psychology research masters programs

• Seattle Pacific University
• Graduate Programs​

Master of Science (MS) — Research Psychology

• 11 months to complete
• $715/per credit
• Schedule informational appointment

Next start date: 9/11/2024

.accordion label.title{ text-transform: none; color: #651d32; font-size: 19.2px; font-size: 1.2rem; letter-spacing: normal; } Gain hands-on skills in this accelerated master’s degree program in research psychology

In this 11-month Master of Science (MS) in Research Psychology, you will develop research, statistics, and grant-writing knowledge and skills. The accelerated master’s in psychology emphasizes research methodology and allows you to work with faculty in the classroom and in the lab. As you benefit from Seattle-area opportunities and resources in this master's of psychology program, you’ll gain the practical, marketable skills needed for a research career — or to enter a PhD program.

Take the next steps in your career with this flexible MS in Research Psychology.

Program Distinctives

The MS in Research Psychology program at Seattle Pacific University is unique in that it provides an accelerated (11 months) program that does not compromise knowledge and skills necessary for jobs or further education. This program's flexibility also benefits students in multiple ways:

Prepares career-bound students to —

• Enjoy a close and collaborative faculty that works closely with you as you gain advanced professional skills.
• Gain research and statistical skills needed for jobs in a range of areas from basic laboratory research to industry.
• Learn how to write grants to fund both applied and research projects.
• Become highly employable in careers pertaining to research, data analysis, and the like.
• Gain the experience needed as you progress through the coursework and your thesis, becoming competitive in future job searches for research positions.
• Custom design your capstone project (e.g., grant application) to focus on your career goals.
• Benefit from the Bureau of Labor Statistics data showing that the employment rate between 2014 and 2024 for psychology professionals is projected to grow by 12% for survey researchers and by 19% for market research analysts.
• Experience how SPU’s Christian faith context enables you to explore and integrate diverse, current, and controversial scientific research questions.

Prepares PhD-bound students to —

• Do original research or writing to prepare you for graduate school.
• Gain a competitive edge in applying for doctoral programs in various psychology and allied-health disciplines.
• Benefit from faculty mentorship while gaining valuable experience in conducting and disseminating your research.
• Custom design your capstone project (e.g., research thesis) to focus on your goals for graduate school.

Note: This program is designed for graduate students to begin Autumn Quarter and complete by the end of the following Summer Session.

A Master's Degree Program for You to Succeed

• Do original research or writing to prepare you for later jobs or graduate school.
• Explore issues related to diversity and ethics within research.

Program description and requirements 

Research Psychology is an accelerated, 33-credit master’s of science program designed to give students knowledge and skills necessary for jobs or further graduate education in psychology or psychology-related fields. It’s designed for students to begin Autumn Quarter and complete by the end of the following Summer Session. As a full-time student:

• You will typically take eight credits (two classes) per quarter while also working toward a capstone project. See the proposed course schedule below.
• You will take a core set of classes and will have flexibility in choosing from electives to best support your career or graduate school goals. See the list of core and elective classes below.
• Students will propose and complete a capstone project (e.g., research thesis, grant application) that best meets their career or graduate school goals.
• In both classes and the capstone project, students will learn from and work with faculty in the program (the School of Psychology, Family, and Community) as well as other graduate school programs on campus.

Core and elective courses

Core Courses:

Course Number

Research Methods and Statistics 1

Research Methods and Statistics 2

Christian Faith and Worldviews

Grant Writing

Research and Thesis

Qualitative Research Methods

Program and Organizational Evaluation

Survey Research

History and Systems of Psychology

Ethics & Law in Clinical Psychology

Psychopathology

Developmental Psychology

Neural and Biological Bases of Behavior

Personality Theory and Research

Cognition and Learning

Future PhD Fellows Seminar

Practicum: Graduate Teaching Assistantship

Database Management and Warehousing

Data Mining

Data Visualization

Proposed Schedule

The MS in Research Psychology is an accelerated program that is designed for students to begin in Autumn Quarter and complete the program the following summer quarter. The following is a proposed schedule.

Thesis/grant proposal

Christian Faith and Worldview

Thesis defense or grant submission

Total Credits

2023–24 tuition and fees

application fee; one-time matriculation fee

to complete

In addition to direct instructional costs, Seattle Pacific University’s Research Psychology (MS) tuition covers academic and student support services. Other benefits include use of athletic facilities (e.g., gym, locker room, and fitness rooms), and the SPU Library.

Scholarships and financial aid

Scholarship and other financial aid is available to newly admitted and continuing students in the School of Psychology, Family, and Community. For more information, visit Graduate Students Resources in Student Financial Services.

Resources available to graduate students to offset costs may include:

• Student loans. Includes amounts that exceed tuition and provide for living expenses.
• Graduate research fellowships. Department and grant-funded research and administrative assistant positions are offered to a limited number of graduate students each year. Selection is based on established criteria within each graduate department.
• Graduate teaching assistantships. Department-funded teaching assistantships are offered to a limited number of graduate students each year. Selection is based on established criteria and course need within each graduate department.
• Merit scholarships. Offered by the University as an offset to tuition.
• Department scholarship and awards. Selection is based on established criteria within each department. May not be distributed every year.
• The Dickinson Fellowship. Provides training and tuition to undergraduate and graduate students who have a calling to work with persons and their families who are impacted by chronic mental health conditions.

Student employment

For part-time student employment opportunities on or off campus, explore these options:

• Student Employment website
• Falcon Connect

Application

Application and recommended materials.

In order to apply, students must have completed or provide the following:

Online application and $75 application processing fee

Undergraduate Degree

• Students must have completed a degree in psychology or related field which included coursework in statistics and research methods.
• Students must have graduated with good academic standing with a minimum grade-point average of 3.0 and from a regionally accredited institution.
• Preference will be given to students with strong experiences in research and writing.

Official Transcripts

• Students must submit official transcript(s) from any college or university that granted you a degree or degrees, and from any institution attended since that time.

Personal Statement

• Future career or graduate school objectives
• Rationale for seeking a degree in research psychology and why you are seeking to attend Seattle Pacific
• Description of how this experience would differ from undergraduate courses or experiences
• Area of research or questions you are interested in pursuing for a thesis/grant/capstone project 
• Mention your professional and personal strengths as they apply: a. Related research experiences b. Relevant knowledge of and use of statistics c. Personal values d. Awareness of SPU faith identity and related openness to faith discussions as well as faith-related course requirements e. Any other insights deemed appropriate by the applicant

Letters of Recommendation

• Three letters of recommendation are required. Two should come from academic references (e.g., professor, instructor) and one from a professional (e.g., employer, internship supervisor).
• Letters of recommendation are waived for graduates of Seattle Pacific University's psychology program.

No GRE (Graduate Record Exam) is required for this program.

International students

In addition to the SPU general and the Research Psychology program’s additional admission requirements , international students must also submit:

• An official confidential affidavit of financial support covering the first year of intended enrollment. Without this document, SPU cannot issue an I-20 immigration form.
• Students holding undergraduate or graduate degrees from colleges, universities and/or seminaries located outside the U.S. are expected to have their transcripts evaluated by a professional credential agency. Such an evaluation is required before an application for admission to SPFC can be granted and before any graduate credits taken elsewhere can be applied to a SPFC degree.
• If you earned an undergraduate degree in a country other than the United States, or your degree is in progress, an official course-by-course credential evaluation must be submitted from a  NACES member-recognized credential service. Acceptable credential services include, but are not limited to,  World Education Services (WES) and  Foundation for International Services (FIS).
• In addition to the evaluation report, we also require official transcripts and diplomas to be submitted, in English. International applicants are responsible for all costs associated with this service.
•   English language proficiency: If you do not speak English as your first language, you must also submit scores on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). A minimum score of 600 on the TOEFL paper or 250 on the TOEFL-CBT, or 100 on the TOEFL-iBT is required. ACE scores will not be accepted.

What can I do with my MS in Research Psychology?

Whether you plan to move directly into a career after earning your master’s degree or continue your education by earning a doctorate, you will find opportunities abound for you once you have an MS in Research Psychology.

Career options for career-bound students:

• Data analyst
• Market researcher
• Business consultant 
• Community college instructor
• Research assistant
• Employee trainer
• Social worker
• And more ...

Career options for students who go on to earn a PhD:

• Researcher psychologist
• Clinical psychologist
• University or college professor
• Experimental psychologist
• Director of research
• Forensic psychologist
• Developmental psychologist

Supporting the careers of our MS in Research Psychology students and alumni is a high priority for the School of Psychology, Family, and Community. The following career resources are available:

• The Center for Career and Calling has Resources for Current Graduate Students , which offers online vocational resources and résumé tips, workshops, and events. 
• Job leads through SPU’s job posting board Handshake and SPU Switchboard , the online community where you can engage and connect with the SPU network.

Phillip M. Baker

Assistant Professor of Psychology PhD, University of Illinois at Chicago

​Baine Craft

Professor of Psychology and Biology; Chair of Undergraduate Psychology; Director of Laboratory Facilities PhD, University of Montana

Jessica Fossum

Assistant Professor of Psychology; Director of Research-Graduate Psychology PhD, University of California-Los Angeles

Bethany Hoff

Assistant Professor of Psychology PhD, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Jenny​ Lee Vaydich​

Associate Professor of Psychology​; Chair of Research Psychology PhD, University of Notre Dame

​​Katy Tangenberg

​Dean of the School of Psychology, Family, and Community; Professor of Social Welfare PhD, University of Washington

Capstone Project

Students enrolled in the Master’s of Science Research Psychology program will not only gain research, statistics, and grant-writing knowledge and skills from the classroom, but they will also complete a capstone project. This project will allow students the opportunity to put newly acquired knowledge and skills into practice in a manner that is best fitting their career or graduate school objectives. 

Capstone Proposal and Defense

The capstone project is flexible in a sense that students can chose between a traditional master’s thesis based on original research, a grant application, or propose an applied project (e.g., program evaluation) that best suits their needs. Each student will complete the following three stages of the capstone project:

• Conduct preliminary research, choose your project, and assemble your project committee for a review of your project.
• With approval from your project committee, research, collect data, analyze data, etc., and write your capstone project.
• Finally, present your written project and provide an oral defense for your capstone project to your project committee.*

*Your committee must approve your work at the proposal and defense. 

Research Labs

The program provides students with numerous research opportunities and flexibility. Students can request to work with faculty within the School of Psychology, Family, and Community or seek out capstone projects (e.g., grant application) locally, regionally, or nationally. Below are examples of labs where students might work:

The Baker Lab

Dr. Phillip M. Baker leads this collaborative and motivated group of researchers interested in understanding how the brain reduces complex information into behavioral choices. To do this, we manipulate the circuitry of the brain in animal models to understand the contributions of brain areas to reducing external stimuli into internal representations of choices that ultimately guide decisionmaking. Much of our work is hands-on with our animal models in addition to wet lab work. 

Child and Adolescent Laboratory

Directed by Dr. Jenny Vaydich, the Child and Adolescent Laboratory within the School of Psychology, Family, and Community at Seattle Pacific University explores the influence of parent-child relationships and interactions on child and adolescent emotion regulation development. We are particularly interested in parent-child relationships and parental emotion socialization during childhood and adolescence. Previous projects have focused on aggression; however, more recent projects have examined the influence of parent-child relationships on symptoms of depression and anxiety. 

Our ideal candidate for the Research Psychology program would be a student who has a passion for and training in research, has a strong background in research methods and statistics, perhaps having taken several statistics or research courses, and comes to the program with ideas of how to bring their diverse set of experiences/skills to pursue dynamic and innovative research.

Previous research experience is not required, but in the absence of specific research experience, students are encouraged to use their personal statement to speak to the specific skills they have acquired which will aid in research.

Ask yourself, “What are you passionate about, what do you want to research, what do you want to learn more about?”

This program is comparable to the master’s degree track that would be folded into most PhD programs. That is, you will do both graduate-level coursework and a master's-level thesis or capstone project. As for similar degree programs that take two years, we’ve truncated the timeline by having students work on their thesis project alongside their coursework.

SPU’s graduate programs consistently schedule courses to begin in the late afternoon/early evening to accommodate the varied needs of our students’ schedules. Core classes for the program will most likely be scheduled on Mondays or Tuesdays from 1–5 p.m. with electives following a similar schedule on other days of the week.

Given the rigorous nature of the Research Psychology program, our recommendation would be for our students to work part time.

There are several possibilities, dependent in large part on the expertise and interest of our students. One example would be a research fellowship with one of the faculty members. Another example would be proposing a partnership with a campus department, such as the Center for Career and Calling, which already has robust data collection but would benefit from a master’s student analyzing and presenting that data in a way that benefits students. If you are looking at PhD level study, a more traditional teaching assistantship where you offer guest lectures and grade papers might be beneficial.

Designing studies and evaluations : The Research Psychology program equips students with an advanced-level understanding of research methods and the ability to identify samples that are representative of diverse populations.

Data analysis : [missing copy?]

Communicating research : The ability to sum up research and communicate to distinct constituent groups.

The opportunity to work closely with faculty is both faculty-dependent and student capstone project-dependent. In your first quarter of the program, you will want to begin to conceptualize your capstone project and consider how you would work with a faculty member. This is a process we will support each step of the way.

Unlike in a PhD program, you will not be admitted in order to work with a specific faculty member. This benefits students, as it means we can accept students with a wide range of research interests. It also means we will not be able to specify who your thesis supervisor will be or guarantee that you will work with a specific faculty member. Please note that research fit is a major priority as we make admissions decisions. If you are admitted into the program, it is because we are confident we can pair you with an advisor who matches your research interests and that your interests are scalable for the program.

How this program would lead to and bolster a PhD is dependent upon the PhD program, though we firmly believe it will make you a stronger PhD candidate, regardless of the program.

Some PhD programs would, for example, accept this master’s degree and thesis and then require you to take a minimal number of courses before you begin your PhD thesis. If, for example, a typical PhD program is five years long, and that program allows you to transfer some of your courses from this degree and your master’s dissertation, it would not only make you a more competitive candidate but also shorten your degree time to three years.

Other PhD programs will require you to complete all your coursework with them, potentially completing another master’s thesis, but will see your completion of this program as making you a more competitive candidate.

Emily Northey

Research Psychology alumna

For Emily Northey, ‘22 the master’s in research psychology program is all about independence — becoming an independent researcher and finding opportunities to apply her skills beyond the classroom.

“I appreciate how faculty push me to problem solve on my own initially,” Northey says, “which allows me to grow as an independent researcher.”

Read more about Emily

Devin Noel-Harrison

Research Psychology alumnus

Noel-Harrison attributes his current success as a research assistant and analyst to SPU’s Research Psychology MS program — to faculty support and to new opportunities for networking.

“That’s what I’ve been noticing about the program,” he says. “As I develop in the program, I’m finding more of my interests and skills. The professors are really good at helping guide us into what we want to do.”

Read more about Devin

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Choose Your Test

Sat / act prep online guides and tips, the 30 best psychology master's programs and how to pick.

General Education

Regardless of whether you majored in psychology as an undergrad or are just now realizing you have an invested interest in the field, a psychology master's program could be a great fit for you, especially if you're not sure about pursuing a doctorate.

In this guide, we look at what kinds of psychology master's programs are out there and what the point of these programs is in terms of how they help you build a career. Moreover, we'll present you with a list of the best psychology master's programs for various kinds of psychology.

What's the Point of a Master's in Psychology?

What is the overall purpose of entering a psychology master's program and earning an advanced degree in psychology?

For one, many people choose to get a master's degree in psychology to learn more about a specific subfield or type of psychology. Whereas a bachelor's degree program in psych mostly provides you with a broad overview of the field, a master's degree program lets you concentrate on the particular area of psychology that interests you most.

The area you're interested in will likely vary depending on what kind of job you're hoping to get after you earn your degree (and also whether you want to continue on to get a doctorate ).

Here are some examples of the types of psychology you could study in a graduate program:

• Clinical psychology
• Industrial-organizational psychology
• Child and adolescent development
• Counseling psychology
• Educational psychology
• Experimental psychology
• Developmental psychology
• Cognitive psychology
• Social psychology
• Health psychology
• Behavioral psychology
• General psychology

Secondly, a master's degree in psychology can be useful because many jobs in the field require or strongly prefer people with a master's degree. In short, a master's degree has the potential to advance your career.

Most counseling and therapy jobs, for example, require a master's degree in psychology, therapy, counseling, social work, or a related field. Therefore, by getting a master's degree, you're not only deepening your knowledge of a particular area of psych but also expanding your job prospects.

The chart below shows a variety of psychology-related jobs for master's degree holders and what kinds of salaries and job growth rates you can expect for them. All jobs listed require at least a bachelor's degree (typically in psychology), with some requiring a master's degree in psychology or a related field.

For each job, we give you its 2021 median annual salary and employment growth rate for 2020-2030. Jobs are listed in order of highest salary to lowest. All data is from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

According to the BLS, the current average employment growth rate is 10%, so any job with a percentage higher than this means that it's growing faster than average.

In general, an advanced degree will increase your earning potential. Even for jobs that only require a bachelor's degree, a master's degree could help you stand apart from other applicants and give you a better chance of nabbing a higher salary for that position.

But what if you want to become an actual psychologist?

Can You Become a Psychologist With Just a Master's Degree?

You might have noticed that the chart above doesn't include the job "psychologist" in it. This isn't a mistake—the reality is that in order to become a practicing psychologist, you will need to earn either a PhD in Psychology or a Doctor of Psychology (PsyD). In other words, a master's degree, though impressive, simply won't cut it if your dream is to work full-time as a licensed psychologist.

I should clarify here that a psychologist differs from a therapist. Psychologists hold a doctorate and often work with psychiatrists to diagnose and treat disorders; they can also conduct research or offer therapy. By contrast, therapists can hold either a master's degree or doctorate and solely offer therapy services to support and guide patients. The word "therapist" is a broader term that encompasses not only psychologists who offer therapy services, but also counselors, life coaches, and social workers.

According to the BLS, the majority of research, clinical, and counseling psychologists are required to have a doctoral degree . That said, a master's degree could be sufficient for jobs as a school psychologist or an industrial-organizational psychologist.

In addition to a PhD or PsyD, you'll usually need to have a psychologist license. This applies to most jobs that include the title "psychologist." (Note that although therapists must be licensed as well, their license requirements differ from those required to become a psychologist.)

To get licensed as a psychologist, you'll typically need to have done the following:

• Earned a PhD in Psychology or a PsyD
• Passed the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology
• Completed an internship
• Accumulated one to two years of supervised professional experience

Exact licensure requirements vary by state, so be sure to check with your own state's policies and procedures to see what you must do to become a licensed psychologist.

Though not typically required by states, certain jobs might require psychologists to obtain board certification in a particular area of psychology, too.

Here are some examples of jobs you could get with a doctorate in psychology (ordered from highest median salary to lowest):

Best Psychology Master's Programs: Notes on Rankings

Before we take a look at our list of the best psychology master's programs, it's important that we are aware of the current state of these types of programs.

Because a doctorate is required to become a psychologist—the overarching goal of many people studying psychology— there aren't many terminal psychology master's programs in the US.

Indeed, most psychologists earn a master's in psychology on the way to their doctorate (students normally get an MA/MS in Psychology along the way to the PhD or PsyD after a couple of years of study). This means that it can be somewhat difficult to find psychology master's degree programs that are not part of doctoral programs.

Therefore, we've looked mostly at master's degree programs in fields related to psychology, such as social work, counseling, and therapy. These degrees range from a Master of Social Work (MSW), to an MA, to other specialized types of professional master's degrees.

For each category of master's degree, we'll be introducing you to our top four to five choices (unranked), which we have determined based primarily on the following criteria:

• Prestige of both the program and overall school
• Ranking of the program by online lists and websites, such as US News
• Array of concentrations, classes, and online options offered
• Whether the program has an internship and/or practicum component
• Quality and reputation of faculty

Now then, it's time to look at our picks for the best psychology master's programs!

The Best Psychology Master's Programs, by Category

Since there aren't that many terminal psychology master's programs (programs that don't require or expect you to continue on to get a doctoral degree), this list will mostly consist of programs that offer master's degrees in fields strongly tied to psychology.

Here are the seven categories we'll be looking at (feel free to click the link to jump straight to that category):

Social Work

Marriage and family therapy, mental health counseling, school counseling/educational psychology, rehabilitation counseling, clinical psychology, industrial-organizational psychology.

The field of social work is largely connected to psychology, especially counseling and therapy, in that it's all about improving the lives of people and people within certain communities. Typically, social work master's degree programs lead to a Master of Social Work (MSW).

University of Michigan —Ann Arbor, MI

Ranked #1 by US News and many other top social work programs lists, U-M's MSW program offers many areas of specialization, including aging in families and society, children and youth in families, and community and social systems.

Many students attend U-M's MSW program to jump-start their careers as school social workers, juvenile justice workers, case managers, community organizers, or geriatric specialists.

The school offers 550 fieldwork locations so students can gain real-life experience and training. U-M also has made available several scholarships, such as the Geriatric Scholarship Program and the Child Welfare Scholarship.

Washington University in St. Louis —St. Louis, MO

Another top-ranked social work program based at the Brown School, WUSTL's MSW offers the opportunity to perform groundbreaking research with renowned faculty to create sustainable impact.

Nine concentrations are available, including mental health; American Indian and Alaska Native; children, youth, and families; health; and violence and injury prevention. WUSTL has connections with more than 500 organizations around the world for students to complete their practicum.

University of Chicago —Chicago, IL

If you'd prefer a more flexible approach to social work, UChicago's social work master's degree program might be a good fit for you. Equivalent to an MSW, the MA in Social Work, Social Policy, and Social Administration provides students with a broader foundation that combines research, theory, practical experience, and policy development.

Two concentrations are available: Clinical and Social Administration. In addition, students can take advantage of a handful of study abroad opportunities in India, China, and Hong Kong. (Note: due to COVID-19 restrictions, the study abroad programs in China and Hong Kong are currently on hold.) 

Columbia University —New York, NY

Home to the first social work school in the US, Columbia has a highly ranked MSW program . This rigorous program combines theory and practice to help students become leading professionals in the field of social work.

Four method concentrations are available across seven fields of practice, which are as follows:

• Contemporary Social Issues
• Family, Youth, and Children's Services
• Health, Mental Health, and Disabilities
• International Social Welfare and Services to Immigrants and Refugees
• School-Based and School-Linked Services
• World of Work

Columbia's MSW is also available entirely online (for specific fields of practice) —perfect for those who aren't based in New York or who'd prefer the flexibility of an online program.

University of California, Berkeley —Berkeley, CA

Established in 1944, UC Berkeley's Master of Social Welfare (MSW) program is known for producing top-quality social work professionals who are able to work in multiple practice areas and assume a variety of leadership roles.

There are three specializations students can choose from:

• Strengthening Children, Youth, and Families
• Strengthening Organizations and Communities
• Advancing Health and Well-being across the Adult Lifespan

Although UC Berkeley doesn't offer an online version of its MSW program, students have the option of earning their MSW degree concurrently with either a Master of Public Health or a Master of Public Policy. Working professionals or other students who can’t attend a full-time degree program can pursue the FlexMSW option as well. FlexMSW Advanced program allows students to complete the degree in one year; the FlexMSW Extended program allows students to extend the degree timeline over the course of three years.

These next master's programs specialize in marriage and family therapy, and offer degrees and practical experiences so you can become a licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT) in the state where you earn your degree.

Note that although many of these programs are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE), MFT programs are not required to have this accreditation.

Northwestern University —Evanston, IL

The MS in Marriage and Family Therapy program at Northwestern is a joint initiative between The Graduate School and the Family Institute at Northwestern—which boasts an impressive 40-year history of researching and teaching marriage and family therapy.

This COAMFTE-accredited program uses a 21st-century approach called Integrative Systemic Therapy. Students study topics such as intimate relations, treatment models, and methods of systems therapy; do an intensive clinical internship; and conduct at least 500 hours of therapy.

Brigham Young University —Provo, UT

Students can earn an MS in Marriage and Family Therapy in BYU's COAMFTE-accredited program, which aims to prepare students to pass the Association of Marital and Family Therapy Regulatory Boards .

The aim of the program is to help students develop theoretical, research, and clinical competence, as well as the ability to understand cultural diversity. Students have the option to pursue either a research track (mainly for those intending to go on to doctoral study) or a clinical track.

The program is quite competitive, with a mere 20% acceptance rate.

University of San Diego —San Diego, CA

USD offers a highly regarded MA in Marital and Family Therapy program that is accredited by both COAMFTE and the Board of Behavioral Sciences in California .

This two-year program has a unique "biopsychosocial, systems approach" that focuses on how relationships influence our day-to-day lives. Class topics include human diversity, couples and sex therapy, ethical and legal issues in family therapy, and family violence.

Students enroll in a practicum for three semesters wherein they accumulate 500 hours of direct supervised contact with clients by working for a community agency.

Pepperdine University —Malibu, CA

At Pepperdine, students can get an MA in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in marriage and family therapy .

This program, which offers more than 130 clinical practicum sites, prepares students to become a licensed marriage and family therapist or a licensed professional clinical counselor in the state of California.

Classes teach students about human sexuality and intimacy, mental health systems, multicultural counseling, and preparing for the practicum.

The following master's programs in psychology focus on providing counseling services to people with psychiatric disabilities and/or problems with substance abuse and addiction (as opposed to rehabilitation counseling or career counseling, for example).

Many mental health counseling master's programs are accredited by the Masters in Psychology and Counseling Accreditation Council (MPCAC) and/or the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP).

New York University —New York, NY

NYU, a consistently top-ranked private university, offers an MPCAC-accredited MA in Counseling for Mental Health and Wellness program . In this program, students must complete a 600-hour internship and a 100-hour practicum over a 12-week period.

This program is available both on-campus and online , the latter of which lets you choose from among three start dates (January, June, or September). The online version also gives students the chance to visit NYU for three to four days of networking and hands-on training.

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill —Chapel Hill, NC

UNC's Clinical Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling master's program is a unique, highly regarded program that combines two types of counseling and is also accredited by CACREP.

This program specifically aims to prepare students to become Certified Rehabilitation Counselors (CRCs) and Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs) in North Carolina. In 2021, 100% passed the CRC exam on their first attempt, and the job placement rate of CRMH graduates who were actively seeking employment after graduation is 98% for the past five years.

Students can choose to concentrate on developmental disabilities, psychiatric disabilities, or both.

At the famed Columbia Teachers College, students can earn an MEd in Mental Health Counseling . Strengths of the program include its focus on cultural diversity and social justice, its commitment to experiential training, and its emphasis on providing students with adequate opportunities to conduct research.

Many graduates of the program go on to work in educational and health settings such as schools, colleges, hospitals, and clinics.

University of Wisconsin–Madison —Madison, WI

UW Madison's highly ranked MS in Counseling program is available through the Department of Counseling Psychology. Mandatory core courses include Abnormal Behavior and Psychopathology, Social and Cultural Foundations, Counseling Theories, and Crisis and Trauma Counseling. Students must complete a year-long practicum and also have the option to do a master's thesis.

These next counseling psychology master's programs are all about helping students in school settings. School counselors assist students with personal, social, and career development; they also offer guidance to students with academic problems.

Most school counselors work in schools (primary and secondary), though some instead work at community centers or youth centers. Like the mental health counseling programs above, many school counseling programs have been accredited by CACREP.

Vanderbilt University —Nashville, TN

Ranked #3 by US News in educational psychology programs, Vanderbilt offers a fantastic school counseling master's program: the MEd in Human Development Counseling with an emphasis in School Counseling (the other emphasis available is Clinical Mental Health Counseling).

Some of the program's biggest benefits are its small classes and the option to complete the school counseling track entirely online . Both tracks are accredited by CACREP.

What's more, over the past decade, 100% of school counseling students secured employment within four months of graduation.

University of Texas at Austin —Austin, TX

One of the nation's most renowned public universities, UT offers top-ranked MEd in Counselor Education and MA in School Psychology programs (the latter of which is geared toward those who ultimately plan to get a doctorate).

Two tracks are available for the MEd program: School Counseling (counseling students in K-12), and Higher Education Counseling & Student Affairs (which focuses on roles within colleges and universities). This program option emphasizes the importance of diversity training and lets students supplement their studies so they can eventually become an LPC.

Meanwhile, the highly competitive MA program prepares you to become a Licensed Specialist in School Psychology in Texas.

University of Maryland —College Park, MD

UMD's MEd in School Counseling is a high-quality psychology master's program that is currently ranked #7 by US News on its list of the best educational psychology schools.

Here, students learn how to work with diverse student populations, with special emphasis on the importance of social justice and inclusivity. Students must also complete a 100-hour practicum in addition to two 300-hour internships in urban public school systems. Courses cover research methods, school counseling, and special education, among other topics.

Ohio State University —Columbus, OH

Ranked #4 for school counseling programs and #12 for educational psych programs , OSU offers two reputable psychology master's programs: an MA in Educational Psychology and an MA in Counselor Education .

In the former, students can study alongside doctoral students and take advantage of the program's partnership with the Learning Technologies program to learn more about the intersection between psychology and technology.

The latter, which is CACREP-accredited, trains students to become professional counselors and to work at places such as public schools, community agencies, and health-care facilities.

Rehabilitation counseling is a type of counseling in which you work with people who have physical, emotional, mental, and/or developmental disabilities to help them achieve and maintain a self-sufficient lifestyle and career.

Many of the following master's programs in rehabilitation counseling are accredited by CACREP.

Michigan State University —East Lansing, MI

MSU's MA in Rehabilitation Counseling program is currently ranked #1 by US News .

In this CACREP-accredited program, students study disability management, ethical practices, and the social and psychological side of disabilities. Additionally, students must complete a practicum and internship. Evening classes are available to accommodate a range of schedules.

Upon completion of this program, graduates may sit for the national CRC exam and are eligible to apply for Limited Licensure as a Professional Counselor (LPC) in the state of Michigan.

Tied for the #1 spot with MSU for best rehabilitation counseling graduate programs, UW Madison offers a top-ranked MS in Rehabilitation Counseling program through the school's Department of Rehabilitation Psychology and Special Education.

In this program, which has been accredited by CACREP, students learn how to improve the quality of life for people with psychiatric and physical disabilities, alcohol/substance abuse problems, and learning disabilities.

Notably, UW Stout (another branch of the University of Wisconsin system) offers an online MS in Rehabilitation Counseling program that was ranked #4 in the country by US News . This part-time online master's program lasts three years and is geared toward those with at least two years of related work experience.

George Washington University —Washington, DC

GW's MA in Rehabilitation Counseling program is available both on-campus and online and is currently ranked #3 by US News on its list of best rehabilitation counseling programs.

This CACREP-accredited program consists of intensive coursework as well as an internship and practicum. One of the program's unique traits is the breadth of counseling theories and practices it covers, from multicultural counseling to the medical aspects of disabilities.

Furthermore, GW has a special mentorship program wherein current master's students are paired with graduates.

University of Alabama —Tuscaloosa, AL

UA offers a renowned, CACREP-accredited MA in Rehabilitation Counseling . In this wholly online program, students get to watch live class lectures and take classes in career development, ethics, research methods, life-span development, and psychopathology. Additionally, both an internship and practicum are required.

Several scholarships are available through UA's College of Continuing Studies.

University of Massachusetts Boston —Boston, MA

Through UMassOnline, the renowned distance-learning platform created by the UMass schools, including UMass Boston, students can earn an MS in Rehabilitation Counseling , which is ranked #15 by US News .

This CACREP-accredited, 60-credit program begins in the summertime and uses the cohort model wherein all students take the same program of study. Although all the classes are delivered online, students are required to be on-campus for two weeks in July to complete two mandatory clinical courses during their first summer of study.

Clinical psychology focuses on the science behind mental illness and disability. Although clinical psychology master's programs are usually far harder to find than doctoral programs, there are some terminal ones available.

Be aware that these master's programs do not lead to licensure as a psychologist (though they could prepare you for licensure as a therapist or counselor), as you'll generally need a doctorate to become a practicing clinical psychologist.

Note: For a list of the best clinical psychology doctoral programs, check out this one by US News .

Northwestern is known for its doctoral clinical psychology program, for which it's currently ranked #27 by US News , but it also offers a renowned master's program in clinical psychology .

This program is designed mainly for those who aren't decided about getting a doctorate in clinical psychology and who want to learn more about clinical psychology through an academic lens. As such, the program does not lead to licensure for clinical practice as a psychologist, nor does it include the clinical training required for clinical practice.

Classwork is mostly the same as that completed by the clinical psychology PhD students. Master's students must also participate in a Research Lab Experience for at least 10 hours a week and finish a capstone project under the guidance of a research mentor.

Ivy League member Columbia offers an esteemed MA in Psychology in Education program , which is geared toward students interested in clinical psychology and mental health occupations. It’s also designed to give students the academic preparation needed to apply to doctoral programs in psychology, though the master’s program is not a funnel into a specific PhD program.

Although the program doesn't prepare students to become a professionally licensed psychologist, it does serve those who wish to work in the field of mental health and psychology more broadly.

Students in the program are mentored by clinical psychology PhD students and can choose from among eleven concentrations:

• Child & Family
• Clinical Psychology & Technology
• Community Psychology & Integrated Health Services
• Forensic Psychology
• Global Mental Health & Trauma
• Neuropsychology
• Psychotherapy 
• Research Methods
• Sexuality, Women & Gender
• Spirituality & Mind/Body Practices

Ranked #33 by US News for its doctoral clinical psychology program, UMD also offers a Master of Professional Studies (MPS) in Clinical Psychological Science . This program primarily targets those who are interested in clinical psychology but aren't sure where to begin or don't know whether a doctorate is the right path.

The MPS emphasizes the study of empirical scientific research in clinical psychology. Classes, which can be taken in the evenings, include Basic Foundations of Clinical Interventions, Research Methods in Clinical Psychology, and Child Psychopathology.

Boston University —Boston, MA

Tied for the #27 spot on US News with UMD for its doctoral program in clinical psychology, BU has an MA in Psychology program wherein you can specialize in clinical psychology specifically.

This master's program is rigorous, lasting only one year, and offers courses on a multitude of topics, such as behavioral medicine, social oppression, child therapy, and social anxiety. Students have the opportunity to work directly with a faculty member on a Directed Study project as well.

Industrial-organizational psychology—also known as I/O psychology—is an applied discipline in the field of psychology that involves using psychological principles to improve workplace settings, encourage efficiency, and foster teamwork.

While most I/O programs are doctoral ones, there's still a number of master's programs available around the country, mostly at state and tech schools.

Note: For a list of the best I/O psychology doctoral programs, check out the rankings by US News .

At NYU, students can enroll in the MA in Industrial/Organizational Psychology program to learn about critical topics, such as work motivation, personnel selection, training in organizations, etc.

Based in NYU's eminent Department of Psychology, the I/O psych master's program offers small class sizes and provides students with a foundation in research, practice, and theory so they can pursue jobs in client interaction and solution development for corporate environments.

Students can choose from among six specializations:

• Management consulting
• Leading and managing change
• Executive coaching
• Conflict and negotiation
• Quality of work life
• Diversity and culture

Middle Tennessee State University —Murfreesboro, TN

Although MTSU isn't as well known as some of the other colleges on this list, it's home to the #4 I/O psych master's program , as ranked in 2018 by the Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology (SIOP). This makes MTSU an excellent choice for I/O psychology students.

This program emphasizes the real-world application of skills and knowledge through a required internship. Students must also complete several applied projects with local businesses.

Many graduates have gone on to work for large companies and corporations, including Walmart, Microsoft, Coca-Cola, and Target.

Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis —Indianapolis, IN

IUPUI's MS in Industrial/Organizational Psychology program is well liked among students and a solid choice for I/O studies, especially if you're more interested in the organizational aspect.

Cohorts are small—around three students each year —ensuring that all master's students get tons of individualized attention and guidance. Students learn about the core content areas of I/O psychology and are required to write a thesis and conduct research with the assistance of faculty members. The program also offers the option to take part in a summer internship.

Several scholarships are available to MS students at IUPUI.

Florida Institute of Technology —Melbourne, FL

The MS in Industrial Organizational Psychology at Florida Tech is ranked #10 by SIOP and is famed for the strength of its faculty and mentoring.

The program utilizes a team-based research approach in small-sized classes, allowing students to conduct critical research with faculty members and their peers. MS students also have the option to participate in a 300-hour practicum in order to gain real-world experience.

Moreover, the program offers a concentration in international I/O psychology for students who hope to work in international business settings.

Recap: The Best Psychology Master's Programs

When it comes to psychology master's programs, at a first glance, it might not seem that there are that many programs available to those not seeking a doctorate.

But the truth is that there are a ton of quality, prestigious psychology master's programs out there —you just have to know what type of psychology you want to study and what kind of career you're hoping to get out of your degree.

Although you can't become a licensed, practicing psychologist with just a master's degree, you can enter related fields and work as a licensed counselor, therapist, or social worker.

To recap, here are the best psychology master's programs for each category above:

• University of Michigan
• UC Berkeley
• Northwestern
• University of San Diego
• UNC Chapel Hill
• University of Alabama
• UMass Boston
• Middle Tennessee State
• Florida Tech

We hope this list will be useful as you search for the best psychology master's program for you!

What's Next?

Are you planning to take the AP Psych exam? Get tips and review what you need to know with our ultimate AP Psych study guide . For study materials, check out our picks for the best AP Psych prep books and get access to free official and unofficial practice tests .

Not sure if a master's degree is the right move for you? Then take a look at our in-depth guide on what grad school is and how to determine whether you should go .

Hannah received her MA in Japanese Studies from the University of Michigan and holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Southern California. From 2013 to 2015, she taught English in Japan via the JET Program. She is passionate about education, writing, and travel.

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The clinical program is accredited by the American Psychological Association and the Psychological Clinical Science Accreditation System.

Your program will typically be fully funded for five years thanks to stipend grant support and guaranteed teaching fellowships. Tuition support is also available for a six-year program. Funding is also available for research, travel, and conferences. You will have access to the latest technology at FAS Research Computing and the Neuroimaging Facility at the Center for Brain Science.

Examples of student dissertations and theses include “Childhood Anxiety Disorders: Developmental Risk Factors and Predictors of Treatment Response,” “Clarifying the Pathway to Suicide: An Examination of Subtypes of Suicidal Behavior and Their Association with Impulsiveness,” and “A Cognitive Neuroscience of Social Groups.”

Graduates have secured positions in academia at prestigious institutions such as Princeton University, Dartmouth College, and Columbia University. Others have embarked on careers with companies such as Facebook, BetterUp, and Apple.

Additional information on the graduate program is available from the Department of Psychology and requirements for the degree are detailed in Policies .

Areas of Study

Cognition, Brain, and Behavior | Experimental Psychopathology and Clinical | Developmental | Social Psychology

Admissions Requirements

Please review admissions requirements and other information before applying. You can find degree program-specific admissions requirements below and access additional guidance on applying from the Department of Psychology .

Academic Background

While an undergraduate concentration in psychology is not required, some social science coursework is recommended. Because the program is heavily quantitatively oriented, college-level math and statistics are also advised. Research experience is extremely helpful; successful applicants have often worked for professors, done research projects as part of college courses, written an undergraduate thesis, or volunteered in a psychology research lab.

Please Note: Before making the decision to apply, the program in Psychology suggests checking individual faculty/lab websites or emailing faculty directly to inquire whether they plan to consider applicants for Fall 2024 admission. It’s important to note that while individual faculty members may have every intention of bringing in a new student this year, we cannot guarantee that they will all be able to do so. The total number of offers of admission to be extended by the graduate program is based on applicant preparedness and fit, availability of university advising and support resources, and target class size. Some of these factors are not able to be determined until after the applicant pool has been finalized.

Standardized Tests

GRE General: Optional

Theses & Dissertations

Theses & Dissertations for Psychology

See list of Psychology faculty

APPLICATION DEADLINE

Questions about the program.

• Academics /

Psychology Master’s Degree Program

Deepen your understanding of human behavior. Advance your career.

Online Courses

11 out of 12 total courses

On-Campus Experience

2 weekends or a 3-week summer course

$3,220 per course

Program Overview

Psychology is an in-demand field, and a master’s degree in psychology provides a solid foundation for a variety of different career paths. Job opportunities for psychologists are expected to grow, but those in certain specialties — such as substance abuse and family therapy — are even more sought after. And with many companies putting a greater emphasis on their employees mental wellbeing, professionals who have advanced psychology degrees are in greater demand.

Our well-rounded curriculum exposes you to a range of topics in psychology, cognitive science, and human development. Under the guidance of renowned faculty from Harvard and peer institutions, you’ll develop a greater understanding of how environmental and biological factors interact to determine cognitive, emotional, and psychological functioning.

Program Benefits

Customizable path, stackable certificates, & experiential learning

Instructors who are academics and professionals at the top of their fields

Personalized academic advising

Faculty research and internship opportunities

A faculty-supported thesis or applied research project

Harvard Alumni Association membership upon graduation

Customizable Course Curriculum

Our curriculum is flexible in pace and customizable by design. You can study part time, choosing courses that fit your schedule and align with your career goals. In the program, you’ll experience the convenience of online learning and the immersive benefits of learning in person.

As you work through the program’s core courses, you’ll deepen your knowledge of essential psychology concepts, tools, and strategies. You’ll then build on that foundation by selecting elective courses that enable you to focus on the areas that are most important to you — for example, neurobiology, racial equity, or mindfulness. And you’ll culminate the experience with either a capstone or thesis.

Along the way, you can choose to earn a graduate certificate in Topics in Human Behavior by selecting courses that stack toward both credentials.

11 Online Courses

• Synchronous and asynchronous formats
• Fall, spring, January, and summer options

You’ll complete 1 on-campus course, Engaging in Scholarly Conversation, at an accelerated or standard pace:

• 2 weekends (1 in fall and 1 in spring)
• A 3-week summer session

Capstone or Thesis Track

• Thesis: features a 9-month independent research project with a faculty advisor
• Capstone: includes exploring a topic and completing a project in a classroom community

The path to your degree begins before you apply to the program.

First, you’ll register for and complete 3 required courses, earning at least a B in each. These foundational courses are investments in your studies and count toward your degree, helping ensure success in the program.

Getting Started

We invite you to explore degree requirements, confirm your initial eligibility, and learn more about our unique “earn your way in” admissions process.

A Faculty of Psychology Experts

You’ll learn from Harvard faculty and industry leaders who will help you gain real-world perspectives. Our instructors are renowned experts in clinical psychology, neurobiology, psychopathology, and more. They bring a genuine passion for teaching, with students giving our faculty an average rating of 4.6 out of 5.

Shelley Carson

Associate of the Psychology Department, Harvard Faculty of Arts and Sciences

Bobbi Wegner

Adjunct Lecturer on Education, Harvard Graduate School of Education

Teaches Motivation, Groups and Culture

Adrienne Tierney

Research Advisor, Psychology Master’s Program, Harvard Extension School

Our Community at a Glance

Many of our students in the Psychology Master’s Degree Program are established professionals looking to make a career change (33%). Others are earning the degree for career advancement (23%) or as preparation for further advanced study (25%).

Download: Psychology Master's Degree Fact Sheet

Average Age

Course Taken Each Semester

Work Full Time

Would Recommend the Program

Professional Experience in the Field

Pursued for Career Change

Career Opportunities & Alumni Outcomes

Graduates of our Psychology Master’s Program work in the fields of mental health, research, healthcare, human resources, and education. Some alumni continue their educational journeys and work toward a PhD, including at Harvard Graduate School of Education, Harvard Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, or Harvard School of Public Health. They have also pursued further studies in other nationally ranked degree programs, including those at Johns Hopkins University, Columbia University, and Brown University.

Our alumni have gone on to work in a variety of roles, including:

• Postdoctoral Fellow
• Guidance Counselor
• Clinical Psychologist
• Academic Coordinator
• Research Program Manager
• Clinical Supervisor
• HR Consultant

Career Advising and Mentorship

Whatever your career goals, we’re here to support you. Harvard’s Mignone Center for Career Success offers career advising, online tools, employment opportunities, career fairs — including the Ivy+ Just in Time Virtual Career Fair — and connections to Harvard alumni mentors.

Your Harvard University Degree

Upon successful completion of the required curriculum, you will earn your Harvard University degree — the Master of Liberal Arts (ALM) in Extension Studies, Field: Psychology.

Expand Your Connections: the Harvard Alumni Network

As a graduate of the master’s degree program in the psychology field, you’ll become a member of the worldwide Harvard Alumni Association (400,000+ members) and Harvard Extension Alumni Association (29,000+ members).

As an international student, I could not have imagined that it’s possible that there would be this kind of community.

Mariam in an entrepreneur who launched her startup through the Harvard Innovation Labs.

Tuition & Financial Aid

Affordability is core to our mission. When compared to our continuing education peers, it’s a fraction of the cost.

After admission, you may qualify for financial aid . Typically, eligible students receive grant funds to cover a portion of tuition costs each term, in addition to federal financial aid options.

Coffee Chat: All About Liberal Arts Programs at HES

Are you interested in learning more about liberal arts graduate degree programs at Harvard Extension School? Attendees joined us for an informational webinar where they had the opportunity to connect with program directors, academic advisors, and alumni.

How long does it take to complete the psychology graduate program?

Program length is ordinarily anywhere between 2 and 5 years. It depends on your preferred pace and the number of courses you want to take each semester.

For an accelerated journey, we offer year round study, where you can take courses in fall, January, spring, and summer.

While we don’t require you to register for a certain number of courses each semester, you cannot take longer than 5 years to complete the degree.

What can you do with a master’s degree in psychology?

A master’s degree in psychology can open doors to a range of psychology-related careers, such as a behavioral counselor, career advisor, or drug and alcohol specialist.

This type of degree can also enhance non-psychology careers, like those in the fields of advertising, human resources, and retail sales.

Understanding human behavior is an invaluable skill that spans industries and careers.

What is the difference between a master’s degree in psychology and clinical psychology?

Both types of master’s degrees provide a detailed look into human behavior.

However, a psychology master’s degree can be broader in scope and more widely applicable to a variety of careers, while a clinical psychology masters is more specialized for analyzing and treating a range of mental health disorders.

What skills do you need prior to applying for the psychology master’s degree program?

Harvard Extension School does not require any specific skills prior to applying, but in general, it’s helpful to have solid communication, critical thinking, and active listening skills if you are considering a psychology master’s degree.

Initial eligibility requirements can be found on our psychology degree requirements page .

Harvard Division of Continuing Education

The Division of Continuing Education (DCE) at Harvard University is dedicated to bringing rigorous academics and innovative teaching capabilities to those seeking to improve their lives through education. We make Harvard education accessible to lifelong learners from high school to retirement.

Psychology Graduate Programs in America

1-25 of 463 results

Stanford University Department of Humanities and Sciences

Stanford, CA •

Stanford University •

Graduate School

Stanford University ,

Graduate School ,

STANFORD, CA ,

Harvard Graduate School of Arts and Sciences

Cambridge, MA •

Harvard University •

• • Rating 4.56 out of 5   9 reviews

Other: I am Harvard Extension School student pursuing a master degree, ALM, in sustainability. I have achieved a 3.89 in this program so far and have qualified, applied, and accepted as a 'Special Student' in the Harvard Graduate School of Arts and Sciences. Through this School, I will be focusing my time at the John A. Paulson school of Engineering & Applied Sciences. Looking forward to wrapping up my final year on campus! ... Read 9 reviews

Harvard University ,

CAMBRIDGE, MA ,

9 Niche users give it an average review of 4.6 stars.

Featured Review: Other says I am Harvard Extension School student pursuing a master degree, ALM, in sustainability. I have achieved a 3.89 in this program so far and have qualified, applied, and accepted as a 'Special Student'... .

Read 9 reviews.

The Graduate School at Duke

Durham, NC •

Duke University •

• • Rating 4.8 out of 5   5 reviews

Current Master's student: The program is the best in the nation. It is the origin of the profession and it has helped developed it to what it is today. They seem to ver much involve alumni and are involved in your future. ... Read 5 reviews

Duke University ,

DURHAM, NC ,

5 Niche users give it an average review of 4.8 stars.

Featured Review: Current Master's student says The program is the best in the nation. It is the origin of the profession and it has helped developed it to what it is today. They seem to ver much involve alumni and are involved in your future. .

Read 5 reviews.

College of Science and Engineering - San Francisco State University

San Francisco State University •

Graduate School •

SAN FRANCISCO, CA

College of Arts and Sciences - American University

American University •

WASHINGTON, DC

Mississippi State University

MISSISSIPPI STATE, MS

• • Rating 4.52 out of 5   50

School of Arts & Sciences - University of Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, PA •

University of Pennsylvania •

University of Pennsylvania ,

PHILADELPHIA, PA ,

Rice School of Social Sciences

Houston, TX •

Rice University •

Blue checkmark.

Rice University ,

HOUSTON, TX ,

Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences

Evanston, IL •

Northwestern University •

Northwestern University ,

EVANSTON, IL ,

• Find college scholarships

College of Arts and Science

Nashville, TN •

Vanderbilt University •

Vanderbilt University ,

NASHVILLE, TN ,

Guarini School of Graduate and Advanced Studies

Hanover, NH •

Dartmouth College •

• • Rating 5 out of 5   1 review

Alum: I had a beautiful life-changing experience at the grand Guarini School of Graduate and Advanced Studies. The Guarini graduate program MALS created so many beautiful opportunities in interdisciplinary learning. Guarini is well integrated within the College, which provides a unique world-class learning experience. Guarini went beyond my expectations and made this experience the best I had and will ever have in my life. The only thing I would like changed is having a GRAD diploma in Latin instead of English to keep up with College tradition. ... Read 1 review

Dartmouth College ,

HANOVER, NH ,

1 Niche users give it an average review of 5 stars.

Featured Review: Alum says I had a beautiful life-changing experience at the grand Guarini School of Graduate and Advanced Studies. The Guarini graduate program MALS created so many beautiful opportunities in interdisciplinary... .

Read 1 reviews.

College of Arts and Letters - University of Notre Dame

Notre Dame, IN •

University of Notre Dame •

• • Rating 4.5 out of 5   2 reviews

Doctoral Student: The faculty at Notre Dame is excellent. The student to professor ratio makes for a wonderful one to one interaction between students and teachers. At Notre Dame, my interests, dreams, goals, research and career path matter. I loved this most. I feel taken seriously and supported with every possible resources for my mental, academic and career success. One gets many opportunities to grow talents through research, and presentations with helpful and supportive feedback from students and professors. For these reasons, I find it a place to be! On the down side, the weather is at first always a challenge for one who is not used to the harsh and gloomy midwestern winter. ... Read 2 reviews

University of Notre Dame ,

NOTRE DAME, IN ,

2 Niche users give it an average review of 4.5 stars.

Featured Review: Doctoral Student says The faculty at Notre Dame is excellent. The student to professor ratio makes for a wonderful one to one interaction between students and teachers. At Notre Dame, my interests, dreams, goals, research... On the down side, the weather is at first always a challenge for one who is not used to the harsh and gloomy midwestern winter. .

Read 2 reviews.

Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences

Los Angeles, CA •

University of Southern California •

University of Southern California ,

LOS ANGELES, CA ,

Cornell University College of Arts & Sciences

Ithaca, NY •

Cornell University •

Cornell University ,

ITHACA, NY ,

Rackham School of Graduate Studies

Ann Arbor, MI •

University of Michigan - Ann Arbor •

• • Rating 5 out of 5   3 reviews

Master's Student: I was nervous about attending a prestigious school like The University of Michigan but once classes started I realized that I had made the right decision. Tuition is very expensive but I love my professors and I believe that I am getting the best education in the country! ... Read 3 reviews

University of Michigan - Ann Arbor ,

ANN ARBOR, MI ,

3 Niche users give it an average review of 5 stars.

Featured Review: Master's Student says I was nervous about attending a prestigious school like The University of Michigan but once classes started I realized that I had made the right decision. Tuition is very expensive but I love my... .

Read 3 reviews.

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Graduate School of Arts & Sciences - Georgetown University

Nw Washington, DC •

Georgetown University •

• • Rating 5 out of 5   2 reviews

Master's Student: The program is highly practical. The professors explain concepts in class and give us home works to submit on each topic discussed on a weekly basis. This enables us to grasp the concepts more. We are informed of the professors office time and so we can email them to make inquiries and get assistance when needed. We make presentations during class which train us to become more bold and be able to communicate the concepts easily. We are able to discuss and critic writings independently. We work on projects in groups of about 3-4 and discuss findings to the entire class and professor. We review research papers and make meta-analyses inform of class projects. The program is well structured and i am gaining skills. My worst experience is having to worry about Tuition and other related school bills. ... Read 2 reviews

Georgetown University ,

NW WASHINGTON, DC ,

2 Niche users give it an average review of 5 stars.

Featured Review: Master's Student says The program is highly practical. The professors explain concepts in class and give us home works to submit on each topic discussed on a weekly basis. This enables us to grasp the concepts more. We... .

UCLA College of Letters and Science

University of California - Los Angeles •

• • Rating 3 out of 5   1 review

University of California - Los Angeles ,

1 Niche users give it an average review of 3 stars.

Krieger School of Arts & Sciences

Baltimore, MD •

Johns Hopkins University •

• • Rating 4.53 out of 5   19 reviews

Master's Student: I have yet to enroll for Fall 2023 after receiving my acceptance letter due to a delay in my need-based financial aid from JHU. However the Homewood Campus in Baltimore is beautiful and my Student Advisor, Alexis has been extremely helpful in initiating my enrollment process and answering all of my questions in a timely matter. My intended Advanced Academic Program is the accelerated (2 semester), dual-modality, 40-credit M.S. in Biotechnology, Biodefense concentration. All of the anticipated course subjects are diverse and there's even a customizable core lab course on campus (at least until Summer 2024). I can't wait and I wish you all the best in your search for academic programs or professional certifications. ... Read 19 reviews

Johns Hopkins University ,

BALTIMORE, MD ,

19 Niche users give it an average review of 4.5 stars.

Featured Review: Master's Student says I have yet to enroll for Fall 2023 after receiving my acceptance letter due to a delay in my need-based financial aid from JHU. However the Homewood Campus in Baltimore is beautiful and my Student... .

Read 19 reviews.

Dietrich College of Humanities & Social Sciences

Pittsburgh, PA •

Carnegie Mellon University •

Carnegie Mellon University ,

PITTSBURGH, PA ,

The Graduate School of Arts & Sciences - University of Virginia

Charlottesville, VA •

University of Virginia •

• • Rating 4 out of 5   1 review

Alum: Very good in some areas, excellent in other areas, many academic choices available in all areas of study ... Read 1 review

University of Virginia ,

CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA ,

1 Niche users give it an average review of 4 stars.

Featured Review: Alum says Very good in some areas, excellent in other areas, many academic choices available in all areas of study .

Laney Graduate School

Atlanta, GA •

Emory University •

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Current Master's student: The academic program is great. The size of each class gives students the perfect opportunity to make connections with professors and other faculty. There could be an improvement in helping students understand the organization of the program. I love that there are multiple paths you can take within the program. ... Read 8 reviews

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• • Rating 4 out of 5   3 reviews

Graduate Student: I attended as a graduate student and my son is there now. I have never met professors who were more passionate about their profession. I loved every one of my classes and was so inspired. My son is having an even better experience than I did. He has loved every moment of his college career. ... Read 3 reviews

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College of Arts and Sciences - Anderson University - South Carolina

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Psychology: Research MA

The Research Psychology option is a 36-credit MA program that requires two years of full-time study. This program is designed to prepare students for doctoral work in psychology and related fields as well as for careers in research requiring a masters’ level education.

The program combines coursework in basic areas of psychology with research skill objectives, such as critically analyzing research and designing studies. This coursework provides the basis for collaborative research with faculty members.

An outstanding feature of this program is the opportunity for close interaction with faculty, both in the classroom and in the laboratory, because of the low student to faculty ratio. Faculty have a broad range of research interest areas and are willing to consider student proposals for a specific interest area.

Career opportunities for psychology researchers

Upon graduation, psychology researchers typically find jobs in fields focused on human interaction, inside a classroom, or in a laboratory.

• universities
• government agencies
• marketing departments
• private research organizations
• non-profit organization

MA in Psychology students may also choose concentrations in

• Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)

Degree requirements

Graduate thesis .

Full-time students in the research psychology option must have a thesis advisor by the end of spring break of their first year. You will be enrolled for thesis credit after you have completed your first year in good standing.

Grade Requirements

In addition to the Graduate Degree Requirements, students in the Research Psychology Option must pass at least 5 of the 6 required courses with a B- or better in each course.

Degree Requirements

• completion of coursework
• successful thesis proposal & thesis defense
• completion of thesis edits from advisor and committee (provided after defense)
• thesis formatting approval from the Office of the Associate Provost for Graduate Studies
• submission of thesis to the UMass Dartmouth Library (via email)

Coursework Requirements

Typically students will complete the 36-credit MA program in two years of full-time study. There are four required content courses, one offered each semester of students’ careers. Each of these courses have their own skill objectives that are required for successful research careers—analyzing research, writing literature reviews, developing ideas for research, and presenting research.

First year students also take a two-semester sequence in statistics and research design. Second year students enroll in thesis credits both semesters. Students round out their curriculum with elective courses and independent study.

Student success

Psychology BA, MA, and Master of Teaching student earns three degrees in her forties.

Assistant Professor appointed to prestigious APA panel and subcommittee

Assistantship opportunities

A limited number of assistantships are available on a competitive basis. This award is subject to the work needs of the position and department, your satisfactory performance of duties, your academic record, and availability of funds, and may be subject to change.

Learn more about assistantships at UMass Dartmouth

Optional Practical Training Extension for STEM Students (STEM OPT)

International (F-1) students who receive science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) degrees may be eligible to apply for a 24-month extension of their post-completion optional practical training (OPT). To learn about the eligibility criteria and detailed steps to apply, please review the International Student & Scholar Center (ISSC) OPT page and USCIS resources . F-1 students must consult with the ISSC to apply for STEM OPT.

University requirements for graduate admissions

• Submit an application via the online portal. Be sure to provide your full legal name and to capitalize the first letter of all proper nouns.
• Pay non-refundable $60 application fee (American Express, Discover, MasterCard or Visa) via the online portal. For Nursing applicants, the non-refundable application fee is $75.
• Statement of Purpose, minimum 300 words. Unless otherwise indicated in the program requirement details, indicate your graduate study objectives, research interests and experience, and business or industry experience if applicable. If you are applying for a teaching or research assistantship, include any special skills or experience that would assist us in making assistantship decisions.
• Transcripts for all post-secondary institutions attended (regardless of whether a credential is earned or not). Unofficial transcripts are accepted for admissions application review, once enrolled a final official transcript is required. International students applying with an transcript evaluation, please submit that document with your unofficial transcripts. International applicants for Data Science must submit semester-by-semester transcripts as well as consolidated transcripts. 
• Many programs have specific recommendations/requirements, please see the additional program-specific requirements for more information.
• International students : official TOEFL iBT, IELTS, Pearson PTE or Duolingo (if accepted by program) score. Unofficial scores are accepted for admissions application review, once enrolled official scores are required and must be sent by the testing agency (copies/scans not accepted). This is required of any applicant who did not earn a bachelor’s degree or higher degree from an accredited academic institution in the U.S. or accepted English-speaking country, see exemptions for more details . We require an overall/total minimum score of 72 on the TOEFL iBT or BAND 6.0 on the IELTS or a 52 on the Pearsons PTE Academic for entrance to any program and a minimum score of 79 on the TOEFL iBT or BAND 6.5 on the IELTS for consideration for a teaching assistantship. Some programs require higher minimum scores (see program-specific requirements). Most programs also accept the Duolingo with a minimum score of 95. The following programs do not accept the Duolingo: Art Education, Biology/Marine Biology, Marine Science and Technology (MS, PSM, PhD), Nursing (MS, DNP, PhD), Psychology: Clinical, and Public Policy. 
• All official documents are required for enrollment, please have documents (ie. test scores) sent prior to the expiration. 

Program-specific requirements

Candidates must submit the required application materials, university requirements and program-specific requirements, for consideration.

Successful candidates will have a Bachelor of Arts degree or a Bachelor of Science degree, and an interest in research. Students must demonstrate evidence of potential to excel in course work and research. Admission decisions will be made based on all of the submitted documents (e.g., research experience/interest, personal statement, GPA, letters of recommendation, etc.).

Requirements:

• 2 letters of recommendation from individuals who are familiar with student’s academic or research experience. Applicants will be required to provide the recommenders name and email address so we can contact the recommender for the letter of recommendation.
• The personal statement should include evidence of research interest/experience and the reason they believe our graduate program is a good fit (students are encouraged to specify the faculty members they would like to work with or the preferred area of research).
• The submission of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores is optional, but the scores will be considered as part of the application if submitted.
• A sample of student’s writing is optional.
• Admitted students must have successfully completed an undergraduate statistics course before beginning the program.

Program deadlines

Psychology: Research faculty

Our faculty study a variety of topics, from the highly theoretical to highly applied research, such as:

• Clinical psychology: eating disorders and obesity; health behavior change; youth health-risk behaviors such as substance use, self-injury, self-criticism, and perfectionism
• Cognitive psychology: skill learning in educational settings, problem solving, creativity
• Developmental psychology: cognition and mental health in aging, emotional development, autism
• Forensic psychology: risk assessment of sexual and violent offenders, treatment of trauma in military and veteran populations
• Health psychology: health and functioning during emerging and older adulthood
• Social psychology: resilience and forgiveness in close relationships, nonverbal communication, emotion perception, facial expressions

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• Psychology Department
• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Statement
• UMassD Course Catalog

Course descriptions, schedules and requirements

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Discover why UMass Dartmouth is the right place to earn an advanced degree or certificate.

Application Deadlines

Fall: June 1 (Priority deadline: Feb. 1) Spring: Fall only Summer: Not applicable

Robin Arkerson , PhD

Associate Professor Psychology Liberal Arts 363

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Studying the intricacies of the human experience is central to a psychology program. With a graduate degree, psychologists are able to work in health facilities, schools and the government. These are the top psychology programs. Each school's score reflects its average rating on a scale from 1 (marginal) to 5 (outstanding), based on a survey of academics at peer institutions. Read the methodology »

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Psychology Graduate Program

• Psychology Department

The Clinical Psychology Program adheres to a clinical science model of training, and is a member of the Academy of Psychological Clinical Science.  We are committed to training clinical psychologists whose research advances scientific knowledge of psychopathology and its treatment, and who are capable of applying evidence-based methods of assessment and clinical intervention. The main emphasis of the program is research, especially on severe psychopathology. The program includes research, course work, and clinical practica, and usually takes five years to complete. Students typically complete assessment and treatment practica during their second and third years in the program, and they must fulfill all departmental requirements prior to beginning their one-year internship. The curriculum meets requirements for licensure in Massachusetts, and is accredited by the Psychological Clinical Science Accreditation System (PCSAS) and by the American Psychological Association (APA).  PCSAS re-accredited the program on December 15, 2022 for a 10-year term. APA most recently accredited the program on April 28, 2015 for a seven-year term, which was extended due to COVID-related delays. 

Requirements

Required courses and training experiences fulfill requirements for clinical psychology licensure in Massachusetts as well as meet APA criteria for the accreditation of clinical psychology programs.  In addition to these courses, further training experiences are required in accordance with the American Psychological Association’s guidelines for the accreditation of clinical psychology programs (e.g., clinical practica [e.g., PSY 3050 Clinical Practicum, PSY 3080 Practicum in Neuropsychological Assessment]; clinical internship).

Students in the clinical psychology program are required to take the following courses:

• PSY 3900 Professional Ethics
• PSY 2445 Psychotherapy Research
• PSY 2070 Psychometric Theory and Method Using R
• PSY 2430 Cultural, Racial, and Ethnic Bases of Behavior
• PSY 3250 Psychological Testing
• PSY 2050 History of Psychology
• PSY 1951 Intermediate Quantitative Methods
• PSY 1952 Multivariate Analysis in Psychology
• PSY 2040 Contemporary Topics in Psychopathology
• PSY 2460 Diagnostic Interviewing
• PSY 2420 Cognitive-Behavioral Treatment of Psychological Disorders

Clinical students must also take one course in each of the following substantive areas: biological bases of behavior (e.g., PSY 1202 Modern Neuroanatomy; PSY 1325 The Emotional, Social Brain; PSY 1355 The Adolescent Brain; PSY 1702 The Emotional Mind); social bases of behavior (e.g., PSY 2500 Proseminar in Social Psychology); cognitive-affective bases of behavior (e.g., PSY 2400 Cognitive Psychology and Emotional Disorders); and individual differences (Required course PSY 2040 Contemporary Topics in Psychopathology fulfills the individual differences requirement for Massachusetts licensure). In accordance with American Psychological Association guidelines for the accreditation of clinical psychology programs, clinical students also receive consultation and supervision within the context of clinical practica in psychological assessment and treatment beginning in their second semester of their first year and running through their third year. They receive further exposure to additional topics (e.g., human development) in the Developmental Psychopathology seminar and in the twice-monthly clinical psychology “brown bag” speaker series. Finally, students complete a year-long clinical internship. Students are responsible for making sure that they take courses in all the relevant and required areas listed above. Students wishing to substitute one required course for another should seek advice from their advisor and from the director of clinical training prior to registering. During the first year, students are advised to get in as many requirements as possible. Many requirements can be completed before the deadlines stated below. First-year project:  Under the guidance of a faculty member who serves as a mentor, students participate in a research project and write a formal report on their research progress. Due by May of first year. Second-year project:  Original research project leading to a written report in the style of an APA journal article. A ten-minute oral presentation is also required. Due by May of second year. General exam:  A six-hour exam covering the literature of the field. To be taken in September before the start of the third year. Thesis prospectus:  A written description of the research proposed must be approved by a prospectus committee appointed by the CHD. Due at the beginning of the fourth year. Thesis and oral defense:  Ordinarily this would be completed by the end of the fourth year. Clinical internship:  Ordinarily this would occur in the fifth year. Students must have completed their thesis research prior to going on internship.

Credit for Prior Graduate Work

 A PhD student who has completed at least one full term of satisfactory work in the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences may file an application at the Registrar’s Office requesting that work done in a graduate program elsewhere be counted toward the academic residence requirement. Forms are available  online .

No more than the equivalent of eight half-courses may be so counted for the PhD.

An application for academic credit for work done elsewhere must contain a list of the courses, with grades, for which the student is seeking credit, and must be approved by the student’s department. In order for credit to be granted, official transcripts showing the courses for which credit is sought must be submitted to the registrar, unless they are already on file with the Graduate School. No guarantee is given in advance that such an application will be granted. 

Only courses taken in a Harvard AB-AM or AB-SM program, in Harvard Summer School, as a GSAS Special Student or FAS courses taken as an employee under the Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) may be counted toward the minimum academic residence requirements for a Master’s degree.

Academic and financial credit for courses taken as a GSAS Special Student or FAS courses taken as a Harvard employee prior to admission to a degree program may be granted for a maximum of four half-courses toward a one-year Master’s and eight half-courses toward a two-year Master’s or the PhD degree.

Applications for academic and financial credit must be approved by the student’s department and should then be submitted to the Registrar’s Office.

Student Admissions, Outcomes, and other data  

1. Time to Completion

Students can petition the program faculty to receive credit for prior graduate coursework, but it does not markedly reduce their expected time to complete the program.

2. Program Costs

3. Internships 

4. Attrition

5. Licensure

Standard Financial Aid Award, Students Entering 2023  

The financial aid package for Ph.D. students entering in 2023 will include tuition and health fees support for years one through four, or five, if needed; stipend support in years one and two; a summer research grant equal to two months stipend at the end of years one through four; teaching fellowship support in years three and four guaranteed by the Psychology Department; and a dissertation completion grant consisting of tuition and stipend support in the appropriate year. Typically students will not be allowed to teach while receiving a stipend in years one and two or during the dissertation completion year.    

Year 1 (2023-24) and Year 2 (2024- 25)  Tuition & Health Fees:                             Paid in Full  Academic Year Stipend:                           $35,700 (10 months)  Summer Research Award:                       $7,140 (2 months)

Year 3 (2025-26) & Year 4 (2026- 27) Tuition & Health Fees:                             Paid in Full Living Expenses:                                       $35,700 (Teaching Fellowship plus supplement, if eligible)  Summer Research Award:                       $7,140 (2 months)

Year 5 (2027-28) - if needed; may not be taken after the Dissertation Completion year Tuition & Health Fees:                             Paid in Full

Dissertation Completion Year (normally year 5, occasionally year 6) Tuition & Health Fees:                             Paid in Full  Stipend for Living Expenses:                    $35,700  

The academic year stipend is for the ten-month period September through June. The first stipend payment will be made available at the start of the fall term with subsequent disbursements on the first of each month. The summer research award is intended for use in July and August following the first four academic years.

In the third and fourth years, the guaranteed income of $35,700 includes four sections of teaching and, if necessary, a small supplement from the Graduate School. Your teaching fellowship is guaranteed by the Department provided you have passed the General Examination or equivalent and met any other department criteria. Students are required to take a teacher training course in the first year of teaching.

The dissertation completion year fellowship will be available as soon as you are prepared to finish your dissertation, ordinarily in the fifth year. Applications for the completion fellowship must be submitted in February of the year prior to utilizing the award. Dissertation completion fellowships are not guaranteed after the seventh year. Please note that registration in the Graduate School is always subject to your maintaining satisfactory progress toward the degree.

GSAS students are strongly encouraged to apply for appropriate Harvard and outside fellowships throughout their enrollment. All students who receive funds from an outside source are expected to accept the award in place of the above Harvard award. In such cases, students may be eligible to receive a GSAS award of up to $4,000 for each academic year of external funding secured or defer up to one year of GSAS stipend support.

For additional information, please refer to the Financial Support section of the GSAS website ( gsas.harvard.edu/financial-support ).

Registration and Financial Aid in the Graduate School are always subject to maintaining satisfactory progress toward the degree.

Psychology students are eligible to apply for generous research and travel grants from the Department.

The figures quoted above are estimates provided by the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences and are subject to change.

Office of Program Consultation and Accreditation American Psychological Association 750 First Street, NE Washington, DC 20002 Phone: (202) 336-5979 E-mail:  [email protected]   www.apa.org/ed/accreditation

The Director of Clinical Training is Prof. Richard J. McNally who can be reached by telephone at (617) 495-3853 or via e-mail at:  [email protected] . 

• Clinical Internship Allowance

Harvard Clinical Psychology Student Handbook

The goal of the graduate program in Psychology at Berkeley is to produce scholar-researchers with sufficient breadth to retain perspective in the field of psychology and sufficient depth to permit successful independent and significant research. The members of the department have organized themselves into six training units. The requirements for each unit vary but always involve a combination of courses, seminars and supervised independent research. Students are also encouraged to take courses outside the Psychology Department, using the unique faculty strengths found on the Berkeley campus to enrich their graduate training. We are a STEM designated program.

For the Latest updates on COVID-19 related exceptions to policy relevant to Graduate Students, please see Graduate Division's Resource Page.

The areas offered to students to specialize in are the following: 

• Behavioral and Systems Neuroscience
• Clinical Science
• Cognitive Neuroscience
• Developmental
• Social-Personality

To learn more about each offered area visit: Research Areas

Here are answers to most commonly asked questions about the process of applying to graduate school.

How do I find a program that is right for me? – See this handy  decisions tree , reposted from University of Houston Psychology website, to help you determine a route to your desired Psychology career.

For those interested in our Clinical Program, visit Mitch's Uncensored Advice for Applying to Graduate School in Clinical Psychology to answer many of your questions, including those you may have not previously considered.

• GRE scores (please note; the GRE is not required for FA24 Applications)
• Transcripts
• Resume or A curriculum vita (CV)
• Well-written personal statement(s)
• Letters of recommendation

You will want to check requirements for each school to which you plan to apply, but the above links to Cal's graduate program will give you an idea of what to expect.

Psychology Ph.D. Program Components  - with Christine Mullarkey - Student Services Advisor

Ph.D. Program through the Perspective of Professor Sheri Johnson - Head Graduate Advisor

Find your fit at Berkeley.

You are invited to Berkeley's Graduate Diversity Admissions Fair on October 30 - November 3 . This virtual event will help prospective professional, master's, and doctoral students:

• learn more about our top ranked graduate programs and award winning faculty
• gain a deeper understanding of Berkeley's culture and resources available
• understand the application process, and important deadlines
• consider funding options and opportunities

You can expect a lot to choose from. Over 50 sessions from UC Berkeley graduate programs in one hour info sessions, and discussion groups.

Register now to customize your fair schedule by signing up to the sessions that interest you.

Berkeley is a place that fosters a supportive community that is at the heart of our students' success. Our graduate diversity programs aim to create a culture of belonging for all students. This fair is one example of that. Though the fair is open to all – it's designed specifically for prospective students from historically excluded, and underrepresented backgrounds.

We hope you will join us.

Fall 2022 - Prof. Serena Chen (Social Personality), Prof. Aaron Fisher (Equity Advisor), and featuring graduate students

Fall 2021 - Prof. Serena Chen (Social Personality), Prof. Sheri Johnson (Clinical), Harumi Quinones (Student Services Director), and featuring graduate students 

Visit the Graduate Division website to learn more about the Fall 2023 Diversity Admissions Fair and register in the graduate application portal !

Graduate Student Services

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5 Research Careers With a Master’s in Psychology

Industry Advice Healthcare

Working directly with patients in clinical settings isn’t the only way to put a graduate degree in psychology to good use. Research careers in psychology shape the direction of therapeutic strategies and public policies surrounding mental health. To effectively leverage findings in human behavior, several industries need researchers who can observe patients and identify behavioral patterns that affect mental well-being and decision-making.

This has led to an increased demand for psychology professionals. In fact, job growth in psychology careers is expected to increase six percent between 2022 and 2032—which is double the average growth for all other occupations.

Even with this job growth, many students still might be wondering: Is a master’s degree in psychology worth it?

Is a Master’s Degree in Psychology Worth It?

A master’s degree in psychology is an excellent investment for those looking to advance their education. While a bachelor’s degree in psychology can offer an adequate foundation of psychological methods and theories, many students need a master’s degree program to help identify what career is right for them.

“Students need more exposure to a graduate-level curriculum to really refine their goals in a certain area of psychology with the help of faculty advisors to help them shape that,” says Christie Rizzo, Associate Professor of Applied Psychology at Northeastern’s Bouvé College of Health Sciences.

Whether students plan to become psychologists , counselors , or pursue alternative careers in psychology, they need a strong foundation in behavioral theories. A master’s program provides evidence-based training that can be applied to real situations.

Some advantages students can expect from a psychology master’s degree program include:

• Preparation for doctoral programs
• Flexibility in career paths
• Increased earning potential
• Research opportunities
• Skills development

Another key advantage is the access to expert mentorship. “It’s not just about the coursework,” Rizzo says. “It’s also the personalized advising that they get to help move them along.”

Experienced instructors can offer students broader knowledge of the professional options available, guide their interests, and provide opportunities to learn about developing research.

One possible job outcome these programs can highlight is careers in research. For example, a master’s degree program in applied psychology—the practical application of psychological principles and theories—can help students transfer skills from psychology to industries and job titles that are focused on research evaluation.

“Considering the different ways we’re taking psychology principles and applying them in the real world,” Rizzo says. “We need to know how to evaluate the effectiveness of implementation strategies. For that reason, the research component is incredibly important when studying applied psychology.”

If you’re interested in earning a master’s degree in applied psychology, here’s an overview of the industries hiring professionals with this educational background, as well as the top research careers in psychology that may be a good fit for you.

Top Industries in Psychology

Research careers in psychology can be rewarding for professionals who are passionate about the experimental and investigative aspects of studying behavior. Whether the goal is to work for nonprofits, public health agencies, or academic institutions, researchers are able to approach this discipline from many angles—ranging from observational studies to data analysis.

If you’re unsure of where your interests lie, here are some of the top industries hiring research-related psychology professionals.

Nonprofit Organizations

Nonprofits like prevention research centers are among the most common employers for people with psychology degrees. These nonprofit organizations study the risk factors for specific types of behavior or mental health challenges and develop strategies to address these issues on an individual and community level. Through proactive interventions, these organizations strive to reduce negative health outcomes as much as possible.

Local, State, and Federal Government

Government agencies also have research-related jobs in psychology at the local, state, and federal level. Similar to nonprofits, they serve public needs and evaluate communities that require the most support. Child welfare services, community organizations, housing assistance, and health advocacy programs are just a few examples of sectors in government that provide job opportunities for psychology graduates.

Public Health and Healthcare

Public health departments and private healthcare organizations employ psychology professionals to evaluate trends and demographic factors to understand how to create successful health policies. These research-focused careers also aid in the development of public outreach technology, using data and digital tools to determine the best ways to gather public health information and communicate important initiatives to the community.

Research professionals who leverage psychology principles frequently work in schools, colleges, and universities to explore emerging ideas in the field. They identify obstacles in the industry and challenges affecting specific populations, using evidence-based practices to design research studies. Academic environments also offer the opportunity to conduct individual research, instruct other professionals, and publish ground-breaking studies in their given field.

5 Research Careers in Psychology

These industries only provide a snapshot of the types of careers that are available to professionals with a master’s degree in psychology. Here’s an overview of the most common research careers that leverage psychology.

1. Data Analyst

Annual Average Salary: $78,516

Data analysts in psychology research fields oversee databases and assure the quality of data collection, management, and evaluation practices. They leverage psychology principles to interpret and predict user behavior by understanding cognitive biases and decision-making patterns. They also apply psychological frameworks to design effective data visualizations and user interfaces, optimizing data communication within an organization to promote better decision-making.

2. Director of Research

Annual Average Salary: $148,216

A director of research oversees the operations for an institution or psychology department. They coordinate research projects, secure funding, supervise staff, and decide how to allocate resources. They utilize psychology to design experiments and surveys that account for human behavior and cognitive biases, ensuring the validity and reliability of the collected data. In addition, it can guide the development of research methodologies, enhancing the understanding of human motivations and reactions in their studies.

3. Market Research Analyst

Annual Average Salary: $68,230

Market research analysts study consumer and community behavior to aid in the development of products and services. Whether they work in psychology or consumer industries, market research analysts investigate the choices, perspectives, barriers, and behavioral patterns of specific audiences. Using surveys, studies, trend assessments, and data reporting, analysts can identify strategies to improve community outreach and communication.

4. Prevention Specialist

Annual Average Salary: $59,748

Prevention specialists work in prevention centers conducting research on specific aspects of behavioral or psychological health. For example, they might study the most effective approaches to drug prevention or research the best interventions to support families in financial distress. Their research enables organizations to develop programs and policies that reduce risk factors and address emerging issues as early as possible.

5. Research Coordinator

Annual Average Salary: $68,567

Research coordinators oversee individual research projects, ensuring they comply with industry regulations and organizational objectives. Coordinators are project managers, and directly report to a research director. They are in charge of making sure a project runs smoothly by supervising the research team, budget, data, public outreach, and all other project activities.

Take the First Step Toward a Psychology Career in Research

For professionals who want options, earning a master’s degree in applied psychology is one of the most advantageous ways to build a flexible career. A graduate degree allows you to pursue a career focused on a variety of specialities research, counseling, or even clinical psychology. However, this program ensures you have the right skills to take on almost all these roles.

“When students come out of a counseling-focused master’s degree, they don’t have that level of skill,” Rizzo says. “This is because the focus of those programs is asking students ‘How can you be an effective counselor? And how much research knowledge do you need to understand the most effective treatments?’ But it does not touch on the broader set of research skills.”

Northeastern University’s MS in Applied Psychology is specifically designed to prepare graduates for research careers in psychology. Graduates learn to analyze trends and statistics to gain insights and communicate them to a wider industry.

If you’re interested in finding out more about this program, contact an admissions counselor to explore your options.

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PhD Admissions

The PhD program in Psychology trains students for careers in research and teaching. In addition to a wide range of courses, the PhD program is characterized by close collaboration between students and their faculty advisors. 

General Information

The Department of Psychology holistically reviews each candidate's complete application to assess the promise of a career in teaching and research. Consideration is based on various factors, including courses taken, grade point average, letters of recommendation, and the statement of purpose. Additionally, the Department of Psychology places considerable emphasis on research training, and admitted students have often been involved in independent research as undergraduate students or post-baccalaureate settings. Although there are no course requirements for admission, all applicants should have sufficient foundational knowledge and research experience to engage in graduate-level coursework and research.

We accept students with undergraduate degrees and those with both undergraduate and master's degrees. An undergraduate psychology major is not required; the Department welcomes applicants from other academic backgrounds.

Our application portal is now closed for the AY24-25 admissions cycle.  Please consider applying during next year's AY25-26 admissions cycle, which opens on September 15, 2024.

How to Apply

Application and deadline.

Our 2025-26 Admissions application will open on September 15, 2024.

Applications will be due on November 30, 2024

The deadline for letters of recommendation will be  November 30, 2024 . 

Once an applicant submits the recommenders' information, the recommenders will receive an automated email with instructions for submitting the letter. Late letters should be sent directly to psych-admissions [at] stanford.edu (psych-admissions[at]stanford[dot]edu) . Staff will add them to the application file if the review process is still underway. Still, the faculty reviewers are not obligated to re-review files for materials submitted after the deadline.

The status of submitted applications can be viewed by logging in to the   application portal . 

The deadline to apply for the Stanford Psychology Ph.D. program is  November 30, 2024 . 

Applicants who are admitted to the program will matriculate in autumn 2025. 

In addition to the information below, please review the  Graduate Admissions  website prior to starting your application. The Department of Psychology does not have rolling admissions. We admit for the Autumn term only.

Requirements

• U.S. Bachelor's degree or its  foreign equivalent
• Statement of Purpose (submitted electronically as part of the graduate application). You will be able to specify three  Psychology Department faculty members , in order of preference, with whom you would like to work. 
• Three  Letters of Recommendation  (submitted electronically). A maximum of six letters will be accepted.
• Unofficial transcripts from all universities and colleges you have attended for at least one year must be uploaded to the graduate application. Applicants who reach the interview stage will be asked to provide official transcripts as well; Department staff will reach out to these applicants with instructions for submitting official transcripts. Please do  not  submit official transcripts with your initial application.
• Required for non-native English speakers: TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) scores, submitted by the Educational Testing Service (ETS) electronically to Stanford. 

Application Fee

The fee to apply for graduate study at Stanford is $125. Fee waivers are available for some applicants. Please visit Graduate Admissions for information on applying for an  Application Fee Waiver .

Application Review & Status Check

The Department of Psychology welcomes graduate applications from individuals with a broad range of life experiences, perspectives, and backgrounds who would contribute to our community of scholars. The review of applications is holistic and individualized, considering each applicant’s academic record and accomplishments, letters of recommendation, and admissions essays to understand how an applicant’s life experiences have shaped their past and potential contributions to their field.

To check the status or activity of your application, please log into your  application account . You can also send reminders to recommenders who have not yet submitted their letter of recommendation.

Due to limited bandwidth, the Department of Psychology staff will not answer any phone or email queries about application status, including requests to confirm the receipt of official transcripts.

Our faculty will interview prospective students before making final admission decisions. Candidates who progress to the interview round will be informed in January. Interviews are generally conducted in February.

The Department of Psychology recognizes that the Supreme Court issued a ruling in June 2023 about the consideration of certain types of demographic information as part of an admission review. All applications submitted during upcoming application cycles will be reviewed in conformance with that decision.

• Diversity and Engagement in Psychology PhD Programs 
• Vice Provost for Graduate Education
• Stanford IDEAL
• Graduate Application Fee Waiver Information

For More Information

Please see our  list of Frequently Asked Questions  and  psych-admissions [at] stanford.edu (contact us)  should you have additional questions.

Research Master in Psychology: Individual Differences and Assessment

Become a research expert in the area of individual differences, such as personality, motivation, intelligence, and cognition, as well as how these change over time. In the Research Master: Individual Differences and Assessment, you study how these differences affect people's lives in the areas of work and health. The Research Master’s is an excellent preparation for a PhD or a career in applied research, for example in human resources, developmental psychology, clinical research, or management.

All education takes place on campus again , now that the coronavirus measures have been scaled back. Of course, we will always maintain a safe environment for our students and staff. Therefore, a few basic measures still apply. For the latest updates on the COVID-19 situation, see our FAQs for prospective students .

QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2024

National Student Survey, 2023 | n = 23

Times Higher Education ranking, 2024

Program and courses

During this two-year Research Master's, you become an expert in the area of individual differences and assessment. Acquire profound knowledge about the biological correlates and development of individual differences, and how these differences affect people's lives in the domains of work and health. The Research Master's offers four lines of learning: content , statistics , scientific writing,  and projects . The program is awarded with the highest student satisfaction , according to Elsevier Best Studies 2022, 2023, and Keuzegids Masters 2022, 2023.

• Personalize your education by selecting your supervisors, research topics, electives, and (inter)national traineeships yourself. Acquire a thorough methodological and statistical education and write two scientific papers  as part of the curriculum.  
• Become part of an ambitious and international group of students, and experience the real ‘cohort’ feeling in a small-scale, interactive learning environment with individual guidance from international experts . Get a glimpse of the atmosphere of the program in the Character Studies blog .
• With a specific combination of major and minor courses, you have the opportunity to combine your studies on individual differences with electives from clinical neuropsychology. Under specific conditions, you can qualify for the LOGO declaration , which is required to enroll in the Dutch postgraduate clinical education (GZ Psycholoog) . For more information, please contact the Education Coordinator via  [email protected] .  
•  Experience hands-on research into assessing individual differences in various contexts during traineeships .

Typical courses are:

• Biological Correlates of Individual Differences
• Psychometrics: Measurement of Individual Differences
• Dynamics of Individual Differences
• Theoretical Models of Individual Differences

More on the program and courses

Eveline Gieles

"IDA is a super intensive yet equally rewarding program.  I love how we get to shape our own curriculum and choose with who we want to work with."

Flavia Cherecheş

"We work closely with professors from different departments during projects. They value my input and are open to questions. It's truly inspiring to learn in such an environment!"

Career prospects

As a graduate, you are an expert in an area of great societal relevance, such as human resource management, health promotion, and clinical research. The research Master's is also an excellent preparation for a PhD and a position in applied research. It is an excellent preparation for a (international) career   such as a policy researcher, advisor or human resources and management consultant, or clinical psychologist.

Examples of our graduates' jobs:

• PhD candidate at Pro Persona - ‘Sporten Versterkt’ research, The Hague  
• Associate consultant at Accilium - Consulting Digital Transformation, Berlin 
• PhD student, Utrecht University   

More on your career prospects

Application and admission

This master's program starts:.

End of August

Best preparatory programs:

Pre-master's program.

The Research Master in Psychology: Individual Differences and Assessment does not offer its own pre-Master’s program.  However, you might become eligible for admission to the Research Master when you successfully complete the pre-Master’s program in Human Resource Studies of the Tilburg School of Social and Behavioral Sciences.  Please note that all other admission requirements and application procedure still apply.

Tuition fees and scholarships

International students, please find all information about the tuition fees and the scholarships available .

Interested in this Master's program?

Check your eligibility

More information on this Master's program

Create your own e-brochure with information on program content, admission requirements, career prospects, and student life in Tilburg. Throughout the year you can take part in various types of events: on-campus, abroad or online.

All information in one e-brochure

Check out our events calendar

Campus Experience

Are you curious about life as a student at Tilburg University, or not sure which university you want to attend? Join our Campus Experience on Wednesday May 8! Discover our compact and green campus with one of our students and find out if Tilburg University is your future home.

Master's Open day

Are you interested in doing a Master's program? Do you want to specialize or are you looking for a Master that broadens your possibilities? Join us at the Master's Open day on November 16 to find out which (pre-)Master's program suits you best. Learn all about our (pre-)Master’s programs and tracks, and ask teachers, students, and education coordinators your questions.

Interested in the Research Master in Psychology: Individual Differences and Assessment?

Check your eligibility and the deadlines for application

Related Master's programs

Work and Organizational Psychology

Human Resource Studies

Positive Psychology and Well-being

Research Master in Social and Behavioral Sciences

Clinical Psychology (in Dutch)

Clinical Neuropsychology

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Graduate Program

Information about the UCLA Department of Psychology Graduate Research Program

The UCLA Psychology Department offers graduate Ph.D. training ( there is no separate M.A. program or Psy.D. program offered ) with area emphases in Behavioral Neuroscience, Clinical, Cognitive, Developmental, Health Psychology, Learning and Behavior, Quantitative, and Social Psychology. In all of these fields, the central objective is to train researchers dedicated to increasing the body of scientific knowledge upon which the discipline of psychology rests. The program is designed to prepare psychologists to function effectively as researchers, college and university instructors, and professional research psychologists. Rigorous scientific training is the foundation of the UCLA Psychology Ph.D. program. As part of this training, the Department encourages student participation in the activities of a number of related departments, schools, or organized research units of the University. For instance, the Brain Research Institute, the interdisciplinary Neuroscience and Cognitive programs, the Institute for Social Science Research, and the Neuropsychiatric Institute provide extensive research facilities for interested students. The  Fernald Child Study Center , moreover, bolsters the department’s long-standing commitment to training in childhood learning and behavioral disorders. Other departmental resources include the Psychology Clinic. Our close working relations with local hospitals (the Veterans Administration), clinics, and institutes provide a unique opportunity for year-round training and research. UCLA’s exceptionally strong library system (the University Research, Biomedical and Research libraries, among others) perfectly complements the Department’s scholarly activities.

Graduates are prepared for careers in both academic and applied settings including positions at universities and colleges, research and governmental organizations and business and industry.  

The Psychology Ph.D. program is one of  18 Ph.D. programs in the biosciences .

The University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) is one of the nine campuses of the University of California. Located in west Los Angeles, five miles from the Pacific Ocean, UCLA lies in one of the most attractive areas of Southern California. The campus is bordered on the north by the Santa Monica mountains and the new  Getty Museum , and at its southern gate by Westwood Village, an entertainment magnet with theaters, restaurants, and the  Armand Hammer Museum . The treasures of the  Los Angeles County Museum of Art  are a few miles to the east, as are the communities of Hollywood, Beverly Hills, and the downtown business and entertainment districts.

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Master of Arts in Psychological Research

The Master of Arts in Psychological Research (MAPR) program is designed to provide foundational graduate education in the content areas and research of general psychology to prepare for a master’s-level career or entrance into a doctoral program. All graduate seminar courses have an enrollment of 15 or fewer students which facilitates close communication and intellectual stimulation among participants. The program is designed to be completed in two years.

The core seminars cover basic areas of psychology including cognition, learning, physiological/sensory psychology, social, personality, health, clinical, developmental psychology and quantitative methods.  Students are required to complete a research thesis as their culminating experience.

Faculty work closely with students to provide training and hands-on cutting-edge research experience. This mentor/mentee relationship leads to co-authorships, conference presentations and laboratory experience that fully prepares you for either the doctorate or workforce route. See the “MAPR Faculty Mentors” tab for more details about their areas of research.

Want to hear from our current students and alumni?

IMPORTANT DATES FOR FALL 2024

• University and Department applications deadline:  January 15, 2024
• Transcripts deadline: February 5, 2024
• Financial Aid CSULB Priority deadline: TBA - see CSULB Key Dates and Deadlines
• First day of Fall 2024 Instruction: August 19, 2024

*Note: The GRE General Test will NOT be required for the Fall 2024 application to the MAPR master's program.

ADMISSIONS REQUIREMENTS

• You must have a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from a four-year accredited college or university, or a bachelor’s in another area and the equivalent of four lower division and eight upper division CSULB courses (please see Non-Psychology Bachelor’s Degree web page )
• Minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.5
• Prerequisite coursework must include the following CSULB courses (or equivalents, to be determined by Psychology Dept.):

PSY 310  (Intermediate Statistics; requires Introductory Statistics)

One of the following:

PSY 351   Social Psychology  or

PSY 356   Personality  or

PSY 361   Child and Adolescent Development  or

PSY 363   Developmental Psychopathology  or

PSY 365 Development: Emerging Adulthood to Aging

Two courses selected from the following.  (Note that only one course may be counted from each section to fulfill the two-course requirement.):

PSY 331   Sensation and Perception

PSY 332   Human Cognition

PSY 333   Learning

PSY 336   Emotion (and/or Motivation)

PSY 337   Psychology of Happiness

PSY 378   Health Psychology

PSY 379   Psychology of Stress

PSY 340   Physiology of Behavior

PSY 341   Neuropsychology

PSY 342 Psychopharmacology

APPLICATION 

Download a MAPR Application Checklist

The following documents must be submitted via the CalState Apply website

*Attention Mac users:  You must download Adobe Acrobat Reader to complete all fillable PDF forms for the application.  Although Mac Preview appears to save the information correctly, the forms are blank when opened. 

• University Application ( $70 fee)
• ( Note:  MAPR Faculty Mentor List can be found below.)
• MAPR Prerequisite List (Please refer to the MAPR Prerequisite Course Description page   to fill out this form.)
• Last 60/90 Units GPA Computation Form
• Psychology GPA Computation Form
• Three Letters of Recommendations (Your recommenders will submit these letters. Instructions for submission are on the CalState Apply website )
• Unofficial transcripts from schools other than your Bachelor's degree-granting institution (see below) where you took Psychology courses.  *Note:  Applicants who took courses at CSULB must upload unofficial CSULB transcripts to their Cal State Apply application even if CSULB is the degree-granting institution .

--------------------------------------------------------------------- Submit official transcript from Bachelor's degree-granting institution:

Either by Mail: Enrollment Services/Admissions CSULB 1250 Bellflower Blvd. Long Beach, CA  90840-0106

Or Electronically: Official transcripts may be submitted electronically directly from a US college or university to [email protected]

--------------------------------------------------------------------- *International Students: Please be sure to contact the   International Education   office for university application procedures.

TUITION AND FEES

Please refer to the university’s webpage on Tuition and Fees .  Tuition and fees will depend on each student’s residency status and semester unit load.  Typically MAPR students take three courses (9 units) per semester, for a total of four semesters.  

GRADUATE ASSISTANT (GA) POSITIONS

GA positions are available on a competitive basis.  Successful Psychology applicants who accept a program offer and are eligible to work in the US will be invited to submit a GA application.

SCHOLARSHIPS AND FINANCIAL AID

Links to information about Scholarships and Financial Aid are listed here .

Candidates in this program are responsible for observing the general requirements stated in the University Catalog as well as requirements specified by the Psychology Department.  Please email   [email protected] for more information.

Learning Outcomes of the MAPR Program

Program Requirements

The MAPR Program features a 30-unit full time, four-semester curriculum, with a Thesis as the capstone project.  Students must maintain both a minimum cumulative and program GPA of 3.0 and successfully defend their capstone project.  Here is a PDF download of the MAPR Timeline

SAMPLE SCHEDULE 

1st fall semester.

• PSY 596 – Proseminar on Graduate Research
• MAPR Seminar
• Statistics or Elective

1ST SPRING SEMESTER

• PSY 696 – Research Methods in Psychology

2ND FALL SEMESTER

• Thesis (3 units)

2ND SPRING SEMESTER

• Remaining Elective (if any)
• PSY 698 – Thesis (3 units)

Curriculum subject to change

The following faculty are considering accepting new MAPR applicants into their research programs.  It is strongly suggested that these specific faculty members be considered as potential mentors when completing Part D of the MAPR department application.

This procedure applies to MAPR applicants only.  

Potential Mentors

William Pedersen, Professor Ph.D., University of Southern California Social Psychology                                                        My research is focused on factors that impact aggressive behavior and violence. I am interested in a variety of personality factors including trait rumination, narcissism, impulsivity, and religiosity. I have also investigated a variety of situational factors that impact aggression including collective rumination, priming aspects of religion, resource inequality, alcohol priming, personal control, and social exclusion.  Please see my lab website for more information ( http://www.aggression-irlab.com/ ).

Current Students and Alumni Page

Psychological Research, M.S.

School of natural and behavioral sciences, program overview.

The Master of Science program in psychological research offers you an education in developing advanced data-analysis skills to ask and answer questions in the psychological sciences. Our program offers you a faculty mentored research experience, training in research design and advanced data analysis, and an education in the foundations of psychological knowledge, all at an affordable cost.

Where You'll Go

Our master’s program is designed to help you reach your career goals, including opening doors for further psychological research at the doctoral level and pursuing data-intensive jobs in industry. Graduates of our program will be able to market their knowledge of psychological concepts and research methodology for a wide range of careers involving research, healthcare, government agencies, and the private sector, and for admittance into competitive doctoral programs.

Program Details

The program information listed here reflects the approved curriculum for the 2023–24 academic year per the Brooklyn College Bulletin. Bulletins from past academic years can be found here .

Program Description

This faculty-mentored program equips students with advanced data analysis skills and practical psychological research experience and allows students to concentrate in the areas of cognition, learning, perception, cognitive and behavioral neuroscience, developmental psychology, psychopathology, applied psychology, and social psychology. Focus is on preparation for a career in basic or applied research in a variety of settings. This program is also useful for those who wish to enroll in a doctoral program in psychology.

Matriculation Requirements

Applicants should offer:

• an overall GPA of 3.00 or better,
• a minimum of 12 credits in psychology, and
• courses in both statistics and research methods, with a grade of B or better in both courses.

General matriculation and admission requirements of Graduate Studies are in the section “Admission” of the Graduate Bulletin.

Program Requirements (36 Credits)

Students must complete 36 credits including a thesis. There are three areas of course work, including 12 credits from psychological science electives, 12 credits from statistics and data-analysis courses, and 12 credits from independent reading and research courses. Required courses include Psychology 7801G in the psychological science area; 7705G , 7706G , and 7750G in the statistics and data-analysis area; and one faculty-mentored independent reading ( 7791G , 7792G ) or research course ( 7795G , 7796G ) per semester in the first three semesters, culminating in a thesis 7781G during the final semester. Electives are chosen in consultation with a student’s faculty mentor and are taken with permission of the graduate deputy chair. Courses offered toward the degree must be 7000-level courses or higher.

Student Learning Outcomes

• Knowledge base in psychology
• Scientific inquiry and critical thinking
• Ethical and social responsibility in a diverse world
• Communication
• Professional development

Admissions Requirements

• Fall Application Deadline: March 1
• Spring Application Deadline: The program does not accept applications for spring.

Supporting Documents for Matriculation

Submit the following documents to the Office of Graduate Admissions:

• Transcripts from all colleges and universities attended. Applicants who earned a bachelor’s degree outside the United States need to submit a course-by-course international transcript evaluation. See Graduate Admissions for more information.
• Two letters of recommendation
• Essay on personal background, experiences, interests, and goals relevant to program (maximum three pages)
• A completed Program Fact Sheet (PDF) , submitted with the application

Required Tests

• F-1 or J-1 international students must submit English Proficiency Exam. TOEFL—79, IELTS—6.5, PTE—58–63, Duolingo—105–160.

Refer to the instructions at Graduate Admissions .

Aaron Kozbelt, Department Chair

5401 James Hall E: [email protected] P: 718.951.5601

Or contact:

Office of Graduate Admissions

222 West Quad Center 2900 Bedford Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11210 E:  [email protected] P: 718.951.4536

Office Hours

Mondays–Fridays, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.

To make an appointment with a graduate admissions counselor, visit:

BC Admissions Appointment Tool

Additional Departmental Information

Research psychology uses scientific methods to improve our understanding of the mind, brain, and behavior. The master’s program in psychological research offers students an education in the foundations of psychological knowledge, the current state of the field, and training in research design and data analysis at an affordable cost. Students learn to ask and answer questions in the psychological sciences and have the opportunity for professional development and mentoring.

Why an M.S. in Psychological Research?

• Explore a personal or professional interest in psychology.
• Prepare for doctoral study in experimental or clinical psychology.
• Gain expertise in research methods, data analysis, and cutting-edge psychological theories.

Note: This is not an evening program.

Why Choose Our Program?

• More than 20 full-time faculty members to collaborate with and learn from
• Emphasis on hands-on experience with research
• A curriculum that helps you reach your career goals
• Small class sizes
• Affordable tuition

Our two-year curriculum focuses on three areas: a faculty-mentored research experience culminating in a master’s thesis, skill development in data analysis techniques, and broad domain-knowledge in psychological science. An example path-to-degree is described below, followed by more general program information.

Path to Degree

• Students apply to the program by the deadline. Applications are due March 1 and will be considered until all program spaces are filled.
• The admissions committee coordinates interviews with prospective students and facilitates matches between accepted students and their faculty mentors.
• The committee is especially interested in admitting students who display an active interest in developing their analytical skills as it relates to areas within psychological science reflected in our program. Successful applicants will have a strong academic background, strong letters of reference, and will have clearly articulated their research interests and how these may overlap with our program.
• Brooklyn College is a highly diverse institution, and we welcome applicants from all backgrounds. We are committed to values and policies that enhance respect for individuals and their cultures.

Year One: Fall Semester

• Survey in Psychological Science I is a team-taught, seminar-style course introducing students to three major areas of research in psychological science. Each week students will read and discuss foundational and current research papers in each domain. The course is split into three modules (five weeks each), each taught by a faculty expert in the domain. For example, the modules could include any three of the following domains: learning, perception, cognition, comparative, cognitive neuroscience, or behavioral neuroscience.
• Statistical Methods in Psychology I introduces students to basic descriptive and inferential statistics commonly used in psychological research. Additionally, the course provides some introduction to programming environments for statistical analysis, such as R.
• Independent Reading I is the first faculty-mentor supervised course providing opportunity for a focused literature review in research areas that will provide conceptual background for a student’s research project. Students produce a brief APA-style report of their research activity.
• By the end of the first semester, students work with their faculty mentor to assemble a thesis committee. This committee will be composed of the faculty mentor (chair), and at least two other faculty members. The committee will meet once per semester to discuss the student’s research project.

Year One: Spring Semester

• Survey in Psychological Science II is a team-taught, seminar-style course introducing students to three major areas of research in psychological science. Each week students will read and discuss foundational and current research papers in each domain. The course is split into three modules (five weeks each), each taught by a faculty expert in the domain. For example, the modules could include any three of the following domains: social psychology, developmental/lifespan psychology, psychopathology, relationship science, research in clinical psychology.
• Statistical Methods in Psychology II introduces students to more advanced inferential statistics, including ANOVA, regression, and their formal relationship through the general linear model. Additionally, the course continues to provide introduction to programming environments for statistical analysis, such as R.
• Independent Research I is the second faculty-mentor supervised course where students engage in research activities. For example, a student could pilot a research idea and collect data that may be included in their thesis project. Students produce a brief APA-style report of their research activity.
• Students meet with their thesis committee at the end of the semester, and are expected to present a brief thesis proposal. The thesis proposal describes tangible research activities that will form the basis for the thesis work.

Year Two: Fall Semester

• Professional Development Seminar provides more exposure to current research in psychology through seminar style invited talks, usually by faculty in the department. Additionally, students present their own research projects, which provides training in research communication skills.
• Data Skills for Reproducible Psychological Research provides training in the use of computer programming environments, such as R, for advanced data-analysis, data-visualization, computationally reproducible workflows, data-sharing techniques, and software-aided skills for communicating research assets.
• Independent Research II is the third faculty-mentor supervised course where students engage in research activities. Students produce a brief APA-style report of their research activity. At this stage, the student’s written report could form a chapter in their thesis.
• Students meet with their thesis committee at the end of the semester. If the thesis proposal has not yet been presented and approved, the student presents their thesis proposal.

Year Two: Spring Semester

• Students enroll in one required course: Research in Psychology, which is the “thesis” course, and constitutes the fourth and final faculty-mentor supervised course where students engage in research activities culminating in a thesis. At this stage students will complete data-collection, analysis, and writing of the thesis document.
• The program will offer one content-focused or multi-disciplinary elective in psychology, and one “data-analysis” focused elective (e.g., multivariate analysis, Bayesian statistics, etc.).
• Students also have opportunities to fill these credits by taking electives in other approved programs with permission of the graduate deputy.
• The student gives an oral presentation of the thesis to their thesis committee.
• The student gives a conference-style talk summarizing their thesis at the annual in-house conference held in the spring.
• After successfully completing 36 credits and submitting their thesis, students’ degrees are conferred.

General Program Information

Class sizes are small, typically seven to 15 students per class. Small classes allow students to get to know each other and the professor and provide many opportunities for discussion and debate. Students learn to think critically and express themselves clearly, while engaging deeply with the foundations of psychological knowledge and cutting-edge research.

Classes are offered throughout the day, with some classes beginning as early as 9:30 a.m. Research labs typically operate during business hours.

Completion Timeline

The degree can be completed in two years by taking nine credits per semester.

Other Information

This is not an evening program. If you are unsure about whether your work schedule is compatible with the program, we encourage you to contact us.

The M.S. in psychological research does not provide training in clinical psychology techniques. Students interested in a clinical program should consider Brooklyn College’s M.A. in mental health counseling .

Research Opportunities

Our master’s program involves hands-on and intensive faculty-mentored research experiences culminating in a master’s thesis. Accepted students will be paired with a faculty mentor and work with faculty in completing psychological research each semester. Our faculty have a diverse range of research interests across many domains within psychological science, so it is possible for students to find mentors who work with human and non-human animals on basic and/or applied research questions. We encourage prospective students to identify faculty mentors with shared research interests by visiting their websites and contacting them via email.

Psychological Research at Brooklyn College

Individual laboratories in the department focus on topics such as creativity and cognition in the arts, computational cognition, prejudice and discrimination, cognition in invertebrates (e.g., octopus), the role of inequality in cognitive development, the neurobiological bases of psychopathic behavior, metamemory (knowledge of one’s own memory), the development of children and adolescents’ career goals, moral decision-making, and the neurobehavioral and computational mechanisms of associative learning and causality perception.

All labs are well equipped, and many have attracted funding from NSF, NIH, NASA, DARPA, and other organizations. Several faculty members have appointments and working collaborations with research labs in city hospitals and medical schools with access to technologies such as fMRI.

The Support You’ll Find

Brooklyn College is an integral part of the cultural and artistic energy of New York City. Our faculty members in Psychology offer incomparable expertise and tremendous talent, and each brings a unique perspective to their teaching and mentoring in and out of the classroom.

Elisabeth Brauner

Elisabeth Brauner joined the Psychology Department at Brooklyn College in 2003. She received her ...

Cheryl Carmichael

Cheryl Carmichael joined the ...

Benzion Chanowitz

Elizabeth Chua

Elizabeth Chua joined Brooklyn College in January 2011. After receiving her Ph.D. in 2008 from Ha...

Matthew Crump

Crump runs the Computational Cognition Lab at Brooklyn College of CUNY. Research interests includ...

Andrew Delamater

Andrew Delamater came to Brooklyn College as an assistant professor of psychology in 1994. He bec...

Jennifer Drake

Jennifer Drake joined the Psychology Department in 2013. She received her Ph.D. in developmental ...

Ana Gantman

Ana Gantman joined the Psychology Department at Brooklyn College in Fall 2018. After receiving he...

Yu Gao joined Brooklyn College in fall 2010 after having spent two years as a postdoc at the Univ...

Aaron Kozbelt

Aaron Kozbelt’s research program, focusing on creativity and cognition in the arts, derives...

Yana Kuchirko

Yana Kuchirko is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychology at Brooklyn College, CUNY...

Daniel Kurylo

Hyun (Hannah) Nam

Laura A. Rabin

Laura A. Rabin is a Professor of Psychology at Brooklyn College and The Graduate Center. Her rese...

Andrew Seidman

Alvin Snadowsky

Alvin Snadowsky joined the Brooklyn College faculty in 1972.

Internships and Employers

Through job fairs, the internship database, and internship panels, the Magner Career Center gives students in the psychological research M.S. program access to internships at a variety of companies. Brooklyn College alumni have found employment with many organizations, including:

• AHRC New York City
• City University of New York
• Hunter College (CUNY)
• Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
• Jewish Board of Family and Children’s Services
• Kingsborough Community College
• Montefiore Medical Center
• Mount Sinai Hospital
• New York City Department of Education
• New York University
• Northwell Health
• NYU Langone Health
• Queens College (CUNY)
• Touro University

Student Resources

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Brooklyn. All in.

MSc in Psychological Research

• Entry requirements
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College preference

• How to apply

About the course

The MSc in Psychological Research is a one-year taught master's course. The course provides a broad-based research training programme in psychology, covering theory and methods in core domains of psychology reflecting particular research strengths within the department. Hands-on research training within the core research themes of the department is also provided.

The broad-based research training programme covers:

• behavioural neuroscience, from animal models to human functional imaging and TMS
• cognitive neuroscience, including MEG, EEG, neuropsychology
• developmental science, comprising Babylab studies and studies with children with developmental disorders
• social psychology and psychological disorders, focusing on inter-group behaviour, emotion, anxiety and post-traumatic stress.

The course comprises 8 modules and a research project, and all of these elements need to be passed in order to be awarded the MSc. The course is taught through seminars, lectures and workshops with some of the modules spanning two terms. The five core modules currently comprise:

• Research Evaluation
• Project Design
• Statistical Theory and Methods
• MATLAB Programming for Experimental Psychology
• Philosophical Foundations of Psychology.

You will also undertake three of the four available optional modules, currently comprising:

• Affective Science
• Developmental Science
• Brain and Cognition
• Computer Modelling of Brain Function.

Supervision

The allocation of graduate supervision for this course is the responsibility of the Department of Experimental Psychology and it is not always possible to accommodate the preferences of incoming graduate students to work with a particular member of staff. Under exceptional circumstances a supervisor may be found outside the Department of Experimental Psychology.

You are individually supervised for your research project and you will work on this project (dissertation) throughout the academic year. You will also meet with your academic advisors on an individual basis.

In the case of students who require specific help to adjust to an academic programme or to a new range of skills, the MSc Course Director and/or the Academic Advisers will work with them to ensure that they have additional support.

The modules are assessed via written submissions and presentations. You will complete a research project consisting of a dissertation, submitted at the end of the course.

Graduate destinations

A majority of MSc in Psychological Research students go on to undertake a DPhil (PhD) either within the department or within other departments of  the Medical Science Division here at Oxford or at other institutions. Others go on to pursue careers in consultancy and government.

Changes to this course and your supervision

The University will seek to deliver this course in accordance with the description set out in this course page. However, there may be situations in which it is desirable or necessary for the University to make changes in course provision, either before or after registration. The safety of students, staff and visitors is paramount and major changes to delivery or services may have to be made in circumstances of a pandemic, epidemic or local health emergency. In addition, in certain circumstances, for example due to visa difficulties or because the health needs of students cannot be met, it may be necessary to make adjustments to course requirements for international study.

Where possible your academic supervisor will not change for the duration of your course. However, it may be necessary to assign a new academic supervisor during the course of study or before registration for reasons which might include illness, sabbatical leave, parental leave or change in employment.

For further information please see our page on changes to courses and the provisions of the student contract regarding changes to courses.

Entry requirements for entry in 2024-25

Proven and potential academic excellence.

The requirements described below are specific to this course and apply only in the year of entry that is shown. You can use our interactive tool to help you  evaluate whether your application is likely to be competitive .

Please be aware that any studentships that are linked to this course may have different or additional requirements and you should read any studentship information carefully before applying. 

Degree-level qualifications

As a minimum, applicants should hold or be predicted to achieve the following UK qualifications or their equivalent:

• a first-class or strong upper second-class undergraduate degree with honours in psychology or a related discipline.

For applicants with a degree from the USA, the minimum GPA sought is 3.5 out of 4.0.

If your degree is not from the UK or another country specified above, visit our International Qualifications page for guidance on the qualifications and grades that would usually be considered to meet the University’s minimum entry requirements.

GRE General Test scores

No Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or GMAT scores are sought.

Other qualifications, evidence of excellence and relevant experience

• Research or work experience in psychology may be an advantage.
• Preference may be given to those who have previously studied a psychological degree.
• Publications are not required.

English language proficiency

This course requires proficiency in English at the University's  higher level . If your first language is not English, you may need to provide evidence that you meet this requirement. The minimum scores required to meet the University's higher level are detailed in the table below.

*Previously known as the Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English or Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) † Previously known as the Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English or Cambridge English: Proficiency (CPE)

Your test must have been taken no more than two years before the start date of your course. Our Application Guide provides  further information about the English language test requirement .

Declaring extenuating circumstances

If your ability to meet the entry requirements has been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic (eg you were awarded an unclassified/ungraded degree) or any other exceptional personal circumstance (eg other illness or bereavement), please refer to the guidance on extenuating circumstances in the Application Guide for information about how to declare this so that your application can be considered appropriately.

You will need to register three referees who can give an informed view of your academic ability and suitability for the course. The  How to apply  section of this page provides details of the types of reference that are required in support of your application for this course and how these will be assessed.

Supporting documents

You will be required to supply supporting documents with your application. The  How to apply  section of this page provides details of the supporting documents that are required as part of your application for this course and how these will be assessed.

Performance at interview

Interviews are normally held as part of the admissions process.  

All applications are evaluated by the MSc in Psychological Research Admissions Panel. Shortlisted applicants will be invited to attend one interview which will last for up to half an hour. Around a third of applicants are invited to interview.

Applicants who are shortlisted for interview will be invited to interview online via Teams (with video).

How your application is assessed

Your application will be assessed purely on your proven and potential academic excellence and other entry requirements described under that heading.

References  and  supporting documents  submitted as part of your application, and your performance at interview (if interviews are held) will be considered as part of the assessment process. Whether or not you have secured funding will not be taken into consideration when your application is assessed.

An overview of the shortlisting and selection process is provided below. Our ' After you apply ' pages provide  more information about how applications are assessed . 

Shortlisting and selection

Students are considered for shortlisting and selected for admission without regard to age, disability, gender reassignment, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy and maternity, race (including colour, nationality and ethnic or national origins), religion or belief (including lack of belief), sex, sexual orientation, as well as other relevant circumstances including parental or caring responsibilities or social background. However, please note the following:

• socio-economic information may be taken into account in the selection of applicants and award of scholarships for courses that are part of  the University’s pilot selection procedure  and for  scholarships aimed at under-represented groups ;
• country of ordinary residence may be taken into account in the awarding of certain scholarships; and
• protected characteristics may be taken into account during shortlisting for interview or the award of scholarships where the University has approved a positive action case under the Equality Act 2010.

Initiatives to improve access to graduate study

This course is taking part in a continuing pilot programme to improve the selection procedure for graduate applications, in order to ensure that all candidates are evaluated fairly.

For this course, socio-economic data (where it has been provided in the application form) will be used to contextualise applications at the different stages of the selection process.  Further information about how we use your socio-economic data  can be found in our page about initiatives to improve access to graduate study.

Processing your data for shortlisting and selection

Information about  processing special category data for the purposes of positive action  and  using your data to assess your eligibility for funding , can be found in our Postgraduate Applicant Privacy Policy.

Admissions panels and assessors

All recommendations to admit a student involve the judgement of at least two members of the academic staff with relevant experience and expertise, and must also be approved by the Director of Graduate Studies or Admissions Committee (or equivalent within the department).

Admissions panels or committees will always include at least one member of academic staff who has undertaken appropriate training.

Other factors governing whether places can be offered

The following factors will also govern whether candidates can be offered places:

• the ability of the University to provide the appropriate supervision for your studies, as outlined under the 'Supervision' heading in the  About  section of this page;
• the ability of the University to provide appropriate support for your studies (eg through the provision of facilities, resources, teaching and/or research opportunities); and
• minimum and maximum limits to the numbers of students who may be admitted to the University's taught and research programmes.

Offer conditions for successful applications

If you receive an offer of a place at Oxford, your offer will outline any conditions that you need to satisfy and any actions you need to take, together with any associated deadlines. These may include academic conditions, such as achieving a specific final grade in your current degree course. These conditions will usually depend on your individual academic circumstances and may vary between applicants. Our ' After you apply ' pages provide more information about offers and conditions . 

In addition to any academic conditions which are set, you will also be required to meet the following requirements:

Financial Declaration

If you are offered a place, you will be required to complete a  Financial Declaration  in order to meet your financial condition of admission.

Disclosure of criminal convictions

In accordance with the University’s obligations towards students and staff, we will ask you to declare any  relevant, unspent criminal convictions  before you can take up a place at Oxford.

You will have access to the department’s IT support and university library services such as the Radcliffe Science Library and experimental facilities are available as appropriate to the topic of your research project. The provision of other resources specific to your project will be agreed with your supervisor.

You will be able to attend the seminars organised by individual research groups or groups with common areas of interest organised for your own members and others. The department also provides regular departmental seminars during term time. You are encouraged to attend departmental events as departmental seminars and colloquia bring research students together with academic and other research staff in the department to hear about on-going research, and provide an opportunity for networking and socialising.

The departmental social committee holds occasional events throughout the academic year for both students and staff in the department.

Experimental Psychology

The Department of Experimental Psychology has a thriving graduate community. As a graduate student in the department, you will receive advanced training in psychological methods and theory, and gain hands-on research experience under the supervision of world-class academic staff.

Research in the department is organised around five core themes — behavioural neuroscience, developmental psychology, perception and cognition, psychological and brain health, and social psychology—and extends into several cognate areas. Research facilities in the department include labs for behavioural testing, EEG and brain stimulation, infant research including eye-tracking and EEG, and neuropsychological patient testing.

Through its links with departments and centres across the University, the department also enjoys excellent access to fMRI, MEG, genetic testing, and animal testing facilities.

The department recognises the vital contribution of graduate students to its research and teaching and strives to create a competitive and supportive programme to develop and challenge students. You would be encouraged to participate in training within the department and wider university, and to attend invited lectures and seminars by leading scientists from across the world, to complement the close supervision on your chosen topic received within your home lab.

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The University expects to be able to offer over 1,000 full or partial graduate scholarships across the collegiate University in 2024-25. You will be automatically considered for the majority of Oxford scholarships , if you fulfil the eligibility criteria and submit your graduate application by the relevant December or January deadline. Most scholarships are awarded on the basis of academic merit and/or potential. 

For further details about searching for funding as a graduate student visit our dedicated Funding pages, which contain information about how to apply for Oxford scholarships requiring an additional application, details of external funding, loan schemes and other funding sources.

Please ensure that you visit individual college websites for details of any college-specific funding opportunities using the links provided on our college pages or below:

Please note that not all the colleges listed above may accept students on this course. For details of those which do, please refer to the College preference section of this page.

Further information about funding opportunities for this course can be found on the department's website.

Annual fees for entry in 2024-25

Further details about fee status eligibility can be found on the fee status webpage.

Information about course fees

Course fees are payable each year, for the duration of your fee liability (your fee liability is the length of time for which you are required to pay course fees). For courses lasting longer than one year, please be aware that fees will usually increase annually. For details, please see our guidance on changes to fees and charges .

Course fees cover your teaching as well as other academic services and facilities provided to support your studies. Unless specified in the additional information section below, course fees do not cover your accommodation, residential costs or other living costs. They also don’t cover any additional costs and charges that are outlined in the additional information below.

Where can I find further information about fees?

The Fees and Funding  section of this website provides further information about course fees , including information about fee status and eligibility  and your length of fee liability .

Additional information

There are no compulsory elements of this course that entail additional costs beyond fees and living costs. However, as part of your course requirements, you may need to choose a dissertation, a project or a thesis topic. Please note that, depending on your choice of topic and the research required to complete it, you may incur additional expenses, such as travel expenses, research expenses, and field trips. You will need to meet these additional costs, although you may be able to apply for small grants from your department and/or college to help you cover some of these expenses.

Living costs

In addition to your course fees, you will need to ensure that you have adequate funds to support your living costs for the duration of your course.

For the 2024-25 academic year, the range of likely living costs for full-time study is between c. £1,345 and £1,955 for each month spent in Oxford. Full information, including a breakdown of likely living costs in Oxford for items such as food, accommodation and study costs, is available on our living costs page. The current economic climate and high national rate of inflation make it very hard to estimate potential changes to the cost of living over the next few years. When planning your finances for any future years of study in Oxford beyond 2024-25, it is suggested that you allow for potential increases in living expenses of around 5% each year – although this rate may vary depending on the national economic situation. UK inflationary increases will be kept under review and this page updated.

Students enrolled on this course will belong to both a department/faculty and a college. Please note that ‘college’ and ‘colleges’ refers to all 43 of the University’s colleges, including those designated as societies and permanent private halls (PPHs). 

If you apply for a place on this course you will have the option to express a preference for one of the colleges listed below, or you can ask us to find a college for you. Before deciding, we suggest that you read our brief  introduction to the college system at Oxford  and our  advice about expressing a college preference . For some courses, the department may have provided some additional advice below to help you decide.

The following colleges accept students on the MSc in Psychological Research:

• Brasenose College
• Campion Hall
• Christ Church
• Jesus College
• Kellogg College
• Lady Margaret Hall
• Linacre College
• Lincoln College
• Magdalen College
• New College
• Pembroke College
• The Queen's College
• Reuben College
• St Anne's College
• St Catherine's College
• St Cross College
• St Edmund Hall
• St Hilda's College
• St Hugh's College
• St John's College
• Somerville College
• University College
• Wadham College
• Wolfson College
• Worcester College
• Wycliffe Hall

Before you apply

Our  guide to getting started  provides general advice on how to prepare for and start your application. You can use our interactive tool to help you  evaluate whether your application is likely to be competitive .

If it's important for you to have your application considered under a particular deadline – eg under a December or January deadline in order to be considered for Oxford scholarships – we recommend that you aim to complete and submit your application at least two weeks in advance . Check the deadlines on this page and the  information about deadlines  in our Application Guide.

Application fee waivers

An application fee of £75 is payable per course application. Application fee waivers are available for the following applicants who meet the eligibility criteria:

• applicants from low-income countries;
• refugees and displaced persons; 
• UK applicants from low-income backgrounds; and 
• applicants who applied for our Graduate Access Programmes in the past two years and met the eligibility criteria.

You are encouraged to  check whether you're eligible for an application fee waiver  before you apply.

Do I need to contact anyone before I apply?

You do not need to make contact with the department before you apply but you are encouraged to visit the relevant departmental webpages to read any further information about your chosen course.

If your application is successful, you will be working in one of the groups or labs as part of your research project so you will find information about the department's current research activity helpful.  

Completing your application

You should refer to the information below when completing the application form, paying attention to the specific requirements for the supporting documents .

For this course, the application form will include questions that collect information that would usually be included in a CV/résumé. You should not upload a separate document. If a separate CV/résumé is uploaded, it will be removed from your application .

If any document does not meet the specification, including the stipulated word count, your application may be considered incomplete and not assessed by the academic department. Expand each section to show further details.

Referees Three overall, academic and/or professional

Whilst you must register three referees, the department may start the assessment of your application if two of the three references are submitted by the course deadline and your application is otherwise complete. Please note that you may still be required to ensure your third referee supplies a reference for consideration.

Both academic references and professional references from employment relevant to the course are acceptable.

Your references should provide evidence of your intellectual ability, academic achievement, motivation, ability to work in a group.

Official transcript(s)

Your transcripts should give detailed information of the individual grades received in your university-level qualifications to date. You should only upload official documents issued by your institution and any transcript not in English should be accompanied by a certified translation.

More information about the transcript requirement is available in the Application Guide.

Personal statement: A maximum of 1,000 words

The personal statement should be single spaced and written in English. The statement should outline the reasons for applying and evidence of motivation for and understanding of the proposed area of study. It should focus on research rather than personal achievements, interests and aspirations.

The text of your document should be no smaller than size 10 Arial or similar.

If possible, please ensure that the word count is clearly displayed on the document.

This will be assessed for:

• previous experience of psychological research
• motivation to pursue the topics covered by the MSc and to conduct independent research
• understanding of theoretical, methodological, and statistical issues
• appropriateness of career plans
• understanding of the aims and content of the course in relation to these career plans.

You should be prepared to give an oral presentation on a previous research project undertaken at undergraduate level or other suitable research experience, should you be shortlisted for interview.

Start or continue your application

You can start or return to an application using the relevant link below. As you complete the form, please  refer to the requirements above  and  consult our Application Guide for advice . You'll find the answers to most common queries in our FAQs.

Application Guide   Apply

ADMISSION STATUS

Closed to applications for entry in 2024-25

Register to be notified via email when the next application cycle opens (for entry in 2025-26)

12:00 midday UK time on:

Friday 1 December 2023 Latest deadline for most Oxford scholarships Final application deadline for entry in 2024-25

*Three-year average (applications for entry in 2021-22 to 2023-24)

Further information and enquiries

This course is offered by the Department of Experimental Psychology

• Course page on the department's website
• Funding information from the department
• Academic and research staff
• Departmental research
• Medical Sciences Graduate School
• Residence requirements for full-time courses
• Postgraduate applicant privacy policy

Course-related enquiries

Advice about contacting the department can be found in the How to apply section of this page

✉ [email protected] ☎ +44 (0)1865 271376

Application-process enquiries

See the application guide

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You may also wish to consider applying to other courses that are similar or related to this course:

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UW Psychology Student Wins National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship

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• Back to 2023 Archive

Institutional Communications Bureau of Mines Building, Room 137 Laramie, WY 82071 Phone: (307) 766-2929 Email:   [email protected]

Published April 23, 2024

University of Wyoming psychology graduate student Jaylan Aliev, of Boise, Idaho, has been awarded a National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship.

As a second-year graduate student in the psychology and law Ph.D. program, Aliev’s research interests include juror perceptions of marginalized victims, how these perceptions affect legal decision-making and how to mitigate juror biases.

“Child sexual abuse is a national health crisis, and the process of seeking justice for victims can often be retraumatizing,” Aliev says. “Countless child sexual abuse narratives do not follow the popular culture prototype that suggests victims are young girls and perpetrators middle-aged men, and it is important to investigate how older or male victims of child sexual abuse are treated in the legal system -- and how such demographic factors may influence mock juror decision-making in these cases.”

Aliev’s current work examines the impact of victim physical maturity on legal decision-making in cases of child sexual abuse. Her secondary line of research focuses on analyzing racial, socioeconomic, geographic and policy disparities in the U.S. juvenile legal system.

“Receiving the news that I was a 2024 National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship awardee felt like a dream,” she says. “I am a first-generation high school and college graduate, as well as first-generation American. My initial thought was, ‘Things like this don’t happen to people like me.’”

In May, Aliev will graduate with her master’s degree in psychology, and she looks forward to beginning her graduate fellowship research plans.

“As I have gained more experience working with community partners, I have become extremely interested in disseminating psycho-legal research in a way that informs public policy and aims to improve our current criminal legal system,” she says.

After earning her Ph.D., she hopes to continue her work at a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization as a researcher or data analyst.

“It still has not fully sunk in that my application was one of the 2,000 that was selected as a recipient out of tens of thousands of applications,” Aliev says. “I immediately started crying and then called my adviser, Kayla Burd (UW assistant professor of psychology), and my parents.”

To learn more about Aliev’s research, email her at [email protected] .

Psychology’s 2024 NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP) Recipients

The NSF Graduate Research Fellowship (GRFP) program recognizes and supports outstanding graduate students who are pursuing full-time research-based master's and doctoral degrees in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) or in STEM education. The NSF GRFP provides three years of support over a five-year fellowship period for the graduate education of individuals who have demonstrated their potential for significant research achievements in STEM or STEM education.

Jessica Arend is a second-year PhD student in the Clinical Science and Psychopathology Research Program (CSPR). Jessica is advised by Dr. Angus MacDonald and is a member of the  TRiCAM Lab . With the NSF GRFP, she intends to investigate how experiences of discrimination may impact reward learning among people with multiply-marginalized, intersectional identities. Jessica is motivated by research questions that explore which sociocultural and neurobiological factors affect a person's risk for, or resilience against, developing mental health symptoms. Ultimately, they hope to better characterize how and why individuals with serious mental illness experience changes in cognition.

Abby Person is a second-year PhD student in Social Psychology advised by Dr. Jeffry Simpson and Dr. Patricia Frazier. With this fellowship, Abby intends to explore the process by which sexual assault victims disclose their experiences to their romantic partners. She is particularly interested in the role of sexual assault stigma and how partners' reactions to the disclosure impact the relationship. Abby is a member of the  Social Interaction Lab and Pat Frazier's Stress and Trauma Lab .

Maya Rogers is a current second-year Social Psychology PhD student working with Drs. Alex Rothman and Traci Mann. Her research focuses on health behavior decision-making and persuasive communication, primarily around vaccination. With this research fellowship, Maya will continue her work in motivational message matching for COVID-19 vaccines as well as assessing the cognitive effects of offering financial incentives for vaccines. Since 2022, Maya has been a member of the  Health and Eating Lab .  

Composed by Madison Stromberg, communications assistant.

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Psy.D. In Clinical Psychology

Welcome to the Clinical Psychology Psy.D. Program at Florida Institute of Technology. The program at Florida Tech that leads to a Psy.D. in clinical psychology is accredited by the American Psychological Association* and offers students training based on a practitioner-scholar model that prepares students for entry-level positions as clinical psychologists.  To achieve that goal, we are committed to training students with strong and continually developing clinical competencies, whose clinical work is informed by the scientific and theoretical knowledge base of the discipline of psychology, and whose graduates respect and value cultural and individual difference, and who maintain the highest professional principles and standards.

What Makes Florida Tech's Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology Stand Out?

• Accredited by the American Psychological Association* since 1983
• Opportunities for advanced coursework and practica in emphasis areas: Neuropsychology, Child/Family, Integrated Behavioral Health, and Forensic.
• In-depth training in psychological assessment and integrated psychodiagnostics
• Curriculum that addresses current trends in psychology including Integrated Behavioral Health Care, Clinical Neuropsychology, Assessment, Trauma and Child Psychology
• On-site practicum training facility
• A large network of community-based practicum sites offering many different training opportunities
• Good student-to-faculty ratio, with annual cohorts of approximately 20
• Colleague-in-training atmosphere
• Excellent internship match rate
• Flat-rate tuition program
• Warm climate, great location, close to beaches
• Relatively low cost of living, ample and reasonably priced housing available off campus

Our program leading to a Psy.D in Clinical Psychology trains students to become practicing clinical psychologists with core competencies in relational/clinical skills, comprehensive psychological assessment, clinical treatment interventions, research and evaluation skills, consultation and education, management and supervision, and diversity issues.

We have several opportunities for advanced course work. These areas are:  

• Family/Child Psychology
• Forensic Psychology
• Clinical Neuropsychology
• Integrated Behavioral Healthcare/Health Psychology  

Admission Requirements

An applicant must possess a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution of higher learning. Although it is not necessary for the major area to have been psychology, it is required that those entering without a previous degree in psychology will have completed at least 18 credit hours of psychology coursework at the time of application. These courses must have been taken in a department of psychology, and should include statistics, personality theory, abnormal psychology, learning, physiological psychology and social psychology.

All application materials must be received by December 1 of each year.

Visit the graduate admissions information page for all the information you need to apply to the program. Admissions applications must include transcripts, GRE general test scores, a personal statement, two letters of recommendation, and a resume or CV.

Students we will consider for admission will receive an invitation approximately two weeks prior to our Interview Day, typically held in February. Attendance at Interview Day is VERY strongly recommended.

*Questions related to the program's accredited status should be directed to the Commission on Accreditation:

Office of Program Consultation and Accreditation American Psychological Association 750 1st Street, NE Washington, DC 20002

Phone: (202) 336-5979 Email: [email protected] Web: www.apa.org/ed/accreditation

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• Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology

Psy.D. Program Data

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The Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology is an exciting opportunity for you to earn both your Master’s and your Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Liberty University. These 126 hours will teach you about child, adolescent, and adult psychopathology, psychotherapy essentials, assessment skills, and advanced research methods. You will have the opportunity to learn through classroom-based instruction, in-the-field internship hours, and personal research for your dissertation. Find information about Liberty’s ongoing accreditation process and more details about the Psy.D. degree on the program page .

The information below provides details and statistics related to the Psy.D. program. A PDF version is also available ( PDF ). Please email us at  [email protected] with questions or for additional information.

Date Program Tables were updated: 4/11/24

Program Disclosures

Program costs, students per year, time to completion.

The Psy.D. Program Handbook includes information about the transfer (or substitution) of course credits (see Transfer of Credits section). The specific transfer/substitution course credit(s) and quantity will likely lead to some custom course sequencing for the individual during one or more semesters in the program that could ultimately lead to graduating earlier than the Degree Completion Plan sequence of five years (4 academic/practicum years and 1 final year of internship). Such a scenario is a case-by-case situation for each individual.

Internship Placement – Table 1

Internship placement – table 2.