Online Master of Arts in Psychology

The Department of Psychology offers a graduate program leading to the degree of Master of Arts in psychology. The Master of Arts in psychology program requires a minimum of 36 semester credit hours of graduate studies completed through 27 credit hours of required core courses, six credit hours of psychology electives, and three credit hours of free electives. The department also offers two 12-credit hour graduate certificates that can be completed separately or with the master's program.

 Psychology, M.A.

The graduate program provides students from diverse backgrounds, including those with limited access to a nearby university or scheduling conflicts with face-to-face programs, an opportunity to earn an advanced degree in psychology. The program has a broad focus to prepare students for various careers in psychology and related fields in business, education, the teaching of psychology, human resources, social services, research and data analyses, and jobs in local, state, and federal institutions. The program also provides a foundation for further studies for those planning to apply to doctoral programs in psychology. Being a general program in psychology, our program does not result in eligibility for clinical licensure as a counselor or psychologist.

 Click the link to Psychology, M.A. above for admission requirements.

Learning Outcomes

1.    Human Biological, Behavioral, Cognitive, Emotional, & Social Growth and Development: Students will assess the major theories of individual and family development and behavior across the life span and integrate these psychological theories to professional contexts by applying these theories to professional scenarios. 

2.    Social and Cultural Diversity: Students will assess the impact of the significant aspects of human diversity, including (but not limited to) socioeconomic status, gender, sexual orientation, race/ethnicity, age, health, and physical/intellectual abilities, on the self as a cultural being. Students will justify the application of theoretical and research paradigms of diversity within psychological and professional contexts.

3.    Communication Skills and Relationships: Students will evaluate communication theories and develop plans to integrate learned communication theory and skills in personal, supervisory, consultative, and other professional contexts to promote relational effectiveness. Students will demonstrate practical communication skills.

4.    Research: Students will engage in research processes, including proposing questions, operationalizing psychological variables, and determining appropriate statistical analyses. Students will exhibit an understanding of psychological research methodology and will demonstrate the ability to critique psychological research.

5.    Ethics and Professional Identity: Students will appraise the use of ethical principles and professional codes of conduct, including APA ethical standards, and will apply ethical decision-making to professional, ethical issues, problems, and contexts. Students will construct a personal career pathway that defines their professional goals, objectives, and identity.  

 Behavioral Research Certificate

The certificate in behavioral research provides advanced research skills to individuals interested in research-related careers and/or admission to research-oriented graduate programs, including doctoral psychology programs. Students will develop skills in statistics, research design/methodology, and advanced quantitative analyses. Students will also design and present their original psychological research.

Professional Psychology Certificate

The certificate in professional psychology is aimed at working professionals with at least a bachelor's degree-seeking to advance their academic experience and training in professional psychology, including ethics, diversity, professional communication, supervision, and consultation. 

Students enrolled in the MA Psychology program can use the certificates to demonstrate their proficiency in the areas covered. Please see the Department of Psychology website for more information about our programs and career options.