M.S.P. – Degree Requirements
To earn the Master of Science in Psychology degree, students must complete 33 credit hours as outlined in the curriculum, with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0. Students in the Organizational Leadership or Pastoral and Spiritual Care concentration must complete seven (7) core courses (21 credits) and four (4) elective courses (12 credits). For the Bioethics Concentration, students must complete eight (8) required core courses (24 credits) and three (3) elective courses (9 credits). Students should consult with their academic advisors as to what core courses would best support their academic and professional goals. PSY 550 Helping People Flourish: A Catholic Christian Approach to Psychology is the required first course in the program.
M.S.P. Core Curriculum
- PHT 508 The Catholic-Christian Vision of Flourishing: Vocations & Virtues (3 credits)
- PSY 515 Cognition, Emotion, and Motivation (3 credits)
- PSY 550 Helping People Flourish: A Catholic-Christian Approach to Psychology (3 credits)
- PSY 560 Human Growth & Development Across the Lifespan (3 credits)
- PSY 575 Social Psychology, Groups, and Diversity (3 credits)
- PSY 581 / COUN 520 Theories and Models of Counseling and Personality (3 credits)
- PSY 586 Research and Evaluation (3 credits)
- PSY 620.1-620.3 Psychological Research and Writing (3 credits)
- PSY 620.4-620.6 Psychological Research and Writing (3 credits)
- PSY 640 Advanced Statistical Analysis for Psychology and the Social Sciences (3 credits)
- PSY 599 Academic Writing for Psychological Research (1 credit, as needed)
Capstone Project Courses in the MSP Curriculum
The Master of Science in Psychology (MSP) program at Divine Mercy University includes a required capstone project that is woven throughout the core curriculum to promote cumulative, mission-aligned scholarship. Students begin the capstone process in their first course (PSY 550) and progressively develop their project through a series of required academic components.
The following courses incorporate the required capstone assignments for all students:
- PSY 550 Helping People Flourish: A Catholic Christian Approach to Psychology
- Capstone Introduction Paper
- PHT 508 The Catholic Christian Vision of Flourishing: Vocations and Virtues
- Integrative Literature Review Paper
- PSY 515 Cognition, Emotion, and Motivation
- Decision-making and Motivation Paper
- PSY 575 Social Psychology, Groups, and Diversity
- Target Population and Cultural Perspective Paper
- PSY 586 Research and Evaluation.
- Psychological Literature Review, and Evaluation Paper
Capstone development is a required and graded element in each of these courses. Students who received a grade below a B- in any of their capstone papers will need to rewrite their paper and will be required to take PSY 599 as a 1-credit course. These assignments culminate in a comprehensive written capstone project that integrates psychological research and theory with the program’s Catholic Christian vision of the human person. The capstone process ensures that students demonstrate not only academic and professional competence but also values-driven insight applicable to diverse psychological contexts.
In addition to the capstone project, the MSP program offers an optional thesis track for students who wish to pursue more intensive research preparation, particularly those considering doctoral-level study. The thesis must demonstrate the student’s ability to conduct original empirical or theoretical research under the guidance of a faculty advisor and thesis committee.
M.S. in Psychology Concentrations
Organizational Leadership Concentration (4 courses, 12 credits)
- PSY 590 Leading People, Programs, and Organizations (3 credits)
- PSY 595 Transformational Leadership (3 credits)
- PSY 615 Applied Leadership Skills and Conflict Management (3 credits)
- PSY 635 Organizational Financial Management and Resource Development (3 credits)
Pastoral and Spiritual Care Concentration (4 courses, 12 credits)
- PHT 510 Spiritual Growth and Discernment
- PHT 543 Catholic Christian Marriage and Human Sexuality
- PSY 556 Helping Skills for Pastoral and Spiritual Care
- PSY 566 Grief and Bereavement Across the Lifespan
Bioethics Concentration (9 credit hours)
- NCBC Certification Program in Bioethics (9 credits)
- Foundations of Catholic Health Care
- Ethical Challenges at the Beginning of Life
- Ethics Committees, Research, Vaccines, and Gender
- Ethical Challenges at the End of Life
Postgraduate Certificate in Catholic Christian Psychology and Bioethics
This postgraduate certificate is meant to provide supplemental training for individuals, such as healthcare providers, mental health professionals, chaplains, and others, who are guiding and caring for those facing challenging ethical situations. Built on a Catholic Christian vision of the flourishing person, the certificate program helps students to evaluate complex ethical issues that arise in healthcare and other settings, while also developing empathetic relating skills. Students complete their studies in bioethics through the National Catholic Bioethics Center’s certificate program, which grants nine graduate credits towards the postgraduate certificate program at Divine Mercy, and take the remaining 10 credits as part of the Master’s in Psychology program.
Core:
- PSY 550 Helping People Flourish: A Catholic Christian Approach to Psychology
- PHT 508 The Catholic Christian Vision of Flourishing: Vocations & Virtues
- PSY 556 Helping Skills for Pastoral and Spiritual Care
- PSY 599 Capstone Writing Course
Electives:
- NCBC Certification Program in Bioethics (9 credits)
- Foundations of Catholic Health Care
- Ethical Challenges at the Beginning of Life
- Ethics Committees, Research, Vaccines, and Gender
- Ethical Challenges at the End of Life
Note: Electives are not offered every term.
Discontinued Concentrations
In accordance with institutional policies and in alignment with the standards of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), the University will discontinue offering the following academic concentrations for new student enrollment, effective Fall 2025.
Students who are currently enrolled in these concentrations will be permitted to complete their program of study in accordance with the approved curriculum and within the standard time frame for degree completion. Appropriate academic support and course availability will be maintained to ensure timely graduation.
Currently enrolled students may request to change their concentration to one of the continuing or newly approved concentrations, subject to academic advising and degree progression review. Students interested in changing concentrations should consult with their academic advisor or program director to evaluate eligibility, discuss curricular implications, and submit any required documentation.
Marriage and Family Studies (9 credit hours)
Select three (3) courses
- PSY 520 Marriage and Family Systems Theory
- PSY 525 Human Sexuality
- PHT 533 Flourishing in Relationships
- PSY 530 Marriage and Family Interventions
Human Service Counseling (non-licensed) (9 credit hours)
- PSY 545 Group Counseling and Group Work
- PSY 555 Relationship and Intervention Skills Theory and Application
- PSY 580 Personality, Individual Differences, and Intelligence
M.S. in Psychology Concentrations
Graduation Requirements
|
|
The M.S. in Psychology online degree program at Divine Mercy University equips students to use psychological knowledge and practical skills to promote flourishing in a vast variety of settings from business and leadership to various ministry settings. Students learn to integrate a Catholic Christian vision of the person with best practices in psychological theory, research, and intervention. This non-licensing program focuses on training for broader interventions and the development of work and ministry cultures that foster well-being. The program offers two specializations: Organizational Leadership and Pastoral and Spiritual Care.