Health Psychology

Overview

The Health Psychology program of University of Michigan - Dearborn  is designed for the research-oriented student, providing intensive training in research methods typically used in health and behavioral medicine.  The program incorporates class work in program development and program evaluation methods, as well as epidemiology. All coursework is designed to focus on topics relevant to the overall healthcare industry, ultimately providing the student with the ability to design research that improves health care delivery to the general population.   

This program is intended for several types of students:  

• Students who would like to continue graduate training in a research-related field with an emphasis on healthcare,

• Medical professionals who may wish to continue their education from a biopsychosocial perspective on a part-or full-time basis, and

• Individuals who require a graduate degree to advance in their career or educational goals.

This program is not intended to fulfill the course requirements for the Michigan Limited License in Psychology.

The 39-credit program consists of eight required courses (24 credits) in core areas of Health Psychology. Students will also complete either a three credit project or six credit thesis under the supervision of program faculty. The remaining nine to twelve credits will be composed of elective courses focusing on one or more content areas.

The MS in Health Psychology program is designed for the full or part-time student who has an undergraduate degree and wishes to obtain a degree in the Behavioral Sciences that does not lead to limited licensure in Michigan. The Master of Science in Health Psychology program will focus on theory and research in Health Psychology and will allow students to focus more rigorously on one or more specific content areas through their elective courses (e.g., Health Psychology Across the Lifespan, Health Policy Studies).

Program Goals

• Research Methods: To train students to conduct independent research related to topics in psychology, health psychology, and behavioral medicine. This includes being able to conduct a literature search, develop hypothesis, design appropriate methodologies and collect data, statistically analyze data, and interpret the results within a sound theoretical framework.

• Program Evaluation: Students will be able to conduct an evaluation of a clinically oriented program including evaluating program effectiveness and efficiency.

• Professional and Ethical Development: To indoctrinate students into their role and identity as professional healthcare researchers.

• Professional Writing: To train students in professional communication and report writing including the completion of a thesis or project manuscript.

• Knowledge of Health Psychology and Behavioral Medicine: Students will be able to demonstrate basic knowledge of the major concepts and research methods used in health psychology and behavioral medicine. This includes a general understanding of basic theories, research findings, and research methods used within these disciplines.