Masters Degrees in Psychology, USA

Earn your master’s in psychology online through one of the most affordable MS in Psychology programs available online.

Prepare to apply the latest psychological research and theory to real-world problems whether you choose to work in a community agency, in a healthcare setting, or within the educational or social services systems. Walden’s master’s degree in psychology prepares you to pursue exciting new opportunities in the field.

Walden’s Master of Science in Psychology online degree program offers 11 specializations so you can focus your learning on your interests and goals. Gain the knowledge and develop the skills you need to seek career advancement, help others, or prepare for doctoral-level studies. Open to students of all undergraduate backgrounds, this program provides a solid foundation in basic scientific methods and psychological principles. Our redesigned online master’s in psychology program now offers enriched content and streamlined coursework. Five of the specializations even allow you to accelerate your path to a PhD by applying credits earned from your master’s program.

Highlights

As a student in the MS in Psychology online master’s degree program, you can learn to:

• Apply psychological knowledge and research to real-world situations.
• Think critically and independently about theory and research.
• Conduct basic or applied research.
• Apply psychological concepts to a variety of settings.
• Prepare for further graduate study at the certificate or doctoral level.

Learning Outcomes

Graduates of our MS in Psychology online degree program will be prepared to:

1. Describe the foundations of psychology.
2. Synthesize psychological theory and research to apply in real-world situations, such as in educational, social, organizational, and health settings.
3. Interpret psychological theory and research.
4. Describe psychological theory, research, and practice from a multicultural and/or global perspective.
5. Apply psychological theory, research, and practice to scholarly and/or professional activities that promote positive social change.

Accelerated Path to a Doctoral Degree

Would you like to save time and money when you earn your PhD in Psychology? You can. If you enroll in one of the specializations listed below, you can apply credits from the MS in Psychology program toward a doctorate in psychology from Walden.

Credits you earn from all of the courses (with the exception of PSYC 6001) may be applied toward Walden’s PhD in Psychology degree program. The specialization you choose for your master’s program will determine which doctoral specialization will offer you the most transfer credits.

MS in Psychology Specialization

• Educational Psychology
• General Psychology
• Health Psychology
• Social Psychology

PhD in Psychology Specialization

• Educational Psychology
• General Psychology
• Health Psychology
• Social Psychology

Find detailed information for this program, including possible occupations, completion rate, program costs, and median student loan debt.

Note on Licensure:

The MS in Psychology is not a licensure program and does not prepare an individual to become a licensed psychology or counseling professional.

MS in Psychology Degree Specializations

Walden's MS in Psychology program offers a variety of specializations to help you meet your personal and professional goals.

• General Psychology 
• Applied Psychology
• Crisis Management and Response
• Educational Psychology 
• Health Psychology 
• Leadership Development and Coaching
• Organizational Development 
• Psychology of Culture 
• Psychology Public Administration and Social Change
• Social Psychology 
• Terrorism and Security

Career options

The MS in Psychology program can prepare you to effectively analyze psychological research and theory to directly apply your knowledge to real-world situations. Through critical and independent analysis, you can gain an understanding of how to apply scientific methods and principles of psychology in a variety of roles and settings.

As a graduate of Walden’s MS in Psychology program, your career options may include a role as a:

• Human resource manager
• Market researcher
• Project coordinator/manager
• Family services worker
• Instructor at a community college
• Social service manager
• Health project coordinator
• Employee trainer
• Research assistant
• Data analyst/manager
• Organizational consultant
• Intervention advocate

Career options may require additional experience, training, or other factors beyond the successful completion of this degree program.

Possible career settings include:

• Child and family service organizations (e.g., day care agencies, after-school programs within schools and communities, Head Start programs, and early childhood education programs)
• Schools
• Community colleges
• Local, state, or federal governments
• Group homes
• Healthcare agencies
• Law enforcement agencies
• Nonprofit organizations
• Religious organizations
• Social service agencies

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With 10 focused forensic psychology specializations such as Family Violence, Sex Offender Behavior, Cybercrimes, Terrorism, and Police Psychology, you can gain the expertise you need to drive positive change within the legal system.

Walden’s online Master of Science (MS) in Forensic Psychology degree can prepare you to apply new insights, skills, and perspectives to a variety of nonclinical roles in areas like cybercrimes, criminal investigative analysis and profiling, terrorism, and victim advocacy. Explore the biological, psychological, and social factors impacting criminal behavior. Evaluate psychological approaches and their effectiveness in dealing with offenders. Examine research methods used in forensic assessments, and learn to evaluate and enhance systems and programs aimed at forensic populations.

Why choose Walden for your master’s in forensic psychology?

• Focus on your interests. In addition to this forensic psychology degree’s General Program, which provides a broad overview of the field, you can choose from 10 specializations to help you tailor your degree to your personal and professional interests.
• Enjoy engaging coursework. Multimedia elements bring course content to life and allow you to understand criminal behavior on a deeper level. These include interactive case studies, podcasts, expert interviews, and our unique interactive learning community.
• Enhance your real-world knowledge. Your capstone or in-person field experience takes you beyond television crime drama and into the true workings of the criminal justice system.
• Learn from subject matter experts. Walden’s core faculty includes well-known authors and thought leaders in this exciting field.
• Earn credits toward your PhD. Apply up to half of your coursework to our PhD in Psychology program, saving you time and money should you choose to pursue your doctorate.

By earning your online master’s in forensic psychology at Walden, you can develop a stronger understanding of specific criminal behavior—and develop the expertise needed to make a difference within the criminal justice system. You can also make a positive impact on communities as well as the first responders and professionals who serve those communities.

Highlights

Through Walden’s master’s in forensic psychology degree program, you can:

• Gain familiarity with mental health issues surrounding many aspects of criminal behavior and applications within the criminal justice system.
• Compare, contrast, and evaluate psychological approaches as you determine their effectiveness in dealing with criminal offenders and understanding threat assessments associated with offender behavior.
• Increase your understanding of violence and threat assessment and translate this knowledge into practical skills that can help you mitigate offender risk in the field.
• Leverage the benefits of psychology to gain deeper insights into the criminal justice system as well as schools, colleges, businesses, and communities in order to create positive change.
• Acquire focused expertise through relevant specializations that allow you to align your studies with your personal and professional interests.
• Engage in exciting, interactive coursework that helps enhance your real-world knowledge of today’s criminal justice system.

Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this forensic psychology degree program will be prepared to:

1. Analyze the role of psychology within the legal system.
2. Promote social change through application of advanced psychological concepts and principles within forensic settings.
3. Analyze the principles of research design as applied to forensic psychology research.
4. Distinguish the professional roles and responsibilities that are unique to the practice of forensic psychology.
5. Explain relevant ethical codes (e.g., the APA’s Specialty Guidelines for Forensic Psychologists) used in forensic work settings.
6. Apply psychological theories relevant to criminal behavior in forensic psychology settings.
7. Explain the assessment elements (psychological assessment, risk assessment, psychological reports) used within forensic psychology settings.

Find detailed information for this program, including possible occupations, completion rate, program costs, and median student loan debt.

MS in Forensic Psychology Degree Specializations

Walden’s MS in Forensic Psychology allows you to choose the General Program or from a variety of specializations that focus on a specific population or subject. The programs of study for the General Program and specializations each consist of 10 courses.

Note on licensure: The MS in Forensic Psychology is not a licensure program and does not prepare an individual to become a licensed psychology professional.

• General Program 
• Criminal Justice Self Designed 
• Cybercrimes
• Family Violence 
• Legal Issues in Forensic Psychology 
• Military
• Police Psychology 
• Self Designed 
• Sex Offender Behavior
• Terrorism 
• Victimology

Career options

Statistics like this point to a growing need for nonclinical professionals who understand these forensic populations and others, including substance abusers, sex offenders, victims of violence, at-risk youth, and military veterans.

The MS in Forensic Psychology can help prepare you to work in a variety of positions, including:

• Case manager
• Program director
• Law enforcement, probation, or correctional officer
• Court liaison
• Expert witness
• Jury consultant
• Law enforcement advocate
• Researcher
• Victim advocate

 Career options may require additional experience, training, or other factors beyond the successful completion of this degree program.

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Advance your career and contribute to the success of your organization as you deepen your understanding of employee behavior and attitudes and discover techniques for improving individual and organizational performance with a master’s in industrial and organizational psychology.

As one of the first master’s degree programs in industrial and organizational (I-O) psychology offered online, our MS in Industrial and Organizational Psychology program is designed to meet the growing demand for I-O practitioners within corporations, government agencies, educational institutions, and other types of organizations.*

In this online I/O psychology master’s program, you can prepare to address the challenges of the 21st-century workplace and serve as a catalyst for change and improvement in business, industry, labor, public, academic, community, and health-related organizations. Explore the latest theories and research in I/O psychology and gain the skills to select the best people for specific job roles while understanding how individual behavior affects an organization overall.

Throughout your online I/O psychology master’s program, you will examine topics including assessment, selection, performance management, motivation, work attitudes, leadership, and organizational behavior and development so you can create work environments that maximize effectiveness and increase productivity. Depending upon your goals and schedule, you may also choose to participate in hands-on learning experiences in two optional blended courses featuring an in-person component that allows for role-playing, teamwork, observed integration, and real-time feedback and coaching.

Accelerate your educational path by applying up to 40 credits toward Walden’s PhD in Industrial and Organizational Psychology program.†

Blended Course Format

Walden’s master’s in industrial and organizational psychology is offered with courses in both a fully online and a blended format.

When you select the blended course option, you may take up to two core courses that combine both online and in-person learning experiences. These courses provide:

• In-person immersion in scenarios that reflect the day-to-day situations you will face as an I-O practitioner in the field.
• Opportunities to apply course content through role-playing, reflection, teamwork, feedback, and coaching.
• In-person guidance from faculty members who are highly experienced I-O practitioners.

Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this master’s in I/O psychology program will be prepared to:

1. Describe behavior using current theory and research in industrial and organizational psychology.
2. Articulate the uniqueness of the Industrial/Organizational Psychology specialization including the history specific to this specialization.
3. Discuss how key industrial and organizational issues impact organizations (i.e., issues such as selection, performance management, performance measurement, job analysis, individual behavior, leadership, motivation, organizational culture, work teams, and/or job attitudes).
4. Explain the principles of basic research methods.
5. Appropriately summarize the role of research in the field of industrial and organizational psychology.
6. Apply ethical organizational intervention practices.
7. Appropriately select effective organizational interventions based on empirical evidence.
8. Summarize the influence of diverse populations on individual, group, and organizational behavior.
9. Apply principles of industrial and organizational psychology to scholarly and/or professional activities to promote lifelong learning.
10. Engage in practices that result in positive social change.

MS in Industrial and Organizational Degree Specializations

Designed to reflect the professional guidelines set forth by the Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology, the MS in Industrial and Organizational Psychology is offered in both a fully online and blended course format. Learn more about the blended course option.

Note on Licensure

The MS in Industrial and Organizational Psychology is not a licensure program and does not prepare an individual to become a licensed psychology professional.

• General Practice 
• Consulting Psychology 
• Evidence-Based Coaching
• Forensic Psychology 
• Human Resource Management 
• International Business
• Organizational Diversity and Social Change

Career options

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statics, industrial and organizational psychology is projected to grow 19 percent will be the single fastest-growing occupation between 2014 and 2024.*

As a graduate of Walden’s MS in Industrial and Organizational Psychology program, your career options may include:†

• Consultant
• Employee development consultant or trainer
• I-O practitioner
• Organizational consultant
• Human resources manager or consultant
• Researcher
• Project coordinator or manager
• Instructor at a community college
• Health project coordinator
• Data analyst or manager

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The first in the world, and always on the cutting edge
Rapidly becoming one of psychology’s most transformative fields, positive psychology is the scientific study of the strengths that enable humans and organizations to flourish. Positive psychology differs from historical psychological approaches because of its unique emphasis on the empirical study of human flourishing. While the study of psychology has traditionally focused on improving the human condition by identifying and relieving what is negative in life, positive psychology complements this approach with a focus on strengthening what is positive.

The Master of Applied Positive Psychology (MAPP) program at the University of Pennsylvania was the first in the world to offer a degree in this rigorous field of study. Dr. Martin Seligman, founder of the discipline of positive psychology, created the MAPP program to educate and train students at the cutting edge of the field.

Designed for working professionals
The program's hybrid model allows you to explore the theory and practice of positive psychology without relocating to Philadelphia, so you can continue working full-time. The program includes nine courses, completed during one year of full-time study during consecutive fall, spring and summer semesters. The low-residency format consists of 10 required on-site visits to the University of Pennsylvania campus in Philadelphia, where students and faculty gather for intensive weekends of learning and networking.

Structured for real-world application
Whether you are a credentialed professional seeking to transform your workplace or career, or are building a foundation for further graduate study, the MAPP curriculum allows you to apply the topics most relevant to your interests and goals. You will receive a thorough grounding in the research methods and theoretical underpinnings of positive psychology, and learn to apply its theories and perspectives within individual and organizational settings. The program culminates with an individual capstone project that advances both your professional development and the field of positive psychology itself.

Renowned faculty and passionately engaged peers
Program alumni report overwhelmingly that their favorite aspect of the program is the exceptional group of people who make up our diverse, intellectually stimulating and intensely supportive community.

Each year, approximately 40 students enroll in the Master of Applied Positive Psychology program, including successful businesspeople, practicing psychologists and medical professionals, scientists, artists, life coaches, lawyers and more. They’re all gathered to study with a faculty composed of major pioneers in the field, who are also dedicated and personable teachers.

Flourishing after MAPP
Through their experiences in the Master of Applied Psychology program, students find a powerful new perspective on their workplaces, career plans and personal lives. Our students go on to incredibly diverse careers, applying what they’ve learned to transform their current workplaces or to begin new careers in consulting, teaching, business, healthcare, media and more.

We look forward to speaking with you about the exciting opportunities at MAPP and discussing how our program can help you achieve your personal and professional goals.

Courses and Curriculum

The Master of Applied Positive Psychology (MAPP) curriculum is designed to train you in the history, theory and research methods of positive psychology, as well as its application in professional settings.

The program consists of nine courses, completed during one year of full-time study during consecutive fall, spring and summer semesters.

During the fall semester, you will begin the program with courses that focus on the science, research and theoretical underpinnings of positive psychology, giving students a strong foundation to build on throughout the remainder of the program.
The spring semester courses offer content to help you learn how to apply positive psychology in various professional settings, including creating a plan for positive interventions in a real organization.
The capstone project, which is completed during the summer semester, allows you to integrate what you’ve learned throughout the program, and apply it in the professional or research domain most significant to you. It often serves as a stepping stone to the application of positive psychology in a particular professional domain or to further research in a specific area.
The curriculum includes the following eight classes, in addition to the capstone project:

Introduction to Positive Psychology
An introduction to the research, theory and intellectual history of positive psychology.

Research Methods and Evaluation
A methodology course exploring the valid and reliable assessment of positive emotions, character strengths and meaning in life.

Foundations of Positive Interventions
An investigation into the theoretical, empirical and experiential nature of positive interventions.

Approaches to the Good Life
An examination of four perspectives on human flourishing.

Applied Positive Interventions
A service-learning course in which students study the applied work of master positive psychology practitioners and create positive psychology applications for non-profit organizations.

Positive Psychology and Individuals
An exploration of positive psychology applications in coaching, clinical and other relational settings.

Positive Psychology and Organizations
An exploration of positive psychology, appreciative inquiry and positive organizational scholarship in traditional and social business settings.

Humanities and Human Flourishing
An exploration of integrating culture and science to support the deeper understanding and more effective cultivation of human flourishing.

Capstone

The capstone project is a distinguishing feature of the Master of Applied Positive Psychology program, blending academic and professional experiences and serving as the culmination of your work in the program. Through the capstone project, you will explore, in depth, the theories and practical applications you’ve learned in the program, to advance the field of positive psychology itself. Previous capstone projects have included empirical studies, literature reviews, book prospectuses, workshops and other endeavors.

The capstone is completed during the summer semester and has no on-site course requirements. You will conduct this project work independently, with your advisor’s ongoing guidance, in a setting that is significant to you and most relevant to your future professional goals.

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The Master of Science in Experimental Psychology degree program at the College of Psychology provides students with a strong academic foundation in the theories and concepts of experimental psychology. Students are equipped with comprehensive skills in scientific inquiry and research methodology. These skills may prepare students for admission into a doctoral program in psychology or for career opportunities that include teaching and research in industrial, government, private consulting, health care, and community settings.

The college's Master of Science in Experimental Psychology degree program is offered on NSU's main campus.

Why Choose This Program?

• To develop mastery of advanced theoretical, statistical, and methodological foundations of experimental psychology
• To prepare for a professional career as a researcher and experimental psychologist
• To prepare for admission into a doctoral program in psychology

The M.S. in Experimental Psychology degree prepares students for research-focused doctoral programs as well as career opportunities that include teaching and research in industrial, government, private consulting, health care, and community settings.

Learning Outcomes

The successful M.S. in Experimental Psychology graduate is expected to:

1. Demonstrate knowledge of major concepts, theories, and supportive research in the four non-clinical foundational areas of experimental psychology (biological, cognitive, developmental, and social psychology) and in experimental design and analysis;
2. Apply research skills in at least one area of experimental psychology by carrying out an independent piece of research in at least one area of experimental psychology with collaboration from a faculty mentor;
3. Demonstrate the ability to write experimental reports using APA format and language of the discipline.

Curriculum

The Master of Science in Experimental Psychology degree program provides students with a strong academic foundation in the theories and concepts of experimental psychology. Through focused coursework and the experience of mentored independent research, students are equipped with comprehensive skills in scientific inquiry and research methodology. These skills may prepare students for admission into a doctoral program in psychology or for career opportunities that include teaching and research in industrial, government, private consulting, health care, and community settings.

Core Courses (12 credits)

• PSYC 5100 - Behavioural Neuroscience (3 credits)
• PSYC 5200 - Cognitive Psychology (3 credits)
• PSYC 5300 - Developmental Psychology (3 credits)
• PSYC 5400 - Social Psychology (3 credits)

Required Methodology Courses (9 credits)

• PSYC 5900 - Psychological Quantitative Methods I (3 credits)
• PSYC 5910 - Psychological Quantitative Methods II (3 credits)
• PSYC 5920 - Research Methods in Experimental Psychology (3 credits)

Thesis (6 credits)

• PSYC 6000 - Master's Thesis (3 credits, repeatable)

Career opportunities

Graduates of the M.S. in Experimental Psychology program can pursue doctoral education in subfields of experimental psychology or become leaders in a variety of professional positions and settings, including:

• Adjunct Professor
• Business / Government Agency
• Lab Manager
• Market Analyst
• Psychology Lecturer
• Research Project Manager
• Statistical Consultant

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In Walden’s MS in Developmental Psychology online program, you can acquire and apply knowledge of human growth and development to advance your career in hospitals, advocacy organizations, research institutions, or nonprofits.

Our online master’s in developmental psychology program is geared toward the working professional. In this career-oriented program, you will interpret research and apply your learning to address the needs of diverse populations—and promote lasting change in the lives of children, teens, and adults.

The MS in Developmental Psychology program is not designed to prepare students to become a licensed psychology or counseling professional.

Save Time and Money Toward Your PhD

If you are interested in teaching, researching, or consulting, you can accelerate your progress toward a PhD by applying credits to Walden’s PhD in Developmental Psychology program.

Why Earn Your Online Master’s in Developmental Psychology From Walden?

• With Walden, you have the opportunity to study in a master’s program focused on developmental psychology. You can choose the General Program or six specializations to tailor your study to what interests you most.
• The program’s coursework addresses relevant, contemporary societal issues. You can study current topics such as the effects of digital technology on human development and explore the needs of specific populations, such as LGBTQ, to make a lasting difference for people of all ages and backgrounds.
• You can gain a global perspective from a diverse community of faculty and students as you examine international issues such as mass migration and refugee crises.

Learning Outcomes

As a graduate of this program, you will be prepared to:

1. Describe the theoretical foundations of developmental psychology.
2. Demonstrate the ability to apply principles of developmental psychology in areas of cognitive, language, social, and emotional functioning across the human development lifespan.
3. Synthesize principles of developmental psychology theory and research.
4. Apply principles of developmental psychology theory and research to real-world educational, social, health, and other settings.
5. Interpret psychological theory and research related to developmental psychology.
6. Describe developmental psychological theory, research, and practice from a multicultural and/or global perspective.
7. Promote positive social change through the application of developmental psychology theory, research, and practice to scholarly and/or professional activities that promote positive social change.

Find detailed information for this program, including possible occupations, completion rate, program costs, and median student loan debt.

Curriculum

• General Program 
• Administration and Leadership 
• Adult Development and Gerontology
• Child and Adolescent Development 
• Health and Human Development 
• International Perspectives in Developmental Psychology
• Self-Designed

Career options

With an MS in Developmental Psychology, you can work in a variety of settings, such as:

• Public and private hospitals
• Educational settings, including early childhood education centers
• Community organizations
• Senior centers or nursing and residential care facilities
• Nonprofit human service organizations
• Crisis intervention programs
• Rehabilitation centers
• Research institutions
• Mental health facilities
• Advocacy and policy organizations
• Individual and family services agencies
• Youth and adult correctional facilities
• Research, healthcare, or special education coordination and support organizations

Career options may require additional experience, training, or other factors beyond the successful completion of this program.

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Focus on the intellectual, emotional, and biological aspects of human behavior and learn to foster psychological health in individuals, families, groups, and organizations.

Advance your career by studying current theory and practices associated with major human behavior. In Walden’s clinical psychology graduate program, you will be positioned to work with diverse individuals in a broad range of settings, including healthcare, education, government, and business environments. Coursework in this clinical psychology master’s program offers an excellent foundation for pursuing clinical psychology and applying theory and research as a clinical psychology professional.

For international students who may need a master’s degree to practice psychology in their home countries, Walden’s online MS in Clinical Psychology provides the opportunity to become practitioners without requiring a U.S.-based residency requirement. For both international and U.S.-based students, supervised field practicum provides the opportunity to gain hands-on experience and make a difference in their own communities.

Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be prepared to:

1. Describe the foundations of psychology.
2. Synthesize psychological theory and research to apply in real-world situations in clinical settings.
3. Interpret psychological theory and research.
4. Describe psychological theory, research, and practice from a multicultural and/or global perspective.
5. Apply psychological theory, research, and practice to scholarly and/or professional activities that promote positive social change.
6. Use a framework of evidence-based practice to develop constructive working relationships with clients, supervisors, instructors, and colleagues.
7. Demonstrate an appropriate and professional demeanor with clients, supervisors, instructors, and colleagues.

Additional Learning Outcomes for the Counseling Specialization

1. Utilize critical thinking and apply relevant ethical codes (e.g., APA, ACA) to decision making with diverse populations in a variety of settings.
2. Demonstrate proficiency in utilizing empirically supported models of counseling/therapy (including group; substance abuse; and couples, marriage, and family counseling as well as career counseling) with diverse populations.

Find detailed information for this program including possible occupations, completion rate, program costs, and median student loan debt. This information will vary depending on whether the program (1) reflects the California counseling specialization or (2) reflects the counseling specialization for states other than California or (3) reflects the general specialization.

The MS in Clinical Psychology general degree is not designed to prepare students to become a licensed psychology or counseling professional.

The MS in Clinical Psychology with a specialization in Counseling and California Counseling specialization (for California residents only) are designed to prepare graduates for professional counseling practice at the master’s level. Graduates completing the Counseling specialization may qualify to sit for licensing exams and meet the academic licensure requirements of some state counselor licensing boards. However, the Walden University MS in Clinical Psychology program is not accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), a specialized accrediting body, which is a requirement for licensure as a counselor in many states. Walden enrollment advisors can provide guidance on licensure issues, state-by-state educational requirements, and internship and practicum requirements; however, it remains the student’s responsibility to evaluate and understand the licensure requirements for the state or international location in which the student intends to work as requirements vary widely. Walden University makes no representation or guarantee that the completion of a degree or coursework for graduate credit will permit the learner to obtain licensure.

MS in Clinical Psychology Degree Specializations

In this clinical psychology degree program, you can choose the General Program or a specialization in Counseling, as well a California Counseling specialization that’s specifically designed for those who plan to seek licensure in the state of California.

International applicants should contact an enrollment advisor to review requirements and completion options. The MS in Clinical Psychology with a specialization in Counseling can augment the general degree in international settings where there are additional requirements of field placement and content areas specialized to practice.

• General Program 
• CA Counseling 
• Counseling

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Program overview

The master of science degree in experimental psychology builds on the strengths of faculty research and student interests in experimental psychology broadly defined. The program as a whole provides a foundation for further advanced academic study in human factors and/or experimental psychology.

Plan of study

The program includes 30 credit hours of core courses, elective courses, and a thesis. It also offers students two tracks to choose from: experimental psychology and engineering psychology.

The experimental psychology track embraces the application of the scientific method to the study of behavior. Faculty are experts in a variety of fields including addiction, attention, cognition, development, evolutionary psychology, forensic psychology, perception, psychopathology, and social psychology, among others.

The engineering psychology track examines human capabilities to sense, perceive, store, and process information and how these human factors impact interactions with technology. This knowledge is applied to the design, use, and maintenance of human-machine systems. Courses emphasize the role of human behavior and performance in both simple and complex human-machine systems. Students are trained in both research methods of experimental psychology and application of the results to contemporary problems in industry. This track prepares students to function as effective engineering psychologists in industrial, governmental, or consulting organizations.

Electives

Students in the engineering psychology track must select two electives (students should check for course prerequisites or if permission of the instructor is required). Any graduate course at RIT can be taken as an elective, assuming prerequisites are met.

Thesis

Students select a thesis adviser during the first year. Selection of an adviser, thesis topic, and research proposal must be completed in the second semester of the first year of the program. Ongoing research activity is expected through the summer term of the program. At the completion of the thesis, students will publically present their findings and defend their research before a thesis committee.

Curriculum

Experimental psychology, MS degree course sequence differ according to the modules selected, see website for further details on available modules and electives: https://www.rit.edu/programs/experimental-psychology-ms

Other admission requirements

-Submit scores from the Graduate Record Examination (GRE).
-Submit at least two letters of reference from professors or supervisors.
-Submit a personal statement describing the applicant's goals for the program focusing on their research interests and possible thesis research (including possible thesis mentors).
-Complete a graduate application.

Additional information

Cooperative education:
The program includes an optional cooperative education component. Co-op is generally completed in the summer after the first year of the program. The co-op experience provides experiential learning that integrates with classroom education and allows students to apply psychological principles to problems in a variety of work environments. Co-op may be completed in any business or industrial setting.

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The Master of Science in Forensic Psychology is a 36-credit online program that provides students with insight into the intersection of psychology and legal issues. Students gain an understanding of what forensic psychologists do and will learn how to apply this training in a variety of professional contexts.

This degree program will provide students with the professional training necessary to function at an optimal level in a variety of forensic settings where psychology is used including: courts, law enforcement, criminal justice, national security offices, prisons, social services agencies, child welfare agencies, and treatment facilities.

Many students in our program have specialized in law, mental health or other health services and want to work in the forensic area. Others are interested in furthering their careers and assuming more senior level positions. Some of our students use this degree to make them more competitive when applying for a doctoral program.

The online format and non-clinical curriculum make the program an excellent option for working professionals needing to integrate graduate study with job responsibilities. The program also targets those living in rural or frontier areas in and outside the United States, those with limited or no access to this type of graduate level educational program, and individuals working non-traditional shift schedules, such as those in law enforcement, corrections, national security, and the military.

Important Note

There is no licensure or certification in Florida or most states for Forensic Psychology at this time. It is considered a subspecialty of other clinical mental health or legal programs

Curriculum

The Master of Science in Forensic Psychology degree program requires a total of 36 semester hours of graduate course work. The program consists of a core of 24 credits and students are required to complete one of two possible 9-credit specialization tracks, and a 3-credit capstone course. Students can choose to complete either a thesis or a field experience for their capstone's content, although if students are looking to continue their studies it is recommended they chose the research option.

Core Courses (3 credits each)

• PSY 0900 - Introduction to Forensic Psychological Science
• PSY 0901 - Psychopathology, Personality Disorders, and Behavioral Interventions in Forensic Settings
• PSY 0902 - Methods & Tools of Psychological & Violence Risk Assessment
• PSY 0903 - Evaluation, Methodology, and Psychological Research
• PSY 0904 - Ethical Concerns & Multicultural Issues in Forensic Psychology
• PSY 0905 - Communication Skills and Tools in Forensic Psychology
• PSY 0906 - Best Practices and Policies for the Mentally Ill in the Criminal Justice System
• PSY 0907 - Gender Violence: Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault & Child Abuse

Specialisation Tracks

Students will choose one of the following two specialisation tracks:

TRACK 1: FORENSIC PSYCHOLOGY IN THE LEGAL SYSTEM (9 Credits - Choose 3 courses from below)

• PSY 0908 - Psychological Issues in Dependency & Family Law Cases
• PSY 0909 - Therapeutic Jurisprudence & Problem-Solving Courts
• PSY 0910 - Assessment of Psychological Injury for Legal Cases
• PSY 0911 - Understanding Psychological Reports and Expert Witness Testimony
• PSY 0912 - Psychological Evaluation of Competencies, Syndromes, & Sanity Issues
• PSY 0913 / CJI 6230 - Behavioral Criminology
• PSY 0914 - Capstone Project in Forensic Psychology in the Legal System

TRACK 2: FORSENSIC PSYCHOLOGY FOR MENTAL HEALTH WORKERS, FIRST RESPONDERS AND DISASTER TEAMS (9 Credits - choose 3 courses from below)

• PSY 0915 - Suicide Prevention & Crisis Intervention Skills
• PSY 0916 - Trauma Informed Assessment and Intervention
• PSY 0917 - Child Maltreatment and Trauma Assessment and Intervention
• PSY 0918 - Intervening in School & Workplace Violence
• PSY 0919 - Substance Abuse, Mental Illness and Trauma
• PSY 0920 / CJI 6220 - Police Psychology
• PSY 0921 - Capstone Course in Forensic Psychology for First Responders and Disaster Team Workers

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The Master's Degree Program in General Psychology is a 30-credit online program that will prepare students to develop foundational knowledge in psychological theory and research. Local, national, and international students may select this M.S. degree as an opportunity to obtain prerequisite courses to meet eligibility requirements for application to other psychology programs, including advanced doctoral studies. Through its speciality tracks, the program will also allow a variety of professionals within the fields of education, human services, counselling, and allied health to access coursework both as degree-seeking and non-degree seeking students in order to advance their psychological knowledge and use of psychological applications in their respective fields. In addition to the direct benefit of obtaining foundational knowledge in psychology, the curriculum is designed to facilitate the development of basic interpersonal skills, cultural sensitivity, and additional knowledge and skills that enhance the preparation of students for professional work in increasingly diverse social agencies, school and community settings, in business and industry environments, and in hospitals.

Important Note:

Graduate students who earn this degree will not have met the educational requirements for certification or licensure in the state of Florida and should not expect to provide psychological services as an independent practitioner. 

Program Format

The master's program is offered entirely online. The online format allows for students to participate in courses from anywhere in the world where internet access is available. In addition, it allows for the flexibility of completing your master's degree without interrupting your career.

Master's students are provided NSU computer accounts including email and Blackboard, but must obtain their own Internet service providers, use their own computer systems and have a usable web camera. Online students use the web to access course materials, announcements, email, distance library services, subscription library databases, and other information, and for interaction with faculty and fellow students. Online, interactive learning methods are based on the use of Blackboard as a course management system. Online activities facilitate frequent student-to-faculty and student-to-student interaction. They are supported by threaded discussion boards, white boards, chat rooms, email, and multimedia presentations. In addition, Blackboard enables students to submit assignments online in multimedia formats and to receive their professors' reviews of assignments online in the same formats.

Curriculum

The curriculum for the program consists of 30 credits in total: 21 credits of foundational courses and 9 credits from one of three specialty tracks. Students in the General Track can choose to write a Master's thesis (6 credits) instead of two of the courses in the track. Students who indicate that their career objective is to apply to a doctoral program will be advised to complete a Master's thesis. Students who choose to write a Master's thesis under the supervision of a faculty must successfully complete their research and writing associated with the thesis. Students may also come to campus to meet with their faculty advisor.

Core Courses (3 credits each)

• PSY 0600: Cognitive Psychology (3 credits)
• PSY 0601: Behavioral Neuroscience (3 credits)
• PSY 0605/PYCL 0512: Human Growth and Development (3 credits)
• PSY 0607: Social Psychology (3 credits)
• PSY 0609/PYCL 0608: Individual Evaluation and Assessment (3 credits)
• PSY 0611: Research Design (3 credits)
• PSY 0613: Psychological Quantitative Methods (3 credits)

General Psychology Track (3 Credits Each - 9 Credits Total)

• PSY 0614/PYCL 0584: Adult Psychopathology (3 credits)
• PSY 0615/PYCL 0582: Human Sexuality (3 credits)
• PSY 0616: History and Systems of Psychology (3 credits)
• PSY 0617: Masters Thesis (6 credits)

Applied Health Science Track (3 Credits Each - 9 Credits Total)

• PSY 0619: Psychological Aspects of Treating Disease (3 credits)
• PSY 0620: The Business of Psychology (3 credits)
• PSY 0633: Interviewing Techniques (3 credits)

Diversity Studies Track (3 Credits Each – 9 Credits Total)

• PSY 0621/PYCL 0632: Social and Cultural Foundations of Diversity (3 credits)
• PSY 0622: Gay and Lesbian Studies (3 credits)
• PSY 0623: Research Topics in Cross-Cultural Psychology (3 credits)

Degree Completion Requirements

A student must complete all course work required for the degree with a minimum grade point average of a 3.0 and successfully complete a thesis (if required) and the comprehensive examination. The Master of Science in General Psychology program requires a minimum of 30 semester hours of graduate credit. A student is expected to complete the program and graduate within five years from the date of first enrollment.

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The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences is a thriving center of intellectual excellence that encompasses 14 academic departments and 80 degree programs. Its more than 2,500 students are engaged in a wide variety of challenging courses and hands-on learning experiences that extend across all areas of the humanities and sciences – from the great philosophers and classic literature to the world economy and environmental sustainability.

At the core of each department are faculty members who have garnered national acclaim for their best-selling books, ground-breaking research and creative endeavors. Together, students and their professors explore globally significant subjects and work towards the goal of improving every aspect of the way in which human beings live. To learn more about a specific area of study, click on the left-hand navigation bar for a full listing of academic departments.

The department

As a student in the Department of Psychology, you will undertake a survey of current knowledge and viewpoints about the science of behavior and cognitive processes. You will learn the research methods by which such knowledge is obtained, and be given the opportunity to study basic psychological processes, their development, the nature of behavioral aberrations, their treatment, and selected applications of this knowledge.

The undergraduate and graduate programs in Psychology encompass child and adult psychology, abnormal behavior, therapy, and psychological testing. The curricula explores the sciences of psychology—learning, perception, behavioral neuroscience, developmental processes, and normal and abnormal processes—and their practical application. In addition to classroom studies, you will gain hands-on experience at community youth centers, hospitals, human resource departments, and agencies that serve developmentally disabled children and adults.

Fully accredited by the American Psychological Association, the Clinical Psychology Doctoral Program (Psy.D.), trains students who want to practice as clinical psychologists with a strong interest in traditionally underserved populations. In addition to mastering a rigorous core curriculum, Psy.D. students gain special competencies in two of four areas: Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Assessment and Treatment of Substance Use Disorders, Interventions with High-Risk Families, and Serious Mental Illness.

M.A. in Experimental Psychology

In earning this 36-credit Master of Arts degree in Experimental Psychology you will strengthen your research, writing and critical-thinking skills while broadening and deepening your knowledge of behavior. The core curriculum provides a foundation in the basic topics of statistics, experimental methods, behavior analysis and learning, perception and cognition, and the neuropsychological bases of behavior. You will have unique opportunities to conduct original hands-on research.

In designing a program to fit your own interests and needs, you will have an opportunity to choose from a full menu of electives, including “Social Psychology,” “Personality,” “Applied Behavior Analysis,” “Psychopathology,” “Psychopharmacology “ and “Theory and Practice of Psychotherapy.” In addition to paving the way for further study on the graduate level, the M.A. in Psychology will prepare you for a wide range of positions in research, education, industrial organization, management training and human resources.

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The sport and performance psychology (SPP) program at University of Western States (UWS) provides students with the skills in positive and applied sport psychology needed to enhance performance and maximize human potential. The program offers a Master of Science degree as well as a doctoral degree. The Master of Science program transfers seamlessly into the doctoral program should a student wish to continue on after completing the master’s level.

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

Experienced Faculty
Our faculty is comprised of recognized leaders in the field of applied sport psychology who have extensive experience in the classroom and private practice. This practical experience is a key strength of the program because it provides students with diverse learning opportunities from professionals with established careers and experience as sport psychology consultants.

Diverse Practicum
Beyond the classroom, our programs provide many diverse practicum opportunities for students to apply learned skills with athletes and performers in real-world settings. In addition to established locations, students are encouraged to pursue practicum experiences that meet their particular interests.

Applied Focus
The program focuses extensively on the science and practice of sport and performance psychology. Beyond learning the basic principles of sport psychology, our professors and curriculum help you apply the information with a hands-on approach.

Extensive Curriculum
The program is designed specifically to teach the science, theory and application of sport and performance psychology in the most comprehensive curriculum possible.

Flexibility and Customization
Our program offers great flexibility and several personalized elective options. This allows our students to select interesting, relevant coursework to meet their individual job and certification needs.

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The M.A. program in General Psychology is designed primarily for those students who seek to improve their knowledge, skills and research experience in psychology in order to strengthen their educational background for application to doctoral programs. A strong focus on student research experience helps to prepare students for continuing graduate study at the doctoral level. The program may also prepare students for a range of occupations in business, government, and other non-academic research settings, as students learn critical thinking and data analysis skills that are attractive to both public and private research firms. A mentorship model, in which students are accepted into the program only with an established agreement with a faculty member, ensures that students are involved in a program of research from their first semester. Course work for the General Psychology program is designed around a core curriculum of statistics, research design, substantive areas of psychology, and a research-based thesis. Thus, students enrolled in this program are expected to develop an understanding of the fundamental areas of psychology, to acquire a high level of sophistication in statistics, experimental design, data analysis, psychological measurement, and quantitative methods, and to conduct research in a specialized area of study. The General Psychology M.A. program does not, however, provide clinical preparation. Students interested in a career that includes clinical preparation should consider the Clinical PsyD program.

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See the department website - https://www.rit.edu/cla/psychology/graduate/ms-school-psych/overview

The master of science degree in school psychology is approved by the National Association of School Psychologists and prepares students for provisional New York state certification as school psychologists. Designed to provide students with a strong background in psychological foundations, the program develops professional skills and competencies in assessment, counseling, consultation, and program evaluation.

A school psychologist works with young children (birth to age five); elementary, junior high, and high school students; teachers and administrators; parents; and professionals to offer services that lead to the amelioration of existing student difficulties and attempts to prevent school problems. Through diagnostic testing, counseling, consultation, and intervention, school psychologists help students deal with learning and behavioral difficulties and help improve students’ adjustment to school and their community.

The master of science degree is awarded after students have completed all course work, an internship, and have passed a portfolio review.

Plan of study

A minimum of 66 semester credit hours are required for completion of the program. Before registering for the internship, students must pass a portfolio review. A cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above is required.

Admission requirements

To be considered for admission to the MS program in school psychology, candidates must fulfill the following requirements:

- Hold a baccalaureate degree at an accredited college or university,

- Have a minimum undergraduate cumulative GPA of 3.0,

- Have completed at least 18 semester hours in behavioral sciences with a grade of B (3.0) or above,

- Have completed prerequisite undergraduate courses in general psychology, elementary statistics, child or developmental psychology, and abnormal psychology,

- Submit scores from the Graduate Record Exam (GRE),

- Submit letters of reference,

- Submit official transcripts (in English) of all previously completed undergraduate and graduate course work,

- Submit an essay outlining the candidate's goals and related experience that shows evidence of a professional commitment and the potential for developing effective relationships with children, youth, and adults,

- Complete an individual interview, and

- Complete an application for graduate study.

- International applicants whose native language is not English must submit scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language. A minimum score of 580 (paper-based) is required. This requirement is waived for native speakers of English and those submitting transcripts from American universities.

All credentials must be submitted and reviewed before the student completes 9 semester credit hours of graduate work in the program. Applications are due by February 1. Later applications will be reviewed on a space-available basis.

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Graduate students at The New School for Social Research ask the kind of questions that challenge the status quo across the social sciences and humanities.

Guided by rigorous scholarship and a desire to apply academic discourse and discovery to current social problems, they critically examine interdisciplinary fields to become a force of new knowledge and ideas in the world.

All graduate programs at The New School for Social research can be completed full-time or part-time on our New York City campus. Competitive merit-based scholarships are available in all departments -- in recent years, 85% of master’s students have received merit scholarships at The New School for Social Research.

Change begins with a question. What will you ask?

Program Highlights

• 30-credit MA, 60-credit PhD.
• Study all the major fields of modern psychology, with an emphasis on research sensitive to social and cultural influences and concerns.
• Recent courses include Cognitive Psychology; Evidence-Based Treatment; Language and Thought; and Political Psychology.
• Specialized degree options include an MA concentration in Substance Abuse Counseling and PhD programs in Clinical Psychology and Cognitive, Social, and Developmental Psychology.

Why the New School?

The New School for Social Research was founded in 1919 as a home for progressive thinkers, and housed the University in Exile in 1933, providing an academic haven for scholars persecuted in Nazi Europe. The school became the foundation for a comprehensive university – The New School – and continues the legacy of critical thought, civic engagement, and academic freedom today.

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