Applied Psychology

Choose the Path That Is Right for You

Get a head start on your doctorate—this specialization track lays the groundwork for pursuit of your doctoral degree.

Course-Based Learning

Curriculum

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.

Show Course Descriptions

Course Code	Title	Credits
	The 11-week courses must be taken in the prescribed sequence below.
PSYC 6002	Foundations of Graduate Study in Psychology Show Students 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 Psychology Show In 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 Development Show In 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 Psychology Show Students 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 Methods Show In 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 6315	Tests and Measurement Show Students in this course are provided with an overview of the different types of tests used in clinical, educational, and organizational settings. Students engage in a comprehensive examination of psychometric properties used to develop and evaluate these instruments. They examine normative sampling and standardization, reliability and validity, test score interpretation, and test development. Students also consider related ethical, legal, and sociocultural issues, including cultural bias and fairness. Professional standards for testing provide a foundation for the course. Prerequisites RSCH 6110 or RSCH 8100Y or RSCH 8100Z or RSCH 8101D or RSCH 8101E or RSCH 8101H or RSCH 8101M or RSCH 8101N or RSCH 8101R or RSCH 8101X or RSCH 8101Z or RSCH 8110A or RSCH 8110B or RSCH 8110C or RSCH 8110D or RSCH 8110E or RSCH 8110F or RSCH 8110H or RSCH 8110I or RSCH 8110J or RSCH 8110K or RSCH 6100I or RSCH 6110I or RSCH 6100L or RSCH 6110L or RSCH 6100Y or RSCH 6110Y or RSCH 6110D or RSCH 7100D or RSCH 7110D or RSCH 8100A or RSCH 8100C or RSCH 8100D or RSCH 8100H or RSCH 8100I or RSCH 8100J or RSCH 8100L or RSCH 8100P or RSCH 8100U or RSCH 8100W or RSCH 8100X or RSCH 8110L or RSCH 8110M or RSCH 8110N or RSCH 8110O or RSCH 8110P or RSCH 8110R or RSCH 8110S or RSCH 8110T or RSCH 8110U or RSCH 8110V or RSCH 8110W or RSCH 8110X or RSCH 8110Y or RSCH 8110Z or RSCH 6110Y or RSCH 6110V or RSCH 6110I or RSCH 6110F PSYC 6781 or CPSY 6221 or CPSY 8781 or PSYC 8721 or PSYC 8781L or PSYC 6225 or CPSY 8226 or FPSY 6225 or PSYC 6010 or PSYC 8050 or PSYC 8226 or PSYC 8226L or PSYC 8226P or PSYC 6765 or DPSY 8760 or PSYC 8225 or PSYC 8760 or PSYC 6800 or RSCH 6210Y or RSCH 6210I or RSCH 6210D or RSCH 6210F or	(5 cr.)
PSYC 6800	Applied Psychology Research Methods Show In 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 6225	Biopsychology Show An important branch of psychology, known as biopsychology, combines neuroscience with basic psychological models for the purpose of understanding how the brain and neurotransmitters influence human behavior. In this course, students examine the structure and functions of the central and peripheral nervous systems and explore the impact of neurobiology, endocrinology, and physiology on human behavior. They learn about brain functioning, including exploration of neural conduction; effects of neurotransmitters; sensory systems; and mechanisms of attention, memory, perception, and language. Students also explore literature addressing issues related to neuroplasticity, lateralization, and regeneration. Applying knowledge and skills gained throughout the course, students develop a final research paper through which they synthesize biopsychology concepts, critically analyze related research, and demonstrate APA-writing ability. Prerequisites PSYC 6781	(5 cr.)
PSYC 6781	Psychopathology From a Clinical Perspective Show Students in this course are provided with an in-depth examination of current theory and research associated with major psychological disorders and their diagnosis. The primary classification systems are explored in terms of their applicability and limitations. The factors that impact the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of disorders along a continuum of mental health are explored. Application of the diagnostic criteria in terms of case conceptualization is emphasized. Prerequisites PSYC 6215 PSYC 6701	(5 cr.)
PSYC 6393	Capstone Show Students 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.)
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Courses

Tuition and Fees

Curriculum Component	Requirements	Cost	amount
Tuition	48 quarter credit	$535 per quarter hour	$25,680
Technology Fee	Per quarter	$160	$800
			$26,480*

Effective February 28, 2022

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.

Course-Based Doctoral Preparation

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.