School of Human Sciences and Humanities

  • Behavior Analysis
  • Behavioral Sciences - General
  • Clinical Psychology
  • Criminology
  • Cross-Cultural Studies
  • Digital Media Studies
  • Family Therapy
  • Fitness and Human Performance
  • History
  • Humanities
  • Literature
  • Psychology
  • School Psychology
  • Sociology

The School of Human Sciences and Humanities (HSH) is dedicated to the study of people. The school fosters the liberal arts and encourages practical preparation for occupations.

Instead of many separate departments, there are two interrelated clusters: Humanities and Fine Arts (HFA) and Human Sciences (HS). Within these plans, students may develop either a broadly interdisciplinary plan of study or one that is more narrowly focused, resembling traditional departmental majors. With the help of faculty advisers, students develop the plans most appropriate to their interests and goals.

Admissions into a Degree Plan

Records for degree-seeking graduate students are processed by the Office of Admissions and forwarded to the dean's office for faculty assignment and completion of the degree plan.

Requirements for each HSH degree plan are detailed in the following pages.

Information on HSH degree plans and advising schedules can be obtained from the HSH Advising Office.

There are two ways applicants can be accepted into a graduate degree plan in the School of Human Sciences and Humanities:

In order to have adequate time to review applicants' material, the Application for Admission, transcripts for all prior college course work and GRE scores (if necessary) must be received by the Office of Admissions according to the following deadlines:

Fall Enrollment August 1
Spring Enrollment December 1
Summer Enrollment May 1

Students wishing to apply to one of the Professional Psychology Plans (Clinical Psychology, Family Therapy, School Psychology) should refer to that section of the Catalog for information about the Professional Psychology admission process, requirements and deadlines.

Office Phone
Office of Academic Advising Bayou 1539 281-283-3333
Office of the Dean Bayou 1529 281-283-3300
Dir., Texas Dept. of Criminal Justice Program Bayou 1617 281-283-3420
Web Site http://www.uhcl.edu/hsh/

Certificate in Women's Studies (back to top)

Women's Studies is an interdisciplinary curriculum administered by the School of Human Sciences and Humanities. Women's Studies courses offer challenging new perspectives by exploring the special contributions of women and the impact of gender in a variety of academic disciplines.

Inquiries should be addressed to the convener of Women's Studies.

Certificate Requirements

Nine hours of Women's Studies courses in any combination.

Highly recommended:

WMST 5732 Seminar in Women's Studies

MA in Humanities-Women's Studies Sub-Plan requirements:

Within Sub-Plan I, Texts, students select nine hours of graduate Women's Studies courses.

Highly recommended:

HUMN 5732 Seminar in Women's Studies

Other Women's Studies courses are identified in the course roster.

Plans in Human Sciences

Plans in Human Sciences are designed to help students explore a number of significant issues: to understand one's self in relation to others; to distinguish what is genuinely personal from what is societal; to help in the difficult processes of value formation and critical thinking; to come to a more subtle appreciation of collective ideals and notions of the good life, the nature of happiness and how to secure it; and to cope intelligently with the complexities and problems of modern society.

Plans in Human Sciences have strong theoretical and applied orientations. As these plans seek better understanding of self and society, they are equally intended to prepare students for a variety of professional careers, such as work in human service agencies, scientific research and college teaching. For specific information regarding careers in any of the human sciences, students should consult the HSH Advising Coordinator.

Master of ArtsDegrees in Behavioral Sciences (back to top)

The graduate plans in Behavioral Sciences lead to the master of arts (MA) degree. The plans are a vehicle for advanced study of human behavior. Although course work is taken primarily in psychology, sociology and anthropology, students are encouraged to take additional course work in other appropriate areas. Applicants should have strong undergraduate preparation in the behavioral sciences; those with fewer than 12 upper-level hours are required to take additional undergraduate course work at UHCL. Inquiries should be addressed to the HSH Advising Coordinator.

Areas of Non-Clinical Study

The following areas of study are available to graduate students in Behavioral Sciences:

These plans are not designed to prepare students to deliver clinical services, but, depending on the plan, to deliver human services, teach in community colleges or for preparation for further graduate study.

Degree Requirements

The Candidate Plan of Study (CPS) must include the following requirements:

  1. A minimum of twelve upper-level hours in the behavioral sciences (anthropology, psychology, sociology). If this requirement has not been met prior to admission, then such courses must be taken before beginning work toward the master of arts.
  2. Minimum of 36 hours, at least 30 of which must be earned in courses at the 5000 or 6000 level.
  3. Six hours in Research Design and Statistical Measurement at the 5000 or 6000 level.
  4. A minimum of six hours in one of the following master's options.
    1. Master's Thesis
    2. Master's Project
    3. Graduate Internship
  1. Registering for a master's thesis, project or internship should not be seen as an automatic right. Students wishing to do a master's option must submit a master's option proposal. For the thesis or project the proposal should be three to six pages in length. It should include a literature review, with references and a statement of the proposed methodology for carrying out the thesis or project. Before registering for thesis or project students must have the approval of a faculty member who agrees to supervise the work. Before registering for an internship students must apply through the internship coordinator and meet the required criteria, including a grade point average of 3.00 or better. The university reserves the right to deny admittance to or remove a specific student from a specific internship.
  2. Grades of "B-" or better must be earned for at least 30 hours of course work. Grades of "C+" or below are not acceptable for these 30 hours.
  3. Maximum of 12 graduate credits earned at another institution may be applied toward the master of arts degree if the following requirements are met:
    1. The course or courses are pertinent to the degree objective and the CPS.
    2. The course or courses were taken not more than five years before admission to graduate study at UHCL.
    3. Grades of "B-" or better were earned. Grades of "C+" or below are not acceptable.
    4. The course or courses were not applied to a graduate degree already earned.
    5. The course or courses were not taken by correspondence or extension.
    6. At least 24 credits of the degree plan must be earned at UHCL.

Master of Arts in Behavioral Sciences-General (back to top)

Prerequisites: Twelve upper-level hours in the behavioral sciences with a grade of "C" or above. Grades of "C-"or below are not acceptable.

General Requirements:

PSYC 6036/6037 Research Design and Statistics I and II or 6 hours
SOCI 6730 Graduate Statistics and
SOCI 6731 Graduate Research Methods
CRCL 5031 Cultural Diversity or 3 hours
CRCL 5035 Human Rights and Social Justice
PSYC 5031 Human Growth and Development 3 hours
SOCI 5333 Minorities and Majorities or 3 hours
SOCI 5236 Religion and Global Change or
SOCI 5334 Social Stratification
PSYC 6739/SOCI 67391,2 Graduate Internship or 6 hours
PSYC 6839/SOCI 6839 Master's Project or
PSYC 6939/SOCI 6939 Master's Thesis

1Completion of PSYC 5134 Interviewing and Assessment is a prerequisite for an internship in a human services setting, unless an equivalent course has been taken previously.

2PSYC 5135 Professional Issues and Ethics is a prerequisite for all internships.

Area of Specialization

Students select 15 hours from the behavioral sciences or other relevant disciplines with the approval of the academic adviser and the HSH Advising Coordinator. In addition, students must develop with their advisers a written focus statement that will guide their elective course work. This focus statement will be attached to the degree plan.

Women's Studies Sub-Plan

As part of the 15 remaining hours at least 9 hours selected from:

CRCL 5131 Gender, Culture and Power PSYC 5533 Psychology of Gender, Race & Sexuality
PSYC 5337 Violence Against Women PSYC 5831 Gender Persp in Therapy
PSYC 5732 Sem in Women's Studies (strongly recommended)

An additional three hours of Women's Studies courses selected from graduate level HIST/LITR/ HUMN/PHIL/ARTS. An additional 3 hours of electives.

Industrial/Organizational (I/O) Sub-Plan

The I/O Sub-Plan is designed for students who seek training in such areas as training and development and human resources. Internships are available only in the fall and spring semesters in this sub-plan and may not be available outside of regular work hours. Please note that an Internship requires PSYC 5134 Interview/Assessment and PSYC 5135 Professional Issues as prerequisites.

Core Course requirements (18 hours):

PSYC 5331 Personnel Psychology PSYC 6036 Res Design and Stat I
PSYC 5332 Organizational Psychology PSYC 6037 Res Design and Stat II
PSYC 5334 Change and Organizational Development PSYC 6734 Assessment in Industry

Approved electives 15hours

Master's Options

Students select one of the options listed below:

PSYC 6739 Graduate Internship or 6 hours
PSYC 6839 Master's Project or 6 hours
PSYC 6939 Master's Thesis or 6 hours

Course Work Option:

Students selecting a course work option will take all 18hours of course work listed under the core course requirements for the I/O Sub-Plan plus PSYC 6735 Seminar in I/O Psychology plus 21 hours of approved electives.

Master of Arts In Psychology (back to top)

This degree requires 36 hours with a thesis or project as the master's option or 42 hours with the internship as the master's option. Any undergraduate prerequisite hours not completed before enrollment are additional.

Prerequisites:

  1. Introductory psychology or equivalent (three hours)
  2. Four courses from the following nine areas in psychology with a grade of "B-" or better in each course. Grades of "C+" or below are not acceptable. At least two of the four courses must have been taken at the upper-level.
    1. Systems and theories of psychology
    2. Theories of personality
    3. Child psychology (developmental psychology)
    4. Social psychology
    5. Abnormal psychology
    6. Learning
    7. Brain and behavior (biopsychology; physiological psychology)
    8. Cognitive psychology
    9. Psychological Thinking
  1. Course in statistics. Students whose undergraduate work does not include three hours in statistics must take PSYC 4730 Behavioral Statistics or PSYC 4631 and 4632 Research Design and Statistical Methods I and II.
  2. Students are expected to demonstrate graduate level writing ability. Those students whose writing is deemed unacceptable will be advised to take remedial courses.

Foundation Requirements: 18 hours

PSYC 6036/6037Research Design and Statistics I and II 6 hours

Students must take at least four of the following five core Psychology classes:

PSYC 5031 Human Growth and Development 3 hours
PSYC 5235 Learning Principles 3 hours
PSYC 5532 Advanced Social Psychology 3 hours
PSYC 6832 Advanced Cognitive Psychology 3 hours
Prerequisite: PSYC 4832: Cognitive Psychology
PSYC 6134 Biological Basis of Behavior 3 hours

(If an equivalent undergraduate course was taken, substitute PSYC 5432 Psychoactive Drugs)

Master's Options

Students select one of the options listed below:

PSYC 6739 Graduate Internship1,2,3 6 hours
PSYC 6839 Master's Project1 6 hours
PSYC 6939 Master's Thesis1 6 hours

1These three options require considerable advance planning. Students may have to meet additional criteria before being permitted to begin one of these options. Students wanting one of these options must make arrangements with a faculty adviser at least one semester in advance. The university reserves the right to deny admittance to or remove a specific student from a specific internship. Master's projects, theses and internships require continuous registration during each fall and spring semester until completion, for a minimum of six hours. If students do not maintain continuous registration in the master's project, thesis or internship, previously accumulated master's option credits will not count toward the master's degree.

2Completion of PSYC 5135 Professional Issues in Human Services is a prerequisite for all PSYC internships.

3Completion of PSYC 5134 Interviewing and Assessment is a prerequisite for an internship in a human services setting, unless an equivalent course has been taken previously. If PSYC 5134 is not needed, the student must take an extra elective to complete the 42 required hours.

Area of Specialization

Twelve additional hours (18 additional hours for students doing the internship option) are selected from psychology and/or other relevant disciplines with the approval of the academic adviser and the HSH Advising Coordinator. These hours are designed to provide a specific disciplinary focus within psychology. These courses may focus on biopsychology, life-span development, human performance or some other area of choice.

Grades

Only grades of "B-" or better will count toward the Master of Arts in Psychology. Grades of "C+" or below are not acceptable.

Limitations

No more than six hours of video courses can be counted toward this degree. No more than nine hours of a combination of Independent Study, Behavioral Neuroscience Research or Behavioral Pharmacology Research courses can be counted toward this degree.

Applied Cognitive Psychology Sub-Plan

Applied Psychology is the application of principles and techniques of Psychology to a real world problem. In Applied Cognitive Psychology, (ACP), principles and methods associated with Cognitive Psychology are applied to the human-machine interface to improve the usability and effectiveness of the interface. The Applied Cognitive Psychology Sub-Plan is designed to focus on Human Factors and thus provides students with a well-rounded foundation in psychology, the user centered design process and the methods used to evaluate human-machine interfaces. Students will obtain basic competency in perception, cognition and information processing systems as well as how to apply this knowledge to the design of the human-machine interface.

Practicum and research experiences will be provided in laboratory and industrial settings. All students will complete a major research project prior to graduation. The sub-plan includes a course sequence that prepares the student to take the exam to become a Certified Professional Ergonomist (CPE) or Certified Human Factors Professional (CHFP).

Psyc 6036/6037 Research Design and Statistics I and II 6 hours
Core Psychology Courses (Select 3 of 5 9 hours
PSYC 5031 Human Growth and Development
PSYC 5235 Learning Principles
PSYC 5332 Organizational Psychology
PSYC 5532 Advanced Social Psychology
PSYC 6134 Biological Basis of Behavior
Required Applied Cognitive Psychology Courses 21 hours
PSYC 6832 Advanced Cognitive Psychology
*PSYC 6431 User Centered Design
*PSYC 6434 Human Factors Engineering
PSYC 6x3x Human Factors Methods and Analysis
PSYC 6x1x Human Factors and Ergonomics Seminar1
PSYC 6x3x Practicum in Human Factors2
Applied Cognitive Psychology Elective (Select 1) 3 hours
CSCI 3131 Programming with Visual Basic
DMST 5039 Web Design
DMST 5232 Technical Foundations of Digital Media
INDH 4231 Ergonomics, Human Factors and Workplace Design
INDH 5335 Ergonomic Methods and Analysis Techniques
PSYC 5339 Training and Development
Master's Option 6 hours
PSYC 6739 Graduate Internship3 or
PSYC 6939 Master's Thesis3

1Must be taken every Fall and Spring semester while enrolled in the Sub-Plan for a minimum of 3 semesters.

2Must be taken for two semesters

3 Pre-requisite: PSYC 6x3x Practicum in Human Computer Interaction

*Pending Coordinating Board approval

Certificate in Human Factors/Ergonomics

Students enrolled in the Human Factors/Ergonomics Certificate Program complete the following courses:

PSYC 6036/6037 Research Design and Statistics I and II 6 hours
*PSYC 6434/INDH 5334 Human Factors Engineering 3 hours
*PSYC 6431 User Centered Design 3 hours
PSYC 6x3x Research Topic: Human Factors Methods and Analysis 3 hours
INDH 5335 Ergonomics Methods and Analysis Techniques 3 hours

*Pending Coordinating Board approval

Master of arts in Behavior Analysis (back to top)

The goal of this degree plan is to provide students with a foundation in behavior analysis and psychology through an integrated sequence of course work, practicum and research activities. Students obtain competency in the basic principles of learning and the application of these principles with particular emphasis on interventions for children with developmental disabilities. Practicum and research experiences are provided in home, school and clinic settings. All students complete a major research project prior to graduation. The program includes a course sequence and practicum that have been approved by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board, Inc ® . Students completing the course work and practicum requirements of the program will be eligible to sit for the Boa rd Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) exam. Students wishing to enroll in this degree plan must formally apply. Additional information can be obtained by contacting the faculty coordinator.

Prerequisites: Twelve hours of undergraduate psychology with a grade of " B- "or better in each course and a course in statistics. At least two of the four psychology courses must have been taken at the upper-level.

Required Plan Core Courses (33 hours)

PSYC 5235 Learning Principles 3 hours
PSYC 6238 Applied Behavior Analysis 3 hours
PSYC 6031 Behavioral Assessment 3 hours
PSYC 6239 Behavioral Interventions I 1 3 hours
*PSYC 6331 Behavioral Interventions II 1 3 hours
PSYC 6036/6037 Research Design and Statistics I and II 6 hours
PSYC 6134 Biological Bases of Behavior 3 hours
PSYC 5135 Professional Issues 3 hours
PSYC 6330 Research & Practicum in Applied Behavior Analysis 2 6 hours

Students select one of the following behavior analysis electives (3 hours)

PSYC 5736 Behavioral Medicine 3 hours
PSYC 6235 Behavioral/Cognitive Therapies 3 hours
PSYC 5931 Research Topics in Psychology (Behavior Analysis) 3 hours

Students select two of the following psychology electives (6 hours)

PSYC 5031 Human Growth and Development 3 hours
PSYC 5131 Psychopathology of Childhood 3 hours
PSYC 5532 Advanced Social Psychology 3 hours
PSYC 6832 Advanced Cognitive Psychology 3 hours

1This seminar course includes class meetings and up to 10 hours per week of field activities in home, school and clinic settings.

2This course requires completion of a research project and 20 hours per week of field experience in home, school or clinic settings for two semesters (3 credits per semester).

*Pending Coordinating Board approval

Applied Behavior Analysis Certificate

The Applied Behavior Analysis Certificate is designed for individuals who have already earned a master's degree in Psychology or a related discipline and who would like to complete the course work and practicum required to sit for the Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) exam. Students wishing to enroll in this option must formally apply. Additional information can be obtained by contacting the faculty coordinator. The certificate will be granted by the School of Human Sciences and Humanities upon completion of the following courses:

PSYC 5235 Learning Principles 3 hours
PSYC 6238 Applied Behavior Analysis 3 hours
PSYC 6031 Behavioral Assessment 3 hours
PSYC 6239 Behavioral Interventions I1 3 hours
*PSYC 6331 Behavioral Interventions II1 3 hours
PSYC 6330 Research & Practicum in Applied Behavior Analysis2 6 hours

1This seminar course includes class meetings and up to 10 hours per week of field activities in home, school and clinic settings.

2This course requires completion of a research project and 20 hours per week of field experience in home, school or clinic settings for two semesters (3 credits per semester).

*Pending Coordinating Board approval

Master of Arts In Sociology (back to top)

General Requirements

1. Thesis Option (total hours = 30)

SOCI 5131 Contemporary Sociological Theory 3 hours
SOCI 6730 Graduate Statistics 3 hours
SOCI 6731 Graduate Research Methods 3 hours

Core Classes: Students must take at least nine hours of core Sociology classes (listed below)

Electives 6 hours
SOCI 6939 Master's Thesis Research1 6 hours

1The thesis is a 35-40 page paper that could potentially be publishable in a Sociology scholarly journal (it must be in American Sociological Association format, use real data, contain a literature review and test at least one hypothesis derived from a Sociological theory). This option requires a thesis committee, a proposal, a completed thesis approved by the student's thesis committee and the successful defense with a thesis committee consisting of at least two sociologists.

2. Project Option (total hours = 36)

SOCI 5131 Contemporary Sociological Theory 3 hours
SOCI 6730 Graduate Statistics 3 hours
SOCI 6731 Graduate Research Methods 3 hours

Core Classes: Students must take at least nine hours of core Sociology classes (listed below)

Electives 12 hours
SOCI 6839 Master's Project Research 6 hours

3. Internship Option (total hours = 36)

SOCI 5131 Contemporary Sociological Theory 3 hours
SOCI 6730 Graduate Statistics 3 hours
SOCI 6731 Graduate Research Methods 3 hours

Core Classes: Students must take at least 9 hours of core sociology classes (listed below)

Electives 12 hours
SOCI 6739 Graduate Internship 6 hours

Core Sociology Classes

Students must take a minimum of nine hours selected from the following:

SOCI 5136 Women and the Law SOCI 5236 Religion and Global Change
SOCI 5137 Race and the Law SOCI 5333 Minorities and Majorities
SOCI 5331 Advanced Criminology SOCI 5336 Law and Society
SOCI 5337 Complex Organizations SOCI 5433 Social Conflict and Mediation
SOCI 5334 Social Stratification SOCI 5532 Advanced Social Psychology
SOCI 5537 Urban Problems

Graduate Sociology students are also encouraged to structure their plans of study to reflect concentrations within the discipline.  The following concentrations have been developed by the Sociology faculty to help student better plan for their career and/or doctoral educational goals.

1. Graduate Concentration in Diversity (must successfully complete all 3):

SOCI 5333 Minorities and Majorities
SOCI 5236 Religion and Global Change
SOCI 5334 Social Stratification

2. Graduate Concentration in Work and Occupations (must successfully complete all 3):

SOCI 5337 Complex Organizations
SOCI 5433 Social Conflict and Mediation
SOCI 5532 Advanced Social Psychology

3. Graduate Concentration in Urban Studies (must successfully complete all 3):

SOCI 5333 Minorities and Majorities
SOCI 5334 Social Stratification
SOCI 5537 Urban Problems

Professional Psychology Plans (back to top)

The graduate programs in Professional Psychology lead to the master of arts (MA) degree. These plans provide a background in psychology as an academic discipline along with specific course work and specialized training in one of three areas: (1) Clinical Psychology, (2) Family Therapy or (3) School Psychology. While completing a Professional Psychology Plan does not automatically qualify graduates for any specific license or clinical credential, many of our graduates have been successfully licensed in Texas as a Licensed Psychological Associate(LPA), Licensed Specialist in School Psychology (LSSP), Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and/or Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) or by a number of other professional boards or associations. For further information about certification and licensure, contact the Coordinator of Graduate Programs in Professional Psychology or the HSH Advising Coordinator.

Admission into a Professional Psychology Plan will be offered only to the most qualified applicants. The ordinary minimum standard for admission is an overall 3.250 grade point average, the prerequisite psychology preparation for each program as listed in the plan description below and evidence of clinical aptitude. The percentage of applicants accepted into the professional plans generally ranges between 25% and 75% depending on the program.

Application for Admission

The application process is restricted to only one plan. There is an application fee for the plan application payable to the University of Houston-Clear Lake as described below, which is in addition to the application fee for university admission. All application materials must be submitted in a single envelope, including recommendations and transcripts, submitted as described below. Applicants submit GRE scores to the university following the standard reporting procedure as well as entering them onto the plan application form. Applicants are advised that they must complete a university Application for Admission and submit it and all required fees and documents to the university Admissions Office before beginning the plan, in addition to the plan application described here.

Application for admission to a Professional Psychology Plan:

  1. All application materials must be submitted to the appropriate admissions committee in a single envelope, including recommendations and transcripts which are submitted as described below.
  2. Professional Psychology application components:
    1. The Professional Psychology Programs Application (form found in the Professional Psychology Brochure or on the university's Web site)
    2. A brief curriculum vitae (a résumé including relevant course work and paid or volunteer work experiences, any honors, presentations, papers and other life experiences that should be considered)
    3. A brief (up to 1000 word) essay stating reasons for wanting this training and how it fits into career goals
    4. Three Recommendations forApplicant Admission (form found in the Professional Psychology Brochure or on the university's Web site)
    5. Transcripts from all colleges and universities previously attended (These are in addition to the transcripts sent directly to the UHCL Office of Admissions);applicants should collect all transcripts and include them in the application envelope
    6. A $35 check or money order made payable to: UHCL Professional Psychology Plans
    7. Scores on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) General Test
    8. Documents listed in a-f must be sent together in a single envelope to:
  3. Deadline for Application and Notification of Admissions Decision. Applications are accepted once a year between December 10th and January 25th for review in the Spring.Applicants have the responsibility to insure that their applications for UHCL admission, GRE scores and supporting transcripts are received by the university Office of Admissions and the Professional Psychology application envelope containing all required documents is received by the appropriate committee within the dates given above. The three admissions committees notifyapplicants of admissions decisions usually by April 1st.
  4. Additional information regarding applications. Any evidence of tampering with recommendations or transcripts could result in disqualifyingapplicants from admission.Applicants should note that admission to graduate status at the university is not equivalent to admission to one of the Professional Psychology Plans. In some cases,applicants may be contacted by the advising office; any such communication refers only to acceptance into graduate status in the university based on the application for university admission described above. This should not be confused with acceptance into one of the Professional Psychology Plans.Applicants are not admitted into a Professional Psychology Plan until they receive formal notice from the Professional Psychology Plan director that they have been accepted into the plan.Applicants should direct any questions regarding the status of their application to the Coordinator, Graduate Plans in Professional Psychology. If students are not accepted into a Professional Psychology Plan, they may apply for admission to a non-clinical master's plan. Information regarding these plans is available in the advising office, School of Human Sciences and Humanities. However,applicants to a non-clinical master's plan should be aware of the information in the section below entitled "Restricted Courses."
  5. Scholarships. Limited scholarships for tuition and fees for Professional Psychology students are available on a competitive basis. Scholarships may also carry a waiver of out-of-state tuition for qualified recipients. For information and application forms,applicants should contact the HSH Advising Coordinator.
*_______________________Admissions Committee
School of Human Sciences and Humanities
University of Houston-Clear Lake
2700 Bay Area Blvd.
Houston, Texas 77058-1098
*Name of Plan: Clinical Psychology, Family Therapy or School Psychology

Restricted Courses

Applicants should note the following courses that are restricted to students formally admitted to one of the Professional Psychology plans. Restricted courses may not be taken by graduate students in the General Psychology plan or transitional students not yet admitted into a Professional Psychology Plan.

*PSYC 5136 Multicultural Counseling PSYC 6132 Seminar in Professional
*PSYC 5137 Mindfulness and AcceptanceTherapies PSYC 6133 School PsychologyPers Assess of Child
PSYC 5231 Psychotherapy: Theory &Research PSYC 6136 Marital/Family Interactionarch
PSYC 5234 Family Life Cycle PSYC 6137 Family Rese
PSYC 5236 Family Assessment PSYC 6139 Intervention I: Academic andCognitive Skills
PSYC 5239 Group Therapy PSYC 6230 Intervention II: Social and
PSYC 5731 Basic Psychotherapy Skills Behavioral Skills
PSYC 5734 Prof Practice and Ethics PSYC 6231 Intervention III: Affective and
PSYC 5738 Family Ther Practicum Adaptive Skills
PSYC 5832 Clinical Hypnosis PSYC 6233 Adv Family Therapy
PSYC 6032 Intellectual Assessment PSYC 6234 Systems and Symptoms
PSYC 6033 Personality Assessment PSYC 6236 Child Adol FamTher
PSYC 6034 Consultation in School Psyc PSYC 6332 Intervention IV: Program
PSYC 6038 Clinical Practicum Design
PSYC 6039 School Psyc Practicum PSYC 6531 Psychopathology
PSYC 6111 Student Diversity in Learning PSYC 6534 Couple and Sex Therapy
PSYC 6121 Ethics and Law in School Psyc PSYC 6636/ PSYC 6666 Clinical Internship

*Pending Coordinating Board approval

Review of Progress

Continuation in a professional program requires satisfactory academic performance and the acquisition of appropriate clinical and professional skills and personal attributes. Students admitted to the plans will be evaluated annually for academic progress and appropriate professional behavior and development. An unsatisfactory evaluation may lead to probation or, in extreme cases, termination from the plan. The policies and procedures for each plan contain further information regarding these matters and may be obtained from the convener for each plan.

Grade Requirements

Only courses in which a grade of "B-" or better is earned may be applied toward any Professional Psychology Plan requirement. Grades of "C+" or below are not acceptable.

Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology (back to top)

The Clinical Psychology Plan prepares students to work in the mental health field and includes theoretical training and practical experience in psychological assessment and psychotherapy. The plan is a member of the Council of Applied Master's Programs in Psychology (CAMPP) and adheres to the academic and training standards of CAMPP. Graduates of the plan regularly meet the requirements for licensure as a Professional Counselor and/or Psychological Associate.

Prerequisites (15 hours)

Fifteen hours of undergraduate psychology course work in Introductory Psychology, Theories of Personality, Abnormal Psychology, Social Psychology and three additional hours of upper-level psychology.

A number of courses below have prerequisite requirements and are restricted to students admitted into a Professional Psychology Plan. See the Course Roster at the end of the catalog for information about prerequisite requirements and the section above on restricted courses.

Required Plan Core Courses (21 hours)

PSYC 5031 Human Growth and Dev
PSYC 6531 Psychopathology
PSYC 5235 Learning Principles
PSYC 5734 Prof Practice & Ethics
PSYC 6036/PSYC 6037 Res Design & Stat I & II
PSYC 6134 Bio Basis of Behavior

Socio-cultural Elective (select one course, 3 hours)

*PSYC 5136 Multicultural Counseling
PSYC 5437 Aging
PSYC 5533 Psychology of Women
PSYC 5534 Minorities and Majorities
PSYC 5535 Cross-Cult Persp on Family
PSYC 5831 Gender and Cultural Perspect in Thrpy

Assessment Requirements (select two courses, 6 hours)

PSYC 6031 Behavioral Assessment
PSYC 6032 Intellectual Assessment
PSYC 6033 Personality Assessment

Therapy Requirements (four courses, 12 hours)

PSYC 5231 Psychotherapy Theory/Res
PSYC 5731 Basic Psychotherapy Skills
PSYC 5239 Group Psychotherapy
PSYC 6235 Beh/Cognitive Therapies

Therapy Electives (select two courses, 6 hours)

*PSYC 5137 Mindfulness and Acceptance Therapies
PSYC 5233 Intro to Family Therapy
PSYC 5434 Intro to Art Therapy
PSYC 5735 Anxiety and Stress Management
PSYC 5736 Behavioral Medicine
PSYC 5831 Gender and Cultural Persp in Therapy
PSYC 5832 Clinical Hypnosis
PSYC 5833 Transpersonal Therapy
PSYC 6534 Couple and Sex Therapy

Other courses may be substituted with consent of adviser.

Free Elective (3 hours)Supervised Clinical Experience (12 hours)

Total Hours = 63

*Pending Coordinating Board approval

Master of Arts in Family Therapy (back to top)

The Family Therapy Plan provides theoretical and applied training in family systems theory and family therapy and is accredited by the Commission of Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education. The Family Therapy curriculum is outlined below.

Admissions

Applicants must submit all materials as listed in the Professional Psychology Plan section. All applications are initially reviewed by the Family Therapy faculty. Selected applicants are invited for group interviews during which they are evaluated on their performance in response to questions by the Family Therapy faculty. Approximately 20 successful applicants are selected into the plan each year.

Plan Requirements

Prerequisites (18 hours)

Eighteen hours of undergraduate Behavioral Sciences course work, including Introductory Psychology, Theories of Personality, Child Psychology, Abnormal Psychology, Research Design and Statistics. No undergraduate courses may be counted toward degree requirements in Family Therapy.

A number of courses below have prerequisite requirements and/or are restricted to students admitted into a Professional Psychology Plan. See the Course Roster at the end of the catalog for information about prerequisite requirements and the section above on restricted courses.

Required Courses (49 hours)

PSYC 5233 Intro to Family Therapy PSYC 5234 Family Life Cycle
PSYC 5236 Family Assessment PSYC 5239 Group Psychotherapy
PSYC 5433 Substance Abuse: Causes and Treatments PSYC 5731 Basic Psychotherapy Skills
PSYC 5737 Family Therapy Professional Ethics PSYC 5738 Family Therapy Practicum (for two sems/six credits)
PSYC 6137 Family Research PSYC 6233 Advanced Family Therapy
PSYC 6234 Systems and Symptoms PSYC 6236 Child and Adol Family Therapy
PSYC 6531 Psychopathology PSYC 6534 Couple and Sex Therapy
PSYC 66111 Seminar in Family Therapy

1This course is taken for four semesters (one credit hour per semester).

Elective (select one course)

PSYC 5031 Human Growth and Dev PSYC 5032 Family Psychology
PSYC 5434 Art Therapy PSYC 5235 Learning Principles
PSYC 5533 Psychology of Gender,Race & Sexuality andCultural PSYC 5437 Aging
PSYC 5831 Gender Persp in Therapy PSYC 5535 Cross Cult Persp/Family
PSYC 5931 Res Topics in Psychology PSYC 5833 Transpersonal Therapy
PSYC 6136 Marital and Family Interaction PSYC 6134 Biological Basis of Behavior

Other courses with consent of adviser

Internship (9 hours)

PSYC 6636 Clinical Internship

Three semesters with a minimum of 1000 hours, including 500 hours of direct client contact and supervision by an American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy approved supervisor.

Total Hours 61

NOTE: Students are also expected to join the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT) and to attend two national or state professional meetings (AAMFT or the Texas Association for Marriage and Family Therapy) while they are in the program.

Master of Arts in School Psychology (back to top)

The School Psychology Plan is based on a collaborative data-based, problem-solving model of training. The focus of the specialty is on the psycho-educational needs of children. The emphasis of the plan is on training students who will work as specialists in School Psychology within public schools. The plan is broadly designed and may also be appropriate for students who may be working with children in other settings (e.g., public agencies). The plan strives to produce school psychological specialists who have high standards of ethical, professional conduct; engage in empirically based and collaborative decision making as part of a multidisciplinary team; have a high level of competency in assessment, intervention and consultation; and have sensitivity to and respect for the uniqueness, dignity, culture and worth of each individual.

The School Psychology Plan at UHCL is approved by the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) at the specialist level of training. The plan requires a minimum of 69 hours of course work, 57 of which are exclusive of internship.

Re-Specialization Policy1

TSBEP: Students seeking credentialing by the Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists (TSBEP) can develop a modified plan in consultation with their adviser and the Director of the School Psychology Plan. These students must formally apply to the plan and be accepted as outlined for all students. The plan will be designed according to requirements set forth by TSBEP and the UHCL NASP-Approved Plan. At a minimum, such students will take the School Psychology Professional Seminar, Practicum, Consultation and Internship courses.

NCSP: Students seeking credentialing as a Nationally Certified School Psychologist (NCSP) can develop a modified plan in consultation with the Director of the School Psychology Plan. These students must formally apply to the plan and be accepted as outlined for all students. The plan will be designed according to requirements set forth by the NCSP board. Such individuals will have to complete the substantial equivalent of the UHCL plan and NCSP requirements.

1It must be emphasized that TSBEP and NCSP credentials are granted by boards and not by any academic plan. Upon completion of the re-specialization plan of study, students must apply to the appropriate Board.

Admission

The School Psychology Selection Committee accepts only a limited number of students into the plan based on review and evaluation of the criteria required for application. These criteria include: complete application (application form, vita, essay and three letters of reference); official transcripts of all previous course work; GPA of 3.250 or above; GRE of 900 or above preferred; 12 hours of undergraduate Behavioral Sciences course work which must include Introductory Psychology, Child Psychology, Theories of Personality and Abnormal Psychology. These prerequisites may be waived for students who possess graduate degrees and, in some cases, a similar course may substitute for a prerequisite.

Acceptance to Candidacy

Admission to the plan as described above is not synonymous with acceptance to candidacy. Students will be evaluated for Candidacy by the primary School Psychology faculty upon completion of Practicum. Candidacy evaluation includes a feedback interview if appropriate.

Internship

The School Psychology Plan recognizes the internship as the culminating experience in specialty training. The internship consists of a minimum of 1200 hours, 600 of which must be done in a school setting. The internship occurs during the final year of training and is designed to be accomplished on a full-time basis over a period of one academic year. Interns receive a stipend during this final year of training.

End of Plan Evaluation

Students are required to take a graduate comprehensive examination upon successful completion of plan requirements (minimum GPA of 3.000; grades of "B-" or better in all course work; grades of "C+" or below are not acceptable toward the degree). The comprehensive examination has been designated to be the National Certification Examination in School Psychology (Praxis II). This is a nationally standardized examination designed to assess the entry-level knowledge and skills that might be expected of a master's specialist level school psychologist. This exam must be taken after students are accepted to candidacy. It is recommended to be taken during the first semester of internship placement. For graduation, students must obtain a score not less than ½ standard deviation below the NCSP criterion (pass) score. In addition to the national examination, each student must also submit a portfolio documenting competencies in each of the NASP domains of practice. The portfolio is submitted a few months prior to graduation. Additional information regarding this requirement is provided in the Student Handbook.

Required Courses

The course work is designed to provide preparation in each of the NASP Domains of Practice. Any course substitutions or use of transfer credits must be approved by the School Psychology Plan faculty.

Recommended Course Sequence:

YEAR 1

Summer

PSYC 5031 Human Growth and Development

Semester 1 (Fall)

PSYC 5131 Psychopathology of Childhood
PSYC 5235 Learning Principles
PSYC 6036 Research Design and Statistics I

Semester 2 (Spring)

PSYC 6032 Intellectual Assessment
PSYC 6037 Research Design and Statistics II
PSYC 6238 Applied Behavior Analysis

YEAR 2

Summer

PSYC 5233 Introduction to Family Therapy
PSYC 6134 Biological Basis of Behavior

Semester 3 (Fall)

PSYC 6039 Practicum in School Psychology
PSYC 6111 Student Diversity in Learning
PSYC 6121 Ethics/Law in School Psyc.
PSYC 6133 Personality Assessment of the Child
PSYC 6139 Intervention I: Academic and Cognitive Skills

Semester 4 (Spring)

PSYC 6034 Consultation in School Psyc
PSYC 6039 Practicum in School Psychology
PSYC 6230 Intervention II: Social and Behavioral Skills
PSYC 6231 Intervention III: Affective and Adaptive Skills

YEAR 3

Summer

PSYC 6132 Seminar in Professional School Psychology
PSYC 6332 Intervention IV: Program Design/Evaluation for Special Populations

Semester 5 (Fall)

PSYC 6666 Clinical Internship

Semester 6 (Spring)

PSYC 6666 Clinical Internship

Master of Arts In Criminology

The graduate plan in Criminology leads to the master of arts (MA) degree. This degree requires 36 hours with a thesis, project or internship; or 39 hours with the course work option.

The academic goal of the plan is to provide students with a comprehensive, in-depth understanding of crime: why it occurs, how it is measured and how it might be controlled. An additional goal is to help students develop the knowledge and skills needed to attain successful careers within the criminal justice system or advance in their current careers.

General Requirements (back to top)

CRIM 5036 Research Design and Statistics I 3 hours
CRIM 5037 Research Design and Statistics II 3 hours
CRIM 5136 Race and Crime 3 hours
CRIM 5331 Advanced Criminology 3 hours
CRIM 5336 Law and Society 3 hours

Six hours selected from the following core courses:

CRIM 5133 Advanced Juvenile Delinquency 3 hours
CRIM 5139 Correctional Institutions 3 hours
CRIM 5338 Criminal Law 3 hours
CRIM 5432 Sociology of Law Enforcement 3 hours

Master's Options

Students select one of the following options:

CRIM 6739 Graduate Internship 6 hours
CRIM 6839 Master's Project 6 hours
CRIM 6939 Master's Thesis 6 hours

Students choosing one of these three options must select nine hours of electives from Criminology and/or other relevant disciplines with the approval of their academic adviser for a total of 36 hours.

or

Course Work Master's Option

Students selecting the course work option must take CRIM 6735 Seminar in Criminology plus 15 hours of electives from Criminology and/or other relevant disciplines for a total of 39 hours. Students may not enroll in CRIM 6735 until they have successfully completed at least 24 hours of their degree plan.

Available Criminology Electives:

CRIM 5135 The Death Penalty 3 hours
CRIM 5137 Prevention and Control of Crime 3 hours
CRIM 5138 Homeland Security 3 hours
CRIM 5332 White-Collar Crime 3 hours
CRIM 5333 Computer Crime 3 hours
CRIM 5335 Criminal Justice and the Mass Media 3 hours
CRIM 5339 Comparative Criminology 3 hours
CRIM 5431 Domestic Violence 3 hours
CRIM 5433 Serial Murder 3 hours
CRIM 6734 Future of Crime and Justice 3 hours

Courses from the core course list not utilized to fulfill the core requirement may be used as electives.

Graduate students may not apply more than six semester hours of online graduate course work toward the M.A. in Criminology.

Master of Arts in Fitness andHuman Performance

The graduate plan in Fitness and Human Performance leads to the master of arts (MA) degree. The plan is designed for students preparing for careers as coaches, strength and conditioning professionals and exercise fitness specialists, where their prime duty is initiating, directing and evaluating exercise and testing programs. Applicants should have basic course work in health and fitness, including course work in the physiology of exercise and biomechanics. If these requirements have not been met, such courses must be taken before the degree can be awarded. These hours will not count toward the 36 hours required for the master's degree.

Degree Requirements (back to top)

Core Requirements (21 hours)

HLTH 5131 Applied Neuromuscular Physiology HLTH 5132 Applied Cardiovascular Physiology
HLTH 5133 Sports Nutrition HLTH 6032 Adv Sem in Sports Medicine
HLTH 5335 Exercise Principles for Special Populations HLTH 6035 Stat in Exercise Science
HLTH 6033 Lab Techniques and Res Design

Select 9 hours from the following:

HLTH 5231 Tech/Hum Performance
HLTH 5931 Res Topics in Health
HLTH 5939 Independent Study in Human Performance
HLTH 6037 Advanced Seminar in Peak Performance

General Requirements (6 hours)

Students select one of the options listed below:

HLTH 6739 Graduate Internship
HLTH 6839 Master's Project
HLTH 6939 Master's Thesis

Master's projects, theses and internships require continuous registration during each fall and spring semester until completion, for a minimum of six hours. If students do not maintain continuous registration in the master's project, thesis or internship, previously accumulated master's option credits will not count toward the master's degree.

Certificate in Fitness and Human Performance (Graduate)

The Fitness and Human Performance certificate is designed for individuals with a bachelor's degree who are not seeking a master's degree in Fitness and Human Performance, but who do want to receive specific instruction in fitness, exercise, nutrition and human performance. The certificate will be granted by the School of Human Sciences and Humanities upon completion of the 12-hour curriculum. Credit hours completed as part of the certificate program may be applied to the Fitness and Human Performance master's plan upon completion of admission requirements to the degree-seeking plan. Non-degree-seeking students are subject to the university's academic standards and do not differ from degree-seeking students in regard to any other university policies.

Certificate Requirements

HLTH 5131 Applied Exercise Physiology: (Neuromuscular)
HLTH 5132 Applied Exercise Physiology: (Cardiopulmonary)
HLTH 5133 Sports Nutrition
HLTH 6032 Advanced Seminar in Sports Medicine or
HLTH 6037 Advanced Seminar in Peak Performance

Cross-CulteralStudies (Graduate)

The master of arts (MA) plan in Cross-Cultural Studies examines the relationships among culture, diversity and power in the U.S. and in a global context. The plan emphasizes the study of differences and inequalities structured by race, gender, ethnicity, class, sexuality and nationality. It develops understanding of social and political conflict and strategies of conflict resolution. Cross-Cultural Studies is an interdisciplinary plan including disciplines as diverse as Anthropology, History, Literature and Sociology. By exploring similar questions in diverse disciplines and using a range of methodological approaches, students gain an understanding of the complexities of culture and diversity. The plan emphasizes religion, gender, human rights and immigration. Focusing on contemporary and historical issues, courses provide theoretical and practical training that can be applied in a variety of fields, including non-profit, legal, service, religious and educational institutions, among others.

Degree Requirements (back to top)

Core: 9 hours required

CRCL 5031 Theories of Cultural Diversity
CRCL 5037 Theories and Practices of Mediation
CRCL 5631 Cross-Cultural Methods

Foundation: 6 hours required

CRCL 5032 Political Economy
CRCL 5033 Religion and Community
CRCL 5035 Human Rights and Social Justice
CRCL 5131 Gender, Culture and Power

Race and Culture: 6 hours required

CRCL 5531 Cross-Cultural Perspectives on the Family
CRCL 5731 Seminar in American Multicultural Literature
HIST 5232 American Social Movements
HIST 5432 Studies in European History
HIST 5434 Studies in Latin American History
LITR 5437 Literature and Culture
PSYC 5533 Psychology of Gender, Race & Sexuality
SOCI 5333 Minorities and Majorities
WMST 4132 Women of Color

Perspectives on Globalization: 6 hours required

ANTH 5333 Peoples of Mexico and Central America
ANTH 5535 Cultures of Asia
CRCL 5039 Environment and Society
CRCL 5537 Cultures of Africa
CRCL 5538 Cultures of the Middle East
HUMN 5035 Texts and Images III
SOCI 5537 Urban Problems

Electives: 3 hours required

Select Any of the Above Courses -or-

PSYC 5338 Cross-Cultural Communications
PSYC 6237 Culture and Consciousness

Master's Option: 6 hours required

Thesis, Project or Internship (students are encouraged to select the internship option). Students must contact the internship coordinator or thesis/project adviser the semester before beginning an internship, project or thesis.

Course Work Option: Students selecting a course work option will complete 36 hours of courses plus CRCL 6735 Research Seminar in Cross-Cultural Studies for a total of 39 hours.

Plans in Humanities and Fine Arts

The plans in Humanities and Fine Arts bring together complementary studies in literature, history, art, philosophy, language and communication. These disciplines comprise the liberal arts curricula of the university and students in all areas of study are strongly encouraged to complement their educations by enrolling in liberal arts courses.

Humanities and Fine Arts courses are designed to be intellectually stimulating and challenging; to develop clarity of thought, speech and writing; to encourage the formation of enlightened attitudes and values; and to develop both the critical and creative capabilities of each student.

Admission into a Graduate Degree Plan (back to top)

There are two ways applicants can be accepted into a graduate degree plan in the School of Human Sciences and Humanities:

In order to have adequate time to review an applicant's material, the Application for Admission, transcripts for all prior college course work and GRE scores (if necessary) must be received by the Office of Admissions according to the following deadlines:

Fall Enrollment August 1
Spring Enrollment December 1
Summer Enrollment May 1

Master of Arts in Digital Media Studies (back to top)

The graduate plan in Digital Media Studies is the first of its kind in Texas. It provides students with cutting-edge interdisciplinary instruction in digital media theory and skills.

The plan responds to a cultural shift toward media convergence by giving students the flexibility to create an academic plan that best meets their intellectual needs and career goals. After completing a core curriculum, students may select digital media courses in communication, art, business, computer programming, gaming and instructional technology.

Courses in the Digital Media Studies plan are organized into three foundational areas: Concept, Design and Production. Exposure to each of these areas is essential to understand how digital media are produced, delivered and used. Students are required to take nine hours of core courses and six hours in each of the foundational areas. Students then select three additional hours in the foundational area that most interests them. Their course work is followed by a 6-hour capstone experience in the form of a graduate internship, master's project or master's thesis. The degree requires 36 hours of study.

Students without adequate undergraduate experience in computer software or graphics may be required to take preparatory courses at the undergraduate level before entering the program. A Computer Imaging course or its equivalent is considered the minimal level of preparation required.

Core Requirements (9 hours)

DMST 5031 Graphic Design1
DMST 5230 Critical Approaches to Digital Media
DMST 5232 Technical Foundations of Digital Media

1Students who have taken Graphic Design in another program may take Advertising Design or Illustration as an alternative.

Concept (6 hours)

DMST 5034 Global Issues in Film
DMST 5233 Digital Media Law and Ethics Seminar
DMST 5234 Public Relations Writing
MKTG 5031 Marketing Essentials for the 21st Century: Creating Customer Value
MKTG 5931 E-Marketing Management
MGMT 5638 Managing Technical and Professional People

Design (6 hours)

DMST 5033 Advertising Design or COMM 5035 Illustration
DMST 5038 Digital Photography
DMST 5039 Web Design (or INST 5635)
DMST 5139 Advanced Web Design (or INST 5735)
DMST 5231 Advanced Digital Media Design
*PSYC 6431 User Centered Design

Production (6 hours)

DMST 5931 Theory and Principles of Computer Game Programming (Prereq: DMST 5132)
DMST 5036 Digital Video (or INST 5835)
DMST 5132 3D Modeling
DMST 5235 Animation
DMST 5236 Digital Storytelling
DMST 5332 Compositing
DMST 5538 Desktop Publishing
ISAM 5030 Fundamentals of Business Programming
ISAM 5638 Advanced Applications Programming with JAVA (Prereq: ISAM 5030)

Elective (3 hours)

Select one additional course from the Concept, Design or Production area.

New courses are introduced under the DMST 5931: Research Topics rubric. If a scheduled course is not listed in the curriculum, consult with your advisor to determine whether it falls under the concept, design or production area.

Capstone Experience (6 hours)

DMST 6739 or *6769: Graduate Internship or

DMST 6839: Master's Project or *DMST 6939: Master's Thesis

*Pending Coordinating Board approval

Master of Arts in History

The graduate plan in History leads to the master of arts (MA) degree. Since the plan is designed to facilitate an advanced level of historical inquiry, applicants for graduate degree candidacy should have had a sound undergraduate training in history. Students lacking sufficient background may be required to take supplementary course work before being admitted to candidacy.

Degree Requirements (back to top)

All students seeking the master of arts degree in History must complete HIST 5031: Research and Methods Seminar in the first 12 hours of course work. In addition, at least nine hours must be taken in historical areas outside the student's sub-plan. If the student's sub-plan is the United States, at least one of the three courses must be in the history of Latin America and one in the history of Europe. If the student's sub-plan is Europe, at least one of the three courses must be in the history of Latin America and one in the history of the United States.

Master's degree candidates prepare a Candidate Plan of Study (CPS) with the assistance and approval of a faculty adviser. All master's degree options must contain a minimum of 30 graduate semester credit hours. Only courses in which a grade of "B-" or better is earned may be applied toward any of the plans for a Master of Arts Degree in History. Grades of "C+" or below are not acceptable.

The master's degree Option 1 requires a minimum of 30 graduate semester hours including six hours of Master's Thesis Research and, at the discretion of the thesis adviser, an oral defense of the thesis. Option 2 requires a minimum of 36 semester hours including six hours of Master's Project Research and an oral examination upon completion of the project. Option 4 requires a minimum of 36 semester hours of course work plus written and oral comprehensive examinations in the last semester. The written component will be based on two broad historical fields, with reading lists to be developed by the examination committee. The oral exam will follow, permitting detailed discussion of the written material. Students seeking a graduate degree in Humanities and whose Candidate Plans of Study have a history emphasis, will follow the guidelines noted above.

For the successful completion of master's degree Option 1, the Master's Thesis, students are expected to do original work in some field of historical inquiry. Emphasis should be placed on the creative use of materials and methods, including those which can be appropriately borrowed from complementary disciplines such as literature, art, sociology and psychology.

To complete master's degree Option 2, the Master's Project, students are expected to make contributions to the collection and organization of useful and important historical materials: for example, the collection and transcription of interviews or the recording, identification and dating of historical buildings and building sites in the area. A project need not be limited to the traditional style, but may include forms such as the extended review essay or studies in film, video or theater.

Master's projects and theses require continuous registration during each fall and spring semester until completion, for a minimum of six hours. If students do not maintain continuous registration in the master's project or thesis, previously accumulated master's option credits will not count toward the master's degree.

Master of Arts in Humanities

The graduate plan in Humanities leads to the Master of Arts (MA) degree. The plan combines interdisciplinary study in the humanities with a sub-plan in the study of Texts (Sub-Plan I) or Images (Sub-Plan II). The Humanities disciplines include arts, communications, history, humanities, literature and philosophy. The degree emphasizes the broad sweep of culture and students are exposed to concepts and achievements that are global in origin and scope. Students may enroll with degrees from the humanities or from other fields, although some course preparation in the humanities is desirable. The plan emphasizes faculty advisement and mentoring. The capstone experience - thesis, project or internship - provides an opportunity to work closely with a faculty member or professional mentor. For additional information about the degree, contact the HSH Advising Coordinator.

Degree Requirements (back to top)

All master's degree options must contain a minimum of 30 graduate semester hours. The degree consists of a required core (9 hours), a sub-plan (minimum of 15 hours) and a master's option (thesis, project, internship or additional course work). With the approval of their faculty advisers, students pursuing a master's degree in humanities may take up to six hours of credit outside the following rubrics: ARTS, COMM, HIST, HUMN, LITR and PHIL. Further exceptions are at the discretion of the Humanities and Fine Arts Division Chair in consultation with the faculty adviser.

Required Core (9 hours). The core introduces students to significant texts and images in western and non-western civilizations:

HUMN 5031 Texts and Images I
HUMN 5033 Texts and Images II
HUMN 5035 Texts and Images III

Sub-Plans (minimum 15 hours)

Students select one of two sub-plans: Texts or Images. Sub-Plan I, Texts, focuses on literary, historical, philosophical, psychological and critical written works. Students select from courses in ARTS (Art History), COMM1, HIST, HUMN, LITR and PHIL. Sub-Plan II, Images, includes course work in studio art, lens media (photography and video), visual communication (graphic design) and art history. A minimum of 18 undergraduate hours in ARTS courses is required. Included in the 18 required hours must be courses in drawing, painting, sculpture,art history and two additional foundation courses to be determined with an ARTS faculty adviser.

1Students should note that many graduate COMM courses have prerequisites.

Master's Options (back to top)

Students select one of the following options for completing the MA in Humanities degree:

The thesis, project or internship should be interdisciplinary in its orientation, concept and content. Master's projects, theses and internships require continuous registration during each fall and spring semester until completion, for a minimum of six hours. If students do not maintain continuous registration in the master's project, thesis or internship, previously accumulated master's option credits will not count toward the master's degree. Studio arts and applied graphic design students select project or internship options only.

American Studies

Students concentrating in American Studies select Sub-Plan I, Texts, and complete a minimum of 15 hours of course work in the American Studies courses listed below. Students who intend to write a thesis or complete a project or internship may elect no more than two courses from any one rubric. Students in the course work option must select a balanced plan of study with the approval of their adviser. All American Studies students must complete at least one course in a Human Sciences rubric.

Five with American (Western Hemisphere) Content:

ANTH 5333 HIST 5132 HIST 5133 HIST 5138 HIST 5232 HIST 5233
HIST 5234 HIST 5235 HIST 5237 LITR 54311 LITR 57311 SOCI 5333
SOCI 5334 SOCI 5336

1Courses may be repeated for credit when content varies.

Other courses with more than 50% American content will also fulfill this requirement. Theses, projects or internships will deal with an Americanist subject.

Professional Writing/Applied Graphic Design

Students who wish to complete a concentration in Professional Writing/Applied Graphic Design will select Sub-Plan I, Texts. A minimum of 15 hours is required for the concentration; 12 hours must come from Professional Writing or Applied Graphic Design courses. Theses, projects or internships will deal with Professional Writing or Applied Graphic Design subjects. Students who elect to study Applied Graphic Design should be proficient in photography or digital photography and basic computer problem-solving skills.

Professional Writing Certificate

Students who successfully complete at least 12 hours of approved professional writing courses can apply for a Certificate of Professional Writing. Eligible students should contact the Humanities Professional Writing Certificate Coordinator early in the semester in which they expect to graduate.

Women's Studies

Students concentrating in Women's Studies select Sub-Plan I, Texts. A minimum of 15 hours is required for the concentration; 12 hours must be in Women's Studies courses. Theses, projects or internships will deal with a related subject.

Master of Arts in Literature

Graduate studies in Literature at UHCL lead to the Master of Arts (M.A.) degree. Students may study literature from the distant past to the present. Sub-plans are available in American Studies, Composition and Rhetoric, Creative Writing or Professional Writing.

Applicants for admission should have sound undergraduate training in literature. Students lacking a sufficient background may be required to take additional undergraduate courses before admission to candidacy or before continuing in graduate courses. Applications and inquiries should be addressed to the university Office of Admissions or HSH Advising Coordinator.

Degree Requirements (back to top)

Every M.A. candidate is assigned an adviser from the full-time Literature faculty. Early in registration, the candidate meets with the faculty adviser to create an individual Candidate Plan of Study (CPS).

The Literature M.A. offers 3 plans of study featuring 3 "capstones":

All students initially register for the Course Work-Comprehensive Option. This option offers the broadest exposure to literature. It is usually the fastest and lowest-cost path to complete the Master's degree in Literature. Unlike the Thesis and Project options, it rarely requires additional semesters.

Students who wish to pursue the Project or Thesis options must petition for reclassification as they approach the 24-hour course work minimum. Procedures for all three options are detailed in the "Capstone Options Guide" for Literature M.A. Students, available on UHCL's Literature program webpage (http://hsh.uhcl.edu/LITR).

During their first year of graduate work, all candidates for the M.A. in Literature must take LITR 5132: Literary Theory.

Students must also take at least 12 hours of "reading-centered" courses involving analysis of literary texts: e.g., American Literature, Literature and Gender, British Literature-Pre-Restoration.

Minimal numbers of LITR and graduate hours.

Most of an M.A. student's course work must be in graduate Literature courses-courses listed under the LITR rubric with numbers in the 5000 series. Two courses may be filled by "Texts and Images" courses from Humanities: HUMN 5031, 5033, 5035. In special cases, faculty advisers may authorize non-LITR or undergraduate courses. All such courses must support the primary

graduate LITR courses in an intellectually coherent plan of study.

Each Capstone Option requires a minimal number of graduate LITR courses.

All Master's degree options require a minimum of 30 graduate semester hours.

Master's projects and theses require continuous registration during each fall and spring semester until completion, for a minimum of six hours. If students do not maintain continuous registration in the Master's project or thesis, previously accumulated Master's option credits will not count toward the Master's degree.

Candidates for the Thesis Capstone Option are expected to write an original essay in criticism and/or scholarship, or an original creative work of substantial complexity and quality that demonstrates clear mastery of its form. Students wishing to write creative theses must take at least one of the graduate Seminars in Creative Writing (LITR 5430).

Candidates for the Project Capstone Option undertake some other original work. Scholarship may be combined with lesson plans for teaching at various levels. Creative writing projects may include a piece of creative writing such as a lengthy short story, a one-act play, a collection of poems or a novel. Unusual topics, experimental genres and interdisciplinary approaches may be explored.

Candidates for the Course Work-Comprehensive Option are required to pass a comprehensive examination based on readings from their individual course work. See the online Capstone Options Guide for details. Examinations are designed to reflect and support the course of study students have chosen.

Composition and Rhetoric and Professional Writing Sub-Plans

Students may obtain an M.A. in Literature with an emphasis in Composition and Rhetoric or Professional Writing. The Composition and Rhetoric Sub-Plan prepares students to teach composition at the community college and university levels. The Professional Writing Sub-Plan prepares students for positions as business, science and technical writers.

Composition and Rhetoric Sub-Plan

Required Courses (9 hours total)

LITR 5130 Composition: Theory and Practice-Required

Six additional units from any of the following:

LITR 5037 Writing for the Technical Professions
LITR 5038 Writing for the Business Professions
LITR 5039 Editing
LITR 5131 Studies in Composition & Rhetoric (variable topics)
LITR 5739 Writing Center Practicum and one semester tutoring in Writing Center
LITR 6739 Graduate Internship

Professional Writing Sub-Plan

Required Courses

Select 9 hours from the following courses:

LITR 5036 Public Relations Writing
LITR 5037 Writing for the Technical Professions
LITR 5038 Writing for the Business Professions
LITR 5039 Editing
LITR 5131 Studies in Composition and Rhetoric (recommended for students who plan to teach Professional Writing)

American Studies Sub-Plan, M.A. in Literature

The sub-plan in American Studies provides a broad understanding of the relationship between American literature, history and culture. It prepares students to study for the Ph.D. in American Studies or Literature or to pursue careers in government or foreign service.

Students complete the requirements of the Literature degree and include the following in their plans:

LITR 5132 Literary Theory

Two courses from ANTH 5032, HIST 5035, LITR 5431, LITR 5731 (may be repeated for credit when content varies).

One course with American (Western Hemisphere) content from ANTH, ARTS, SOCI, HIST, HUMN, PHIL, WMST.

Note: One of the above courses must be in ANTH or SOCI.