You are here

Master's in Psychology

The Master of Science (M.S.) in Psychology provides foundational training in the science of psychology and prepares you for entry into doctoral programs in a variety of disciplines like clinical, developmental, social, and cognitive psychology.

Through our master’s program, we strive to promote the study of psychology as a science, as a profession, and as a means of promoting human welfare.

Our coursework will provide an advanced education in psychological science and will help you become a competitive candidate for doctoral-level training programs in both applied psychology—clinical or counseling, for example—and experimental psychology, including cognitive and developmental psychology. Our master's in psychology program provides foundational training in core areas of psychology, including history of psychology, professional ethics, research design and analysis, and exposes you to key content areas in psychology: developmental, cognitive, physiological, and social.

Our program also provides you the flexibility to design a sequence of coursework best suited to you future academic and career aspirations. Elective coursework options include assessment, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and psychopathology. The psychology master's degree is not intended for students seeking master's-level professional licensure.

As a master’s in psychology student, you must complete a thesis under the supervision of a graduate faculty member. Faculty members have expertise in clinical, cognitive, counseling, cross-cultural, developmental, educational, physiological, and social psychology, as well as specialties in behavior analysis and health. We encourage you to contact the faculty member under whom you would like to work during your time in our department.

You may elect to complete a practicum experience, which involves training and experience in providing professional psychological services to members of the community. Doing a practicum as part of your master’s-level training will help you decide if a career involving counseling or therapy is right for you, and will provide hands-on skills that you can build on as you continue applied psychology training. You must meet prerequisites for practicum and be successfully evaluated before being admitted to the practicum course.

Learn more about the graduate curriculum, requirements for the degree, and career opportunities.