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Sep 07, 2024
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2023-2024 Academic Catalog and Student Handbook with Spring Addendum [Archived Catalog]
M.S. Psychophysiology
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Overview of Program
The Department of Applied Psychophysiology, within the College of Integrative Medicine and Health Sciences at Saybrook University, provides a Master of Science in Psychophysiology to prepare graduates to enter doctoral programs in psychophysiology and to pursue careers in a professional practice informed by a scientific understanding of mind and body.
Applied Psychophysiologists are professionals who develop and use behavioral assessments and interventions based on such areas as behavioral genetics, hormonal influence on behavior, individual differences in perception, and abnormal physiological patterns. They assist clients in recognizing and altering problems caused by these biological underpinnings. Common psychophysiological intervention techniques include biofeedback, relaxation training, hypnosis, neurofeedback, and stress management among others.
The Saybrook University Master's Degree in Psychophysiology provides two separate Specialization areas to meet student needs. These include a Science and Research Specialization for students primarily interested in learning psychophysiological research techniques and who want to continue in basic science and research programs, and the Optimal Functioning Specialization which is a practice-oriented program addressing the need for optimal performance specialists in sports, performing arts and other areas. Each of these Specializations consist of 34 credits.
Program Learning Outcomes
- Assess and appraise knowledge of the biological basis of behavior and accurately relate and interpret behavioral dysfunctions to underlying biological dysfunctions.
- Evaluate and interpret psychophysiological recording methodology and set, monitor, recognize and consistently perform correct recordings utilizing psychophysiological equipment.
- Create, organize, and conduct independent psychophysiological research studies utilizing accepted design and analysis techniques so that students recognize common mistakes in published studies involving design and analysis and can teach others how to do so.
- Explain and assess the physiological and stress responses underlying both behavioral and physiological sequences impacting optimal functioning, in order to design and conduct appropriate training utilizing psychophysiologically based techniques to optimize functioning in business, education, sports, and (when appropriately licensed) clinical environments.
- Explain and integrate ethical principles and professional practice standards, as promulgated by the field’s professional organizations, within the field of applied psychophysiology.
Specializations
Students may choose either the Optimal Functioning Specialization or the Science and Research Specialization.
Career Opportunities
This M.S. degree prepares students to continue on to a doctoral degree, or to seek a career in healthcare, education, military or business settings.
Admissions Requirements
- Applicants must complete an online application form and provide the following items:
- Documentation of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
- Official transcript(s) of all earned accredited degrees.
- Personal statement.
- Resume/CV.
- Faculty interview
- The minimum expected grade point average (GPA) requirement is 3.0 from the last degree-granting institution, though exceptions may be made.
University Learning Experience
Virtual Learning Experience (VLE) - Required Spring, Residential Learning Experience (RLE) or Community Learning Experience (CLE) - Required Fall
All new students begin their studies with a Welcome Week. Welcome Week activities, including a degree program orientation, are held online during the week ahead of the start of the fall and spring semesters. Participation is strongly encouraged.
All students are also required to attend a 5-day Virtual Learning Experience (VLE) held online at the beginning of spring semesters. The VLE offers didactic/topical, research, and practice-oriented seminars, sessions introducing each core course in the program, and group meetings of the program as a whole. The virtual conferences also involve informal exchanges with other students and program faculty for mentoring and socialization to the field. Additionally, students are required to attend an in-person Residential Learning Experience in falls of even years and the Community Learning Experience in fall of odd years.
M.S. students attend until they have begun their M.A. Project or Thesis.
Credits/Hours
This M.S. degree requires 34 credit hours for completion.
Mode of Delivery
Courses are presented as a combination of reading assignments, videos, live videoconferences, asynchronous class discussions and written assignments. Each class format may vary based on content and instructor preference and students are encouraged to review the course syllabus and Canvas course shell prior to the start of each term to assess the requirements of each course.
Length of Program
The M.S. Psychophysiology program is a 34 Credit, 2-year program. Actual length of program will vary depending on student workload selections.
Core and Specialization Courses required for the Science and Research Specialization include:
Core and Specialization Courses for the Optimal Performance Specialization include:
Elective Courses
Students select one elective course for the Science and Research Specialization, or 2 elective courses for the Optimal Functioning Specialization. Courses may be selected from any APH department course or other courses by permission of the Department Chair.
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