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MS in Psychology
Request InformationGrow your career as you make a lasting, positive impact for individuals, families, and communities.
Next start dates
- Course-Based Courses with a set schedule March 01, 2021
- Tempo Competency-Based Learning Go at your own pace February 01, 2021
Transfer Credits
- Up to 24 Credits
Improve the lives of many with an MS in Psychology from Walden.
By completing our online MS in Psychology program, you will have the opportunity to build credibility as a psychology practitioner and impact more lives in need. Learn to apply the latest psychological research and theory to solve critical, relevant problems affecting your clients and communities today. A master’s in psychology is a nonlicensure degree that prepares students for career advancement in settings such as community agencies, healthcare, education, or social services.
Gain sought-after skills
Develop job-ready competencies that are important to today’s employers—such as written communication, and inquiry and analysis.
One-on-one Guidance from Faculty
Benefit from personalized support that exceeds what you’d find in a typical classroom.
Multiple Specializations
Choose from several MS in Psychology specializations to shape the career you want through relevant coursework.
Open to all Undergraduates
The MS in Psychology program at Walden is open to students of all undergraduate backgrounds.
Program Savings
Tempo Competency-Based Learning™: Receive up to a $4,000 grant if you reside in the U.S. and start this program on February 1, 2021. Contact one of our Enrollment Specialists to learn more.
Get Started NowTwo Ways to Learn
Choose from two degree completion options.
The course-based format may be a good option for you if you prefer an instructor-led approach and learning on a predetermined schedule.
Tempo Competency-Based Learning™ is an alternative way to earn your Walden degree. It’s different from our standard course-based learning because you can work at a pace that makes sense for you, and progress once you’ve shown you understand a subject. With Tempo Learning®, you have the flexibility of online learning, plus the ability to personalize and control the length, cost, and pacing of your program.
See below which specializations are offered in Tempo Competency-Based Learning in addition to our standard course-based learning.
General Psychology
Explore the fundamentals of psychology, including its theories, methods, and principles through the comprehensive study of the social, cultural, and cognitive aspects of human behavior.
Course-Based Learning Doctoral Preparation TempoApplied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
This specialization is for those in the helping professions who want to explore psychological development at all stages of life.
Applied Psychology
Explore the fundamentals of psychology, including methods, theory, and principles of the field while learning about psychopathology, intervention, and principles of ethics in professional psychology practice.
Course-Based Learning Doctoral PreparationDigital Psychology
Interaction with digital technology has a profound impact on human psychological development, behavior, and attitudes. In this specialization, you’ll explore the risks, challenges, and opportunities of digital media and what it means to behave responsibly in the digital world.
Educational Psychology
Study cognition, motivation, life span development, and learning for individuals ranging from high achievers to those with specialized needs.
Course-Based Learning Doctoral PreparationHealth Psychology
Gain a broad understanding of psychological theories, principles, and research strategies while learning how to prevent illness and to promote healthy behaviors.
Course-Based Learning Doctoral PreparationSelf-Designed
Get maximum flexibility to design a program that closely matches your personal and professional goals.
Course-Based Learning Doctoral PreparationSocial Psychology
Explore the way individuals socially construct thoughts, attitudes, and feelings, and gain an understanding of how this process affects both individual and group behavior.
Course-Based Learning Doctoral PreparationAdmission Requirements
Program Admission Considerations: A bachelor's degree or higher.
General Admission Requirements: Completed online application and transcripts. Please note that the materials you are required to submit may vary depending on the academic program to which you apply. More information for international applicants.
Build Skills That Set You Apart
In one of the first MS in Psychology programs offered online, you can prepare to pursue career opportunities in various settings—or lay the foundation for your doctorate. Go beyond psychology theory and research to hone the professional skills that employers value. These include written communication, social awareness, cross-cultural competence, and evidence-based decision making.
Learning Outcomes
Graduates of Walden’s online MS in Psychology program will be prepared to:
- Describe the foundations of psychology.
- Synthesize psychological theory and research to apply in real-world situations, such as in educational, social, organizational, and health settings.
- Interpret psychological theory and research.
- Describe psychological theory, research, and practice from a multicultural and/or global perspective.
- Apply psychological theory, research, and practice to scholarly and/or professional activities that promote positive social change.
What’s the Career Impact of Earning an MS in Psychology?
There's a growing need for social and human services professionals to provide services and expertise in fields such as psychology, education, healthcare, and social work. Jobs in this area are expected to grow 13% through 2028—much faster than the national average.1
With an MS in Psychology from Walden, you’ll be positioned for possible advancement in your current career. A master’s degree can also open the door to new professional opportunities as well as doctoral studies.
What Can I Do With an MS in Psychology?
Psychology professionals at the master’s level may work in a variety of settings, such as:
- Schools
- Community colleges
- Local, state, or federal governments
- Child and family service organizations
- Healthcare agencies
- Nonprofit organizations
- Social service agencies
Potential career roles include:
- Instructor at community college
- Research assistant
- Project coordinator
- Data analyst/manager
- Research coordinator
- Healthcare coordinator at hospitals or mental health facilities
- Intervention advocate
Graduates of the MS in Psychology program with the Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) specialization who go on to receive Board Certified Behavior Analyst® (BCBA®) certification may also be prepared to work in the following areas:
- Home and workplace
- Hospitals, clinics, and rehabilitation centers
- Animal welfare and training
- Vehicular and pedestrian safety
- Sports, health, and fitness
Career options may require additional experience, training, or other factors beyond the successful completion of this online MS in Psychology degree program.
Testimonials
Earning my MS in Psychology and PhD in Psychology has provided me a greater understanding of several disciplines, including learning, human development, research and writing, education, and even business.
Theresa M. Bane MS in Psychology Graduate
Walden is an amazing university that offers around-the-clock support.
Lia Williams MS in Psychology Graduate
From the wonderful faculty members and students to the residencies and commencement experiences, I have truly enjoyed every moment of my time here.
Nickole Cottrill MS in Psychology Graduate
Resource Articles
What Can You Do with a Master’s in Psychology?
Resource Articles
What Is Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)?
FAQ About Walden’s Online MS in Psychology Program
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When it comes to jobs with a master’s in psychology, the positions are as diverse as the field of psychology itself. Those with a master’s degree in psychology work both independently and within teams of diverse professionals, including lawyers, doctors, engineers, teachers, policymakers, and business executives. They work in both the public and private sectors. Some psychology professionals work primarily as researchers, while others are primarily practitioners. Many do both as scientist-practitioners. Earning a master’s degree in psychology can also prepare you for advanced studies and put you on track to earning a doctoral degree. A sampling of jobs you might hold with an MS in Psychology include:
- Human resources manager
- Market researcher
- Project coordinator/manager
- Family services manager
- Social services manager
- Employee trainer
- Healthcare coordinator
- Data analyst or manager
- Intervention advocate
- Instructor at a community college
Career options may require additional experience, training, or other factors beyond the successful completion of this degree program.
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When it comes to finding the best online academic institution, reputation is key. Walden University has been leading adult learning and developing distance education programs for 50 years. Now more than ever, working professionals need online access to an accredited university that enables them to achieve success and receive the support they need, from enrollment through graduation. At Walden, students and graduates receive ongoing assistance as they work to earn their degree, advance their career, and effect positive social change.
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At Walden, you can choose from an array of program specializations to tailor your studies to your interests and aspirations. Specializations include Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), Educational Psychology, Health Psychology, and Social Psychology. The General Psychology option allows you to gain a broad understanding of psychology and how you can apply its principles throughout your career. The Self-Designed option offers ultimate flexibility by allowing you to design a program that most closely matches your personal and professional goals.
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Applied behavior analysis (ABA) is a widely used therapy for children and adults on the autism spectrum and is practiced by behavior analysts. According to the Behavior Analyst Certification Board, the demand for certified behavior analysts has grown annually since 2010, with a 127% leap in job postings between 2017 and 2018.1 Those serving in this role work with clients to reinforce and encourage positive behaviors. Behavior analysts use evaluated and reliable interventions based upon principles of learning to improve socially important behavior of individuals. ABA therapy can help treat a variety of challenges, including problems with language and communication, attention, memory, focus, and more.
1Source: www.bacb.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/US-Employment-Demand-for-Behavior-Analysts_2019.pdf
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The path to becoming a board certified behavior analyst starts with an approved master’s degree program from an accredited university. Look for an online master’s program that offers specializations that match your career goals. Walden University’s MS in Psychology program with a specialization in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) offers a course sequence verified by the Association for Behavior Analysis International, which meets the coursework requirements to sit for the Board Certified Behavior Analyst® (BCBA®) exam. Graduates of this program who wish to pursue certification must also complete a period of supervised practical experience as defined by the BCBA®. Walden does not offer the fieldwork component required for the BCBA exam. Walden Enrollment Specialists can provide information relating to national certification exams; however, it remains the individual student’s responsibility to understand, evaluate, and comply with all requirements relating to national certification exams for the state in which he or she intends to practice.
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According to Walden’s Dr. Marilyn Powell, if you’re interested in how systems and people work—and are compassionate and curious—a career in psychology is a good decision. “Students who are empathic and determined to use their skills for good—who can really see all sides of situations and apply reason and logic to support others to grow and change—are especially drawn to and successful in psychology,” she says. “There are so many problems in our world to solve, and psychology students typically want to be part of the problem-solving process—to really analyze and understand the issues, work with others to come up with new ideas, and implement change.” Whether online or on campus, getting a master’s in psychology is a step in the right direction if you’re looking to effect positive social change.
Questions about our MS in Psychology?
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