
      (consider Faulkner’s mission statement in your answer)?
    • How have you navigated challenges that have come in your life, academics,
      career, etc. What do you anticipate may be the most difficult adjustment you will
      need to make as you pursue this degree?
    • What is one thing about yourself you wish everybody knew, but you are often
      reluctant to share?
  • Three letters of recommendation from former professors, work supervisors, or others
    who can attest to the student’s preparation for success in the program.
  • Successful completion of pre-requisite courses, or approved plan for completion within
    the first semester (See pre-requisite requirements below; Does not apply to Certificate in
    Disability Services).
  • Students not meeting the minimum admissions requirements may be considered under the Provisional Admissions path.

Provisional Admissions

Applicants not meeting all minimum requirements, will be considered by department admissions
committee for provisional admissions. The following items may be helpful to the department
admissions committee in considering provisional admissions.

  • GRE or MAT scores; no minimum score is specified as they will be considered in
    conjunction with other admissions information
  • Professional Resume/Vita
  • High School transcripts
  • Other voluntary information relevant to your ability to be successful in the program

Pre-requisite course requirements for the Master degree

Note: Pre-requisite course requirements do not apply to students pursuing only the Certificate in Disability Services.

Applicants who have not completed prerequisite courses can be conditionally admitted
to the program with an approved plan to complete prerequisites within the first semester of
starting the Master degree program. Some courses require a prerequisite to be taken before the
Master degree level course. Students needing prerequisites are encouraged to inquire about offerings
in Faulkner’s online undergraduate psychology program which will meet the requirements.
(Grade of “C” or higher)

  • One (1) course in: Introduction/General Psychology [Faulkner equivalent: PY1310]
  • One (1) course in: Human Development (any human development across the lifespan [Faulkner equivalent: PY2301]
  • One (1) course in: Research Methods (any discipline; psychology/behavioral sciences
    preferred)* [Faulkner equivalent: PY3350]
  • One (1) course in: Statistics (any discipline including behavioral statistics, mathematics,
    business statistics, etc.)* [Faulkner equivalent: PY3330]

    *A combined course in Research and Analysis covering content from both areas
    including basic statistical measures may be accepted.

Transfer Policy

  • Up to two (2) graduate transfer courses (six graduate semester hours) may be accepted
    toward the degree. Courses must be essentially equivalent, or relevant to degree (for
    electives) and approved by the department chair or program director.
  • Students may transfer some or all courses from the Certificate in Disability Services to
    one of the Master’s degrees, but must first apply and be accepted to the degree
    program. Grades earned in courses in the certificate will be considered in admissions,
    and students in the certificate program may be given priority ranking.

Technology Requirements

In order to be successful, students must have regular access to a home or laptop computer with the
following minimum requirements. Technology requirements are essential to successful
participation and completion of online courses, and completion of timely assignments. The
use of mobile devices may be sufficient, but they are generally less predictable.

  • P.C. (i5 minimum; i7 recommended) or MAC (OS10.14 or higher) less than 5 years old
    with a minimum 4GB of ram and unrestricted access/downloads
  • High speed internet with a minimum of 512kbps
  • Latest supported internet browser (https://community.canvaslms.com/t5/Canvas-Basics-Guide/What-are-the-browser-and-computer-requirements-for-Instructure/ta-p/66)
  • Windows 10 or higher
  • Webcam (720p minimum; 1080hd recommended)
  • Microsoft Word or ability to convert Pages documents to a pdf (Canvas does not accept Pages documents)

Graduation Requirements

  • A cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or higher for the degree or certificate
  • No more than one (1) “C” grade and no grade of “D” or “F” in the entire program of study
  • Students may retake a course up to two (2) times. The highest grade earned will be
    considered for graduation requirements.
  • No holds on any financial accounts. All financial accounts must be cleared by the
    Student Accounts and/or Financial Aid offices prior to receiving a diploma or certificate.

Apply Now

  1. Submit a completed online application.
  2. Complete and print the Official Transcript Request  form and submit it to all previously attended schools with the appropriate fee.
  3. Send all additional items via mail to:

Faulkner University
Attn: Graduate Enrollment
5345 Atlanta Hwy
Montgomery, AL 36109

Degree Plans

M.S. PSYCHOLOGY (GENERAL TRACK)

Foundational Core [9 hours]

PSY 5310 Foundations of Psychological Science
PSY 5315 Spiritual Perspectives of Human Development and Behavior
PSY 5341 Cognitive, Affective, and Behavioral Psychology

Psychology Core [12 hours]

PSY 5345 Ethical and Professional Issues in Psychology
PSY 5350 Applied Research Methods and Analysis
PSY 6310 Principles of Psychopathology
PSY 6320 Principles of Psychometric Evaluation and Assessment

Elective Options [15 hours]

PSY 6315 Human Psychology in Social Systems
PSY 6322 Psychopharmacology
PSY 6325 Advanced Educational Psychology
PSY 6335 Holistic Human Psychology
PSY 6347 Psychology of Music, Creativity, and The Arts
PSY 6355 Psychology of Addiction
PSY 6371 Neurodiversity and Concepts of Disabilities
PSY 6372 Assistive Technologies in Disability Services
PSY 6373 Legal and Sociocultural Aspects of Disability Services
PSY 6374 Disability Services Administration and Application
PSY 6377 Autism, Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
PSY 6399 Special Topics in Psychology
*Or other approved electives in PY/ED/COU/ABA or related
(At least 9 hours must be PSY or ABA courses)

Total Hours…………………………………………………………………36

M.S. PSYCHOLOGY (DISABILITY SERVICES TRACK)

Foundational Core [9 hours]

PSY 5310 Foundations of Psychological Science
PSY 5315 Spiritual Perspectives of Human Development and Behavior
PSY 5341 Cognitive, Affective, and Behavioral Psychology

Psychology Core [12 hours]

PSY 5345 Ethical and Professional Issues in Psychology
PSY 5350 Applied Research Methods and Analysis
PSY 6310 Principles of Psychopathology
PSY 6320 Principles of Psychometric Evaluation and Assessment

Disability Applications [15 hours]

PSY 6371 Neurodiversity and Concepts of Disabilities
PSY 6372 Assistive Technologies in Disability Services
PSY 6373 Legal and Sociocultural Aspects of Disability Services
PSY 6374 Disability Services Administration and Application
PSY 6377 Autism, Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

Total Hours…………………………………………………………………36

CERTIFICATE (DISABILITY SERVICES)

PSY 6371 Neurodiversity and Concepts of Disabilities
PSY 6372 Assistive Technologies in Disability Services
PSY 6373 Legal and Sociocultural Aspects of Disability Services
PSY 6374 Disability Services Administration and Application
PSY 6377 Autism, Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

Total Hours…………………………………………………………………15

Apply to Our Graduate Psychology Degree Program

Furthering your knowledge and skills in psychology or disability services will be rewarding for you, your family, and your contributions to society. Apply Today.