Psychology (B.S.)
My name is Dr. Christopher Masciocchi, and I’m the coordinator for the FSU psychology program at USM Hagerstown. I teach many of the psychology courses at USMH, and you can contact me with any questions you have about the program.
The best way to reach me is via e-mail at cmmasciocchi@frostburg.edu. My office phone number is (240) 527-2746, but if you call me and I do not answer, please make sure you clearly leave your contact information so I can return your call. Also, I am sometimes out of my office for a week at a time, so if you leave a message and I do not respond please try emailing me, instead.
I also visit Hagerstown Community College and Frederick Community College about once a month during the Fall and Spring, and would be happy to meet with you then.
For more information, you can also visit this link: Frostburg State University: B.S. Psychology or review the Frequently Asked Questions below.
Overview of the Application Process:
The first step in applying to the Psychology program at USMH is to complete the transfer application for Frostburg State University, which you can find at this link: https://www.frostburg.edu/admissions-and-cost/undergraduate/apply/index.php. Note that there will be a place on the application for you to indicate that your intended major is Psychology and your intended campus is Hagerstown,
In addition to completing the application, you will need to submit transcripts from all colleges you attended and pay the application fee.
It usually takes 1 to 3 weeks to have your application reviewed once all of your materials have been received (including transcripts). If you have not received an acceptance email or letter by then, however, please contact me and I will check on the status of your application.
Once you are accepted, please contact me and we will set up a meeting to discuss how your credits transferred to FSU, what requirements you have left to complete, etc., and get you registered for your next semester's courses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is USMH located?
The USMH building is located at 32 West Washington Street, Hagerstown MD, 21740. Here is a link to the USMH website: https://www.hagerstown.usmd.edu.
What requirements do I need to have completed to start the FSU psychology program at USMH?
You need a minimum of around 30 college credits and you must have taken General Psychology/Introduction to Psychology (or received AP credit for that course). Note that you do not need an associate’s degree or to have completed all of the general education requirements to be accepted to the psychology program. However, I generally recommend that students who are pursuing an AA degree at a local community college complete it before transferring.
Which courses should I take at Hagerstown/Frederick Community College to fulfill the general education requirements for when I transfer to the FSU psychology program at USMH?
I can help you select courses, as can the transfer advisors at HCC and FCC. The transfer advisors at both of these schools should have transfer guides that list the courses (left side of the document) I recommend you take there, which should fulfill the maximum number of requirements for you at FSU. If you would like a copy of the transfer guide please email me and I will send you one.
When are FSU psychology courses taught at USMH?
A class typically meets either:
- Once a week in the evening (e.g., every Tuesday from 6:00 – 8:30 pm)
- Once a week in the afternoon (e.g., every Monday from 1:30 - 4:00 pm)
There are usually 3-4 evening courses (which meet on different days of the week) and one afternoon course offered each semester. Many of these courses are hybrid/blended and will meet virtually on about half of the weeks. There are also online courses offered each semester, including during the Winter (January) and Summer semesters.
Are online classes offered by Frostburg State University?
Yes, there are online courses offered through FSU, and because you are an FSU student you are eligible to take them.
Can I take courses at the main FSU campus? Do I have to take courses at the main FSU campus?
The FSU psychology program at USMH is designed so you do not have to take courses at the main campus – the vast majority of USMH students never do. However, if you would like to you may take courses at the main FSU campus.
How long does it take for my application to be processed and for me to receive my acceptance letter?
It usually takes 1 to 3 weeks from the time that all of your application materials have been received by the FSU Admissions office (completed application, all college transcripts, and application fee) for you to receive your acceptance letter. If it has been 3 or more weeks since you applied and you have not received a reply, please contact me and I can check on the status of your application.
Is there a deadline for applying?
There are no strict deadlines, other than being admitted in time for the start of the upcoming semester (typically last week in August for the Fall, and last week of January for the Spring). I recommend students apply by around March 15th for the Fall and October 15th for the Spring: Applying by these dates should allow you to be accepted by the time you’d be able to register for the next semester’s courses (around mid-April for Fall registration and mid-November for Spring registration). But again, as long as you apply at least two weeks before the start of a semester you ought to be accepted in time for it.
How do I apply to the FSU psychology program at USMH?
Go to https://www.frostburg.edu/admissions-and-cost/undergraduate/apply/index.php and follow the steps to complete the application. Note that there will be a place on the application for you to indicate that you want to attend the Hagerstown campus, and that your intended major is Psychology.
I received my acceptance letter. What should I do next?
Contact me right away (cmmasciocchi@frostburg.edu; 240-527-2746) and we can discuss the program, how your courses transferred, and which courses you should register for.
I received my acceptance letter and it says that I may still need to complete some general education requirements. Do I need to complete them before starting the FSU psychology program at USMH?
No, you can begin the psychology program even if you haven’t completed all of your general education requirements – they will just need to be completed at some point before you earn your bachelor’s degree. Once you receive your acceptance letter contact me right away (cmmasciocchi@frostburg.edu; 240-527-2746) and we will discuss how and when you can complete these courses (including possibly online through FSU).
How long will it take me to complete the FSU psychology bachelor’s degree program?
That depends on two things: The number of credits you transfer in with and the number of credits you take each semester. You need a total of 120 credits to graduate with your bachelor’s degree from FSU. So for example, if you transfer in with 66 credits and you take 12 credits a semester plus two 3 credit summer course you can graduate in 2 years.
Do I have to attend full time?
No, you can attend FSU as a part-time or a full-time student. You must take a minimum of 12 credits to be considered a full-time student. Note that you can take courses at FSU and a community college simultaneously and have all courses count towards you being full-time FSU student. For example, a student who takes 9 credits at USMH and 3 credits at Hagerstown/Frederick Community College would be considered a full-time FSU student.
Note: Dual enrollment paperwork, which I can explain in more detail, will need to be filed.
What is the tuition?
Information about full-time tuition and fees can be found at: https://www.frostburg.edu/admissions-and-cost/tuition-and-fees/FSU-at-USMH.php. Make sure you scroll down the page to find the ‘Frostburg State at USM Hagerstown’ section (part-time tuition is listed at the top of the page).
That page also lists the fees. Note that USM Hagerstown students don’t pay the vast majority of the fees listed further down the page in the 'Fees and Other Expenses' secion, only the fees listed in the ‘Frostburg State at USM Hagerstown’ section.
Note that students who graduated with an Associate’s degree and a 3.0 GPA or higher from a Maryland community college, and will be attending FSU full time, should quality for the Associate Degree Scholarship, which would reduce your tuition by more than 1/3rd (see https://www.frostburg.edu/admissions-and-cost/undergraduate/apply/transfer-students/transfer-scholarships.php for more details).
Are there any scholarships available?
Yes! First, students who graduate with an Associate’s degree and a 3.0 GPA or higher from a Maryland community college, and will be attending FSU full-time, should qualify for the Associate Degree Scholarship, which would reduce your tuition by more than 1/3rd (see https://www.frostburg.edu/admissions-and-cost/undergraduate/apply/transfer-students/transfer-scholarships.php for more information).
The FSU Psychology department also offers about 5 different scholarships that FSU students can apply for (see https://www.frostburg.edu/admissions-and-cost/undergraduate/apply/transfer-students/transfer-scholarships.php, click on ‘View Available Scholarships’ and do a search for ‘Psychology’ for more information).
Finally, USM Hagerstown offers scholarships (see https://hagerstown.usmd.edu/academics-admissions/scholarships for more information).
Are there any extracurricular activities available at USMH?
Yes, for example, there is a Psychology Club, a student government association, etc. You can also do an internship as part of the requirements for the psychology degree.
What are the class sizes like?
Classes are generally between 12 and 20 students, with an average class size of about 15 students.
What courses will be offered next semester/year?
I’m often not entirely sure. However, if you contact me I can give you my best guess, or if you contact me about Fall semester courses after March 1st or Spring semester courses after October 15th I should be able to give you a definitive answer. Here is a list of psychology courses that have been taught at USMH in the past and will likely be offered again (usually at least once every 2 years):
- PSYC 155: Critical Thinking and Scientific Inquiry
- PSYC 197: Introduction to the Profession of Psychology
- PSYC 301: Statistical Methods in Psychology
- PSYC 306: Sensation and Perception
- PSYC 340: Forensic Psychology
- PSYC 385: Group Processes
- PSYC 386: Pharmacology of Chemical Dependance
- PSYC 387: Addictions Treatment Delivery
- PSYC 388: Treatment Issues and Theory in Addictions
- PSYC 397: Career Planning in Psychology
- PSYC 409: Human Learning and Cognition
- PSYC 410: Introduction to Counseling
- PSYC 485: Behavioral Approaches to Human Problems
- PSYC 489: Abnormal Child Psychology
- PSYC 492/495: Internship
- PSYC 497: Evolutionary Psychology
In addition, these additional courses are often offered online, especially during the summer:
- PSYC 213: Psychology of Adjustment
- PSYC 214: Introduction to Geropsychology
- PSYC 220: Psychology of Women
- PSYC 318: Social Psychology
- PSYC 345: Animal Learning and Cognition
- PSYC 360: Industrial/Organizational Psychology
- PSYC 420: Physiological Psychology
- PSYC 450: Multicultural Counseling
What can I do with my bachelor’s degree in psychology? Do I need a master’s degree for my desired job?
We will discuss those questions in PSYC 397: Career Planning in Psychology. The short answers are plenty, and maybe. Please contact me if you’d like more information about careers with a bachelor’s (or master’s) degree in psychology. Note that the main FSU campus has a master’s degree program in Counseling, and several master's programs are offered at USM Hagerstown.