The first program offered in 1971 when the Graduate School at Hood College opened, the master's degree in interdisciplinary studies in human behavior offers an interdisciplinary approach to the study of the complexity of human nature and the issues of contemporary society. This program can provide existing career enhancement, as well as a stimulating path for life-long learners.
Extending liberal arts to the graduate level, the interdisciplinary studies in human behavior master's degree program challenges students to develop a deeper understanding and broader perspective of the human experience and the world in which we live. Outstanding faculty scholars and adjunct instructors strengthen the unique interdisciplinary curriculum with extensive research, professional and teaching expertise.
With its intense focus on critical thinking, research, analysis, problem solving and communication skills, the program has ready application in many facets of career, community and personal life. The degree can provide career enhancement opportunities in fields such as education, community health, government, community service, human resources, the juvenile justice system, community organizing and the media.
Students may choose from two paths to the master's degree: 30 credits plus a comprehensive exam or 36 credits including a thesis. A wide variety of electives accommodate multiple interests and goals. Evening and accelerated weekend classes and summer-term sessions mean even part-time students can complete the degree in less than two years.
Program Director
Assistant Director of Graduate Admission
"The interdisciplinary nature of this master’s program appealed to my curiosity about a program range of academic disciplines and allowed me to customize the program to further fit my interests and professional goals"
Ellie Weber graduated from Hood College in 2020 with a M.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies in Human Behavior. She was a research intern for a suicide prevention non-profit called REBORN.
Stephny Lietuvnikas earned an M.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies in Human Behavior in May. She was selected for the 2020 Craig D. Lebo M.A. '84 Outstanding Student Award in Human Behavior.
For students applying to the masters in art in interdisciplinary studies in human behavior program, please submit the following to the Graduate School:
A 2.75 minimum GPA is required for admission to the Graduate School and to the Master of Arts in interdisciplinary studies in human behavior program. No GRE is required.
Two routes to the master’s degree in the Interdisciplinary Studies in Human Behavior are available. They are:
| PSY 500/COUN 500 | Human Development as a Lifelong Process | 3.0 |
| PSY 501 | Theories of Personality | 3.0 |
| PSY 505 | Social Psychology: A Survey | 3.0 |
| PSY 531/COUN 531 | Diagnosis & Psychopathology | 3.0 |
| ECON 551 | Foundations of Economics | 3.0 |
| MATH 500 | Statistics | 3.0 |
| PSCI 500 | Government in Contemporary Society | 3.0 |
| or |
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| PSCI 505/PSCI 405 | Civil Liberties | 3.0 |
| SOC 523 | Ethnicity in the United States | 3.0 |
| GERO 554/COUN 554 | Social Gerontology | 3.0 |
| GERO 555/COUN 555 | Psychological Aspects of Aging | 3.0 |
| GERO 556/COUN 556 | Health and Aging | 3.0 |
| GERO 599/COUN 599 | Special Topics in Gerontology | 3.0 |
| PSY 511/COUN 511 | Theories and Principles of Counseling | 3.0 |
| PSY 534/COUN 534 | Tests and Measurements | 3.0 |
| PSY 575R | Research Literature Review | 1.0 |
| PSY 590 | Teaching Assistantship | 1.0 - 3.0 |
| PSY 595 | Independent Research Project | 3.0 |
| THAN 521/COUN 521 | Grief and Loss | 3.0 |
| THAN 523/COUN 523 | Principles of Thanatology | 3.0 |
| THAN 528/COUN 528 | Developmental Perspectives in Thanatology | 3.0 |
| THAN 529 | Historical and Multicultural Perspectives in Thanatology | 3.0 |
PSY 575R, PSY 590, PSY 595, THAN 525: Not eligible for the comprehensive exam.
In addition to the MA degree in Interdisciplinary Studies in Human Behavior, students may obtain a Certificate in Thanatology if they choose the following as their four elective courses:
| THAN 521/COUN 521 | Grief and Loss | 3.0 |
| THAN 523/COUN 523 | Principles of Thanatology | 3.0 |
| THAN 528/COUN 528 | Developmental Perspectives in Thanatology | 3.0 |
| THAN 529 | Historical and Multicultural Perspectives in Thanatology | 3.0 |
Students must indicate intent to complete the Certificate in Thanatology by emailing the Office of the Registrar at hoodgrad@hood.edu.
NOTE: Course substitutions are not permitted. A student may be exempted from these requirements by petition to the appropriate department. The petition must be in writing and, if approved, written evidence of the exemption must be forwarded to the Office of the Registrar by the program director. The exemption is made a part of the student’s record. When a course is formally exempted, another course must be taken. Exemption does not constitute credit.
Students take a comprehensive examination of five completed courses: any three of the four required Psychology courses and any two electives except PSY 575R, PSY 590, PSY 595, THAN 525. Students must pass at least four of the five course examinations.
Students may choose to write a thesis which would require an additional six credits above the 30-credit course requirement. Students must obtain faculty permission to pursue this option, and it is recommended that they have a strong background in statistics and research methodology.
