M.A. in Psychological Science

Entry Requirements for Postgraduate Programs

Application Fees : US$ 70

1. Academic Qualifications: A bachelor's degree or its equivalent from a recognized institution is required for admission to a postgraduate program at CSUN. Applicants must have completed their undergraduate education with strong academic performance.

2. Minimum GPA: CSUN typically looks for a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) or its equivalent. 

3. English Language Proficiency: 

• IELTS: A minimum overall score of 6.5 is required, with no individual band score below 6.
• TOEFL iBT (Test of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based Test): A minimum overall score of 79 is required.
• PTE (Pearson Test of English): A minimum score of 58 is required.
• DET (Duolingo English Test): A minimum score of 105 is required.

4. GRE or GMAT : 

• GRE: A score of 305 or higher on the GRE General Test.

California State University, Northridge (CSUN), is committed to supporting international students in their pursuit of higher education. The university offers a range of scholarships and financial aid options to help alleviate the financial burden of studying in the United States. 

1. International Achievement Scholarship: CSUN's International Achievement Scholarship is designed to recognize and reward outstanding academic achievement. Eligibility is based on academic excellence, and recipients can receive up to $5,000 per academic year.

2. The Dream US Scholarship: This scholarship is specifically aimed at undocumented students, including those with DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) status. It provides financial support to help cover tuition and other educational expenses.

3. Intensive English Program (IEP) Scholarships: CSUN offers scholarships to international students who enroll in the Intensive English Program (IEP). These scholarships are awarded based on merit and help students improve their English language skills.

4. Privately Funded Scholarships: CSUN administers several privately funded scholarships that are available to international students. These scholarships may have specific eligibility criteria related to academic major, community involvement, or other factors.

5. Study Abroad Scholarships: CSUN encourages international students to participate in study abroad programs. The university offers scholarships to help offset the costs associated with studying abroad, including program fees and travel expenses.

6. External Scholarships: CSUN also assists international students in identifying external scholarship opportunities. These scholarships may be offered by government agencies, foundations, and international organizations.

7. Athletics Scholarships: CSUN has a competitive NCAA Division I athletics program. Talented international student-athletes may be eligible for athletics scholarships based on their sports achievements.

8. Cultural Scholarships: Some cultural organizations and clubs on campus may offer scholarships to international students who are actively engaged in promoting and celebrating their cultures.

9. Graduate Assistantships: For international graduate students, CSUN provides opportunities for graduate assistantships that offer a stipend and may include tuition remission. These positions allow students to gain valuable experience while pursuing their degrees.

10. Research Assistantships: - International graduate students can also explore research assistantship positions that provide financial support while contributing to research projects in their field of study.

Application Process: To be considered for scholarships at CSUN, international students typically need to complete the scholarship application provided by the university. Each scholarship may have specific eligibility criteria, deadlines, and application requirements.

The Master of Arts (M.A.) in Psychological Science program at California State University, Northridge (CSUN) is a dynamic and comprehensive program that equips students with the knowledge and skills required for successful careers in psychology. Graduates of this program are well-prepared for a wide range of rewarding career opportunities in various sectors.  

1. Clinical and Counseling Psychology: Many graduates pursue careers as clinical or counseling psychologists. With proper licensure, they can provide mental health services, therapy, and counseling to individuals, couples, and families. They may work in private practice, hospitals, mental health clinics, or schools.

2. School Psychology: School psychologists are in high demand to support students' academic success and emotional well-being. They assess and provide interventions for students with learning or behavioral challenges, and they collaborate with educators and parents to create supportive environments.

3. Industrial-Organizational (I-O) Psychology: I-O psychologists apply psychological principles to workplace settings. They work in areas such as employee selection, training, organizational development, and improving workplace culture. Many large corporations and consulting firms hire I-O psychologists.

4. Forensic Psychology: Graduates interested in the intersection of psychology and the legal system can pursue careers as forensic psychologists. They may work with law enforcement agencies, in the criminal justice system, or as consultants on legal cases involving psychological factors.

5. Health Psychology: Health psychologists focus on the relationship between psychological factors and physical health. They may work in healthcare settings, helping patients cope with chronic illnesses, manage stress, and make lifestyle changes to improve health outcomes.

6. Research and Academia: Some graduates choose to pursue research and academic careers. They can work as research assistants, data analysts, or continue their education to earn a Ph.D. and become professors, contributing to the field's knowledge base.

7. Human Resources: The skills gained in the M.A. in Psychological Science program are highly relevant to careers in human resources. Graduates can excel in roles related to talent acquisition, employee training and development, and organizational behavior analysis.

8. Nonprofit and Government Agencies: Government agencies and nonprofit organizations often seek professionals with expertise in psychological science. Graduates may work in roles related to public policy, social services, or community mental health.

9. Market Research and Consumer Behavior: Understanding human behavior and decision-making is crucial in marketing and market research. Graduates can apply their knowledge of psychological science to analyze consumer behavior, conduct market research, and inform marketing strategies.

10. Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA): ABA is a therapeutic approach often used with individuals with autism and other developmental disorders. Graduates can become Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) and work in clinical settings or schools.

11. STEM Opportunities: The M.A. in Psychological Science program at CSUN provides a STEM-designated education, which can open doors to careers involving data analysis, research methods, and statistical modeling, particularly in behavioral and social sciences.

12. Career Advancement: Graduates of CSUN's program benefit from the university's location in the Los Angeles metropolitan area, providing access to a wide range of job opportunities and career advancement prospects.