M.A. Psychology: Creativity, Innovation, and Leadership Specialization

Overview of Program

The Creativity, Innovation, and Leadership (CIL) Specialization is designed for students who want to engage creative aspects of their existing worlds through in-depth research and make a meaningful contribution to the fields of creativity and psychology. This Humanistic degree program encourages students to examine vital contemporary questions about creativity and a strong desire to investigate environments supporting different kinds of applications. Students in the Creativity, Innovation, and Leadership Specialization focus their studies on areas they are passionate about and phenomena they are intrigued by to take their careers to the next level or go in a whole new direction. Our specialization seeks to support the joy and optimism that comes with "creativity" in all forms and to explore what is possible.  
  
 A complex and fast-changing world demands new, creative approaches to everything from corporate strategies to child development and even household chores (everyday creativity). From schools and universities to big business, the importance of understanding and developing creative concepts that lead directly to innovative solutions has been widely researched and recognized as a necessary proficiency. Our students deeply explore their contributions as thought leaders as the third marker of this specialization. It is critical to note that this is not a traditional executive business leadership program, but rather an engaged, applied opportunity to explore their career trajectories through hands-on projects and research, including the areas of Arts-Based Inquiry and Expressive Art interventions.   

Saybrook University offers both M.A. and Ph.D. degrees in psychology with specializations in creativity, innovation, and leadership. Saybrook's rich tradition of humanistic studies includes its association with former faculty member Rollo May, who wrote the classic "The Courage to Create." May, along with humanistic psychology pioneers such as Carl Rogers and Abraham Maslow, proposed that expression of creativity is key toward self-actualization.  
   
Saybrook’s unique approach to creativity goes well beyond the arts to encompass “everyday creativity,” or the originality of everyday life, which encourages personal and professional growth as well as potential psychological and health benefits. The program is designed to apply to a broad range of creative professional pursuits.  

While the engagement of creativity and innovation is increasingly recognized as a vital part of both a healthy psyche and a thriving economy, there are still many unanswered questions that need serious exploration through research and scholarship. General learning goals include understanding the history, research, and practical application of CIL studies. Students enrolled in this Specialization will develop individualized specific learning goals mentored by a faculty member based on their interests, aspirations, and personal passion.  
   
At the conclusion of their studies, students in this specialization will be able to:   

1. Demonstrate marketable skills in general creativity and a specific aspect of creativity and innovation subject matter expertise.  
2. Work to engage others in efforts to promote life-enhancing improvements.  
3. Bring innovation and creativity to their research, work, and personal choices, moving beyond traditional disciplinary and paradigmatic boundaries.  
4. Combine critical, empathetic, and creative thinking as thought leaders with self-reflection to develop self-knowledge, self-realization, and expansion of consciousness.  
5. Place their work within a humanistic perspective across multiple contexts and acknowledge their biases and unchallenged assumptions.  
6. Display a global awareness of strengths and challenges based on humanistic values, including authenticity and compassion.  

  
This specialization is not designed to prepare graduates for licensure, but students interested in licensure may combine this specialization with a degree from the Department of Clinical Psychology.

Our M.A. Psychology program is intended for professionals who wish to pursue nonclinical careers or expand on their existing licenses.  
 
This program is not designed to prepare graduates to qualify for clinical licensure or certification.  

Program Learning Outcomes

1. ​​Critical Thinking: Graduates will demonstrate advanced critical thinking skills, utilizing a humanistic lens to analyze complex psychological phenomena and apply theoretical frameworks to real-world contexts. 
2. Cultural Competence: Graduates will possess cultural competence, displaying an understanding and appreciation of diverse cultures, experiences, and worldviews, and integrating this awareness into their professional practice. 
3. Ethical Awareness: Graduates will exhibit a strong ethical awareness, adhering to ethical guidelines in their research, teaching, and practice, and demonstrating a commitment to the well-being and autonomy of individuals and communities. 
4. Research Proficiency: Graduates will develop proficiency in conducting rigorous research informed by humanistic, existential, transpersonal, and phenomenological perspectives, employing qualitative and quantitative methodologies to advance the field of humanistic psychology. 
5. Social Justice Advocacy: Graduates will engage in social justice advocacy, actively promoting equity, inclusivity, and social change by addressing systemic disparities, advocating for marginalized populations, and contributing to the creation of a just and sustainable society. 
6. Applied Skills: Graduates will possess practical skills and interventions grounded in humanistic psychology, enabling them to facilitate personal growth, foster resilience, and promote well-being in various settings, including research, educational, community, and organizational contexts.​ 

Specializations

M.A. Psychology Degree with Specialization 

Any student enrolled in Psychology may opt to declare one of the Specializations (or, in some instances, a dual Specialization) offered through the HP department. Students who dual specialize might have to take additional credits as compared to students with no specialization or one specialization. Dual Specializations are available in consultation with your Academic Advisor and the Specialization Coordinators.  Specializations at the Master’s level include:

• Creativity, Innovation, & Leadership (CIL)
• Consciousness, Spirituality, and Integrative Health (CSIH)
• Existential and Humanistic Psychology Specialization (EHP)

 
College, Degree Program, or Specialization change 
Students who wish to change their degree program will be reevaluated by the Department Chair as to the appropriateness of admission to that new program of study. If admitted, those students will be held accountable (1) to the degree program requirements, as specified for the academic year in which such a change of enrollment is granted, Students who dual specialize might have to take additional credits as compared to students with no specialization or one specialization. Dual Specializations are available in consultation with your Academic Advisor and the Specialization Coordinators. For those wanting to change their Specialization, the new Specialization Coordinator will review the student’s objectives for acceptance and the Department Chair approves the change. In all cases, where possible, current Saybrook completed courses will be considered for application toward the new degree program and/or Specialization (or dual Specializations). Students who change degree programs will have their transfer credit evaluated again by the Department Chair of the new program. Transfer credit awarded is not guaranteed to apply to the new program.
 
M.A. Psychology to Ph.D. Psychology 
While in the M.A. Psychology degree program at Saybrook University, students may decide to apply to continue to the Psychology doctoral program. Once such students have completed the modified admissions process to the doctoral program, they may be accepted on the condition of completion of the M.A. degree requirements (i.e., successful completion of the thesis or project and all other degree requirements). Students who are accepted on the condition of completion of the M.A. degree may take an additional 9 credits of coursework while completing the thesis or project. If the student is admitted to the doctoral program, these 9 credits will be considered toward the Ph.D. degree. If the student does not continue to the Ph.D. program, those additional credits completed are awarded toward the M.A. degree. That is, admission into the Ph.D. program does not commence until the M.A. is complete. Such students will be required to adhere to the University catalog that is in place when they matriculate into to the Ph.D.  program (i.e., after completion of the thesis/project), not the catalog in place at the time of their conditional acceptance into the Ph.D. program. In terms of transfer credits for students once they have attained the M.A. degree in Psychology at Saybrook, a maximum of 30 credit hours may be applied toward the Ph.D. Psychology degree. 

Career Opportunities

​ Graduates of the M.A. Psychology program in specializations Creativity, Innovation, & Leadership (CIL), Consciousness, Spirituality, and Integrative Health (CSIH), and Existential and Humanistic Psychology (EHP) are well-equipped for a wide range of fulfilling career opportunities. With the CIL specialization, students can pursue careers in leadership and organizational development, working as consultants, trainers, and/or managers in various industries, fostering innovation and creativity within teams and organizations. The CSIH specialization opens doors to careers in holistic health education, guidance, consulting, and mentoring; consciousness and spirituality teaching and research; and integrative health/wellness centers and industry, promoting well-being and individuals’ spiritual and conscious growth, healthspan, and vibrant longevity. Graduates with the EHP specialization can explore careers such as humanistic fields as psychology educators, offering a compassionate and existential approach to professional and personal development. Additionally, these specializations provide a strong foundation for further doctoral studies, enabling students to pursue advanced research or academic positions in their chosen areas of specialization.
 
The M.A. Psychology program helps students develop professional skills from our experiential learning curriculum, empowering them to promote life-enhancing transformative change in individuals and community development programs. Graduates of this program will be positioned to advance their existing careers, begin a new career path, and/or to continue their education in a Ph.D. Psychology program. With a strong foundation in psychology, graduates may find work as researchers, teachers, consultants, mediators, and many other career paths. 
 
Our M.A. Psychology program is intended for professionals who wish to pursue nonclinical careers or expand on their existing licenses. This program is not designed to prepare graduates to qualify for clinical licensure or certification.​ 

Program Requirements

University Learning Experience

Virtual Learning Experience (VLE) - Required, Fall semesters; Community Learning Experience (CLE) - Optional

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.

Starting with the fall 2022-2023 academic year, all psychology students will be required to attend only the five-day fall semester Virtual Learning Experience (VLE) each academic year. Although you may complete most of your courses through distance learning, all our psychology degree programs have VLE requirements. VLEs are academic requirements, and their completion is important for your successful academic progress: they allow you to meet with faculty and co-learners in a synchronous, stimulating, and supportive virtual environment. Our VLEs are an important part of your learning experience as they nurture intellectual and relational creativity, enrich the educational environment, and foster faculty and peer interactions. During VLEs there are courses being launched, workshops, independent learning activities, peer learning opportunities, community events, and other hands-on experiences intended to nurture professional development, skill building, relationships, and transformative change.  
  
M.A. students are required to attend fall semesters VLEs until formal enrollment in either Master’s thesis or project. 

Credits/Hours

​The program requires a total of 33-36 earned credits, which may vary based on the Specialization (or, in some instances, a dual Specialization) chosen. These credits encompass a rigorous curriculum that includes core courses, specialized coursework in the chosen area(s) of focus, research methodology and analysis, and the completion of a Master’s project or thesis. Through a combination of theoretical exploration, experiential learning, and research opportunities, students gain the knowledge, skills, and competencies necessary for success in their future careers or further doctoral studies. The credit units and hours invested in the M.A. degree ensure that students receive a comprehensive and well-rounded education, empowering them to make significant contributions to the field of psychology.​

Mode of Delivery

​At Saybrook University, we are committed to providing a dynamic and flexible online learning experience that combines both asynchronous and synchronous delivery methods. Our M.A. Psychology program with Specializations in Creativity, Innovation, & Leadership (CIL);, Consciousness, Spirituality, and Integrative Health (CSIH);, and Existential and Humanistic Psychology (EHP) embraces the advantages of online education, allowing students to pursue their studies at their own pace while fostering meaningful real-time interactions. 
  
Through our asynchronous delivery, students have access to a user-friendly online platform where they can engage with course materials, lectures, and multimedia resources at a time that suits their schedule. This flexibility empowers students to balance their studies with other commitments, ensuring an optimal learning experience. They can participate in discussions, complete assignments, and collaborate with fellow students, all while benefiting from the expertise of our dedicated faculty who provide timely feedback and guidance.  
  
In addition to asynchronous learning, our program incorporates synchronous elements to foster a sense of community and enhance real-time engagement. Through virtual classrooms, students have the opportunity to participate in live lectures, interactive discussions, and group activities led by faculty members. These synchronous sessions provide valuable opportunities for students to connect, ask questions, share ideas, and engage in collaborative learning experiences. Our virtual classrooms utilize video conferencing and collaboration tools to simulate the benefits of face-to-face interaction, ensuring an immersive and interactive learning environment.  
  
The combination of asynchronous and synchronous delivery methods allows us to provide a well-rounded and comprehensive online learning experience. Students benefit from the flexibility of guided self-paced study, while experiencing the richness of real-time interactions and discussions with faculty and peers. This blended approach cultivates a supportive and interactive community, enabling students to develop critical thinking skills, engage in meaningful discourse, and forge lasting connections within and outside of their chosen Specialization. ​ ​ 

Length of Program

​​The degree completion time for a full-time student in the M.A. Psychology program following the default course sequence will range from 2 - 3 years; Earned Credits from: 33 to 36 credits.​

Required Courses