Master of Arts in Social Psychology
Please visit the homepage of the master's degree program in social psychology. On the website you will find, routine notices and updates in addition to the information provided in the Information Handbook. The website address is: https://www.openu.ac.il/academic/Education_Psychology/social-psychology [in Hebrew].
Introduction1
The master's degree program in Social Psychology provides solid theoretical and methodological foundations for those seeking to conduct research and to work in the subfields of social psychology. Social psychology is a dynamic discipline that requires the ability to independently review and remain up to date with the continually changing academic literature. The master's program familiarizes students with social-psychological research and provides them with the necessary tools to critically evaluate the quality of new developments in the field.
In conjunction with theoretically oriented courses, the curriculum offers courses with a focus on the application of social psychology (in particular, its occupational and organizational aspects). For those interested in applied areas of social psychology, the program provides relevant knowledge, tools and practicum opportunities.
Study Tracks
Research thesis track
Following the completion of at least two courses (Advanced Statistics and Research Methods I plus another mandatory course) and the submission of an empirical seminar paper, outstanding students may apply to the research thesis track. To submit an application, qualified students must decide on a thesis topic and obtain the agreement of a faculty member who is eligible to supervise master's theses and is willing to serve as their advisor. The departmental Master's Degree Committee will consider each application individually, and will inform the student of its decision within two months of submission.
Non-thesis track
Students in this track take a final exam which assesses their ability to integrate theoretical and applied ideas and principles they have learned in the various courses of the program in order to address major issues in social psychology. Students are asked to critically analyze case studies or articles from the social-psychological literature while demonstrating integrative application of study materials.
The structure of the program is outlined below.
Admission Requirements
Individuals with a bachelor's degree in psychology or behavioral sciences from a university or college in Israel recognized by the Council for Higher Education (CHE) are eligible to apply to the program. In addition, third-year undergraduate students may also apply, provided they complete all degree requirements by the end of the academic year prior to the beginning of their master's degree studies, i.e., those students who will have completed all required classes by the end of that year. Students on a dual-discipline track must complete all required classes for the second discipline as well. Admitted students who have not earned a bachelor's degree at the time of their admission will be required to provide authorization of their eligibility for the bachelor's degree by the end of the first semester of their master's degree studies.
Individuals with a bachelor's degree from disciplines other than psychology who have studied in CHE-recognized institutions and who have successfully completed a curriculum of complementary studies for a bachelor's degree in psychology (see the program website for details) may apply to the program as well.
Applicants should have a bachelor's degree in psychology, or have completed a curriculum of complementary studies, with a GPA of 88 or above and a MITAM [Screening Exams for Advanced Degrees in Psychology] score of at least 100. Factors being weighted in admission decisions are the bachelor's degree GPA in psychology, the MITAM score, recommendations, and an assessment meeting which includes a brief presentation of empirical research and a personal interview. Only those applicants found qualified by the admissions committee will be invited to the assessment meeting.
Complete details and instructions for submitting applications can be found on the program's website.
The study program:
Students in the thesis track must earn at least 46 credits in the course of their studies. Students in the non-thesis track must earn at least 49 credits. All students must complete the following requirements:
Mandatory courses
Thesis track – 28 credits.
Non-thesis track – 25 credits.
|
|
Credits |
|
3 |
|
|
3 |
|
|
3 |
|
|
Selected Issues in Social Psychology (14306, 14307, 14308, 14309)2 |
4 |
|
3 |
|
|
Group Processes |
4 |
|
3 |
|
|
Research Seminar II (14311) (only in non-thesis track) |
3 |
|
Thesis Seminar A and B (14317, 14318) (only in thesis track) |
6 |
Elective courses Thesis track – at least 18 credits.
| |
|
|
Credits |
|
3 |
|
|
3 |
|
|
4 |
|
|
Questionnaire Development: Theory and Practice (14315) |
4 |
|
Psychological Aspects of Communication in Cyberspace (14313) |
3 |
|
Field Experience: Ethical and Practical Aspects (14320) |
2 |
|
Field Experience in Psychology (14319) |
6 |
|
Body and Mind in Social Cognition |
|
|
|
Credits |
|
Political Participation in Democratic Regimes (12004) |
3 |
|
The Welfare State: Citizenship, Rights and Resource Distribution (12040) |
3 |
|
Democracy and Feminism: Gender, Citizenship and Human Rights (12026) |
3 |
|
The Pain of Knowledge: Reflections on Holocaust and Genocide Issues in Education in Israel and Elsewhere (12019) |
3 |
|
Democracy and Mass Communication |
3 |
|
3 |
|
|
Anthropological and Sociological Approaches to Cultural Studies (14204) |
3 |
|
Culture and Management (13019) |
3 |
|
Leadership in Organizations (13023) |
3 |
|
Dynamics of Negotiation (13017) |
3 |
|
Seminar papers |
|
|
Students in the thesis track are required to submit one empirical seminar paper. Students in the non-thesis track are required to submit two empirical seminar papers. The seminar paper must be submitted within three months from the end of the semester in which the course Research Seminar is taken. |
|
Teaching and learning
-
Studies are based on a combination of reading material (study guides, readers, journal articles, and book chapters), face-to-face meetings, and learning technologies.
-
In most courses, class attendance is mandatory.
-
For some of the courses, there will be a mandatory attendance requirement.
-
Most courses will be taught only at the Raanana campus of the OUI.
-
This program is not currently open to students abroad.
Duration of studies
Students must complete all requirements for the master's degree in Social Psychology within 5 years of the first semester (not including complementary studies to the bachelor's degree). A student who has not completed his or her studies within this time period can apply to the departmental Master's Degree Committee and request an extension. The committee will approve such requests only under exceptional circumstances and depending on the academic requirements in effect at the time.
Eligibility for degree
A student will be eligible for the master's degree provided the following conditions are met:
-
The student has successfully completed all required courses, as specified in the curriculum.
-
The student has submitted one or two empirical seminar papers, as required for the study truck.
-
The student has successfully completed a master's thesis or a final exam.
Final grade of the master's degree
The final degree grade will be computed as follows:
-
Thesis track
Average grade of all courses - 40%.
Seminar paper grade – 10%.
Tthesis grade – 50%.
-
Non-thesis track
Average grades of all courses - 50%.
Seminar papers grade – 20%.
Final exam grade – 30%.
The Council for Higher Education has authorized publication of the program and registration for it. Certification for the degree is contingent upon its approval.
|
1 |
Everything said regarding the curriculum is subject to the academic regulations and registration for the master's degree.. |
|
2 |
The course Selected Issues in Social Psychology grants 1 credit each semester for a total of 4 credits. |