M.S. Psychophysiology

Overview of Program

The degree program in Psychophysiology, within the Department of Mind-Body Medicine 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.  
 
 

Program Learning Outcomes

1. Explain the influence of biological and/or biopsychosocial factors on general health and wellbeing and the implications for individuals, organizations, and/or communities.    

2. Describe and apply the foundational values, ethical principles, and best practices of the field of applied psychophysiology to oneself and others.      

3. Evaluate and interpret psychophysiological recording methodology and set, monitor, recognize and consistently perform correct recordings using psychophysiological equipment.   

4. Articulate, design, and apply core self-regulation skills to address patient and self-care approaches to stress management and optimal performance. 

5. Assess and synthesize evidence, theories, and established practices in applied psychophysiology.    

6. Critically evaluate research methods and apply published research in the field. 

7. Compose original, grammatically correct, coherent, concise, and well-articulated written work in APA style. 

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.

Students who are interested in earning a master's degree while fulfilling the requirements associated with a PhD in Applied Psychophysiology may enroll in the Post Bachelor's PhD in Applied Psychophysiology program. The application requirements are the same for MS degree applicants.

Program Requirements

University Learning Experience

Virtual Learning Experience (VLE) - Required; 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. 

All students are required to attend the Virtual Learning Experience (VLE) during week one in the fall and spring semesters of each academic year. Although students may complete most courses through distance learning, all our 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 the VLE, 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. You can find the specific hour and track requirements on the Academic Commons University Learning Experience Program Requirements Page linked here. https://tcsedsystem.libguides.com/VLE_Requirements 

Students are required to attend the VLE throughout their program and are encouraged to attend the Community Learning Experience (in person) in lieu of the VLE in the fall of odd calendar years. 

Certain courses may have additional experiential, participation, or attendance requirements beyond those outlined for the program. Students should consult individual course descriptions for details.  

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.  The actual length of the program will vary depending on student workload selections.

Required Courses - 28 credits

• APH 5515 - Graduate Colloquium 1 credit(s)
• APH 5051 - Fundamentals of Psychophysiology 3 credit(s)
• RES 2100 - Research Foundations and Literacy 3 credit(s)
• APH 5622 - Basic Biofeedback 3 credit(s)
• APH 5101 - Intermediate Biofeedback and Psychophysiological Recording 3 credit(s)
• MBM 5500 - Ethics in Healthcare 3 credit(s)
• APH 5470 - Optimal Functioning in the Sports and Performing Arts Environment 3 credit(s)
• APH 4515 - MS Capstone Seminar 3 credit(s)
• RES 1700 - Research Methods for Practitioners 3 credit(s)

• Or Credits / Units: 3

• RES 2500 - Quantitative Data Collection and Statistics 3 credit(s)