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M.A. in Psychology
Vermillion, South Dakota
INTAKE: Jan & Aug
Program Overview
USD's M.A. in Psychology program offers two distinct specializations: Human Factors Psychology and, as a pathway to the Ph.D. program, Clinical Psychology. The Human Factors track is designed as a terminal master's degree, typically requiring 30-36 credit hours, and focuses on the interaction between humans and technology. The Clinical Psychology track is generally part of the Ph.D. pathway and provides rigorous training in assessment, treatment, and research, with a strong emphasis on rural communities, cross-cultural differences (including a focus on Native American mental health), disaster mental health, and substance abuse. Both options emphasize strong research and practical application, with opportunities for graduate assistantships.
Curriculum: The curriculum for the M.A. in Psychology varies by specialization. For Human Factors, core courses often include "Human Factors in Computer Systems," "Usability Testing," "Research Design and Statistics I & II," and "Human Factors Practicum." The Clinical Psychology track, as part of the Ph.D. pathway, involves extensive coursework in areas like "Learning, Memory and Cognition," "Neurobiology," "Research Design and Statistics," "Adult Psychopathology," and various practicum experiences. Both specializations underscore a strong foundation in research methods and statistics, ensuring graduates are adept at data analysis and evidence-based practice.
Research Focus: The Department of Psychology at USD boasts a robust research environment with numerous labs and faculty members actively engaged in diverse research. Students in both M.A. tracks are deeply involved in research under faculty mentorship. For Human Factors, research areas include driving and aging, interface design for educational technology, risk perception, decision-making, motivation during video gameplay, and measures of mental workload. In Clinical Psychology, research focuses on areas such as rural community psychology, cross-cultural/individual differences (especially with Native American populations), disaster mental health, trauma (interpersonal, generational, and PTSD), substance abuse, and mindfulness-based psychological treatment. Students are encouraged to pursue unique research, present at conferences, and contribute to publications.
Industry Engagement: USD's M.A. in Psychology programs prioritize practical experience and industry relevance. The Human Factors specialization explicitly prepares students to serve as human factors and ergonomics specialists for organizations like the U.S. military, the Federal Aviation Administration, technology startups, and major companies like Oracle and Microsoft. The Clinical Psychology program, with its strong practicum component and commitment to the scientist-practitioner model, trains students for real-world clinical settings, often focusing on mental health needs in rural communities. The Psychological Services Center provides a fully functioning mental health clinic for hands-on experience, and students can also gain valuable professional experience through graduate assistantships.
Global Perspective: The M.A. in Psychology at USD fosters a global perspective through its engagement with diverse populations and universal human experiences. The Clinical Psychology program's emphasis on cross-cultural differences and a particular focus on Native American mental health inherently promotes an understanding of varying cultural contexts in psychological practice. The Human Factors specialization, by studying human-technology interaction, addresses a global challenge as technology permeates societies worldwide. The department's commitment to social responsibility, self-awareness, diversity, and inclusive excellence in training prepares students to be advocates for others in a globally interconnected world, understanding the broader societal and ethical implications of psychological practice.
Location
Vermillion, South Dakota
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 12800
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Application Fee: $38
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for postgraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 70% or above in their bachelor's degree.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.5 or 7.0 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 79 or higher.
- PTE: Overall score of 53 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 110.
The University of South Dakota (USD) offers a variety of scholarship opportunities specifically designed to support international students in achieving their academic goals. These scholarships help reduce the financial burden of studying abroad and make quality education at USD more accessible to talented students from around the world.
Merit-Based Scholarships: USD awards merit-based scholarships to international students based on their academic achievements, leadership potential, and extracurricular involvement. These scholarships recognize outstanding high school or previous college performance and are renewable for multiple years, provided students maintain satisfactory academic progress.
International Student Academic Scholarships: These scholarships are specifically tailored for international undergraduate students and can cover a significant portion of tuition fees. Eligibility is typically based on a combination of academic excellence and the completion of the admission process by specified deadlines. Many of these scholarships are automatically considered upon application, so no separate application is required.
Graduate Assistantships and Fellowships: For international graduate students, USD provides graduate assistantships and fellowships that offer financial support alongside valuable professional experience. These opportunities often include tuition waivers and a stipend in exchange for research, teaching, or administrative work within the university.
Departmental Scholarships: Certain USD academic departments and colleges offer specialized scholarships for international students pursuing specific fields of study, such as business, health sciences, or fine arts. These scholarships often reward exceptional talent and dedication within those disciplines.
A Master of Arts (M.A.) in Psychology from the University of South Dakota (USD) offers graduates a specialized and versatile skillset, preparing them for impactful roles in various fields that require a deep understanding of human behavior, cognition, and interaction. With distinct specializations in Human Factors Psychology and a pathway to Clinical Psychology, the program caters to diverse career aspirations, ranging from applied research in technology to direct mental health services. The demand for psychologists and human factors specialists continues to grow, driven by advancements in technology, increasing awareness of mental health, and the need for user-friendly designs.
Human Factors Specialist/UX Researcher (Human Factors Specialization): These professionals work to optimize the interaction between humans and systems (technology, products, environments) to enhance efficiency, safety, and user experience. They conduct usability testing, design interfaces, and apply psychological principles to improve product design in industries like tech, aviation, automotive, and healthcare.
Market Research Analyst: Leveraging their understanding of human behavior and research methodologies, graduates can analyze consumer preferences and market trends to help companies make informed decisions about product development, pricing, and marketing strategies.
Data Analyst (Behavioral Data Focus): With a strong foundation in research design and statistics, M.A. Psychology graduates can analyze data related to human behavior, user engagement, or psychological patterns to provide insights for businesses, social science research, or public policy.
Applied Behavioral Scientist: Working in various industries or government, these scientists apply principles of behavioral psychology to design interventions, improve decision-making, and encourage desired behaviors in areas like health, finance, or public policy.
Research Coordinator/Associate: Graduates can manage and support research projects in academic institutions, hospitals, or private research firms, overseeing data collection, participant recruitment, and ensuring adherence to research protocols.
Psychological Associate (Clinical Pathway): While requiring further doctoral study and licensure for independent practice as a clinical psychologist, an M.A. from USD's clinical pathway can prepare individuals for roles as psychological associates, working under the supervision of licensed psychologists in clinics, hospitals, or mental health centers, conducting assessments or providing support.
Training and Development Specialist: Applying principles of learning and cognition, graduates can design and deliver training programs for employees in corporate, government, or non-profit settings, enhancing skills, improving performance, and fostering organizational growth.
Usability Engineer: Similar to Human Factors Specialists, Usability Engineers specifically focus on making products and systems intuitive and easy to use. They conduct user testing, analyze feedback, and collaborate with design and development teams to improve product usability.
Social Science Researcher: Graduates can contribute to research projects in various social science fields, collecting and analyzing qualitative and quantitative data to understand societal trends, human interactions, and inform social programs or policies.
Consultant (Organizational/Human Capital): With an understanding of individual and group behavior within organizations, graduates can consult for businesses on issues related to organizational design, employee morale, leadership development, and change management.
