Mar 28, 2024  
2016-2017 Graduate Catalog 
    
2016-2017 Graduate Catalog [Archived Catalog]

Counseling and Psychology in Education-Human Development and Educational Psychology (M.A., Ed.S., Ph.D.)


Degree Requirements for Master of Arts in Counseling and Psychology in Education - Human Development and Educational Psychology Specialization


The Master’s degree offers two options: Plan A, which requires a thesis, and Plan B, a non-thesis alternative that requires a significant research project. Students must maintain a 3.0 grade point average throughout the program. For terminal master’s degree students, a final written comprehensive examination is required before thesis or project hours may be taken. Students in Plan A must successfully defend a master’s thesis. Students admitted to the Ph.D. program must pass a qualifying exam upon completion of the master’s degree in order to continue studies through the Ph.D.

Plan A (thesis): Total 33 credit hours


Plan B (non-thesis): Total 33 credit hours


  • Human Development and Educational Psychology core 15 credit hours
  • Human Development and Educational Psychology electives 9 credit hours
  • Graduate Project 3 credit hours ( )
  • Supporting courses outside of area 6 credit hours

Preliminary Examination


Upon successful completion of the first 9 credit hours of coursework, students will complete a preliminary examination and interview with program faculty to discuss progress and objectives.

Degree Requirements for Specialist in Counseling and Psychology in Education - Human Development and Educational Psychology Specialization


The specialist degree requires a minimum of 36 hours beyond the master’s degree in a related field. The requirements can be tailored to the student’s needs and career goals with the approval of their graduate committee.

Specialist in Education, Human Development and Educational Psychology: A minimum of 36 credit hours beyond a conferred master’s degree.


Note


- Master’s degree must include USD’s 15 credit-hour core or its equivalent.

Note


- As a culminating activity, students complete a six credit-hour research project EDER 888S  or EPSY 898S  6 cr hrs. This project will be designed to meet individual interests and needs and is guided by the student’s advisor.

- Upon successful completion of nine credit hours of coursework, students will complete a preliminary examination and interview with program faculty to discuss progress and objectives.

- A final defense of the research project is required before graduation.
 

Degree Requirements for Doctorate in Counseling and Psychology in Education - Human Development and Educational Psychology Specialization


Doctor of Philosophy, Human Development and Educational Psychology: Total 93 credit hours or a minimum of 60 credits hour beyond a conferred master’s degree.


  • Master’s degree
  • Education Psychology Doctoral core 30 credit hours
  • Supporting courses 15 credit hours
  • Dissertation 15 credit hours minimum

Note


- Upon successful completion of the first nine credit hours of coursework, students will complete a preliminary examination and interview with program faculty to discuss progress and objectives.
- The Ph.D. degree requires a minimum of 60 credit hours beyond the master’s Degree.
- Students may earn a master’s degree during completion of the Ph.D. requirements.
- Students who earn an M.A. during completion of the Ph.D. must take and pass qualifying exams after all coursework for an M.A. degree has been taken.
- Upon successful completion of required coursework, and prior to taking dissertation hours, students must pass comprehensive exams.
- Two consecutive years are required in-residence, which means that during this time students must maintain full-time student status, predominantly on campus.
- Candidates are required to complete a specified core of courses covering human development, learning theory, computer methodology and application, measurement, statistics and research design.
- Candidates are required to obtain professional experience in teaching, research, and service activities as outlined in the specialization’s graduate handbook.

Required Coursework:


USD HDEP M.A. or equivalent.

Select one of the following 3 credit hour electives that may be used towards an emphasis:

Educational Psychology Emphasis must complete one of the following courses:

Human Development Emphasis must complete the following course:

Research and Statistics Emphasis must complete 3 hours from among the following courses:

Electives: 15 credit hours (Electives must include at least 9 credit hours from a selected area of emphasis)


Dissertation: 15 credit hours minimum


Recommended Elective for All Areas of Emphasis:


Students may choose from a variety of supporting courses within and outside of the department. All students are encouraged to take:

 

Note


- With the aid of their advisor and approval of their graduate committee, students can tailor their program to fit their areas of expertise and career goals. This is done through elective course work, independent studies and practicum experiences.

Students may take up to 9 dissertation hours prior to proposal