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.
Program Details
Get a Jump on Your Doctorate
Most of our MS in Psychology specializations offer a track that prepares you to pursue your doctoral degree—so you can continue your journey with the No. 1 granter of PhD in Psychology degrees in the U.S.¹
Curriculum
Degree Completion Requirements
- 48 quarter credits
View the COMPLETE CURRICULUM PLAN.
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 844-483-7976.
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.
The progress you make now pays you back. You’ll receive your final courses tuition-free, depending on your program.
We believe you can achieve your goals—and we’re here to support you along your journey.
Request information to learn more about scholarships and financial aid.
*Tuition and fees are subject to change. See Tuition and Fees section and Scholarship Details for more information.
| Curriculum Component | Requirements | Cost | amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition | 48 quarter credit | $555 per quarter hour | $26,640 |
| Program Fee | Per quarter | $170 | $850 |
| $27,490** | |||
| BELIEVE & ACHIEVE SCHOLARSHIP YOUR TUITION |
-$5,550 $21,940 |
||
Effective February 26, 2024
| Curriculum Component | Requirements | Cost | amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition | 48 quarter credit | $570 per quarter hour | $27,360 |
| Program Fee | Per quarter | $175 | $875 |
| $28,235** | |||
| BELIEVE & ACHIEVE SCHOLARSHIP YOUR TUITION |
-$5,700 $22,535 |
||
*Represents the course-based learning format, specialization other than Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), minimum time to completion, and Believe & Achieve Scholarship. Your actual total program time and costs may vary. Believe & Achieve Scholarship savings based on current tuition. See Scholarship Details for more information.
**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.
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 PROGRAM Fee | Subscription Period Time Frame |
|---|---|---|---|
| MS in Psychology | $2,900 | $170 | 3-month subscription period |
| You may be able to complete your MS in Psychology degree in 8 months for under $10,000.* | |||
Effective March 4, 2024
| Program | Subscription Period Tuition | Subscription Period PROGRAM Fee | Subscription Period Time Frame |
|---|---|---|---|
| MS in Psychology | $3,000 | $175 | 3-month subscription period |
| You may be able to complete your MS in Psychology degree in 8 months for under $10,000.* | |||
*Represents Tempo Learning® format, Believe & Achieve Scholarship, and the fastest pace of our top 25% transfer students in this program in the Tempo Learning® format. Your actual total program time and costs will depend on your individual pace and transfer credits. A student’s pace is usually determined by their experience, ability to work independently, and availability. Believe & Achieve Scholarship savings based on current tuition. See Scholarship Details for more information.
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.
| Curriculum Component | Requirements | Cost | amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition | 63 quarter credit | $555 per quarter hour | $34,965 |
| Program Fee | Per quarter | $170 | $1,190 |
| $36,155** | |||
| BELIEVE & ACHIEVE SCHOLARSHIP YOUR TUITION |
-$5,550 $30,605* |
||
*Represents the course-based learning format, Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) specialization, minimum time to completion, and Believe & Achieve Scholarship. Your actual total program time and costs may vary. Believe & Achieve Scholarship savings based on current tuition. See Scholarship Details for more information.
**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 844-940-8909.
Tuition and fees are subject to change. Books and materials are not included and may cost between $2,500 to $3,500.
Effective February 26, 2024
| Curriculum Component | Requirements | Cost | amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition | 63 quarter credit | $570 per quarter hour | $35,910 |
| Program Fee | Per quarter | $175 | $1,225 |
| $37,135** | |||
| BELIEVE & ACHIEVE SCHOLARSHIP YOUR TUITION |
-$5,700 $31,435* |
||
*Represents the course-based learning format, Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) specialization, minimum time to completion, and Believe & Achieve Scholarship. Your actual total program time and costs may vary. Believe & Achieve Scholarship savings based on current tuition. See Scholarship Details for more information.
**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.
With Tempo Learning, you may be able to complete your MS in Psychology degree in as few as 8 months for as low as $10,000.*
*Represents Tempo Learning® format, Believe & Achieve Scholarship, and the fastest pace of our top 25% transfer students in this program in the Tempo Learning® format. Your actual total program time and costs may vary. Tuition and fees are subject to change. See Tuition and Fees section and Scholarship Details for more information.
Program Outcomes
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.
Meet Your Academic Team
Meet Your Academic Team
Testimonial
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. BaneMS in Psychology Graduate
Walden is an amazing university that offers around-the-clock support.
Lia WilliamsMS 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 CottrillMS in Psychology Graduate
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FAQ About Walden’s Online MS in Psychology
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.
1Source: 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.
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1Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) IPEDS database. Based on the most recent year of completions survey data available, using CIP code 42.01 “Doctorate degree - Psychology, General.” Available at https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/use-the-data. (Retrieved January 2021; may consist of or include provisional release data.)
Note on Licensure: The MS in Psychology is not a licensure program and does not prepare an individual to become a licensed psychology or counseling professional.
Note: The MS in Psychology program’s Applied Behavior Analysis specialization has been designed to offer acceptable graduate coursework in behavior analysis (Verified Course Sequence as approved by the Association for Behavior Analysis International and accepted by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board) and prepare students to sit for the Board Certified Behavior Analyst® (BCBA®) exam, which is administered by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board® (BACB®). Walden University does not offer the fieldwork experience required for eligibility to sit 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. Walden makes no representations or guarantee that completion of Walden coursework or programs will permit an individual to obtain national certification. For more information on applying for certification from BACB, visit www.bacb.com/bcba.
Please note: Currently, students who reside in Washington state must take the MS in Psychology Capstone and may not enroll in the Field Experience option.