Program Description
The Master of Science in Behavioral Sciences (M.S.B.S) program is designed to serve that segment of the population employed in or interested in a broad spectrum of professions in the behavioral sciences. Specific target populations are a) persons employed or preparing for employment in public or private organizations involved in human resources activities; b) persons wishing to pursue doctoral studies in the behavioral sciences, research-related careers, or to gain experience in research; and c) persons preparing for counseling licensure in mental health professions. To properly serve the service area and to assist in promoting the economic development of Southwest Oklahoma, the M.S.B.S program has been fashioned to allow flexibility in program design and planning.
Program Objectives
The goal of the M.S. program is to develop the knowledge base and professional competencies of individuals interested in a profession in the behavioral sciences. The program objectives are
- To foster the ability to synthesize and critically analyze information;
- To promote research skills in the behavioral sciences;
- To promote basic knowledge of theories, methods, and findings in the behavioral sciences; and
- To promote competence in the application of basic knowledge within the field of the behavioral sciences.
Program Requirements
The M.S.B.S program consists of 33 semester hours of approved graduate credit which will incorporate an English usage proficiency requirement, a core of nine hours, specialty-based electives, and an assessment procedure.
English Usage Proficiency Requirement.
Students are required to take ENGL 5003 - English Usage and Composition for Graduate Students in the first semester of enrollment or complete a standard English proficiency exam. If the student achieves a grade of at least 70% on the test, the ENGL 5003 course requirement will be waived. In its place, students are to select an elective course. If a student achieves a grade less than 70%, he/she must enroll in ENGL 5003 - English Usage and Composition for Graduate Students. A student must earn a “B” or better to elect the thesis outcome assessment option. The English Proficiency examination may only be taken once.
Core
All students must complete 9 hours of core coursework that includes
- PSY 5003 Ethical Principles in Counseling, Assessment & Research
- PSY 5013 Research Methods in the Behavioral Sciences
- PSY 5053 Introduction to Statistics in the Behavioral Sciences
The core courses must be completed in the first 18 hours of study. After completion of the core, students who have selected the non-thesis track will complete the core comprehensive examination (see Assessment Procedure).
Specialties and Electives
Students who have the ENGL 5003 course requirement waived will complete 24 hours of electives. All other students must complete 21 hours of electives. Students may receive six hours of elective credit by selecting the thesis option. Upon completion of at least twelve hours, students who have selected the non-thesis track may complete the elective comprehensive examination (see Assessment Procedure). Selection of electives will depend upon the declared specialty of the student. Students must declare one of two specialties: Psychology or Alternate.
Psychology Specialty
All elective courses within the Psychology Specialty must be graduate-level psychology courses selected from the list below. Some courses have prerequisites.
- PSY 5063 Advanced Statistics in Behavioral Sciences
- PSY 5073 Crisis Intervention
- PSY 5113 Behavioral Management
- PSY 5203 Human Development
- PSY 5213 Group Dynamics
- PSY 5243 Advanced Psychology of Personality
- PSY 5253 Career Counseling and Lifestyle Development
- PSY 5313 Psychology of Interpersonal Communication
- PSY 5323 Theoretical Foundations of Marital & Family Systems
- PSY 5333 Assessment of Marriage and Family
- PSY 5343 Marriage and Family Counseling
- PSY 5353 Theories of Marriage and Family Therapy
- PSY 5363 Psychopathology
- PSY 5373 Drug and Alcohol Addiction
- PSY 5383 Multicultural Psychology
- PSY 5413 Advanced Human Cognition
- PSY 5423 Drug and Alcohol Counseling Theories
- PSY 5433 Counseling Theories
- PSY 5453 Psychopharmacology
- PSY 5473 Advanced Physiological Psychology
- PSY 5513 Assessment in Personality
- PSY 5523 Assessment in Intelligence
- PSY 5583 Advanced Social Psychology
- PSY 5703 Individual and Group Counseling
- PSY 5743 Clinical Practicum
- PSY 5893 Practicum in Marriage and Family Therapy
- PSY 5991-6 Thesis
Outcome Assessment Procedure
Students must complete an assessment procedure consisting either of a two-part comprehensive examination covering core and elective courses or a thesis in their specialty area. Details regarding the comprehensive examination and thesis can be obtained from the graduate advisor, Claudia Edwards (Nance Boyer 1015, cedwards@cameron.edu, 580-581-7929).
Timeline and Procedures
There are several application forms and procedures which must be done in order to complete the M.S.B.S program. Detailed information regarding each step is available at the Graduate Studies web site by clicking the relevant links. Specific questions regarding the M.S.B.S program can also be directed to graduate@cameron.edu. Students should attempt to follow the steps in the order identified below:
- File Admissions Application with necessary transcripts and fee, if applicable;
- Complete the plan of study;
- Enroll in and complete core and required courses;
- Complete a Transfer of Credits application if needed;
- Apply for and complete a core comprehensive exam if required or select a thesis committee;
- Enroll in remaining courses on the plan of study;
- Apply for and complete an elective comprehensive exam or complete thesis and schedule an oral exam;
- Apply for a graduate degree and pay the graduation fee; and
- Complete an exit interview.
