Psychology

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Faculty:

Chair: P. Oswald; Professor Emerite: P. Jirik-Babb; Professors: P. Greene, M. Kiselica, P. Oswald; Associate Professors: T. Grimes, K. Kim, O.J. Sizemore, J. Theodore, K. Zaromaditis; Assistant Professors: B. Cesario, O. Huk, C. Jacobson.

The MA in Psychology has been designed for persons who are considering a career in psychology, are already employed in the field, or see themselves en route to doctoral study in psychology.

The program provides a balance of theoretical, methodological and practical expertise, as well as extensive training in written and oral expression. The program is designed to provide pertinent new experiences, to enhance knowledge in substantive areas, and to facilitate maximum development of essential professional competencies and attitudes.

The department also offers the MA in School Psychology and the MA in Mental Health Counseling. The School Psychology program is accredited by the National Association for School Psychology (NASP), and is designed to prepare students to apply for New York State certification as School Psychologists. The Mental Health Counseling program is approved by New York State to fulfill the educational requirements that enables graduates to take the examination for licensure as a Mental Health Counselor. Licensed Mental Health Counselors are permitted to present themselves to the public as private practitioners and providers of counseling, psychotherapy, and assessment for counseling purposes.

Goals

The master’s program in psychology has several goals for its students. The competent master’s level psychology candidate:

• is knowledgeable about research and program evaluation and successfully uses information technology to make data-based decisions that meet general accountability standards;
• is knowledgeable about the development and assessment of cognitive skills, social skills and mental health;
• has the knowledge and skills needed to work with diverse individuals;
• demonstrates knowledge of behavioral and mental health models of collaboration and consultation, and is able to use these models to collaborate effectively with others in planning and decision-making processes at the individual, group, and system levels;
• is knowledgeable about the history and foundations of the profession and ethical, professional and legal standards; and
• is an effective communicator.

Additional Graduation Requirements:

Dignity for All Students Act Workshop (No credit).

Workshop in Child Abuse Identification (No credit).

SAVE Workshop (No credit).

Praxis II Exam (No Credit)

Notes: Courses taken as part of an undergraduate degree cannot be credited toward the School Psychology program. Permanent School Psychologist Certification requires two years of experience in a pupil personnel service position.

Admission

Non-Matriculated Status

The department does not accept non-matriculated students.

Matriculated Status

See “Academic Information - Matriculated ” in this catalog for requirements to be met, in addition to the following:

1. A BA or BS in psychology.
2. Completion of experimental research methods in psychology and quantitative research methods in psychology.

Alternatively, a student may demonstrate proficiency in psychology as evidenced by completion of nine credits of undergraduate work in psychology, including experimental research methods in psychology, quantitative research methods in psychology, and one other upper level psychology course. These courses are available at Iona.

Academic Standing

Students are required to earn no grade less than “B” in their graduate courses and to maintain a 3.0 cumulative grade point average. If a student receives a course grade lower then “B” (i.e., C+ or lower), the student must discuss this grade with his/her advisor. A student who earns more then two course grades of less then “B” will be placed on probation. As part of the probation, students will be required to repeat the courses chosen by the advisor. The number of courses repeated will determined by the number of below “B” grades the student has earned and by the advisor. If the student’s cumulative GPA falls below 3.0, they will be dismissed from the program. Discusions on academic standing are made by the program director and the transition committee. Students have a right to appeal any decisions made (please refer to the Iona College grade bulletin for said procedures).

Graduation Requirements

1. Completion of the required credits for each program, including the appropriate distribution of credits.
2. A minimum GPA of 3.0.
3. All requirements must be completed within five years from the date of admission.
4. Students may not graduate if they have received two or more grades of less than “B”.

Programs

• Mental Health Counseling, MA (2104.10)
• Psychology (General-Experimental Specialization), MA (2001)
• Psychology (Industrial-Organizational Specialization), MA (2001)
• School Psychology, MA (0826.02)

• Human Resources Advanced Certificate (2199)
• Organizational Behavior Advanced Certificate (2005)

Return to: School of Arts and Science