Psychological Science M.A. Program

CSUN’s Psychological Science graduate program provides rigorous training in advanced statistical methods, research methods and design, and theory in psychology for students who plan to pursue a Ph.D. in Psychology in a research-focused program.  The program is comprised of faculty who are active researchers in their fields, and who are dedicated to training and mentoring students who plan to pursue academic and/or research careers in an array of basic and applied areas of psychology. This program is well suited for students who intend to apply to Ph.D. programs in Clinical, Developmental, Social, Cognitive, or Quantitative Psychology, or other related fields (e.g., Human Development).

Look for our Virtual Open House later this fall!

We will be hosting a Virtual Open House for students considering applying to our program! This event will include an overview of our program and an introductions to our faculty.  Attendees will have a chance to rotate through different rooms to meet faculty and members of their labs to learn more about ongoing research.  Attendees will also have the opportunity to hear from a panel of current graduate students and to ask any remaining questions they have to the faculty and program directors. 

• Time and Date:  TBD
• LocationL: Zoom (Link TBD)

Recent graduates of our Master's program have gone on to Ph.D. programs at Claremont Graduate University, Georgetown University, Kansas State University, Pepperdine University, Simon Fraser University, University of California, Davis, University of California, Irvine, University of California, Los Angeles, University of California, Riverside, University of California, Santa Barbara, University of California, Santa Cruz, University Nevada Reno, University of Cincinnati, University of Colorado, Boulder, University of Delaware, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, University of Michigan, University of Pittsburgh, University of Rochester, University of Texas at Austin and the University of Washington.

Our graduate students have also gone on to employment at California State University, Dominguez Hills, California State University, Northridge, California State University, San Bernadino, Kansas State University, Moorpark College, Nova Southeastern University, University of Pittsburgh, Rand, Loyola Marymount, University of Florida, and University of Southern California.

Typically an undergraduate major in psychology (although we have had successful students from other majors) and a strong overall grade point average are required. Normally, the grade point average should be no less than 3.00 in Psychology courses and 3.00 overall. Students with somewhat lower grade point averages are occasionally accepted if they can provide alternative evidence of capability to perform successfully in the Psychological Science program. Alternative evidence might include a broad background in mathematics and natural science, a linguistic or socio-cultural background which differs from that of the typical applicant, a research or professional background, or a disability that requires alternative measures of potential competence.

Non-psychology majors who would otherwise be acceptable to our program are urged to qualify themselves for admission by completing the requirements in our Graduate Handbook. Applicants whose background differs from that of the typical applicant to our program should consider having two of the required three letters of recommendation provided by faculty members from whom they took upper division courses in psychology.

Please note that the Psychological Science and Clinical MA programs have a shared application. For additional information and to access the application please visit our Application Page.

We encourage applicants to contact potential mentors prior to applying! (see program faculty below)

For More Information:

• Contact the program co-directors: Dr. Drew and Dr. Berzenski
• If you have further questions, contact the Psychology Department.