• PSYC 500 Advanced Research Design and Statistics I
• PSYC 502 Program Evaluation
• PSYC 503 Survey Research
• PSYC 600 Capstone

For full course descriptions, visit the catalog.

Cluster 1: Learning and Motivation

• PSYC 516 Motivation
• PSYC 518 Introduction to Behavior Analysis

Cluster 2: Developmental and Social

• PSYC 517 Applied Psychology of Women and Gender
• PSYC 533 Applied Social Psychology
• PSYC 545 Applied Child & Adolescent Psychology
• PSYC 590 Introduction to Group Dynamics

Cluster 3: Community and Psychopathology

• PSYC 530 Applied Child and Adolescent Psychopathology
• PSYC 539 Community Psychology
• PSYC 547 Forensic Psychology

Cluster 4: Cognitive

• PSYC 531 Applied Cognitive Psychology
• PSYC 565 Human Factors

For full course descriptions, visit the catalog.

• PSYC 543 Behavioral Treatment and Systems Support
• PSYC 595-596 Selected Topics in Psychology
• PSYC 597-598 Independent Study in Psychology

For full course descriptions, visit the catalog.

The MAP program at Shippensburg University is designed to provide specialized knowledge and skill sets in applied psychology that are essential for competitiveness in today’s workforce.  Many recent graduates are interested in pursuing a graduate education immediately or soon after graduation from their undergraduate institution. Although psychology majors with an undergraduate degree have many employment opportunities to select from, an advanced degree is often necessary for higher-paying positions with more advancement/promotional, and leadership opportunities. The MAP program can provide a solid foundation to begin a career.

Alumni have secured leadership positions in many different fields.  Some of the job titles of our recent graduates include:  program evaluator, survey researcher, data scientist, marketing researcher, director of research, institutional researcher, teacher, event manager, health program manager, senior research analyst, data analyst, publications manager, advisory analyst, business analyst, quality assurance specialist, behavioral and health services director, behavior specialist, research consultant, and data quality control analyst. 

In addition, some recent graduates have continued to pursue doctoral degrees; some of those institutions include:  West Virginia University, University of Massachusetts-Lowell, Southern Illinois University, SUNY-Stony Brook, SUNY-Albany, SUNY-Binghamton, Wright State, Miami University, Texas Tech University, and Ohio University. For students interested in pursuing this route, research experience is one of several vital components in gaining acceptance into doctoral programs, which can be gained in the MAP program.

The MAP program at Shippensburg University is aimed at providing specialized knowledge and skill sets in applied psychology that can be used for advancement among those already working or planning to work in social and direct service positions. Many psychology majors who graduate with a bachelor’s degree pursue a career in providing services to underserved and high-need populations. Job titles in this area are often therapeutic support specialists, therapeutic staff support, therapeutic support staff, youth support specialist, case manager, and similar. 

Although these are great positions, advancement opportunities are often limited to those holding only a bachelor’s degree, and graduate degrees are often necessary for advancement in these fields. In addition to a master’s degree, the MAP program offers a Behavior Specialist Certificate (BSC).  The BSC is primarily aimed at those already employed or who plan to work in Pennsylvania in the social and direct service field. The BSC fulfills some of the requirements for a Behavioral Specialist License (BSL) in Pennsylvania.  This can be taken as part of the MAP degree requirements (with no additional courses necessary; can still complete the MAP in 30 credits) or as a post-graduate certificate for those who already have a graduate degree.  

High school teachers serve a vital role in preparing our youth for work, college, and life. The MAP program at Shippensburg University is particularly geared to provide graduate training to high school teachers of psychology, social sciences, social studies, or similar. Certainly, a graduate degree is associated with possible promotional opportunities and can serve as an advancement in one’s career as a teacher; but this degree can also serve to provide you with the most current knowledge in applied topics that you can readily use in your classroom. Additionally, if you ever consider leaving the profession of teaching, the MAP degree would provide training that could be used as a springboard into a different career. In addition, this program can also be used as preparation for doctoral study if that becomes a goal. 

We certainly understand the busy lives of high school educators and have structured a program that meets your needs. The MAP program can be pursued on a full-time or part-time basis.  Balancing your teaching, family, recreation, and personal life is challenging, and we have made a program that can fit with your lifestyle. All of the courses are 100% online and delivered asynchronously so that you can best fit the MAP program in your life.  And you can complete the program at a pace that works best for you. 

Federal, State, and County-level employees provide a large variety of services that benefit their citizens and constituents. Although many government positions are stable and provide a solid income, those with an undergraduate degree have limited opportunities for advancement/promotional, and leadership opportunities that provide higher-paying salaries.  The MAP program may provide a springboard for advancement in your career in government. 

This degree can also serve to provide you with the most current knowledge in applied topics that relate to your current position.  For example, gaining a better understanding of such broad topics as group dynamics, motivation, community psychology, and cognitive psychology applied to the workplace can all be of use. In addition, you will gain a solid foundation of skill sets in research design and statistics, program evaluation, and survey research, which can be applied in many different areas and settings in government. These foundational skills can be applied across a wide spectrum of government services and branches. And, if you ever consider leaving government employment, the MAP degree would provide training that could be used as a springboard into a different career. In addition, this program can also be used as preparation for doctoral study if that becomes a goal. 

We certainly understand the busy lives of government employees and have structured a program that meets your needs. The MAP program can be pursued on a full-time or part-time basis.  Balancing your teaching, family, recreation, and personal life is challenging, and we have made a program that can fit with your lifestyle. All of the courses are 100% online and delivered asynchronously so that you can best fit the MAP program in your life.  And you can complete the program at a pace that works best for you. 

Non-profit employees work in a variety of settings and provide a large array of different services. Although many non-profit positions provide a satisfying career, those with an undergraduate degree have limited opportunities for advancement/promotion, and leadership opportunities with higher paying salaries. The MAP program may provide a solid foundation for advancement in your career in non-profits. 

This degree can also serve to provide you with the most current knowledge in applied topics that you can readily use in your work. For example, gaining a better understanding of such broad topics as group dynamics, motivation, community psychology, and cognitive psychology applied to the workplace can all be of use.  In addition, you will gain a solid foundation of skill sets in research design and statistics, program evaluation, and survey research, which can be applied in many different areas and settings.  These foundational skills can be applied across a very wide spectrum of non-profit operations and are certainly central to fundraising and grant writing.  And, if you ever consider leaving the non-profit sector, the MAP degree would provide training that could be used as a springboard into a different career.  In addition, this program can also be used as preparation for doctoral study if that becomes a goal. 

We certainly understand the busy lives that employees in non-profits are used to and have structured a program that meets your needs. The MAP program can be pursued on a full-time or part-time basis.  Balancing your teaching, family, recreation, and personal life is challenging, and we have made a program that can fit with your lifestyle. All of the courses are 100% online and delivered asynchronously so that you can best fit the MAP program in your life.  And you can complete the program at a pace that works best for you.