2022 - Best Universities offering graduate programs in Psychology

What is a Master's Program in Psychology?

A Master’s degree in psychology could be provided as a Master's of Arts (MA), Master's of Science (MS), or even a Master's of Education (MEd). The MA in Psychology emphasizes theoretical understanding, whereas the MS in Psychology emphasizes data collection and analysis, and the MEd in Psychology is for those interested in pursuing a teaching career in psychology.

Pepperdine University : It provides an MA in Psychology along with an MA in other Psychological Specializations. These are some examples of subjects available:

A. Research and Evaluation Methods

B. Physiological Psychology

C. Psychopathology

D. Individual, Couple, and Family Development

E. Behavioral Principles and Theories of Learning

F. Diagnosis and Treatment of Mental Health Disorders

American University, Washington : It provides an MA in Psychology. These are some examples of subjects available:

A. Psychological Research

B. Psychology of Music

C. Psychopathology

D. Cognitive Behavior Therapy

E. Stress, Coping, and Emotion

F. Psychological Assessment

Is a Master’s degree program in Psychology worth it? What kind of Jobs and Salaries do you get after your Master's?

According to the BLS, the national average annual wage for a psychologist is $85,340, which is roughly 64% higher than the national average annual wage for all occupations, which is $51,960. Psychologists' incomes, however, differ significantly from state to state, more so than the salaries of many other professions. Psychology offers a variety of career options as it is a vast subject. Some of them are:

A. Human Resources Analyst/Director: An HR Analyst is a person who works for a company and performs HR Analytics, which is a scientific examination of data connected to the company's human resources. HR Analysts are in charge of gathering and analyzing information about employment, hiring, salaries, and costs, among other things. The standard requirement for an HR analyst position is domain experience in HR. HRM studies or a background in industrial and organizational psychology are usually considered highly relevant.

The average annual salary of an HR analyst/Director is $63,198.

B. Developmental Specialist: A Developmental Specialist is a medical professional who is authoritative in assessing a person's physical, medical, or emotional development. A referral to a developmental specialist is usually sought when there are concerns about a child's development.

A position as a development specialist requires the ability to perform several tasks and the expertise to support children in developing the skills needed to be successful in learning environments.

The average salary of a Developmental Specialist is $53,610 a year

C. Employment Counselor: A Career Counselor or an Employment Counselor is a professional who helps people choose career paths and achieve their career goals. Consultants work with clients to help them enter the workforce, change careers and seek job opportunities.

The average salary for a Career Counselor is $44,693 per year.

D. Behavioral Counselor: A behavioral counselor is a specialized field of psychology that uses a variety of different therapies to help patients transform certain behaviors.

They usually help people identify their behavioral patterns, substance abuse problems, mental disorders, or other problems that alter their behavior. Their main goal is to observe patients and record their progress, transforming their negative behavior into positive

The average salary of a Behavioral Counselor is $40,587 a year.

E. Market Researcher: Market Researchers collect and analyze data on consumers and competitors. Market research analysts study market conditions to investigate the potential sale of a product or service. They help companies understand what products people want, who will buy them, and at what price.

The average annual salary of a Market Researcher is $65,810.

F. Public Relations Representative: A Public Relations Representative manages communications and promotes the public image of a customer or organization. They are media and public relations professionals responsible for creating, planning, and executing public relations strategies to maintain and improve customer insight among various internal and external audiences.

The average annual salary of a Public Relations Representative is $62,810.

G. Community Outreach Specialist: A Community Outreach Specialist informs the public about programs and resources that promote physical and mental health. Duties include the development and implementation of public health programs, staff supervision, budget management, and oversight of marketing and awareness campaigns.

The average annual salary is $55,729.

H. Program Manager: A Program Manager is a professional who coordinates projects within an organization. They make sure everything runs smoothly and follow the program objectives, upholding a high level of detail for each project they oversee throughout the working day.

The skills needed are good communication skills, ability to command respect, conflict resolution skills, good knowledge of project management principles, being comfortable in an uncertain environment, benefit focussed, a constant risk management mindset, leadership skills, etc.

The average annual salary is $77,420.

I. Case Manager: A Case Manager engages with the client and considers all aspects of their life to enable and encourage opportunity and inclusion. They work closely with the client, relatives, and/or support network. Case managers provide the clinical support and expertise for those going through a court case. They committed to the client's holistic well-being by supporting their needs, identifying suppliers, and ensuring that services are affordable.

The average annual income of a Case Manager is $50,972.

Are there universities that do not require the GRE for admission to psychology master's programs?

There are many universities offering psychology master's programs that do not require GRE scores. Find details in Masters programs in Psychology which do not require GRE

How many credits are required to complete an online Master’s program in Psychology?

The credit hours required to complete a program vary by the university. Most master's programs in psychology require 36 credits and last about two years.

What are the different types of psychology?

There are 22 different types of psychology:

Behavioral psychology: The goal of behavioral psychology is to understand the most basic form of human behavior. Behavioral psychologists research to understand what drives human behavior and how the mind relates to behavior. This type of psychology can be about improving negative behaviors, such as addictions.

Biopsychology: Biopsychology is the study of biological factors that can affect the brain and human behavior. Biopsychologists study individuals and conduct research to see if there are biological factors that affect how an individual feels, thinks, and acts. This area of psychology also studies how brain damage and disease affect behavior. With this information, researchers can work to find ways to prevent and treat traumatic brain injury.

Clinical psychology: Clinical psychologists provide therapy and make treatment plans for patients. Clinical psychology is a widely used discipline, with professionals working in many settings, including hospitals, mental health clinics, and even private practices. Clinical psychologists may specialize in a specific demographic group, such as veterans or the elderly, or a particular type of mental illness, eg. B. those resulting from drug abuse.

Cognitive psychology: Cognitive psychology involves understanding how individuals think. The work of cognitive psychologists can examine how people make decisions and solve problems, but they can also delve into other topics such as language development, memory, and perception. Cognitive psychology also studies learning disabilities.

Community psychology: Community psychologists research health problems to educate the community and create programs that help prevent problems. Community psychologists can be found in schools, community organizations, charities, and government agencies. One of the goals of community psychology is the betterment of the community and the people who live there.

Comparative psychology: Comparative psychology is interested in the similarities and differences between human behavior and that of its congeners. Those who work in comparative psychology can observe how animals behave and react to specific situations or stimuli and use these findings to better understand human behavior.

Consumer psychology: It is the study of consumer behavior. It can help organizations identify their target audience, what affects their buying behavior, how they make purchasing decisions, and their attitude towards a particular product or service. Consumer psychologists conduct market research, form focus groups, and observe consumers.

Critical psychology: It is the study of the discipline itself. Critical psychologists examine how the practice of psychology changes and evolves and seek to identify associated trends that could benefit the field.

Developmental psychology: It focuses on the human lifespan and the behaviors, languages, and disabilities that may be present at different stages of life. Developmental psychologists do a lot of work ranging from diagnosing developmental delays in children to researching aging issues.

Educational psychology: It focuses on the learning process, including learning disabilities. Those working in educational psychology can provide teaching techniques for specific groups of students, such as those with learning disabilities and for those who excel in learning. Educational psychologists study how cognitive and social elements can influence learning.

Environmental psychology: It is the study of the relationship between environments and the people who live and interact in them. Environmental psychologists also want to understand how human behavior affects the environment in which they live. In this case, an environment can be natural or set up. Many environmental psychologists can consult with government agencies to help develop policies directly related to the environment.

Evolutionary psychology: It is the study of the interplay between human behavior and evolution and how humans have had to adjust their psychological thinking to accommodate the evolutionary process. An evolutionary psychologist can study human adaptability and what has allowed us to survive for thousands of years.

Forensic psychology: Forensic psychologists work closely with law enforcement and other agencies that may be part of the criminal justice system. This area involves learning about criminals and their behavior, working with children who serve as witnesses in a criminal situation or case and assessing a crime scene to determine how a criminal may have navigated the scene. A forensic psychologist may also provide therapy to victims of crime.

Health psychology: It is the study of mental and physical health and how the two interact based on many factors, such as behavior, biology, and social groups. Health psychologists can explore how to use these factors to improve the overall health and well-being of a person or a particular disease they are dealing with. Those who work in health psychology educate their patients about what they can do to stay healthy.

Industrial-organizational psychology: It's the study of how employees feel influenced or motivated at work, how employers can increase the productivity of their team, and the ways companies may be able to retain employees and increase their job satisfaction. Many businesses use industrial-organizational psychologists to develop tests that serve as a screening tool for specific positions within the company.

Military psychology: Military psychologists work at military installations and with military personnel to provide services such as mental health therapy. They can also help soldiers adjust to civilian life and help service members cope with stress. Many military psychologists help develop recruiting strategies and help leaders understand how to motivate soldiers and work with people who may be experiencing emotional distress.

Neuropsychology: It is the study of the brain and how it affects our behavior and psychological thoughts. A neuropsychologist can work with patients who have had a brain injury or diseases, such as a stroke or dementia, to understand how their diagnosis affects their behavior. They may also work with other medical professionals to develop treatment plans.

Personality psychology: It is the study of an individual's personality and how this can influence one's behavior. These psychologists can try to understand what factors we have, how our personalities can influence our decision-making skills, and if there are characteristics of personalities relating to specific disorders.

Psychometric psychology: The field of psychometric psychology focuses on developing psychological tests and assisting in their administration to specific individuals or groups. These tests can be useful for understanding employees, customers, patients, or children.

Research psychology: It involves researching a subject or a group of people. Research psychologists typically publish their findings and share them with others in the field to provide valuable information that enhances industry knowledge.

School psychology: School psychologists work in school settings to help children. They can evaluate and address issues related to social institutions, academia, and behavior. School psychologists work with teachers, parents, and other administrative staff to develop plans to address any situation where a student faces a particular problem. One of the goals of school psychology is to create a learning environment that is safe and productive for all.

Social psychology: It is the study of social groups and how they influence and influence each other within groups. It also includes understanding how people behave in certain social situations. A social psychologist can assess attitudes, communication styles, and other behaviors such as aggression.

What is the difference between psychotherapy and psychology?

Psychotherapy can be used to treat individuals, couples, families, or even groups. Essentially, it's about talking about your feelings with a trained professional to help you overcome any issues. Whether you are dealing with stress and problematic habits or poor mental health, a therapist will help you understand what is bothering you.

To do this, a psychotherapist can use a wide variety of different speech therapies, including:

> cognitive behavioral therapies

> systemic and family psychotherapy

> psychoanalytic therapies

> psychodynamic therapies

> artistic and playful therapies

> humanistic and integrative psychotherapies

Confusingly, "psychotherapist" is a rather broad umbrella term. It describes anyone trained to treat people who use speech therapy, so it can include anyone from psychiatrists to psychologists. They will have trained for at least three or four years, but maybe even more. For example, if you are a psychologist, you have at least six years of experience under your belt.

Although there is a lot of overlap between them, a psychotherapist will generally take a more in-depth approach than a counselor. They are also better equipped to deal with complex mental health issues such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and personality disorders.

Psychology is the study of people, According to the American Psychological Association, it is the scientific study of the mind and behavior. It deals with all aspects of behavior and the thoughts, feelings, and motivations that underlie such behavior. Psychology is a discipline that is primarily concerned with the normal functioning of the mind and has explored areas such as learning, remembering, and the normal psychological development of children. It is one of the fastest-growing university subjects and is increasingly available in schools and colleges. Psychologists are usually not medically qualified and only a small fraction of people who study psychology continue to work with patients.

What is the cost of doing a psychology master's program?

Masters in psychology will usually take around 1-2 years and cost $25,000 - $60,000 based on the program choice. This course is offered in over 200 Universities.

Benedictine University costs $48,000 for MS Clinical Psychology program.

Middle Tennessee State University costs $66,470 for MA & EdS PSychology program.

Sofia University, Palo Alto costs $58,500 for MA Counseling Psychology program.

Temple University, Philadelphia costs $42,528 for MS Psychological Research program.

What is the cost of doing a psychology online master's program?

An online Master's program in psychology costs around $14,000 - $30,000 pers year.

This course takes an average of 2 years.

What are the prerequisites for doing a Master's in Psychology? Should you have a background in psychology?

All of the colleges in the US that offer Masters in Psychology need you to have completed the equivalent of a bachelor's-level education with at least 120-course credits but it need not be a psychology course. It mostly depends on the specialization that you will be choosing there and many schools allow you to pursue a master’s in psychology without a bachelor’s specifically in the field. That said, you should certainly have done previous coursework or training in areas such as psychological statistics or research methods.

Also, if you are doing Research Psychology or any Statistics based course, the University or College might ask you to have a background in Mathematics.

Apart from that, most master’s programs require at least a 3.0 GPA for admission, with many requiring a minimum of 3.3. Many programs require you to pass the Graduate Records Examination (GRE), but this is not always the case. Some schools require other tests, while others do not require grades at all.

Is an online master's degree in psychology cheaper than an on-campus one?

This largely depends upon the University or College you are enrolling in and what specialization you take but on an average, and if we consider other costs as well which are along the lines of accommodation and travel cost, an online master's degree in psychology is, in fact, cheaper than on-campus ones. Even if we do not consider additional costs and only focus on tuition fees, online courses are still mostly less costly than on-campus ones.

Can I find accelerated Master's degree programs in psychology in 12–18 months?

Most Master's degree programs in psychology go on for a duration of 2 years and can go up to 4 years as the first year is used to familiarize students with the course and the next years are for the specialization but some courses are accelerated, i.e., that takes 12-18 months to complete.

Boston University offers a 1 year program in MA Psychology which costs you $30,780

Northwestern University offers a 1.5 years program in MS Counseling which costs you $54,559

Ohio State University offers a 12 months program in MA Educational Psychology which costs you $37,140.

Pennsylvania State University offers a 1 year program in MS Educational Psychology which costs you $37,694.

University of Chicago offers a 1 year program in MA Social Sciences - Psychology which costs you $49,734.

University of Minnesota Twin Cities (U of M Twin Cities) offers a 1 year program in MA Child Psychology, MA Educational Psychology, and MA Psychology which costs you $28,452.

Best Graduate Programs in Psychology - Updated 2022

There are 450 universities that offer Masters program in Psychology. Which one is the best-fit for you? Use Match me with Master’s Program for Psychology to find the best college.

Princeton University

Harvard University

Yale University

University of Chicago

Columbia University in the City of New York

Stanford University

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Duke University

University of Pennsylvania

California Institute of Technology