McNeese State University Online Master of Arts in Psychology 

Why McNeese State University? 

This online Master of Arts in Psychology offered by this mid-sized public university in Lake Charles, Louisiana Applicants should demonstrate completion of undergraduate coursework that includes 3 credit hours of statistics plus a minimum of 18 credit hours in psychology, including 3 hours in each of the following:  experimental psychology, abnormal psychology, and social psychology. Students are expected to have earned a minimum GPA of 2.5 in their undergraduate coursework. The program is administered by the university’s College of Nursing and Health Professions.

Program Snapshot

University Name	McNeese State University
Location	Lake Charles
State	Louisiana
Niche.com Grade	B
Name of Degree	Master of Arts in Psychology
School or Department Administering Program	College of Nursing and Health Professions
Credits	58
Cost per credit	$931.00
Tuition for Entire Program	$53,998.00
Test Requirements	GRE
Minimum GPA	2.5
Prerequisite Courses and Skills	Three hours of statistics plus a minimum of 18 hours in psychology, including 3 hours in each of the following:  experimental psychology, abnormal psychology, and social psychology.
Campus Visit Required?	no
Typical Time to Complete	7 semesters
When Can Students Start the Program?	Fall
Program Concentrations	none
Synchronous classes	both
Required Courses	Principles of Learning and Behavior Practicum in Applied Behavior Analysis I, II, III, IV and V Single Subject Methodology Introduction to Applied Behavior Introduction to Applied Behavior Analysis Conceptual Foundations of Behavior Analysis Applied Research Methods in Applied Behavior Analysis Applied Behavior Analysis Interventions Ethics for Behavior Analysts Human Growth and Development Applied Behavior Analysis Internship Verbal Behavior Experimental Analysis of Behavior Behavioral Assessment Professional Standards for Behavior Analysts Advanced Topics in Behavior Analysis Thesis
Does the Program Include a Capstone?	Yes
Does the program include a practicum or internship?	Yes
Other Features that Make the Program Unique	significant required internship
Program Objectives (quoted directly from the program)	Ability to conduct research in psychology including research methods and statistics Knowledge of behavior analysis Knowledge of applied behavior analysis interventions including addressing problem behaviors and building new behaviors Ability to behave ethically as a psychology professional Knowledge of psychological science
Program Description	The program’s 58 credits can be completed within 7 semesters, and include a significant required internship and a required thesis. Students gain the ability to conduct Applied Behavior Analysis interventions. They also learn skills to conduct research in the field, along with a conceptual grounding in several fundamental theories and practices of ABA.

What will I Learn?

This program focuses on the Applied Behavior Analysis approach. The therapy known as Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is frequently used with kids who have autism and other developmental disorders. It aims to help them develop skills in a variety of functional areas, including social and communication skills, academic and learning abilities, motor dexterity, hygiene and grooming, and more.

Graduates will have the ability to conduct research in psychology, including research methods and statistics. The curriculum equips graduates with knowledge of applied behavior analysis interventions including addressing problem behaviors and buildings new behaviors.  Graduates will have the ability to behave ethically as a psychology professional, along with the core concepts of psychological science. 

Students begin the program by studying foundational topics in courses such as  Principles of Learning and Behavior, Introduction to Applied Behavior, Introduction to Applied Behavior Analysis and Conceptual Foundations of Behavior Analysis. Students complete five semesters of Practicum in Applied Behavior Analysis. Students gain fundamental skills while taking Single Subject Methodology, Applied Research Methods in Applied Behavior Analysis and Ethics for Behavior Analysts. Students deepen their understanding through coursework in Applied Behavior Analysis Interventions, Human Growth and Development, Verbal Behavior, Experimental Analysis of Behavior, and Behavioral Assessment. Other required courses include Applied Behavior Analysis Internship, Professional Standards for Behavior Analysts and Advanced Topics in Behavior Analysis. As a capstone to the curriculum, students are required to complete a research thesis. 

How much will the program cost?

Students finish their degree within 7 semesters and pay $931.00 per credit for a total of 58 credits, or just under $53,998.00 for the entire degree.

How does the program fit into my life?

Some courses are taught synchronously, and some asynchronously. Synchronous instruction refers to the delivery of courses online where students log in at the same time as their instructor and classmates. The asynchronous approach is used for some courses. Prerecorded lectures, discussions in groups, practice problems, and other activities might be found a course taught according to the asynchronous model. No on-campus trip is necessary.

Students complete the program within 7 semesters. Students can start the program in the Fall semester every year.  Students take all the same courses in the same order along with their cohort. 

Summary

This program is organized according to a lockstep model, in which all students follow the same course pathway.  While cutting down on administrative and logistic headaches, this approach is also thought to help students build interpersonal connections. However applicants desiring greater flexibility will want to look elsewhere. The cost to degree of this program is also higher than some competitors. However, applicants may be attracted to the opportunities provided by this degree, particularly the required internship. Be aware of the internship’s requirements in order to make the best decisions about work-life balance.