The Master of Arts (M.A.) Degree in Psychology at CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) offers an innovative advanced degree program for students interested in pursuing doctoral study in psychology or a research-based career. Student training will emphasize breadth of knowledge in psychological theories and research, along with advanced quantitative and qualitative methodologies for application to research questions and real-world problems. The program provides the opportunity to work closely with faculty on a thesis project or with community partners on an internship. Intensive training in statistical analysis is another hallmark of the program. These opportunities will ensure that students graduate with the skills needed to transition successfully to their careers or a doctoral program.

The program meets institutional learning objectives by training graduate students who have knowledge of theories that can help explain issues affecting human society, as well as the analytical skills to support data-driven understanding of these issues. Students will also gain experience with effective communication of complex issues and how to address problems. The program develops independent research skills through participation in an internship-based experience or through a thesis. As such, the program supports all aspects of the CSUCI mission.

Admission Requirements

• A bachelor’s degree in psychology (B.A. or B.S.) from an accredited four-year college or university, or a bachelor’s degree in other scientific fields such as biology or cognitive science.
• Applicants should have a 3.0 minimum GPA in psychology coursework, but 2.5 - 2.99 GPAs may be considered if students can provide other evidence of ability to succeed in the program, such as strong research experience and letters of recommendation.
• Non-psychology majors may be admitted conditionally, but will be required to complete the coursework below with a grade of C or better:
  • PSY 100 - Introduction to Psychology
  • PSY 202 - Biostatistics or Introductory Statistics
  • PSY 300 - and PSY 301 - Psychological Research and Statistical Methods I and II (or an equivalent research design course and an intermediate statistics course) 

Applicants may use graduate courses completed with a grade of B or better to meet the required coursework for admissions.

All applicants must submit the following materials:

• Graduate application and fee ($70)
• Unofficial transcript from all degree-granting institutions attended (official transcript from the highest degree-granting institution will be required at admittance).
• Resume or curriculum vitae
• 500-word statement of purpose addressing their educational background, including research experience (if any), research interests in psychology they would like to pursue in a master’s program, and career goals. Personal experiences (such as applied work experience) and other information relevant to their preparation and career goals should also be included. Applicants may also wish to identify a faculty advisor of interest.
• Three recommendation letters. At least two recommenders should preferably be psychology faculty members, but letters from other discipline faculty are accepted. Each recommender should be familiar with your academic career.
• General GRE scores are optional. The Psychology subject test is not required.

International applicants whose native language is not English will also need to demonstrate evidence of English language proficiency. The following official test results are accepted:

• TOEFL, Paper-based Test minimum: 550
• TOEFL, Internet-based Test (iBT) minimum: 80*
• IELTS minimum band score: 6 for each subsection
• PTE - Pearson’s Test of English score: 56
• Duolingo English Test score: 105

*MyBest scores are acceptable if they are drawn from all valid test scores within a two-year period.

English language requirements may be waived for international applicants who meet one of the following conditions:

• Obtained a bachelor’s or master’s degree from a U.S. regionally accredited institution.
• Graduated from, and completed at least three years at, a U.S. high school.
• Educated in a country where English is employed as their official language in educational settings.