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M.A. Health Psychology Option (MAHP)
The Health Psychology Option will provide students with a solid academic background in health psychology. This specialized track is designed to meet the professional needs of college graduates who plan careers in community health and other health care settings such as rehabilitation centers, primary care centers and hospices. In addition, students enrolled in the Health Psychology Option will learn how to promote wellness in individuals and within organizations, and how to evaluate the effectiveness of prevention and treatment programs. The goal of concentrated study in health psychology is to provide the student with an understanding of the relationships among biological, psychological, and social factors as they interact to influence mental and physical health. This goal is accomplished through an integrated program of coursework and research training. Students can earn up to 3 units of credit per semester for directed research (PSY 598) and thesis research (PSY 599). Our graduate students have been very successful securing funding for their graduate studies through several opportunities at California State University, Dominguez: Graduate Studies and Research travel fellowships, Graduate Equity Fellowship, PEGS RA/TA fellowships, and PEGS travel fellowships.
In the Psychology M.A. (Health Psychology track) the student is required to complete 36 units of credit. In addition, the student must successfully complete a thesis.
MAHP Information Packet Fall 2025 [PDF]
**Download the Information Packet to get more information about the program and specific details about the application process and required materials.
1. Bachelor’s degree from a fully accredited institution of higher education
2. At Least a 3.0 GPA or “B” average in the last 60-90 semester units attempted
3. Official transcripts from all previously attended institutions must be received at Office of Admissions by the Application due date. Please note that official transcripts submitted must reflect grades earned through the Fall 2023 term and not courses “In Progress.” Courses "In Progress" may appear for the Spring 2024 term.
4. Successful completion of the following undergraduate courses or their equivalent, with at least a “B” average:
• PSY 230 Elementary Statistical Analysis in Psychology (3)
• PSY 235 Introduction to Research Methods (3)
• PSY 330 Behavioral Statistics and Research Design (3) or
PSY 331 Measurement in Psychology (3)
• PSY 363 The Abnormal Personality (3)
• PSY 370 Health Psychology (3) or coursework in biological psychology
5. Unofficial Copy of Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) Scores General Test (Not Required but Optional for Fall 2024 Admission)
6. Special consideration concerning the waiving of some of the above requirements is possible (e.g., if the student has had extensive previous experience in the community or clinical area)
Pre-Requisites Course Descriptions
PSY 230 Elementary Statistical Analysis in Psychology (3).
The application of descriptive and inferential statistics to the design and analysis of psychological research.
PSY 235 Introduction to Research Methods (3).
Prerequisite: PSY 230 or MAT 131.
Examination of the design, conduct and interpretation of research studies, both experimental and non-experimental, as demonstrated in a wide range of psychological phenomena. Includes a consideration of philosophy of science and preparation of research reports. Two hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory per week.
PSY 330 Intermediate Statistics and Research Design (3).
Prerequisite: PSY 230 or MAT 131.
The applications of statistical techniques to problems in the behavioral sciences. Discussion of problems in hypothesis formulation, sampling techniques, distribution-free statistics, multivariate data analysis, and presentation of results. Two hours of lecture and two hours of laboratory per week.
PSY 331 Measurement in Psychology (3).
Prerequisite: PSY 230 or MAT 131.
Fundamentals of psychological measurement. Reliability, validity, item analysis, norms, and test construction and selection. Experience in administering, scoring, and interpreting tests of intelligence, aptitude, and personality. Two hours of lecture and two hours of laboratory per week.
PSY 363 Abnormal Psychology (3).
The causes and manifestations of abnormal behavior. Field study and case study.
PSY 370 Health Psychology (3).
Prerequisite: PSY 101.
Survey of the major findings and theories from the field of health psychology. Includes consideration of psychological, social, and cultural effects on health.
Biological Psychology or related courses
Introduction to the study of behavior from a biological point of view. Biological systems and processes underlying behavior, with emphasis on brain mechanisms, presented in the context of fundamental concepts and issues in psychology.
The Cal State Apply Application will be used to admit both Clinical and Health Psychology option students. Students must apply on or before February 1st to be considered for admissions. Due to processing times, we strongly recommend that you complete your Cal State Apply application and submit official transcripts at least four weeks in advance of the department’s February 1st application deadline.
Students will apply to and submit all materials via Cal State Apply:
https://www2.calstate.edu/apply/graduate
Below is a checklist of all the supplemental documents that you will need to upload and submit online.
All materials must be uploaded and submitted to Cal State Apply by February 1st
- Personal Statement
- CV/Resume
- Unofficial Transcripts of all institutions previously attended
- Unofficial Copy or Graduate Record Examination Scores (Not Required but Optional for Fall 2023 Admission)
- One Writing Sample
- Three Letters of Recommendation
- All Official transcripts must be submitted to The Office of Admissions
**Download the MAHP Information packet for specific details
1. To apply psychological theories and principles (including the biopsychosocial approach) in the areas of lifespan development, health, psychopathology, psychological assessment, community psychology, and clinical psychology.
2. To use psychological research methods and statistical analyses to reach logical conclusions.
3. To apply ethical and legal principles to the practice of psychology.
4. To demonstrate appreciation of diversity among people and to structure teaching and psychotherapeutic as well as applied interventions to meet the educational, health needs, and mental health needs of diverse populations.
5. To display interpersonal skills and personal qualities (such as self-awareness, professional integrity, flexibility, compassion, and personal presence) important in the psychotherapeutic relationship.