M.S. Psychophysiology

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

1. Assess and appraise knowledge of the biological basis of behavior and accurately relate and interpret behavioral dysfunctions to underlying biological dysfunctions. 
2. Evaluate and interpret psychophysiological recording methodology and set, monitor, recognize and consistently perform correct recordings utilizing psychophysiological equipment. 
3. 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. 
4. 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. 
5. 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.

Program Requirements

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. ​ 

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.

Required Courses

Required Courses

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.