Ottawa, Kan. (Oct. 17, 2022) –Ottawa University has received approval from its institutional accreditor, the Higher Learning Commission, to offer a Master of Science in Applied Psychology (MSAP) degree. The degree will be offered at the residential campus in Ottawa, Kan., and was available starting in the Fall 2 term which began on October 3, 2022.
The MSAP will have three tracks for students to choose from for specialization: Forensic Psychology; Culture, Inclusion and Diversity; and Generalist. Designed by Dr. Pilar Galiana Abal, Associate Professor of Psychology and Lead Faculty in Applied Psychology at OU, the program will offer multiple experiential activities and professionalizing experiences as well as supervised internships and research practicums. Dr. Galiana Abal holds a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology and a re-specialization in forensic psychology and neuropsychology. Apart from her vast clinical experience, she has worked as a consultant in multiple criminal cases involving sexual crime and homicides in the last 12 years. As a clinician, she also has extensive experience with diverse clients coming from geographically remote cultures, LGBTQIA+ communities, and correctional populations.
“The Master of Science in Applied Psychology aims to bring to graduate students exciting professionalizing experiences through internships, residency, and research practicums,” said Dr. Galiana Abal. “Students will have the opportunity to develop the skills required in their discipline and substantial knowledge of the best practices within their field in the US and beyond. International collaborations are on the horizon for research and other professionalizing opportunities.”
Upon completion of this program, students will be able to apply for positions in law enforcement, governmental and private agencies (FBI, DEA, Homeland Security, US Marshalls, NGOs), to serve in roles such as diversity and inclusion consultants, case managers, crisis intervention advocates, victim advocates, community specialists, project coordinators, expert witnesses in criminal and civil cases, human resources managers, correctional agents, rehabilitation program designers, and community support managers.
The MSAP builds off the curriculum and experiences provided in both the Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Arts degrees in Applied Psychology. Interested students can contact admissions advisors for additional details.