Psychology Program at USM Hagerstown

The Psychology program at Frostburg State University (FSU), located at the University System of Maryland at Hagerstown (USMH), offers a comprehensive Bachelor of Science degree. The program is led by Coordinator Dr. Christopher Masciocchi, who teaches many of the core courses and provides direct support to students.

Dr. Masciocchi visits Hagerstown Community College and Frederick Community College monthly during the Fall and Spring semesters to meet with prospective students. For further details or additional resources contact Dr. Masciocchi at 240-527-2746 or via email cmmasciocchi@frostburg.edu

Application Process & Enrollment

The first step in applying to the Psychology program at USMH is to complete the transfer application for Frostburg State University.

• Requirements: Applicants must submit official transcripts from all prior colleges and pay the application fee.
• Review Timeline: Applications generally take 1 to 3 weeks to process once all materials are received. If you have not received an update after three weeks, please contact the program coordinator for a status check.
• Advising & Registration: After acceptance, students meet with Dr. Masciocchi to discuss credit transfers, review remaining degree requirements, and register for their first semester of courses.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Where is USMH located?

  The USMH building is located at 32 West Washington Street, Hagerstown MD, 21740. Visit the USMH website for more information.

• What requirements are needed to start the FSU Psychology program at USMH?

  Students need a minimum of approximately 30 college credits and must have completed General Psychology/Introduction to Psychology (or received AP credit). While an associate’s degree or completion of all general education requirements is not required for acceptance, it is generally recommended that students attending a local community college complete their AA degree before transferring.

• Which courses should be taken at Hagerstown/Frederick Community College to fulfill FSU general education requirements?

  Transfer advisors at HCC and FCC provide transfer guides that list recommended courses to fulfill the maximum number of requirements at FSU. Students may also email Dr. Christopher Masciocchi, the USMH Psychology Program Coordinator to request a copy of these transfer guides.

• When are FSU Psychology courses taught at USMH?

  Classes typically meet once a week during the following times:

  • Evening: 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM (e.g., every Tuesday)
  • Afternoon: 1:30 PM – 4:00 PM (e.g., every Monday)

  There are usually 3-4 evening courses and one afternoon course offered each semester. Many of these are hybrid/blended, meeting virtually for approximately half of the weeks. Online courses are also available during the Fall, Spring, Winter, and Summer semesters.

• Are online classes offered by Frostburg State University?

  Yes. As FSU students, those attending USMH are eligible to enroll in online courses offered through Frostburg State University.

• Is travel to the main FSU campus required?

  The program at USMH is designed so that students can complete their degree without traveling to the main campus. However, students have the option to take courses at the main FSU campus if they choose.

• How long does the application process take?

  It typically takes 1 to 3 weeks for the FSU Admissions office to process an application once all materials (completed application, all transcripts, and application fee) are received. If a status update is needed after three weeks, students should contact the Program Coordinator.

• Is there an application deadline?

  While there are no strict deadlines, students must be admitted before the start of the semester. Recommended application dates are March 15th for Fall and October 15th for Spring to ensure registration is open upon acceptance. At minimum, aim to apply two weeks prior to the start of the semester to ensure you are accepted before classes begin.

• How do students apply to the FSU Psychology program at USMH?

  Apply via the FSU Undergraduate Admissions page. Note there will be a place on the application for you to indicate Psychology as the intended major and Hagerstown as the campus location.

• I received my acceptance letter. What should I do next?

  Accepted students should immediately contact the Program Coordinator at 240-527-2746 or cmmasciocchi@frostburg.edu to discuss the program, transfer credits, and course registration.

• Can the program begin if general education requirements are incomplete?

  Yes. Students can begin the psychology program while finishing their general education requirements. However, these must be completed prior to earning a bachelor's degree. The Program Coordinator can help plan the completion of these courses. Contact Dr. Christopher Masciocchi at 240-527-2746 or cmmasciocchi@frostburg.edu to discuss how and when these courses can be completed (including online through FSU).

• How long will it take to complete the FSU psychology bachelor’s degree?

  Completion time depends on the number of transfer credits and the credit load taken each semester. A total of 120 credits is required for graduation. For example, a student transferring in with 66 credits who takes 12 credits per semester, plus two 3-credit summer courses, could graduate in two years.

• Do I have to attend full time?

  No. Students can attend part-time or full-time (minimum 12 credits). Through dual enrollment, students can combine credits from FSU and a local community college. 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. Please note, specific dual enrollment paperwork is required. 

• What is the cost of tuition and fees?

  Information about full-time tuition and fees is available on the Undergraduate Tuition & Fees page. Students at USMH don’t pay the vast majority of the fees listed below in the 'Fees and Other Expenses' section, only the fees listed in the "Frostburg State at USM Hagerstown" section. Maryland community college graduates, who will be attending FSU full-time, with an AA degree and a 3.0 GPA may qualify for the Associate Degree Scholarship (which can reduce your tuition by more than 1/3rd).

• Are scholarships available?
  • Associate Degree Scholarship: For MD community college graduates with a 3.0+ GPA and will be attending FSU full-time. Which can reduce your tuition by more than 1/3rd
  • FSU Psychology Department: The Psychology program offers many scholarships/awards available specifically for students studying psychology. For more information about applying for these scholarships, please contact the Psychology program by phone at 301-687-4193.
  • USMH Scholarships: Available through the USM Hagerstown website.

• Are there extracurricular activities at USMH?

  Yes. USMH hosts a Psychology Club, Student Government Association, and other organizations. Students may also complete internships as part of their degree requirements.

• What is the average class size?

  Classes are small and interactive, generally ranging between 12 and 20 students, with an average size of 15.

FSU at Hagerstown

Frostburg State University at Hagerstown offers high-quality programs and real-world opportunities that create multiple pathways to success in education, careers, and life. For more resources, comprehensive guides on deadlines, credit transfers, and program-specific criteria to help you navigate your journey into the Frostburg community visit the FSU at Hagerstown page for more information.

Careers and Pathways

What can you do with a bachelor’s degree in psychology? Is a master’s degree necessary for your specific career goals?

These questions are explored in depth in PSYC 397: Career Planning in Psychology. The short answers are "plenty" and "maybe." Psychology remains one of the most versatile undergraduate majors, providing a foundation for many professional paths.

For students determining that graduate school is the best next step, the main FSU campus has a master’s degree program in Counseling, and several master's programs are offered at USM Hagerstown.