Room 02 Peoples Building
psych@wcupa.edu
(610) 436-2945

Graduate Program
Guide

WELCOME to the Department of Psychology at West Chester University. The Department offers M.A. programs in three concentrations: Clinical, Industrial/Organizational, and General. It also offers a post-masters certificate program in Clinical Mental Health in Preparation for Counseling Licensure and a "fast-track" relationship with PCOM's Psy.D. program.

The Department has a rich mixture of faculty with both theoretical and applied research interests. Early in your program you should talk with a variety of faculty to learn their research interests, particularly if you plan to conduct a thesis or pursue doctoral work. Many faculty welcome graduate students as research collaborators.

Unfortunately, only a limited number of research assistantships are available, so the Department cannot financially support all students who are interested in conducting research. However, research experience of any kind (e.g., volunteer, thesis work) at West Chester will teach you more about your field of study and it will constitute a valuable component of your application credentials for more advanced study.

West Chester M.A. recipients have pursued doctoral work at many fine universities, including: Yale, Penn State, The New School for Social Research, Virginia Tech, University of Pennsylvania, Temple, University of Delaware, Western Michigan University, Widener University, Kent State University, Bowling Green (Ohio), Immaculata College, Bryn Mawr, C.U.N.Y., Louisiana State University, Washington State University, Ohio University, University of Virginia, Pepperdine University, Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, and Chestnut Hill College. In addition, Department alumni are employed in numerous area agencies, businesses, hospitals, industries, and universities.

The faculty of the Department of Psychology wish you a productive career at West Chester University. Do not hesitate to contact your advisor, the Graduate Coordinator, or the Department Chair if you have any questions about the Department.

This page describes the Graduate Programs offered by the Department of Psychology. It represents current admissions policies and requirements in the Department. You should review these and the University policies which are published in the Graduate Catalog, available from the Office of Graduate Studies. It is the student's responsibility to learn and follow the policies of the Department of Psychology and West Chester University.  

The program in Clinical is designed for students who wish to work in human service settings such as community mental health facilities, hospitals, counseling centers and other social and rehabilitation agencies. The program will enable its graduates to pursue PA licensure as a Professional Counselor. In addition, the program can help prepare students for training at the doctoral level. Students planning on doctoral training are strongly encouraged to engage in research, through work on faculty projects, or through a Master's thesis.

A post-masters certificate program in Clinical Mental Health in Preparation for Counseling Licensure is also offered. Look for details after the Clinical Concentration description below.

The Clinical program requires 36 semester hours of course work: PSY501, PSY502, 517, 524, 527, 540, 544, 549, 559, 595, 615 (2 hrs), and 616 (4-12 hrs). (Click on a course number to see the course name and catalog description.) In addition, 12 hours of electives must be taken from: PSY506, 509, 512, 513, 519, 521, 530, 543, 547, 565, 568, 581, 590, 600, 610, 616, EDC 521 (Human Development), & EDC 556 (Career Development). A student may request that courses not listed be accepted as electives by the Psychology Graduate Committee.

Here is an Advising Guide which lists typical course sequences and elective options for the Clinical concentration.

Students are expected to complete the Clinical core courses: PSY517, 527, 540, 544, 549, 559, 595, and 615 with a minimum GPA of 3.25. Students who fail to meet the 3.25 GPA may repeat up to 9 hours. Failure to reach 3.25 after 9 repeated hours will result in termination from the program.  

Students must file for Degree Candidacy after completing 12-15 hours in the program. At least three core courses should be completed prior to applying for degree candidacy. Students typically file for candidacy after the first academic year of study. Forms are available from the Graduate Coordinator or from the Office of Graduate Studies.

Pennsylvania has adopted a law allowing master’s-level therapists to be licensed as counselors. This state law (Act 39) specifies a 60-semester hour graduate training program, but allows for those who have graduated from a 48-hour program to apply for licensure provided they have taken the remaining 12 hours at an accredited institution of higher education. The psychology department’s certificate program will allow students to obtain the additional post-master’s credit hours needed to fulfill the PA state 60-credit educational requirement to be licensed as a professional counselor. 

The post-master’s certificate program will be an individualized program consisting of a minimum of 12 credits. The program will be tailored to individual students based on their prior master’s level course work and their interests. The admissions process will include the development of an individualized, planned course of study designed to allow students to complete course work in areas necessary to be eligible for Pennsylvania licensure as a professional counselor.

 Course Work

Students, in close consultation with program advisors, will select courses from the current graduate offerings in the department of psychology. Courses will be selected by examining students’ master’s degree program and determining areas of need, based on the National Board of Certified Counselors (NBCC) criteria, and/or based on student interests.

For more information on the certificate program, please contact the Psychology Department's Graduate Coordinator. You may also consult licensure checklist and more general information on licensure.

“Fast-Track” To PCOM’s Psy.D. Program

Cooperative Agreement for Graduate Programs in Clinical Psychology

Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM) and West Chester University (WCU) recognize that a linked, cooperative relationship between the WCU master's level graduate programs in psychology and the PCOM doctoral level program in clinical psychology (Psy.D.) can yield substantial benefits for students. Benefits may include a greater continuity of graduate education from master's through doctorate, educational efficiency, facilitation of long-term personal/educational planning, enhanced advisement and guidance services, faculty interaction, and streamlined administrative processes.

Therefore, PCOM and WCU agree to cooperate to create a seamless transition from the master's programs at WCU to the clinical psychology doctoral program at PCOM, through three principal mechanisms: (1) Communication and interaction between the faculties of both institutions, (2) Providing early advisement and information to students considering progression to doctoral study, and (3) An expedited admission process to the PCOM Psy.D. program for WCU students who meet stated requirements relevant to master's-level academic performance. As part of the expedited admissions process, PCOM will waive the requirement for an entrance examination and the $50 application fee.

While seen as a collaborative effort of WCU and PCOM for the advisement and facilitation of admission to the Psy.D. level, the final decision regarding doctoral admission will be the responsibility of PCOM.

Application Process: WCU psychology master's program students wishing to enter the Doctor of Psychology Program at PCOM will make application to PCOM according to the regular graduate admissions deadlines in the year preceding the date of intended matriculation in the Psy.D. program.  PCOM will offer admission to WCU students who have attained a minimum 3.30 GPA in master's level study and who have:

1. Submitted to the PCOM Office of Admissions and Enrollment Management a completed application with original transcripts of all prior academic work.

2. Submitted a highly laudatory WCU composite recommendation letter assembled by the designated liaison WCU faculty member in fulfillment of the recommendation requirements for doctoral admission.

3. Demonstrated behavior, skills, and attitudes appropriate to doctoral study through an interview, personal interaction, or additional credentials, as deemed appropriate by PCOM.

4. Submitted an acceptable sample of prior writing from the WCU master's program.

5. School Psychology doctorate only: scores from the PRAXIS exam and proof of state school psychologist certification.

The Industrial/Organizational (I/O) program is designed for students who plan careers in Human Resource areas of business, industry, government, or other organizations. The program also prepares students for doctoral training in I/O and related fields.

The I/O program requires 27 semester hours of course work: PSY501, 502, 524, 560, 562, 563, 566, 600, & 630. In addition, 12-15 semester hours of elective courses must be completed. Common electives include: PSY506, 509, 512, 540, 569, 590 (I/O related), and 610. Students may take 6 elective graduate hours outside of Psychology (e.g., Communications or Business Administration departments). Electives must be approved by the advisor.

Here is an Advising Guide which lists typical course sequences and elective options for the I/O concentration.  

Students are expected to complete the I/O core courses (PSY501, 502, 560, 562, & 563) with a minimum GPA of at least 3.25. Failure to do so will result in the student being required to pass the "candidacy exam" as mentioned in the "Degree Candidacy" section.

Students must file for Degree Candidacy after 15 hours in the program, and upon completion of the I/O core. This typically occurs at the end of the first academic year. Forms are available from the Graduate Coordinator or from the Office of Graduate Studies. Students who do not achieve a 3.25 GPA in the I/O core must take and pass a written candidacy exam immediately upon completion of the core courses. Continuation in the program will be dependent upon passing the exam.

With careful selection of electives, internship placement and research focus, students can develop personal concentrations in areas such as performance analysis and organizational behavior management, training, personnel evaluation and placement, and group and organizational processes.  

The General Psychology program is designed for students interested in research and/or teaching, and can help students prepare for training at the doctoral level. The General program is limited to a small number of students with specifically defined educational plans. Upon application to the General program, students must identify a faculty mentor in the Department who must agree to advise the student throughout the student's program.

The General program requires 21 semester hours of course work: PSY501, 502, 506, 509 or 512, 524, 600, and 610. In addition, 15 semester hours of electives must be taken. Electives must be chosen in consultation with the advisor and may include courses outside of Psychology.

Students must file for Degree Candidacy after completing 15 hours of the required course work. This typically occurs after the first academic year of study. Students must have at least a 3.2 GPA in the required courses. Students falling below the 3.2 GPA may repeat up to 9 hours. Failure to achieve 3.2 after repeating 9 hours will result in termination from the program. Forms are available from the Graduate Coordinator or from the Office of Graduate Studies.  

The Graduate Committee consists of six voting members: the Graduate Coordinator, four faculty members, and one graduate student representative. The committee recommends policies regarding the graduate programs to the Department of Psychology, oversees Departmental policies, and serves to mediate individual issues regarding graduate policy.  

Applications for admission are available from the Office of Graduate Studies, McKelvie Hall, West Chester University, West Chester, PA 19383. Phone: 610-436-2943.  

The minimum requirements for consideration for admission in Psychology are:

• An undergraduate overall GPA of 3.0, and a GPA of 3.25 in Psychology.
• GRE General test scores of 500 on both Verbal and Quantitative areas. The Miller Analogies Test (MAT) scores will be accepted only in unusual circumstances.
• Applicants who were not Psychology majors may be required to complete undergraduate Psychology courses as a condition of admission to a program or as a condition for approval to Degree Candidacy.
• Three letters of recommendation are required.
• A personal goals statement is required.
• Other requirements as published in the Graduate Catalogue of West Chester University.

Note: Admission to the Post-Master's certificate program requires only the application form and an official copy of the graduate transcript.

Admission Information

Admissions to the degree programs are made for Fall only, with March 1 as the deadline for initial review. Applications received after March 1 will be reviewed only on a space-available basis.  Admissions to the Post-Master’s certificate program continue throughout the year.

Students may not change programs of study in Psychology without approval of the Graduate Committee.

Students admitted on a Provisional basis must petition to be admitted to Full status when they have successfully met the provisions specified at the time of their admission, or prior to applying for degree candidacy.

Professional Growth admission is occasionally granted to individuals wishing to take one or more courses for personal or professional development.  A one-page application is required as well as submission of undergraduate transcripts.  Admission into any particular course is dependent upon the permission of the Graduate Coordinator and course instructor. Approval to take courses on a Professional Growth basis does not obligate the department to admit the student to a degree program. 

Course work may also be taken on a non-degree basis.  Courses taken may count for degree credit if the student is subsequently admitted to a degree program. Students admitted on a non-degree basis are only permitted to take up to 9 semester hours, upon completion of which they must be admitted to a degree program to continue taking graduate courses. Admission into any particular course is dependent upon the permission of the Graduate Coordinator and course instructor. Approval to take courses on a non-degree basis does not obligate the Department to admit the student to a degree program.

For information on applying for either Professional Growth or non-degree study, contact the Graduate Coordinator.  

• Students must achieve satisfactory academic progress by maintaining the minimum GPA's for the program and core courses and Degree Candidacy sections of this Handbook and the related sections of the Graduate Catalog of West Chester University.
• Degree students must repeat courses applied to their degree for which they received a grade of less than C+. Students may repeat courses to improve their grades, but only three courses may be repeated, and no course may be repeated more than once. A form for reporting repeated courses is available from the Office of Graduate Studies or the Registrar, and must be filed with the registrar at the time of registration for the repeated course. A graduate student earning a 'D' or an 'F' in any course will be dismissed from the university, as will a  graduate student who receives a third grade of C-, C, or C+, regardless of course repetitions.
• Admission and degree candidacy in the Graduate program may be rescinded for reasons other than inadequate academic progress at three points in the program following admission: (a) Degree Candidacy, (b) Practicum selection, and (c) Practicum evaluation. If, in the judgment of the Graduate Committee, the best interests of the student and/or profession require that the student select a different program or withdraw from the Graduate program entirely, the student shall be so informed by the Graduate Coordinator at the time associated with the aforementioned three points. Every effort will be made to make such a decision at the earlier point in the student's tenure. A written summary of the Graduate committee's reasons for requiring a change in student status will be provided to the student at the interview.

Graduation

Students must apply for graduation during the semester they intend to graduate. The following are deadline dates for applying to graduate: May graduation -- February 1st; August graduation -- June 1st; December graduation -- October 1st. Graduation applications can be obtained from the Office of Graduate Studies. In the event the student does not graduate the semester they applied, the student must re-apply for graduation.  

Outcomes Assessment

The Psychology Department is currently engaged in a project to assess students' general level of achievement as psychology graduate students. As part of this project, all degree students will be required to complete both an Exit Survey and a learning outcomes assessment measure near the end of their program. Results from this assessment procedure are crucial in helping the Psychology Department identify strengths and weaknesses in the ways in which our students are taught. Results will also help the Department identify ways to improve the curriculum. While the assessment measure will be administered at the end of each semester, dates and times for the administration sessions will be announced at the beginning of each semester in order to allow for appropriate planning. Although performance on the assessment measures will not count toward any course grades, students must participate in good faith in order to be cleared for graduation.

Some graduate assistantships are usually available in the Department.  Stipends and tuition waivers are offered for full-time (20 hrs/wk obligation) appointments and stipends and partial tuition waivers are offered for  half-time (10hrs/wk obligation) appointments.  Graduate Assistants must schedule for the appropriate number of graduate credits (9-15 full-time; 6 credits half-time) throughout the semester, and are not permitted to withdraw from graduate course work after the semester begins, without the approval of the Dean of Graduate Studies and Sponsored Research. Graduate Assistants must maintain a 3.0 cumulative grade point average per semester.

Psychology graduate students also obtain employment and assistantships in other areas of the University. The Office of Research and Development, Office of Institutional Research, Academic Development Program, Frederick Douglass Institute, and Residence Life have all supported Psychology graduate students in the recent past.

West Chester participates in the National Defense Education Act of 1958 under which long-term loans may be obtained at a low interest rate.  The University also participates in the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Act (PHEAA) of 1963 which provides for student loans for Pennsylvania residents through participating banks.  Students who wish to apply for either of these loans may obtain application forms and additional information of financial assistance from the Director of Financial Aid in the E.O. Bull Center.

In order to be eligible for some types of financial assistance, student may have to satisfy a Pennsylvania residency requirement or take a minimum number of credit hours during a semester.

Students who wish to apply for a PHEAA loan must reside in Pennsylvania for 30 days immediately prior to the date of filing a loan guarantee application.

Students who have problems or questions concerning the residence requirements should contact the University Office of Graduate Studies.  

Students will be assigned an academic advisor in their program of study when they are admitted.  The advisor’s name will appear on the letter of admission.  Students should consult their advisor about course selection, program progress, internship possibilities and other issues related to their area of study.  Students are permitted to change advisors at any point in their program, with the permission of the Graduate Coordinator.

About midway through the semester, registration for the next semester will occur. Students must consult their advisor before registration.  Students can register through the computerized MY WCU system. NOTE:  Registration for courses outside of the psychology department must be approved by the Graduate Coordinator prior to registration.

Continuous Enrollment Policy:  Students must maintain continuous registration each semester (except summer sessions), or must apply for a formal leave of absence.  Students who do not wish to register for formal course work, but who desire to maintain continuous enrollment for the purpose of research and thesis work, must register for GSR799.   This course carries a fee equivalent to the cost of one graduate credit.  If a student is not actively registered, he/she must apply for a leave of absence and pay a $30 records maintenance fee. 

Research Funds

Funds for travel to professional conferences are available through the Graduate Student Association (GSA). For information, call (610) 436-6987. Funds for research expenses are available through the Graduate Studies Office. For information, call (610) 436-2943.  

PSI CHI. The Department sponsors a chapter of Psi Chi, the national honor society in Psychology. Membership is by invitation, and is determined by demonstrated excellence in scholarship and citizenship.

PI GAMMA MU. Graduate students may apply for this national honor society in the Social Sciences. Membership depends upon high academic standing and the completion of specific courses in social sciences. Information is available at WCU from Profs. Peter Loedel and Lorraine Bernotsky.

AMERICAN PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION. Students should consider joining the APA after enrollment so that they are eligible to buy liability insurance for coverage during their practicum experience. To obtain liability insurance, call 1-800-852- 9987. This will connect you to Kirke-Van Orsdel Incorporated (the provider to the American Psychological Association).

To become a student affiliate of APA, simply fill out their application form and return it for approval. Forms are generally available in the Department on bulletin boards and from faculty who are APA members. The APA membership division may also be reached through electronic mail at membership@apa.org or by calling 1-800-374-2721. The Graduate Division of the APA can be reached at APAGS@apa.org or by calling 1-202-336-6093. APA dues also purchase a subscription to the APA Monitor and the American Psychologist.

AMERICAN PSYCHOLOGICAL SOCIETY. Some students may wish to join this group, which consists primarily of academic and research psychologists. Membership forms are available at the American Psychological Society web site, or by mail from APS. Forms are also generally available in the Department on bulletin boards and from faculty who are APS members. Student membership includes a subscription to the journal Psychological Science and receipt of the APS Observer newsletter.  

An end-of-program comprehensive exam is required for students in the Clinical program who do not conduct a Master’s Thesis.  Only students who have attained Full admission status and who have been admitted to Degree Candidacy may sit for the exam. 

The comprehensive exam is offered once in the Fall (typically in late October or early November) and once in the Spring (typically, late in March or early in April).  Students must register with the Graduate Coordinator approximately 4 weeks before the exam is given.  The examination date, time and location will be posted outside the Graduate Coordinator’s office, in the department office area, and announced in graduate classes.

Clinical comprehensives will be written by a committee of faculty.  Case studies will be presented to be analyzed for diagnostic and treatment plans.  In addition, topics relevant to ethics and cultural diversity may also be included.  A handout of topics, suggested readings, and sample questions is prepared by the comprehensive committee and will be available from the Graduate Coordinator.

Grading of comprehensives will be done by a committee, and the final grade is a committee decision. Students who fail the comprehensive exam may be permitted to take the exam a second time at the discretion of the Graduate Committee.  The comprehensive exam may be revised periodically, so students should check with their academic advisor about possible changes. 

1. Near the completion of the content courses, the student should contact his/her advisor for a copy of the Practicum/Internship guidelines.

2. After receiving approval to take the practicum/internship, the student should contact facilities which might host the practicum. Only those facilities in which a licensed mental health professional is available for on-site supervision will be approved. A file of previous practicum/internship sites is available from the Graduate Coordinator.  The student may conduct the practicum/internship at a site not previously used, with permission of the advisor.

3. The student, along with the on-site practicum/internship supervisor, is required to develop a written contract. The contract specifies practicum/internship expectations and includes details on the nature of the experience and supervision, duration of the practicum/internship (starting and ending dates), proof of liability insurance, and any other expectations that the supervisor deems relevant. The contract must be signed by the student, the on-site supervisor, and the approved practicum instructor prior to the start of the practicum/internship experience. A copy of the contract must be retained by each party.

4. The contract must be given to the practicum/internship faculty advisor who will confirm the agreement if it is acceptable and will send a confirming statement and student evaluation form to the agency.   

5. As stated previously, student must obtain liability insurance coverage for the duration of the practicum/internship experience. Student membership in APA is required to buy such coverage from Kirke-Van Orsdel Incorporated (the provider to the APA). Coverage can be obtained by calling 1-800-852-9987.

6. The student’s grade for the practicum/internship will depend on the evaluation made by the agency and a written case study or a paper graded by the supervising faculty member. Specific requirements for the written case study or paper can be obtained from the practicum/internship instructor.

7. The student is also required to attend practicum/internship meetings with their practicum instructor. Each student enrolled in practicum/internship is also required to present at one of the meetings on a particular case/clinical issue they have been exposed to during their practicum/internship experience.

8. Degree requirements include two practicum (PSY615) credits and 4 internship (PSY616) credits. One practicum credit hour (PSY615) may be awarded for every 50 clock hours of practicum experience. One internship (PSY616) hour may be awarded for every 60 clock hours of internship experience.

I/O students meet with the I/O internship faculty instructor, who maintains a list of previous I/O internship sites. The student contacts a site representative and agrees upon a tentative set of experiences or projects, which are brought, in writing, to the faculty instructor. Upon approval by the instructor, the student begins the internship.  The internship requires  300 clock hours of work, distributed over 15 weeks for at least 20 hours per week. Students may develop and propose new internship sites, which may be approved by the faculty instructor.

The student must be a degree candidate to register for the Research Report (PSY600). The research report course can be used for writing an integrated review paper on a special topic or for developing a thesis proposal. For PSY600, the student must develop a topic of interest in consultation with a faculty member who is willing to supervise the project. The student should not register for PSY600 until they have identified a faculty member who is willing to supervise the paper. Research reports are generally to be modeled after literature reviews published in professional journals in Psychology. The most recent APA Style manual must be used in preparing the paper. A more detailed Guide to I/O Graduate Research Report Writing is available for students in the Industrial/Organizational Psychology concentration.

• The student must be a degree candidate to register for the thesis (PSY610).

• The student must a) select a research topic, b) select a thesis committee, and c) write a comprehensive thesis proposal to be approved by the committee.

• The student should select a primary thesis advisor as chair of the thesis committee whose expertise is close to the chosen thesis topic.

• The thesis should be completed during no more than two semesters, and can be taken for no more than 6 credits. Students usually develop thesis topics from the Research Report (PSY600). The student should sign up for PSY610 only after committee approval of the thesis proposal.

• The thesis proposal should at least include the following three sections: a) a statement of the problem (including objectives and/or hypotheses), b) a comprehensive review of the literature, and c) a methodology section. The proposal must be approved by the thesis committee and the Department Research Review committee or University Human Subjects Subcommittee before the student can begin data collection. A proposal written in APA format will save much time during the final write up.

• After data collection, analysis and write up, the student will defend the thesis in an oral examination, open to all who wish to attend. A date for the oral exam will be identified by the student and thesis committee. The exam date will be published two weeks prior to the exam, with notices going to the Graduate Dean, the Dean of Arts and Sciences, the Provost, and Psychology faculty. Unanimous approval of the thesis by the thesis committee is necessary for a successful defense.

• The completed thesis, including the signed approval sheet, must be delivered to the library prior to graduation and before a grade is given for the course.

• Additional information regarding thesis requirements is given in the Appendix of the printed Handbook for the Graduate Programs in Psychology. This Guide is available from the Graduate Coordinator and is a must for any thesis student.

• Additional information regarding University requirements for the thesis is given in the "Guide to the Preparation of the Master's Thesis." This guide is available from the Graduate Coordinator of the Office of Graduate Studies and is a "must" for all thesis students.

• The thesis committee consists of at least three members, two of whom must be from the Department of Psychology.

• The third member of the committee may be chosen from the faculty of the University or from outside the University, and should have some expertise/knowledge about the thesis topic. The third member must be approved by the two Psychology members.

• Thesis committees must be approved by the Dean of Graduate Studies prior to beginning the thesis. Approval of thesis committee forms can be obtained from the thesis advisor, the Graduate Coordinator, or the Office of Graduate Studies.

• The thesis advisor serves as the committee chairperson, and is expected to have major responsibility for guiding the student, including helping select committee members. The chairperson must be a member of the Department of Psychology.

• The grade for the thesis should be determined by the committee, and recorded by the advisor.

• Any exceptions to the above points must be approved by the Graduate Committee.