NCU's Psychology specializations allow Learners to develop specific, focused expertise, enabling them to pursue
education in areas of their fields that interest them most or that present the most attractive career opportunities.
Graduate Learners at NCU who complete satisfy the requirements listed for their chosen specialization may
elect to have the specialization recorded on their transcript and diploma. A specialization is not required.
Gender Studies
The Gender Studies specialization is an in-depth focus on the social, cultural, and biological foundations
of masculinity, femininity, and sexuality.
General Psychology
The General Psychology program prepares Learners to apply principles of psychology in a variety of
settings. All psychology graduate Learners must first obtain a firm grounding in several basic areas
of psychology and research methodology. Learners in the General Psychology program are expected to
become competent in theory, research, and applications of psychology. The program was established
to allow the Learner maximum flexibility in the direction of their studies.
Health Psychology/Behavioral Medicine
Health Psychology/Behavioral Medicine is a newly developed and important area of research, teaching, and
clinical practice. It is the study of the total matrix of factors influencing the psychological and
physical health of people and takes a biopsychosocial approach in accounting for illness and behavioral
health. This specialization develops the essential knowledge and skills for this important area.
Industrial/Organizational Psychology
The Industrial/Organizational Psychology program trains Learners to work in a variety of settings.
This program prepares Learners for research and field experience. Within the industrial and organizational
program, the Learner is expected to become competent in theory, research, and applications of psychology
as they relate to human behavior in organizations. The program emphasizes the contributions of both
industrial and organizational psychology to the understanding of people in their world of work. Training
is received in conducting basic and applied research, and in the applications of theory and research to
organizational and human resource management problems in organizations.
Marriage and Family Therapy
The Marriage and Family Therapy program is focused on developing the skills and personal and professional
growth that are required for effective practice in the field of marriage and family therapy. Graduates
of the master’s level program will be well prepared to begin the process of seeking licensure in their
home state or area.