Resource Articles
MS in Psychology
Request InformationPersonalize your path in psychology with a master’s program that lets you follow your passion.
Next start dates
- Course-Based Courses with a set schedule May 30, 2022
- Tempo Learning® Go at your own pace June 06, 2022
Transfer Credits
- Up to 24 Credits
Gain Deep Insight Into Human Behavior With an Online Master’s in Psychology
Do you want to leverage the science of human behavior to improve people’s lives? Walden’s MS in Psychology program empowers you to pursue your passions and build the career you were meant for. Tailor your coursework to reflect your interests and how you want to make an impact in this fascinating field.
Whether you’re looking for insights that help you perform your job better—or you plan to pursue your doctorate, our program offers a clear path to your future. An online master’s in psychology degree prepares students to apply the latest psychological research and theory to solve critical problems affecting individuals, families, and communities today.
Why Choose Walden?
Pursue Your Passion
Choose from eight MS in Psychology specializations to focus on the career and future you want.
Learn at Your Own Pace
Available in the General Psychology specialization, Tempo Learning® lets you personalize the pacing of your studies.
Get a Head Start on Your PhD
Depending on your specialization, you can take up to five doctoral-level courses at the master’s tuition rate and prepare for your PhD.
Gain Skills for Good
The principles of creating positive social change are woven into our courses, with a focus on diversity and cultural sensitivity.
Program Savings
Tempo Learning®: Receive up to a $2,000 Grant if you reside in the U.S. and start this program on June 6, 2022. Contact one of our Enrollment Specialists to learn more.
Course-Based: Receive up to a $3,000 Grant if you reside in the U.S. and start this program on May 30, 2022. Contact one of our Enrollment Specialists to learn more.
Get Started Now-
Curriculum
Degree Completion Requirements
- 48 quarter credits
This represents the minimum credit requirement for program completion. The number of credits for completion will vary by student, depending on individual progress and credits transferred, if applicable. For a personalized estimate of the number of your transfer credits that Walden would accept, contact an Enrollment Specialist at 855-646-5286.
Courses
Course Code Title Credits PSYC 6002 Foundations of Graduate Study in PsychologyStudents in this course are introduced to Walden University and to the requirements for successful participation in an online curriculum. Students build a foundation for academic and professional success as social change agents. They assess the relationship of Walden's mission and vision to professional goals. They establish connections with their peers and the broader Walden community. Students engage in course assignments focused on the practical application of scholarly writing, critical-thinking skills, academic integrity, ethics, and the promotion of professional and academic excellence within the field of psychology.
(3 cr.) PSYC 6200 Themes and Theories of PsychologyIn this course, students are introduced to theories, research, and themes that form the tenets of psychology. Basic theoretical models are reviewed, including psychodynamic, cognitive, developmental, social learning/sociocognitive, behaviorist, learning and motivation, systems, biopsychosocial, and gender theories. Theories encompassing diverse populations, including cross-cultural and feminist theories, are also covered. Students critically examine the strengths and limitations of these theories and their utility in the field of psychology. Contemporary themes in psychology are explored, with an emphasis on application of theories designed to effect positive social change.
Prerequisites
- PSYC 6002
(5 cr.) PSYC 6215 Lifespan DevelopmentIn this course, students are provided with an advanced overview of development through the lifespan, including prenatal, childhood, adolescent, adult, and late adult phases. Basic developmental processes and theories are examined and applied to developmental milestones that occur within these phases of development. Themes of diversity are highlighted throughout the course. Additional topics include ethics, research, global perspectives, and social change.
(5 cr.) PSYC 6701 Culture and PsychologyStudents in this course explore the cultural components, research, and theory of cross-cultural psychology. In addition to the previously listed goals, students focus on the impact that culture has on the field of psychology around the world. The scope of this course is broad, with the core theme being cross-cultural psychology (focusing on cultures representing different parts of the world) and comparing cultural influence on human psychology. Many of the topics addressed are related to human development. Additionally, interactions among culture and social behaviors, health, mental health, and mental illnesses are emphasized throughout the duration of this course.
Prerequisites
- PSYC 6200
(5 cr.) RSCH 6110 Research Theory, Design, and MethodsIn this research course, students are provided with core knowledge and skills for understanding, analyzing, and designing research at the graduate level. Students explore the philosophy of science, the role of theory, and research processes. Quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods research designs and data collection methods are introduced. The alignment of research components is emphasized. Students also explore ethical and social change implications of designing and conducting research. Students demonstrate their knowledge and skills by developing an annotated bibliography.
(5 cr.) PSYC 6245 Social PsychologyIn this course, students use the lens of social psychology to examine both social cognitions and social behavior—nearly all phenomena that pertain to the individual in society. Students explore the topics of perceptions, attitudes, relationships and attraction, the motivation to help others, prejudice and aggression, conformity and obedience, group behavior, and the influence of culture, and consider how knowledge of these topics can be used to effect positive social change. Students' application of what they learn in this course culminates in a final project in which they develop a plan for using social psychology research to address a significant social problem. Moreover, students' learning in this course will extend to their personal and professional lives and truly enable them to effect positive social change as a scholar-practitioner committed to doing so.
Prerequisites
- PSYC 6215
- PSYC 6701
(5 cr.) PSYC 6800 Applied Psychology Research MethodsIn this research course, students are provided with core knowledge and skills for collecting, analyzing, and interpreting quantitative data at the graduate level. Students are provided practical skills in conducting applied research activities including methodological approaches, data collection, and management. They also explore basic exploratory, descriptive, and inferential analyses and apply statistical techniques to analyze data.
Prerequisites
- RSCH 6110
(5 cr.) PSYC 6220 Psychology of PersonalityProfessionals study personality in a variety of contexts to better understand the factors that compose an individual's psychological framework, including feelings, thoughts, and motivations. Students in this course are introduced to the major theories of personality and personality assessment approaches. Students examine research that supports multiple theories as well as basic concepts and principles of the various schools of thought. They also explore and discuss related topics, such as various aspects of psychology, including psychoanalytic, biological, behaviorist, learning, social-cognitive, trait and skill, humanistic, and existential, in addition to individual, cultural, and gender differences in personality. Students consider themes of diversity throughout the course.
Prerequisites
- RSCH 6110
(5 cr.) PSYC 6238 Cognitive and Affective Bases of BehaviorStudents in this course review core theories of cognition and affect and their roles in human functioning. Students review basic components of cognition, including knowledge acquisition, knowledge representation, language and various aspects of thinking, and emotions. There is also a focus on the multidimensional and interactive characteristics of human cognitive and affective functioning. A specific emphasis is placed on theories and research bearing on how cognition and affect interact in important areas of human functioning, such as emotional regulation, construction of reality, motivation, psychopathology, and health.
Prerequisites
- RSCH 6110
(5 cr.) PSYC 6393 CapstoneStudents are provided with the opportunity to synthesize knowledge and skills acquired throughout their program into a practical project designed to promote positive social change in a capstone project. During this course, students work on a capstone project in which they complete a major integrative paper on a topic related to their specialization, incorporating theoretical and practical knowledge as well as social scientific research skills acquired throughout the program. The instructor may approve other capstone projects presented by students.
Prerequisites
- All prior coursework
(5 cr.) VIEW ALL COURSES -
Curriculum
Degree Completion Requirements
- 48 quarter credits
This represents the minimum credit requirement for program completion. The number of credits for completion will vary by student, depending on individual progress and credits transferred, if applicable. For a personalized estimate of the number of your transfer credits that Walden would accept, contact an Enrollment Specialist at 855-646-5286.
Courses
Course Code Title Credits PSYC 6002 Foundations of Graduate Study in PsychologyStudents in this course are introduced to Walden University and to the requirements for successful participation in an online curriculum. Students build a foundation for academic and professional success as social change agents. They assess the relationship of Walden's mission and vision to professional goals. They establish connections with their peers and the broader Walden community. Students engage in course assignments focused on the practical application of scholarly writing, critical-thinking skills, academic integrity, ethics, and the promotion of professional and academic excellence within the field of psychology.
(3 cr.) PSYC 6200 Themes and Theories of PsychologyIn this course, students are introduced to theories, research, and themes that form the tenets of psychology. Basic theoretical models are reviewed, including psychodynamic, cognitive, developmental, social learning/sociocognitive, behaviorist, learning and motivation, systems, biopsychosocial, and gender theories. Theories encompassing diverse populations, including cross-cultural and feminist theories, are also covered. Students critically examine the strengths and limitations of these theories and their utility in the field of psychology. Contemporary themes in psychology are explored, with an emphasis on application of theories designed to effect positive social change.
Prerequisites
- PSYC 6002
(5 cr.) PSYC 6215 Lifespan DevelopmentIn this course, students are provided with an advanced overview of development through the lifespan, including prenatal, childhood, adolescent, adult, and late adult phases. Basic developmental processes and theories are examined and applied to developmental milestones that occur within these phases of development. Themes of diversity are highlighted throughout the course. Additional topics include ethics, research, global perspectives, and social change.
(5 cr.) PSYC 6701 Culture and PsychologyStudents in this course explore the cultural components, research, and theory of cross-cultural psychology. In addition to the previously listed goals, students focus on the impact that culture has on the field of psychology around the world. The scope of this course is broad, with the core theme being cross-cultural psychology (focusing on cultures representing different parts of the world) and comparing cultural influence on human psychology. Many of the topics addressed are related to human development. Additionally, interactions among culture and social behaviors, health, mental health, and mental illnesses are emphasized throughout the duration of this course.
Prerequisites
- PSYC 6200
(5 cr.) RSCH 6110 Research Theory, Design, and MethodsIn this research course, students are provided with core knowledge and skills for understanding, analyzing, and designing research at the graduate level. Students explore the philosophy of science, the role of theory, and research processes. Quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods research designs and data collection methods are introduced. The alignment of research components is emphasized. Students also explore ethical and social change implications of designing and conducting research. Students demonstrate their knowledge and skills by developing an annotated bibliography.
(5 cr.) PSYC 6245 Social PsychologyIn this course, students use the lens of social psychology to examine both social cognitions and social behavior—nearly all phenomena that pertain to the individual in society. Students explore the topics of perceptions, attitudes, relationships and attraction, the motivation to help others, prejudice and aggression, conformity and obedience, group behavior, and the influence of culture, and consider how knowledge of these topics can be used to effect positive social change. Students' application of what they learn in this course culminates in a final project in which they develop a plan for using social psychology research to address a significant social problem. Moreover, students' learning in this course will extend to their personal and professional lives and truly enable them to effect positive social change as a scholar-practitioner committed to doing so.
Prerequisites
- PSYC 6215
- PSYC 6701
(5 cr.) RSCH 6210 Quantitative Reasoning and AnalysisStudents in this research course build core knowledge and skills for designing quantitative research at the doctoral level, including understanding data analysis and applying statistical concepts. Students explore classical quantitative research designs and common statistical tests, the importance of quality assurance, and ethical and social change implications of conducting quantitative research and producing knowledge. In this course, students approach statistics from a problem-solving perspective with emphasis on selecting appropriate statistical tests for a research design. Students use statistical software to calculate statistics and interpret and present results. Students will apply and synthesize their knowledge and skills by developing a quantitative research plan.
(5 cr.) PSYC 6220 Psychology of PersonalityProfessionals study personality in a variety of contexts to better understand the factors that compose an individual's psychological framework, including feelings, thoughts, and motivations. Students in this course are introduced to the major theories of personality and personality assessment approaches. Students examine research that supports multiple theories as well as basic concepts and principles of the various schools of thought. They also explore and discuss related topics, such as various aspects of psychology, including psychoanalytic, biological, behaviorist, learning, social-cognitive, trait and skill, humanistic, and existential, in addition to individual, cultural, and gender differences in personality. Students consider themes of diversity throughout the course.
Prerequisites
- RSCH 6110
(5 cr.) PSYC 6238 Cognitive and Affective Bases of BehaviorStudents in this course review core theories of cognition and affect and their roles in human functioning. Students review basic components of cognition, including knowledge acquisition, knowledge representation, language and various aspects of thinking, and emotions. There is also a focus on the multidimensional and interactive characteristics of human cognitive and affective functioning. A specific emphasis is placed on theories and research bearing on how cognition and affect interact in important areas of human functioning, such as emotional regulation, construction of reality, motivation, psychopathology, and health.
Prerequisites
- RSCH 6110
(5 cr.) PSYC 6393 CapstoneStudents are provided with the opportunity to synthesize knowledge and skills acquired throughout their program into a practical project designed to promote positive social change in a capstone project. During this course, students work on a capstone project in which they complete a major integrative paper on a topic related to their specialization, incorporating theoretical and practical knowledge as well as social scientific research skills acquired throughout the program. The instructor may approve other capstone projects presented by students.
Prerequisites
- All prior coursework
(5 cr.) VIEW ALL COURSES
Flexible Learning
Choose the learning path that fits your life and experience. Here are the two ways to earn your degree:
| Course-based learning |
Tempo Learning® |
|
|---|---|---|
| The standard, guided pace to earn your degree |
The flexible pace, ideal for some students |
|
| Time | Structured schedule |
Flexible schedule |
| Pace | Deadlines to make steady progress |
Set your own pace, and speed up or slow down when needed |
| Tuition | Pay by the course |
All-you-can-learn subscription fee |
| Support | Faculty guide you through your courses as you earn your degree |
Faculty support when you need it and a personal academic coach |
| Expert Walden Faculty |
✔ |
✔ |
| Payment Plans and Scholarships* |
✔ |
✔ |
*May not be available for all programs
Please note that Tempo Learning® is only available in the General Specialization: Career Track.
Admission 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.
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Curriculum Component Requirements Cost amount Tuition 48 quarter credit $548 per quarter hour $26,304 Technology Fee Per quarter $165 $825
$27,129*
*Tuition reflects the minimum time to completion. Time to completion varies by student, depending on individual progress and credits transferred, if applicable. Tuition and time to complete may be reduced if transfer credits are accepted, or if you receive grants, scholarships or other tuition reductions. Walden may accept up to 24 transfer credits. For a personalized estimate of the number of your transfer credits that Walden would accept, call an Enrollment Specialist at 855-646-5286.
Tuition and fees are subject to change. Books and materials are not included and may cost between $2,500 to $3,500.
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Progress at Your Pace. Control Your Cost.
Walden’s Tempo Learning® programs follow a subscription-based pricing format. Students are billed a flat-rate for each 3-month subscription term. All pricing is represented in U.S. dollars and is subject to change.
Program Subscription Period Tuition Subscription Period Technology Fee Subscription Period Time Frame MS in Psychology $2,900 $165 3-month subscription period
Financial Aid
Financial aid is available for this program. Our financial aid advisors can help you identify funding opportunities to help you pay for your education.
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Curriculum Component Requirements Cost amount Tuition 63 quarter credit $548 per quarter hour $34,524 Technology Fee Per quarter $165 $1,155
$35,679*
*Tuition reflects the minimum time to completion. Time to completion varies by student, depending on individual progress and credits transferred, if applicable. Tuition and time to complete may be reduced if transfer credits are accepted, or if you receive grants, scholarships or other tuition reductions. Walden may accept up to 24 transfer credits. For a personalized estimate of the number of your transfer credits that Walden would accept, call an Enrollment Specialist at 855-646-5286.
Tuition and fees are subject to change. Books and materials are not included and may cost between $2,500 to $3,500.
FINANCIAL AID
Many Walden degree-seeking students—67%—receive some form of financial aid.* Create a customized plan that makes sense for you.
*Source: Walden University’s Office of Financial Aid. Data reports as of 2018.
Find Ways to SaveProgram Savings
Tempo Learning®: Receive up to a $2,000 Grant if you reside in the U.S. and start this program on June 6, 2022. Contact one of our Enrollment Specialists to learn more.
Course-Based: Receive up to a $3,000 Grant if you reside in the U.S. and start this program on May 30, 2022. Contact one of our Enrollment Specialists to learn more.
Get Started NowGeneral 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.
Also available in Tempo Learning®!
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
Explore the concepts and principles of ABA therapy and how it can be used to enhance lives and create social change.
Applied Psychology
Learn about psychopathology, intervention, and principles of ethics in professional practice.
Digital Psychology
Explore the impacts of digital technology and media on individuals, organizations, and the world.
Educational Psychology
Study cognition, motivation, life span development, and learning for individuals of all different capabilities and aptitudes.
Health Psychology
Study psychological theories, principles, and research strategies. Learn how to prevent illness and promote healthy behaviors.
Self-Designed
Leverage maximum flexibility to design a program that closely matches your personal and professional goals.
Social Psychology
Explore how people socially construct thoughts and attitudes, and learn how this process affects individual and group behavior.
Built a Robust Professional Skill Set
In Walden’s online master’s in psychology program, you can prepare to make a positive impact in nonclinical roles or lay the foundation for your doctorate. Go beyond psychological theory and research to build versatile professional skills sought by employers. These include written communication, social awareness, cross-cultural competence, and evidence-based decision making.
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.
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
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.
Learning Outcomes
As a graduate of Walden’s master’s degree in psychology online program, you 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.
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Sreeroopa Sarkar
Program DirectorDr. Sarkar’s areas of interest include mental health promotion within the school setting, cross-cultural and international research related to mental health and gender issues, and human development. She has presented extensively at national and international conferences and published in peer-reviewed journals.
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Mary Pinon
Academic CoordinatorDr. Pinon’s training is in developmental psychology, with a research emphasis on the influences of electronic media on children. With more than 20 years of teaching and research experience, she has published articles in several journals and authored a book chapter in Bayley-III Clinical Use and Interpretation.
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Robin Friedman
Senior Core FacultyDr. Friedman worked as a clinical psychologist in private practice for 10 years before going into teaching. Her research expertise is in qualitative research, primarily phenomenology and heuristics. Her areas of interest include women’s and family-related issues, and international or cross-cultural issues.
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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