Health Psychology M.S.

Specialization
Model Course Plan
Computer Literacy
Major Professor and Advisory Committee
Thesis or Project Requirement
Time Limit
The Faculty
Future Studies in Health Psychology
For Further Information
Applying to Psychology Graduate Program

The specialization in health psychology offers state-of-the-art training in health promotion, stress and its management, the patient in the treatment setting, management of pain, management of chronic illness, and causes and consequences of health disorders such ascoronary heart disease, hypertension, stroke, diabetes, AIDS, cancer, and arthritis. The dual focus on basic research and direct applications appropriate for students planning careers in health care, human services, business/industry, consulting/contract research organizations and those seeking the doctorate in psychology. Graduates can develop and implement interventions that enhance fitness, work environments, lifestyles, medical treatment, and prevent disease.

Specialization

The health psychology specialty requires 36 credits. Students who have completed, prior to entry into the program, any of the required courses, may substitute other psychology courses numbered 700 and above, preferably selected from the area of health psychology.

Twelve credits are required in core health psychology course work including Psych 955 (Health Psychology), and any three of the the following courses:

Psych 854--Behavioral Neuroscience;

Psych 754--Proseminar in Biological Psychology;

Psych 756--Psychophysiology;

Psych 758--Psychopharmacology;

Psych 759--Emotions;

Psych 833--Neuropsychology;

Psych 954--Seminar in Physiological Psychology.

Theses core courses introduce students to research, theories, and applications of health psychology.

Students must complete a nine-credit breadth requirement by taking three of the following courses:

Psych 705--Information Processing

Psych 706--Psychology of Language

Psych 707--Psychology of Reading

Psych 712--Introduction to Clinical Psychology

Psych 714--Conditioning and Learning

Psych 741--Systems of Psychotherapy

Psych 912--Psychopathology

Psych 914--Seminar in Learning

Psych 915--Seminar in Operant Behavior

Psych 919--Seminar in Learning Theory

Psych 930--Seminar in Social Psychology

Psych 931--Seminar in Interpersonal Attraction

Psych 934--Social Psychology of Gender

Psych 940--Short-term Psychotherapy

Psych 960--Seminar in Child Psychology

Psych 961--Seminar in Child Clinical Psychology

Psych 980--Seminar in Aging).

These breadth courses familiarize students with the major content areas in psychology of special relevance to Health Psychology.

Fifteen credits of required research course work include:

Psych 510--Advanced Psychological Statistics,

Psych 610--Experimental Design,

Psych 932--Proseminar in Evaluation Research), and

six credits of Psych 790--Independent Research for those selecting the thesis option, or

six credits of Psych 792--Master's Project for Master's Students.

These courses prepare students for conducting basic and applied research.

Although students are exposed to theory and its application in the course work above, an optional field placement offers further opportunities to learn by doing. Students are encouraged to complete at least three credits of Psych 812 (Field Placement in Psychology) in their area of interest.
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Model Course Plan

Fall, Year 1		Spring, Year 1
Psy 510		Psy 610
Psy 955		Psy 932
Core Selection 1		Core Selection 2
Breadth Selection 1		Breadth Selection 2

12 credits		12 credits

Fall, Year 2		Spring, Year 2
Core Selection 3		Breadth Selection 3
Psy 790		Psy 790
Propose thesis		Defend thesis
		Psy 812

6 credits		6 or 9 credits

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Computer Literacy

The student must demonstrate proficiency in basic computer literacy (including word processing and spreadsheets), statistical packages, and graphics packages by passing an examination or completing course work with a grade of B or better.
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Major Professor and Advisory Committee

The student must have a major professor who advises and supervises all graduate studies. The major professor is selected from the department's health psychology faculty (see below). Before the end of the second semester the student must form a three-person advisory committee.
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Thesis or Project Requirement

The student, under the direction of the advisor, must develop an acceptable thesis (based on empirical research) or master's project (a review or theoretical paper). In each case, students must demonstrate their ability to formulate a research idea and pursue independent and original investigation.
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Time Limit

Although the model illustrates how the degree can be completed in two years, part time study is possible so long as all degree requirements, including the thesis or project are completed within seven years of initial enrollment.
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The Faculty

The health psychology faculty includes professors: Adesso, Fleming, Helmstetter, Hynan, Osmon, Passman, Reddy, Ridley, and Swain.
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Future Studies in Health Psychology

Students who have completed undergraduate majors in psychology, at UWM, are encouraged to apply. On satisfactorily completing the master's degree here, the faculty helps these graduates either pursue doctoral study in other programs or secure employment.

Students who have completed undergraduate majors in psychology in other programs are also encouraged to apply. On satisfactorily completing the master's degree here, the faculty helps these graduates either pursue doctoral study here or in other programs, or secure employment.
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For Further Information

For information about the health psychology specialization, please contact Prof. Diane M. Reddy (reddy@uwm.edu) or call (414) 229-6432.
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