Master’s degree in psychology complete program guide

Table of Contents

What is psychology?

The word ‘psychology’ originates from the Greek for psyche (life) and logos (meaning). It is the study of the mind and behavior; a vast field full of opportunities that offers numerous career avenues.

Psychology is one of the top 5 majors students choose at undergraduate school. Students are drawn to psychology for a variety of reasons. These include: understanding other people better, understanding oneself better, being able to help others, and a plethora of career options.

Typically, psychology degree programs focus on learning about cognitive, emotional, and social processes. One of the teaching methods used to make this possible is studying how individuals relate to one another and their environment.

If you hold a master’s degree in psychology you will reach a point where you need to decide whether you want to work in clinical practice, research, or academics.

Employment options include:

being a psychological consultant
part of a hospital-based healthcare team
working in school settings, community services, government agencies
working in the public or private sector, or for a non-profit organization
a career in research or academia

About the degree

In psychology there are 2 master’s level program options: a master’s of science (M.S.) in psychology or a master’s of arts (M.A.) in psychology. The main difference between these programs is that M.S. has a heavier focus on math, statistics, and research, and a M.A. program offers a broader range of electives from outside the psychology field. Regardless, both degrees contain similar foundational courses, with some programs allowing psychology majors to specialize in a specific concentration like forensic psychology or clinical psychology. It is important to research the availability of concentrations when researching prospective schools.

In addition, an increasing number of schools now offer specific master’s programs, such as an M.S in experimental psychology, or M.A in human factors psychology. Mostly these are regular psychology programs with concentration coursework, although some may have a greater focus on the specification. This can be a positive or a negative advantage, depending on how sure you are of your career goals.

Cost of the degree

Tuition costs depends on multiple factors such as whether the college is private or public, course format, and if you are an in-state or out-of-state student. Projected tuition rates for 2021, suggest a master’s degree from a public 4-year college will cost around $19,630, and $42,030 if you attend a 4-year private non-profit college. Both projected estimates include tuition cost, fees, room and board. There are variations in the in-state and out-of-state tuition rates of typically $10,000 or more, with in-state tuition being the cheaper option.

For general information about financial aid options open to students, visit Federal Student Aid, where you can complete the free FAFSA application form to check your eligibility for federal aid.

Admission requirements

According to the American Psychological Association (APA) there are several prerequisites needed to apply to a graduate degree program. These typically include:

B.S. or B.A. degree in psychology or a related field
GPA of 3.0 or higher
previous work experience
clinically related public service
involvement in extracurricular activities
research or volunteer experience

Most graduate degree programs also require you to submit GRE test scores, along with a personal essay or statements, resume or curriculum vitae, and at least 3 letters of recommendation. After submitting the above information, you may also be asked to complete an admissions interview.

It is important to note that not all programs require the above-mentioned prerequisites, and requirements may differ if the program is online.

Degree flexibility

Master’s degree programs are becoming more flexible in terms of course availability, type, and program speed. Most are available on campus, online, or a hybrid of the two, with programs increasingly tailored to the needs of students to better accommodate a work-life balance. Going to school part-time will mean the degree takes longer, but it can be a better option for students who are working full-time.

Online courses also have the option of being synchronous or asynchronous. Synchronous courses are classes that occur on set days and times, with both students and instructors online at the same time for class. Asynchronous courses allow students to complete their work on their own time, usually within a one-week window. During that week, students participate in assignments to show the professor that they are actively engaged in the course.

Coursework

Typically the coursework in a master’s program includes subjects such as:

Clinical psychology

This course looks at the history, development, and future trajectory of clinical psychology. Coursework often includes the study of clinical symptoms of psychiatric disorders and evidence-based interventions.

Human development

In this course, students study the life-long development of humans from birth until an older age. Coursework usually covers topics such as language development, social development, attachment styles, identity development, and so forth.

Counseling and psychotherapy theories

In this course, students study past and current evidence-based counseling theories. They also further explore different psychological theories and techniques that can be utilized when working with clients.

Statistics

Statistics is a staple of most master’s in psychology programs. In this course, you will learn about different statistical methods and techniques that measure human behavior.

Abnormal psychology

This course covers the different factors like environmental, cultural, or biological, that cause or intensify abnormal behavior and a variety of mental health disorders.

Internship or practicum

Practicums usually take one semester and involve treating clients under supervision. Internships last longer and students have more independence when it comes to working with clients.

Specializations

Counseling psychology

This specialization focuses on wellbeing, with evidence-based interventions to treat emotional, behavioral, and mental health issues. Related counseling activities may include diagnosis, teaching, research, assessment, and psychotherapy.

School psychology

With this specialization, you can work with students of all ages and assist them through the schooling process. School psychologists typically conduct psycho-educational assessments and implement the relevant intervention to the individual, group, or family. They also direct the development of coping skills, program development, and consultation services.

Industrial-organizational (I-O) psychology

I-O psychologists focus on group behavior and productivity in the workplace. Professionals in this area tend to be involved in research, employee training, or human resources.

Addiction psychology

Assisting individuals who are struggling with substance use disorders in addition to mental health disorders. Treatment usually includes both individual and/or group sessions, along with case management or medical services. Due to the rise in substance use disorders, more patients are also participating in MAT programs (medication assisted treatment) in which individuals are prescribed medications — for example Methadone or Naltrexone—that help control urges to use, or prevent clients from becoming high after use.

Forensic psychology

Another up-and-coming career which has steadily increased over the past few years. A forensic psychologist assists law enforcement to help profile criminals, assess mental competency and risk, and provide evidence in court.

Social psychology

The study of how an individual is influenced by the presence of others has helped to close the gap between sociology and psychology. Social psychology typically involves topics such as social influence, group dynamics, and interpersonal attraction.

Experimental psychology

This subject area involves the scientific study of the mind. Experimental psychologists seeks to teach us something about the mind and human behavior, they rarely work with individuals—their focus is research. Experimental psychologists are employed in various areas, such as academia, research centers, government, and business.

Accreditation

It is highly recommended for prospective students to choose a program that is accredited. Accreditation proves that you have been trained extensively in the field and are able to utilize evidence-based practices and interventions.

Career options

Clinical psychology is one of the larger subfields of psychology and offers a multitude of specializations, including child psychology, adult mental health, substance abuse, or geriatrics. Clinical psychologists can work in different settings, such as private practice, non-profit organizations, academic settings, or hospitals.

Daily tasks can include completing clinical notes or assessments, diagnosing patients, facilitating individual or group counseling sessions, and completing treatment plans for patients. Clinical psychologists typically have extensive training in administering and scoring assessments, which assess for personality disorders, mental health disorders, learning disabilities, career placement, etc. Clinical psychologists may also choose to conduct research and publish their findings.

Although a master’s degree can be enough to get started in this career, a Ph.D. or Psy.D. may increase your chances of being hired or earning a higher salary.

The average salary for psychologists with a master’s degree is around $82,180. Over the next 10 years, clinical psychology jobs are expected to increase by 3%.

Working in I-O can be both a rewarding and interesting experience for several reasons. I-O psychologists utilize psychological knowledge and principles in areas such as recruiting and hiring employees, job training and development, maximizing workplace wellness and productivity, and organizational development. I-O psychologists also help improve employee performance, and design equipment and work procedures that are better suited to employee abilities and/or limitations. They often work alongside human resource personnel in various types of companies. Most I-O psychologists only need a master’s degree to be able to practice in their field.

Typical courses in the I-O master’s degree program include: industrial-organizational psychology, statistics, and research design.

The average salary for an I-O psychologist is $96,270. Although the expected job growth is 3% in the next decade, professionals in this field may face competition due to larger number of qualified applicants.

Continuing education

After obtaining a master’s degree in psychology, you may want to consider a doctoral program. It can provide more of a competitive edge and better job opportunities if you obtain postdoctoral work experience and specialize in a specific field. In addition, every state has a credentialing board in which you must take a certain amount of continuing education credits to renew your license every 2 years.

Should I get this degree?

A master’s degree in psychology can be a worthwhile and benefitting endeavor. Overall, there is a high projected growth for this field and the U.S. is in need of more psychologists. Currently we are facing a growing mental health crisis, especially since the COVID19 pandemic began.

This can truly be a rewarding field if you are interested in helping others. But it can also be challenging at times. Therefore, it is important to take care of yourself, especially when working in the mental health field.

American Psychological Association (APA)

A leading organization that helps inform students, professionals, and society about the field of psychology and its ability to improve lives.

American Board of Professional Psychology

In the U.S. this is the primary organization responsible for the creation, execution, and maintenance of rules, laws, and standards set forth by the psychological profession.