Why Los Angeles Pacific University?
This online Master of Arts in Psychology offered by this small private Christian university in Los Angeles, California. Students are required to have a 3.0 Grade Point average in prior undergraduate work. LAPU does not require students to submit the results of standardized tests. Students need not have completed particular courses as undergraduates.
Program Snapshot
| University Name | Los Angeles Pacific University |
| Location | Los Angeles |
| State | California |
| Niche.com Grade | none |
| Name of Degree | Master of Arts in Psychology |
| School or Department Administering Program | Graduate School |
| Credits | 36 |
| Cost per credit | $630.00 |
| Tuition for Entire Program | $22,680.00 |
| Test Requirements | none |
| Minimum GPA | 3.0 |
| Prerequisite Courses and Skills | none |
| Campus Visit Required? | no |
| Typical Time to Complete | 18 months – 2 years |
| When Can Students Start the Program? | 6 times per year |
| Program Concentrations |
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| Synchronous classes | no |
| Required Courses |
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| Does the Program Include a Capstone? | Yes |
| Does the program include a practicum or internship? | no |
| Other Features that Make the Program Unique | Christian university with limited number of graduate programs; personal success coach; military orientation |
| Program Objectives (quoted directly from the program) |
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| Program Description | The program’s 36 credits can be completed within 18 months – 2 years. A capstone is compulsory. Students can specialize in one of three concentration areas: General, Industrial and Organizational Psychology, and Developmental Psychology. The program takes a Christian approach to teaching concepts of psychological theory and practice, as well as research methods and statistics. A practicum is not required. |
What will I Learn?
The learning objectives of this program are explicitly Christian, as students are expected to learn to integrate God’s Word within the profession of psychology. Graduates will demonstrate effective communication skills, and develop a sense of professional ethics. They learn to examine cultural and diversity issues within the field and apply theories, skills and knowledge to the problems of psychological assessment and analysis.
The following courses are required: Tests and Assessment, Social and Cultural Psychology, Professional and Ethical Issues, Research and Evaluation Methods, and Literature Review Advanced Topic. Certain courses are then required according to the concentration pathway a student has chosen. All students are required to take Graduate Psychology Culminating Experience.
Students can choose to specialize in one of the following concentrations: General, Industrial and Organizational Psychology, and Developmental Psychology. Industrial and organizational psychology deals with the psychological problems and solutions inherent in large workplaces. Psychologists working in this field work to assess problems of motivation and management, and to solve them using a variety of specialized interventions. Developmental Psychologists become experts in the growth and development of cognition, emotion, and other processes from infancy to old age. .
How much will the program cost?
Students finish their degree within 18 months – 2 years and pay $630.00 per credit for a total of 36 credits, or just under $22,680.00 for the entire degree.
How does the program fit into my life?
Students in this program work at their own pace to complete online activities. Learning opportunities are presented via online videos, quizzes, interactive exercises, group conversation in online forums, and other tools.
Students complete the program within 18 months – 2 years. Students can enter the program at one of six start dates offered throughout the year. The curriculum is flexible and can be adapted to meet the needs of students.
Summary
Some students may be especially attracted by this institution’s Christian emphasis. The university offers a limited number of graduate programs, and therefore does not offer the same range of research opportunities as many other programs. However, students may enjoy a greater degree of personal attention, including being provided with a personal success coach who will support them throughout the program. The university also offers special support for military families. In terms of cost-to-degree, the program is a reasonable option.
