Department of Psychology and Sociology

Contact Information

Department website: https://www.tamuk.edu/artsci/departments/psyc/index.html

The Department of Psychology and Sociology offers graduate programs in criminology, psychology, and sociology.

Counseling Psychology, M.A./Psychology, M.A.

The graduate program in Psychology offers two psychology degrees:

  • Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology
  • Master of Arts in Psychology

Both graduate psychology degrees offer thesis and non-thesis options. In order to obtain their graduate degree, students must obtain an overall average of 3.00 or greater in their graduate classes. Students are allowed to have up to two courses with C's. The remaining courses must be a combination of A's and B's. Students can retake a course in order to obtain a better grade.

Students applying to the M.A. in Counseling Psychology must have at least 18 semester hours of undergraduate psychology. These 18 semester hours must include: (i) 3 semester hours in statistics, (ii) 3 semester hours in experimental psychology/research methods, (iii) 3 semester hours in abnormal psychology, (iv) 3 semester hours in personality theory, and (v) 3 semester hours in developmental psychology (lifespan, child, adolescent, or adult development). The other 3 semester hours can be any other upper-division psychology course.

Students applying to the M.A. Psychology must have at least 18 semester hours of undergraduate psychology. These 18 semester hours must include (i) 3 semester hours in statistics, (ii) 3 semester hours in experimental psychology/research methods, and the remaining 12 semester hours may be from the following psychology courses: cognitive psychology, learning and memory, social psychology, biopsychology, physiological psychology, sensation and perception, personality, abnormal, developmental psychology (lifespan, child, adolescent, or adult development), history and systems of psychology.

Applicants to our degree programs must have an undergraduate GPA of 3.00 and a GRE score of 297 (Verbal and Quantitative).

To apply for admission to either of the graduate programs, applicants must submit GRE scores, undergraduate transcripts, a personal statement, a Curriculum Vitae, and three (3) letters of recommendation.

Applicants to either of the psychology graduate degree programs must be approved by the Psychology Graduate Admissions Review committee before formal acceptance into the program. Contact the Admissions Committee chair for application details and deadlines. In general, applications are accepted during the Spring semester for admission in the Fall.

The Master of Arts degree in Counseling Psychology is designed for students desiring to provide applied mental health services; it prepares students to sit for the state Licensed Professional Counselor exam (i.e., the LPC exam). The LPC requirements include 60 hours of courses, as required by the Texas Board of Licensed Professional Counselor Examiners. Students graduating with an M.A. in Counseling Psychology find employment in a variety of settings including community and state mental health agencies, university wellness centers, substance abuse treatment centers, and private practice. Students also often pursue teaching and research careers at community colleges and universities. Graduates also obtain doctoral degrees in Clinical or Counseling Psychology.

The Master of Arts in Psychology thesis option is designed for students desiring to pursue doctoral studies or teaching and research careers. Graduates from our program obtain doctoral degrees in Social Psychology, Developmental Education, Audiology, and Neuroscience Psychology.

Both the counseling and Psychology (non-clinical) master's degrees require students to pass a comprehensive exam in order to graduate.

Criminology, M.S.

The Master of Science in Criminology program is designed to provide students with an understanding of the fundamentals of criminology as well as an in-depth knowledge of one or more subfields within the discipline. The program prepares students for employment in a wide variety of settings across government, business, and non-profit sectors. The program is also designed to allow graduates to pursue further advanced study in criminology, criminal justice, justice studies, political science, law, sociology, or other closely related social scientific disciplines. The program offers thesis, project, and courses-only degree options. The requirements vary for each of the different degree options. For further information please check the criminology graduate program webpage: Criminology Graduate Program.

Sociology, M.A. and M.S.

The Department of Psychology and Sociology offers a Master of Arts and a Master of Science in Sociology. The programs provide advanced training for those preparing for teaching, research or applied careers in sociology in such areas as public relations, human services, insurance, market research, and data analysis. Prerequisites include at least 18 semester hours of undergraduate sociology. The graduate sociology programs at Texas A&M University - Kingsville are unique due to their academic and practical offerings. The programs are well established and offer both a highly academic research approach and an interactive and practical approach to the understanding of sociology. The faculty and courses represent various sociological sub-disciplines, as well as research on various topics and problems. For further information please check the sociology graduate program webpage: Sociology Graduate Program. 

Subjects in This Department

Criminology (CRIM)

CRIM 5300  Seminar in Criminology  3 SCH  (3-0)  

Analysis of criminal behavior with a focus on contemporary issues relating to the causes, consequences, and social control of crime and deviance.

CRIM 5303  Advanced Research Methods  3 SCH  (3-0)  

General research methods and techniques. Behavioral Science research design and related statistical analysis techniques. Prerequisites: SOCI 3381 and SOCI 4382 or PSYC 3387, or their equivalent. (Credit may not be obtained in both CRIM 5303 and SOCI 5303.)

CRIM 5304  Sem Juvenile Delinquency  3 SCH  (3-0)  

A study of deviant behavior by legal minors in contemporary society with a focus on the factors and conditions contributing to delinquency, and the control and treatment of offenders and programs for prevention.

CRIM 5306  Thesis  3 SCH  (3)  

This course is for thesis option students. The course requires 6 hours, the first 3 hours consisting of the completion of a thesis proposal and the last 3 hours consisting of the defense of the thesis. Completion of the thesis proposal is a prerequisite for enrollment in the last 3 hours of thesis.

CRIM 5310  Data Analysis in Social Resrch  3 SCH  (3-0)  

An intermediate level statistics course on linear modeling, with an emphasis on statistical data analysis: data management, data manipulation, and introduction to linear modeling (ANOVA and classical linear regression). Prerequisite: SOCI 3381 or its equivalent. (Credit may not be obtained in more than one of CRIM 5310, PSYC 5310, and SOCI 5310.)

CRIM 5315  Selected Topics in Criminology  3 SCH  (3-0)  

Literature and research in areas of criminology not otherwise treated in available courses. May be repeated twice for credit with change in topic.

CRIM 5320  Police and Society  3 SCH  (3-0)  

A treatment of the nature, organization, function, problems, and components of police agencies in modern society.

CRIM 5325  Sem in Criminological Theory  3 SCH  (3-0)  

A comprehensive presentation and discussion of classic and contemporary theoretical paradigms of crime and delinquency, and empirical research support for them.

CRIM 5328  Studies in White-Collar Crime  3 SCH  (3-0)  

A study of white-collar crime with a focus on the definition and understanding of while-collar crime, the factors and conditions contributing to white-collar crime, and the control and treatment of offenders for prevention.

CRIM 5350  Murder and Crimes of Violence  3 SCH  (3-0)  

Addresses the study of murder and other violent crimes as forms of deviant behavior. Content covers the definition, frequency, types and societal reaction to these crimes. The social-psychological factors related to typical, mass, serial, and habitual violent offenders will be presented.

CRIM 5352  Studies in Correction  3 SCH  (3-0)  

Advanced treatment of the philosophies, theories, social-historical context, facilities and problems associated with contemporary corrections in the United States.

CRIM 5365  Documentation  3 SCH  (3-0)  

This course is to acquaint criminology students with basic knowledge and understanding of the techniques of Documentation. This course also considers social events, circumstances, and situations that affect human behavior and application of social theory to documented situations in society. Blending Sociology, Criminology, and Social Psychology for use in documents in various individual settings for the purposes of developing Identity resolutions to individual and institutional needs. The course also considers Human Resource issues and document needs in several social structural areas such as corporate, governmental, immigration, and institutional settings.

CRIM 5370  Advanced Violence  3 SCH  (3-0)  

In-depth study of direct and structural violence including statutory and common law definitions as well as models of direct and indirect causation and prevention.

Psychology (PSYC)

PSYC 5302  Indiv Psychological Tests  3 SCH  (3-0)  

Major individual psychological tests. Each student will choose one particular scale, master its techniques, administer it to a specific number of subjects, score and interpret the results. Prerequisites: PSYC 4308 and PSYC 3381 or equivalent.

PSYC 5304  Counseling and Psychotherapy  3 SCH  (3-0)  

A survey of the major theories of counseling and psychotherapy. Prerequisites: 6 semester hours of advanced psychology or the equivalent.

PSYC 5305  Graduate Research Project  3 SCH  (3)  

Designed for project option students and requires completion of research project. Prerequisite: departmental approval. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 semester hours. Prerequisites: PSYC 5310 and PSYC 5381.

PSYC 5306  Thesis  3 SCH  (3)  

Designed for thesis option students. The course requires completion of thesis research. Prerequisite: departmental approval. May be repeated for maximum of 6 semester hours. Prerequisites: PSYC 5310 and PSYC 5381.

PSYC 5308  Intro to Counseling Psych  3 SCH  (3-0)  

Fundamentals of professional counseling and psychotherapy. Definitions and the history of counseling and psychotherapy, settings for professional practice, professional development, contemporary issues and ethics, and models of counseling and psychotherapy and their associated techniques.

PSYC 5309  Cognitive Psychology  3 SCH  (3-0)  

Analysis of theoretical, empirical, methodological and applied issues in such areas as attention, pattern recognition, memory, language and problem solving. The relationship between cognition and such individual-difference variables as age, intelligence and expertise will be covered.

PSYC 5310  Data Analys in Social Research  3 SCH  (3-0)  

An intermediate level statistics course on linear modeling, with an emphasis on statistical data analysis; data management, data manipulation and introduction to linear modeling (ANOVA and classical linear regression). Prerequisite: PSYC 3381 or its equivalent. (Credit may not be obtained in both PSYC 5310 and SOCI 5310.)

PSYC 5311  Addictions Counseling  3 SCH  (3-0)  

Introduction to current research on psychological, social, legal and situational factors involved in substance abuse and addiction. Attention to treatment procedures and treatment facilities. Addiction, defined broadly, includes eating and gambling disorders. Prerequisites: PSYC 5304 and PSYC 5308.

PSYC 5313  Physiological Psychology  3 SCH  (3-0)  

An intensive study of the biological mechanisms underlying behavior and applications of biological psychology to human problems. This course covers biological foundations, evolution and development of the nervous system, perception and action, the regulation of behavior, emotions and mental disorders and cognitive neuroscience.

PSYC 5315  Practicum in Counseling  3 SCH  (2-10-0)  

Supervised practice in counseling and therapy with individual clients: 150 hours of practicum experience in a professional setting per semester plus two hours of individual or group supervision per week. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisites: PSYC 5304, PSYC 5308, PSYC 5325 and PSYC 5333.

PSYC 5316  Couples Counseling  3 SCH  (3-0)  

Systems theory therapies and practices relative to assessment, research, and treatment of couples. Explores cognitive, affective, interactional, and systemic theories of human behavior and change as related to couples. Prerequisites: PSYC 5304 and PSYC 5308.

PSYC 5317  Multicultural Theory & Counsel  3 SCH  (3-0)  

Introduction to research, theories, and paradigms of counseling with diverse populations; focus on diversity variables such as race/ethnicity, culture, age, religion/spiritual orientation, sexual orientation, disability, class status, and gender.

PSYC 5319  Life Span Devel Theory andTech  3 SCH  (3-0)  

A study of psychological, social, cultural, physical and emotional factors affecting personality development and behavior throughout the life span. Emphasis on theoretical perspectives on development.

PSYC 5325  Psychopathology  3 SCH  (3)  

A survey of the research, theories, assessment and treatment models of psychopathology.

PSYC 5326  Advanced Abnormal Psychology  3 SCH  (3-0)  

Criteria of psychiatric diagnosis, use of the DSM Multi-Axial system, theories of sychopathology, treatment planning and intervention, and introduction to psychopharmacological medications. Prerequisites include PSYC 5304 and PSYC 5325.

PSYC 5331  Lifestyles and Career Devel  3 SCH  (3-0)  

A review of psychological research, theory and methodologies in the world of work, including the nature of organizations and the worker, group processes and training, communication, attitudes, motivation and leadership.

PSYC 5333  Ethics and Legal issues  3 SCH  (3-0)  

An intensive study of ethical and legal issues for students with a background in counseling or related areas. Focuses on basic issues, values clarification, foundations of ethical positions and interaction with the legal profession.

PSYC 5334  Ethics II  3 SCH  (3-0)  

Advanced training regarding professional issues and ethics in counseling. Attention to record management and business law, as they relate to professional counselor practice. Focus on current professional-organization ethical codes.

PSYC 5336  Clinical Assessment  3 SCH  (0-3)  

The assessment of abnormal behavior with emphasis on symptomatic behavior, clinical diagnosis and writing assessments and planning treatment.

PSYC 5344  Group Therapy  3 SCH  (3-0)  

A study of the theoretical concepts of types of groups, stages of group development and leadership skills.

PSYC 5352  Advanced Social Psychology  3 SCH  (3-0)  

Advanced study of how peoples' thoughts, feelings and behaviors are influenced by actual, imagines or implied other people. Topics include the psychological study of conformity, attitudes, aggression, altruism, conflict and cooperation.

PSYC 5381  Behavioral Science Research  3 SCH  (0-3)  

Behavioral science research design, methodology, analysis and interpretation of results. Under tutorial guidance, students conduct, analyze and report on an empirical study of their own design and choice of topic. Prerequisites: PSYC 5310, PSYC 3381 or equivalent and either PSYC 3387 or SOCI 4382.

Sociology (SOCI)

SOCI 5301  Sem in Sociological Theory  3 SCH  (0-3)  

Analysis of generalizations derived by sociology concerning how human beings live and interact.

SOCI 5302  Sem in Social Organization  3 SCH  (0-3)  

The dynamics and structure of social organization with emphasis on large-scale systems. Critical evaluation of current research and contemporary theories of social organization.

SOCI 5303  Advanced Research Methods  3 SCH  (3-0)  

General research methods and techniques. Behavioral science research design and related statistical analysis techniques. Prerequisite: SOCI 3381 and SOCI 4382 or PSYC 3387 or their equivalent.

SOCI 5306  Thesis  3 SCH  (3)  

Designed for thesis option students. The course requires completion of thesis research. Prerequisite: departmental approval. May be repeated for maximum of 6 semester hours.

SOCI 5309  Selected Topics in Sociol  3 SCH  (3-0)  

Literature and research in areas of sociology not otherwise treated in depth in available courses. May be repeated for credit with change in topic. Prerequisite: courses appropriate to the selected topic.

SOCI 5310  Data Analysis in Soci Research  3 SCH  (3-0)  

An intermediate level statistics course on linear modeling, with an emphasis on statistical data analysis; data management, data manipulation and introduction to linear modeling (ANOVA and classical linear regression). Prerequisite: SOCI 3381 or its equivalent. (Credit may not be obtained in both SOCI 5310 and PSYC 5310.)

SOCI 5320  The Study of Culture  3 SCH  (3-0)  

Introduction to the concept of culture and its impact on our lives. Focus on methods of study and analysis, including the principal approaches to documenting and interpreting culture in both primitive and modern societies. Prerequisite: graduate standing.

SOCI 5321  Social Demography  3 SCH  (3-0)  

A study of population age and sex structure; population processes such as fertility, mortality and migration and their measurements; and interactions between the human population and its larger social and cultural environment.

SOCI 5326  Seminar in Social Movements  3 SCH  (3-0)  

Critical analysis of the concepts of social movements and social change in terms of their essestial components; the course specifies important types of social movements, collective behavior, and group studies.

Programs

Counseling Psychology, M.A. (Non-Thesis Option)

Required Courses that are Prerequisites for other Courses
PSYC 5310Data Analys in Social Research3
PSYC 5319Life Span Devel Theory andTech3
PSYC 5325Psychopathology3
PSYC 5381Behavioral Science Research3
Other Prerequisite Courses
PSYC 50990
PSYC 5302Indiv Psychological Tests3
PSYC 5304Counseling and Psychotherapy3
PSYC 5308Intro to Counseling Psych3
PSYC 5311Addictions Counseling3
PSYC 5315Practicum in Counseling6
PSYC 5316Couples Counseling3
PSYC 5317Multicultural Theory & Counsel3
PSYC 5326Advanced Abnormal Psychology3
PSYC 5331Lifestyles and Career Devel3
PSYC 5333Ethics and Legal issues3
PSYC 5334Ethics II3
PSYC 5336Clinical Assessment3
PSYC 5344Group Therapy3
Elective Courses6
Select 2 of the following:
PSYC 5305
Graduate Research Project
PSYC 5309
Cognitive Psychology
PSYC 5313
Physiological Psychology
PSYC 5314
 (Family Therapy)
PSYC 5314
 (Advanced Career Development)
PSYC 5352
Advanced Social Psychology
Total Semester Credit Hours60
Students may have up to two C's if all other courses are B's and A's and overall GPA for degree is 3.00 or greater. 

Counseling Psychology, M.A. (Thesis Option)

Required Courses that are Prerequisites for other Courses
PSYC 5306Thesis6
PSYC 5310Data Analys in Social Research3
PSYC 5319Life Span Devel Theory andTech3
PSYC 5325Psychopathology3
PSYC 5381Behavioral Science Research3
Other Prerequisite Courses
PSYC 50990
PSYC 5302Indiv Psychological Tests3
PSYC 5304Counseling and Psychotherapy3
PSYC 5308Intro to Counseling Psych3
PSYC 5311Addictions Counseling3
PSYC 5315Practicum in Counseling6
PSYC 5316Couples Counseling3
PSYC 5317Multicultural Theory & Counsel3
PSYC 5326Advanced Abnormal Psychology3
PSYC 5331Lifestyles and Career Devel3
PSYC 5333Ethics and Legal issues3
PSYC 5334Ethics II3
PSYC 5336Clinical Assessment3
PSYC 5344Group Therapy3
Total Semester Credit Hours60
Students may have up to two C's if all other courses are B's and A's and overall GPA for degree is 3.00 or greater. 

General Psychology, M.A. (Non-Thesis Option)

The M.A. in General Psychology (non-thesis option) is 30 credit hours. All courses must be Psychology Graduate courses. 

Required Courses
PSYC 5310Data Analys in Social Research3
PSYC 5319Life Span Devel Theory andTech3
PSYC 5325Psychopathology3
PSYC 5381Behavioral Science Research3
Elective Courses
Select 18 credit hours of coursework in graduate-level psychology. Selection must be made in consultation with the advisor and graduate coordinator, and selected courses must be in psychology.18
Total Semester Credit Hours30
Students may have up to two C's if all other courses are B's and A's and overall GPA for degree is 3.00 or greater. 

General Psychology, M.A. (Thesis Option)

The M.A. in General Psychology (thesis option) is 30 credit hours. All courses must be Psychology Graduate courses.

Required Courses
PSYC 5306Thesis6
PSYC 5310Data Analys in Social Research3
PSYC 5319Life Span Devel Theory andTech3
PSYC 5325Psychopathology3
PSYC 5381Behavioral Science Research3
Elective Courses
Select 12 credit hours of coursework in graduate-level psychology. The selection must be made in consultation with the advisor and graduate coordinator, and selected courses must be in psychology.12
Total Semester Credit Hours30
Students may have up to two C's if all other courses are B's and A's and overall GPA for degree is 3.00 or greater.

Criminology, M.S. (Thesis Option)

Plan of Study Grid
Year 1
Semester 1Semester Credit Hours
CRIM 5325 Sem in Criminological Theory 3
Prescribed Elective 1 3
Free Elective 2 3
 Semester Credit Hours9
Semester 2
CRIM 5310 Data Analysis in Social Resrch 3
Prescribed Elective 1 3
Free Elective 2 3
 Semester Credit Hours9
Year 2
Semester 1
CRIM 5303 Advanced Research Methods 3 3
CRIM 5306 Thesis 3
 Semester Credit Hours6
Semester 2
CRIM 5300 Seminar in Criminology 3
CRIM 5306 Thesis 3
 Semester Credit Hours6
 Total Credit Hours Required: 30
1

Electives from graduate level coursework in criminology.

2

Electives from graduate-level coursework in criminology, sociology, psychology, political science, counseling and guidance, and/or educational leadership.

3

The graduate course in Qualitative Methods can be used to fulfill this requirement.

Criminology, M.S. (Project Option)

Plan of Study Grid
Year 1
Semester 1Semester Credit Hours
CRIM 5325 Sem in Criminological Theory 3
Prescribe Elective 1 3
Free Elective 2 3
 Semester Credit Hours9
Semester 2
CRIM 5310 Data Analysis in Social Resrch 3
Prescribed Elective 1 3
 Semester Credit Hours6
Year 2
Semester 1
CRIM 5303 Advanced Research Methods 3 3
Prescribed Elective 1 3
 Semester Credit Hours6
Semester 2
CRIM 5300 Seminar in Criminology 3
Prescribed Elective 1 3
CRIM 5305 3
 Semester Credit Hours9
 Total Credit Hours Required: 30
1

Electives from graduate level coursework in criminology.

2

Electives from graduate-level coursework in criminology, sociology, psychology, political science, counseling and guidance, and/or educational leadership.

3

The graduate course in Qualitative Methods can be used to fulfill this requirement.

Criminology, M.S. (Courses-Only Option)

Plan of Study Grid
Year 1
Semester 1Semester Credit Hours
CRIM 5325 Sem in Criminological Theory 3
Prescribed Elective 1 3
Free Elective 2 3
 Semester Credit Hours9
Semester 2
CRIM 5310 Data Analysis in Social Resrch 3
Prescribed Elective 1 3
 Semester Credit Hours6
Year 2
Semester 1
CRIM 5303 Advanced Research Methods 3 3
Prescribed Elective 1 3
Free Elective 2 3
 Semester Credit Hours9
Semester 2
CRIM 5300 Seminar in Criminology 3
Prescribed Elective 1 3
 Semester Credit Hours6
 Total Credit Hours Required: 30
1

Electives from graduate level coursework in criminology.

2

Electives from graduate-level coursework in criminology, sociology, psychology, political science, counseling and guidance, and/or educational leadership.

3

The graduate course in Qualitative Methods can be used to fulfill this requirement.

Sociology, M.A./M.S. (Course-Only Option)

The M.A./M.S. Sociology program requires a minimum of 30 graduate-level semester credit hours. Prerequisites include at least 18 semester hours of undergraduate sociology. Students can take up to two graduate-level social science courses outside the sociology discipline.

Required Courses 1
SOCI 5301Sem in Sociological Theory3
SOCI 5302Sem in Social Organization3
SOCI 5303Advanced Research Methods3
SOCI 5310Data Analysis in Soci Research3
Core Elective Courses 2
SOCI 53083
SOCI 5309Selected Topics in Sociol3
SOCI 5320The Study of Culture3
SOCI 5321Social Demography3
SOCI 53223
SOCI 5326Seminar in Social Movements3
SOCI 53283
SOCI 53363
SOCI 53403
SOCI 53413
SOCI 53463
Total Semester Credit Hours Required to Graduate:30
1

Every student is required to take the following four courses. For substitution, a student must acquire approval from both the graduate coordinator and the department chair.

2

For selection of elective courses, please refer to the Core and Elective Courses on the department's sociology graduate program web page.

Sociology, M.A./M.S. (Thesis Option)

The M.A./M.S. Sociology program requires a minimum of 30 graduate-level semester credit hours. Prerequisites include at least 18 hours of undergraduate sociology. Students can take up to two graduate-level social science courses outside the sociology discipline.

Required Courses 1
SOCI 5306Thesis 36
SOCI 5301Sem in Sociological Theory3
SOCI 5303Advanced Research Methods3
SOCI 5310Data Analysis in Soci Research3
Core Elective Courses 2
SOCI 53083
SOCI 5309Selected Topics in Sociol3
SOCI 5320The Study of Culture3
SOCI 5321Social Demography3
SOCI 53223
SOCI 5326Seminar in Social Movements3
SOCI 53283
SOCI 53363
SOCI 53403
SOCI 53413
SOCI 53463
Total Semester Credit Hours Required to Graduate:30
1

Every student is required to take the following four courses. For substitution, a student must acquire approval from both the graduate coordinator and the department chair.

2

For selection of elective courses, please refer to the Core and Elective Courses on the department's sociology graduate program web page. 

3

This course is taken twice for a total of six (6) SCH.

Note: For further details about the course-only or thesis options, please refer to the General Requirements for Graduation with a Master’s Degree.

Planned Course Offerings

This section provides a comprehensive list of courses offered by the Department of Psychology & Sociology, along with a three-year schedule indicating when each course is expected to be available. Please note that course offerings and scheduling are subject to change based on faculty availability and student demand. It is recommended that students consult with their academic advisor to plan their course schedule accordingly.

Subjects

Criminology (CRIM)

Course Fall 2025 Spring 2026 Fall 2026 Spring 2027
CRIM 5300 X   X  
CRIM 5303 X   X  
CRIM 5304 X   X  
CRIM 5306 X   X  
CRIM 5310 X X X X
CRIM 5315 X X X X
CRIM 5320 1        
CRIM 5325 X   X  
CRIM 5328 1        
CRIM 5350   X   X
CRIM 5352   X    
CRIM 5365   X    
CRIM 5370   X   X

1 This course is available during the summer term only.

Psychology (PSYC)

Course Fall 2025 Spring 2026 Fall 2026 Spring 2027
PSYC 5302   X   X
PSYC 5304   X   X
PSYC 5305 X X X X
PSYC 5306 X X X X
PSYC 5308 X     X
PSYC 5309 1        
PSYC 5310 X X X X
PSYC 5311   X    
PSYC 5313     X  
PSYC 5315 X X X X
PSYC 5316 1        
PSYC 5317   X   X
PSYC 5319 X   X  
PSYC 5325 X   X  
PSYC 5326   X   X
PSYC 5331   X   X
PSYC 5333   X   X
PSYC 5334     X  
PSYC 5336 X   X  
PSYC 5344 X   X  
PSYC 5352   X    
PSYC 5381   X X X

1 This course is available during the summer term only.

Sociology (SOCI)

Course Fall 2025 Spring 2026 Fall 2026 Spring 2027
SOCI 5301   X   X
SOCI 5302 X   X  
SOCI 5303   X    
SOCI 5306 X X    
SOCI 5309   X    
SOCI 5310 X X X X
SOCI 5321   X    
SOCI 5326 X   X  

Marketable Skills

Texas A&M University-Kingsville is dedicated to equipping graduate and doctoral students with the advanced marketable skills necessary for professional and academic excellence beyond the university setting. These skills encompass a range of high-level interpersonal, analytical, and applied competencies that are sought after in today’s competitive workforce.

Our graduate programs are structured to cultivate these capabilities through rigorous academic inquiry, experiential learning, faculty-mentored research, professional internships, and opportunities for scholarly and community engagement.

Below are the marketable skills cultivated through each of the department's graduate academic programs.

Criminology, M.S.

  • Ability to read and understand criminological research
  • Social scientific writing skills
  • Ability to discuss some of the current issues, theories, and dilemmas relating to criminology and/or one or more subfields within the discipline and place these phenomena in their social and historical context
  • Ability to conduct social scientific research
  • Understanding of methodological underpinnings of social scientific analyses

Counseling Psychology, M.A.

  • Ability to apply critical thinking and problem-solving skills to complex individual, family, group, and social issues
  • Ability to implement professional ethics in maintaining personal and social responsibility in a multi-cultural society
  • Ability to understand and conceptualize general counseling psychology theory and practice within a scientific framework
  • Ability to understand and implement the fundamentals of psychological diagnosis and clinical assessment
  • Ability to understand and apply principles of group therapy, intellectual assessment, and couples counseling
  • Ability to conceptualize and understand human development and wellness across the lifespan

General Psychology, M.A., M.S.

  • Ability to apply critical thinking and problem-solving skills to complex individual, family, group, and social issues
  • Ability to implement professional ethics in maintaining personal and social responsibility in a multi-cultural society
  • Ability to conceptualize and understand human development and wellness across the lifespan

Sociology, M.A., M.S.

  • Critical thinking and problem-solving skills for social issues
  • Social responsibility and ethics in social sciences research
  • Patience and responsibility in leadership
  • Analysis and data management skills