What can you do with an MS in Psychology?

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.

How do you choose the best online university to earn your master’s in psychology?

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.

What kind of specializations does an MS in Psychology program offer?

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.

What is the field of applied behavior analysis?

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. 1 Source: www.bacb.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/US-Employment-Demand-for-Behavior-Analysts_2019.pdf

How can you become a behavior analyst?

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.

Is a master’s in psychology program right for you?

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.

MS in Psychology

Request Information

Grow your career as you make a lasting, positive impact for individuals, families, and communities.

Next start dates

Course-Based Courses with a set schedule November 30, 2020
Tempo Competency-Based Learning Go at your own pace November 02, 2020

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 a 50% tuition reduction for the life of the program if you reside in the U.S. and start this program on November 2, 2020. Contact one of our Enrollment Specialists to learn more.

Course-Based: Receive a $2,000 grant if you reside in the U.S. and start this program on November 30, 2020. Contact one of our enrollment specialists to learn more.

Get Started Now

Two 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.

Get a Head Start on Your Doctorate

Some of the specializations in this program offer a track that lays the groundwork for pursuit of your doctoral degree. See below which specializations offer a doctoral preparation track.

Specializations

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 Tempo

Applied 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.